Page 24 of A Merry Misfit Christmas

“Thank you, Kodiak,” she says. “Foreverything.”

As she closes the bathroom door behind her, I think of the gym. It’s a bit random but my bear is already working out how our mate will fit into every aspect of our life. I mentally start thinking of additional classes we can post at the gym for those who are into that kind of thing. We don’t do CrossFit per se, but we offer daily workouts for the diehard gym rats. Maybe it’s time to change things up and offer more variety. Peanut already spoke to me about it last week.

Sighing, I straighten up my room while Callie showers, emptying out two dresser drawers and making some space in the closet. It’s only temporary as I’ll order a dresser that’ll match my stuff, both here at the clubhouse and at my cabin.

Because what my mate needs, she’s going to get.

Chapter Eleven

Callie

It doesn’t take me long to get cleaned up, although I’m beyond impressed at the size of Kodiak’s shower. I swear it’s as big as my whole bathroom at my house. I briefly wonder if the one at his cabin is as large, then push that thought to the back of my head. This feels so good I don’t want to turn off the water. The rainfall design feels like I’m standing in the middle of a summerstorm with soft droplets of warm water cascading over my body.I could get used to this.

My thoughts drift to Kodiak and I’m still a bit blown away at how attracted I am to him. I definitely don’t trust others easily, especially after the debacle with Jeremy. The biggest thing that bothers me is that now Kodiak and his club brothers are involved. I don’t want anyone to get hurt, especially not the bear of a man who has been steadily pulling me into his life. More than that, I don’t want trouble brought to the club because of me.

“This isn’t you, Callie,” I murmur to myself as I turn off the water and wrap myself in fluffy brown towels. They’re exactly what I would think a bear would use, extra thick, wide, and generous as I dry my hair, trying to pull as much water from the strands as I can before I leave the bathroom. I wasn’t sure he’d have a blow dryer, but I found it underneath the sink cabinet, still in the box.

It’s almost as if he was prepared for me, but that’s not possible. Is it? Shrugging, I finish with my hair, get dressed, then waver between putting makeup on or not. Finally, I decide to just go with my moisturizer. Gathering up my dirty clothes, I place them in the hamper so I can ask him where I can do some laundry. It feels oddly domesticated and when those butterflies start low in my gut, I have to take several calming breaths.

If this is how I feel and we’ve really only slept next to one another for warmth, I’m in big trouble where Kodiak’s concerned. Oh, he’s kissed me, but not my lips, although forehead and temple kisses are quickly becoming a favorite of mine, that’s for sure. The thought of his lips against mine, however, have desire pooling in my lady bits.

A thought crosses my mind and I decide to ask Kodiak. Opening the bathroom door, a wave of steam precedes me which has him turning, a smirk on his face. Waving my hands, I look at him and say, “Sorry about that, I like warm water.”

He chuckles while standing from the recliner that’s off to the side near where the huge television is mounted on the wall. For this being a temporary room, it’s definitely well appointed. It feels cozy and inviting, even though Kodiak tends to come across as grumpy and surly. At least with others; but with me, he’s gentle.

“I have a question, Kodiak,” I tell him, moving closer, taking care to let my hips sway a little and catch his attention.

“What’s up, Sweetheart?” he asks as his gaze sweeps over me, dragging back to my eyes.

“Do you think it’s possible that the reason Jeremy is so hellbent on finding me again is because I told him no?” I question. “I mean, he pushed for more, but my gut wouldn’t let me go through with it, you know?”

A low growl comes from deep in his chest and I see him clenching his fists. Surprisingly, I’m not scared; I know he says I’m his mate, so it’s probably got something to do with that whole male thing.

“Maybe? From what Sly unearthed about him, he doesn’t like to lose what he deems as his,” Kodiak finally says.

It’s clear he doesn’t like that anyone has a claim on me, especially another man. Is that part of the mating bond? Kodiak feeling overprotective, jealous, and possessive seems to fit with that notion. To be honest, I like it.

Maybe I’ve read too many romance novels, but I want to be desired, needed, and devoured by a brute of a man like my bear.

Wait.My bear.I’m already thinking of him as mine too. It’s surprising but not unwelcome.

Who wouldn’t fall for a handsome protective hero like Kodiak?

“It’s something to consider,” I reply, placing my palm on his chest as I reach him. “Now, you mentioned something about food?”

His large hand wraps around my lower spine and his teeth flash in a smile. “I’m here to satiateallyour needs.”

Yeah, I don’t doubt that. The best part? I’m looking forward to it.

The kitchen is full of Kodiak’s brothers, and I feel all eyes on us as we enter. Suddenly shy, I find myself moving closer to him as he all but growls until they go back to their conversations. Food is served buffet style and the quantities of dishes and their overflowing metal pans are mind blowing to me. This is enough food to feed an army. But, seeing the size of some of these men and knowing that they’re shifters, it’s not totally out of the realm of possibility that they have to eat more. Another question for me to ask at some point.

I have a feeling this will happen often, and my curiosity will take time to be appeased. Kodiak leads me to the food and hands me a tray, placing silverware, a plate, a bowl, and napkins down before he gestures for me to go first. The smells hit my nose as the lids lift and my mouth waters as the aroma of bacon, sausage, syrup, buttery pancakes, and seasoned potatoes send my stomach rumbling. I add a bit of everything because it all looks so delicious, including the scrambled eggs with colored peppers, onions, and cheese. I add baked oatmeal and fresh fruit, finally moving toward the drinks.

“Go ahead and snag a spot, babe. I’ll bring whatever you want to drink to you.”

“Orange juice and coffee. Hazelnut creamer if you have it. Two sugars.”

“You got it.”

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