Page 29 of A Merry Misfit Christmas

I hear the clatter of my phone on my nightstand and grab it to keep from waking Callie up. Glancing at the screen, I see that Spike started a group text between the brothers for the foster kids. Grinning, I start reading it, rolling my eyes at some of the comments.

Spike: Okay, brothers, here’s where we’ll discuss the kids.

Sly: We need lists first, Spike.

Spike: Callie will get them.

Kong: If they want bikes, the money we get from the rentals will cover those, we just need ages so we get the right sizes.

Sly: Don’t forget helmets, Kong.

Kong: Got it noted.

Peanut: The gym will get the coats and winter stuff.

Phoenix: Don’t forget, we’ll be getting donations from the community as well.

Spike: We can use those to fill in, of course.

Chomp: What if we offer season passes to the kayak park for the older kids?

Fang: I can get some passes to the zoo too. The holiday lights are up.

Peanut: Good idea. Bet the kids haven’t gotten to see that yet.

Spike: Several of us were in the system, brothers, so I think we’re all pitching in whatever Callie and Cheryl needs.

Spike: But these ideas are all great.

Jet: Why isn’t Kodiak answering?

I see several laugh emojis pop up. Fuckers. They know I’ve been claiming my mate.

Spike: I had to put in headphones.

Peanut: Shoved a pillow over my head.

Chomp: Went on a hunt.

Fang: Howled at the moon.

Sly: Took a cold shower.

There’s an obscene amount of emojis now. I snicker at them all, shaking my head when I see a few eggplants. For fuck’s sake. I swear I won’t go easy on any of them when it’s their turn. All I have to say is they better not cause Callie any stress at all with looks or gestures. Otherwise, I’ll be insisting they meet me out back.

Still, I know they’re joking. But I don’t feel a bit sorry they heard anything. Because their time is coming… hopefully soon.

Chapter Thirteen

Callie

Waking up, the first thing I notice is I’m warm and cozy, with a strong arm thrown over my waist as a soft, rumbly snore causes my hair to fall across my cheek. I smile even though every single muscle in my body is protesting at the strenuous activity Kodiak and I engaged in earlier.

Is it too soon for me to tell him I’ve fallen even further for him? I hope not, because for the first time in my entire life, I’m a priority to someone else. I can never forget the loneliness I endured growing up, but I’ve done everything in my power to build a life I enjoy. Adding Kodiak to the mix is like taking a box cake mix and adding chocolate chips or something; it’s a bonus that I totally love. The extra sweet holiday treat that makes it special.

No one, from my mother to any of the foster parents I had, ever put me first. Her addiction ruled her life, and while a lot of the families I lived with were good, most also had their own children still under their roof, so while I wasn’t exactly neglected, I was sometimes more of an afterthought. Now, though, Iknowthat even though Kodiak’s in a club, he’ll put me first above even himself. It’s a heady feeling which I’ll never take for granted, because he’s quickly becoming the center of my world as well.

When I feel him move, I quietly ask, “Kodiak? Are you awake?”

---