Page 89 of Axton

“They’re not new but they’re in great shape.” Michael walked over toward me. “A few of our guys upgraded so I bought them from Creed’s Lake. You’re not operatives, so they weren’t provided, but Irons and Creed gave me a really good deal that I couldn’t pass up. We can go out in a bit and put them in the detached garage with my car and motorcycle.”

I flew into Michael’s arms and peppered kisses all over his face.

“Don’t get too excited. You need to take a few driving lessons before I’ll unleash you into the community.”

Michael drank coffee, had a garbage bag next to him, and he was a bit obsessive over that big black garbage bag as wrapping paper went flying. All three of us were like children. Michael couldn’t understand where all the gifts for him came from, but Koty and I had money papa gave us and we went in together to make sure Michael got to have a real Christmas morning.

“No way!” I squealed over the new iPhone.

I got sweaters, boots, jeans, and new bras that would fit me better than Morgan’s, makeup, and about everything under the sun. I absolutely adored the blown glass red apple and the gold engraved pen with red ink for grading papers. The engraving said, “Love always, Michael.”

I watched in anticipation as Michael opened the platinum key chain that was engraved. “To my soldier, with love always, Belle.”

Koty got everything he needed and didn’t have yet. Jeans, slacks, tops, hoodies, sweaters, a huge box of condoms, socks,underwear, hair products, body wash, cologne, boots, a thick coat, hat, gloves, and pretty much everything. He also got a new phone.

There were also some gifts that weren’t for anyone in particular and I think they came from the commissary. New pots and pans since he didn’t have a good set, bakeware, silverware since he didn’t have the full set, new drinking glasses, thick comfy towels, and Koty got his very first gaming system and television for his…apartment. Koty broke the news that he was moving into an apartment for more privacy. I guessed so since he had a big, huge box of condoms to use up.

Michael was still opening his gifts because he kept taking breaks to take pictures of us and clean up the wrapping paper. Then Michael pulled a medium sized gift from the back of the tree and handed it to me.

When I opened it, I gasped.

“I got that one the day we left Arizona when I returned the rental truck.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I stopped at a grocery store in a plaza and there was a store filled with handmade things. I bought it thinking I’d give it to you to celebrate your freedom. I didn’t want to wait until everything was settled, so I decided Christmas would be perfect.”

It was a beautiful cedar box with a cross on it. When I opened it, I saw something even more gorgeous. It was a beautiful hand painted cover of a book, and when I opened it, I realized it was a Bible. The first page had a spot for a family tree, but my name was the only one on it. It wasn’t one that went backwards in generations but forwards. My name was on one of the top two lines.

Bellamy Theresa Ann Axton

“I obviously added your name after we got married. Heidi does calligraphy and I think she did a good job.”

I felt my eyes well up with tears. “Will your name be in here soon?”

“I guess time will tell.” He gave me a wink. “Then maybe we’ll add a few others under our names.”

I sat the bible down then crawled toward him. “Oh shit, I’m outta here.” Koty left the room, and I climbed on top of Michael to kiss him. He leaned back and I was laying on top of him. I lifted my head, and he pushed my messy hair behind my ear. “Thank you, it’s all too much and you didn’t need to do everything you did.” I said. “It’s been a Christmas like I couldn’t have dreamed up.”

He studied my eyes. “Belle, this was my first Christmas morning where I had gifts under the tree for me since I was probably six years old. You make me feel like I’m finally living a full life. I feel loved and taken care of for the first time ever.”

He lifted his head and kissed me.

An hour later, the living room was cleaned up and we had Christmas with his mom and sister. They made an amazing brunch, then we went to Creed and Morgan’s house to celebrate with the Originals. It wasn’t a surprise to see how spoiled Addie got, but I sensed a few problems coming when the new babies arrived. She wasn’t too happy when people brought gifts for the twins.

It was the middle of the night when a strange high pitched siren went off next to Michael in his nightstand.

“God dammit!” He picked up a phone I didn’t even know he had, it wasn’t his usual iPhone. “Get dressed, Belle. I’ll get your brother up, we’re going to the bunker.”

I threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, then stepped into a pair of gym shoes. Michael ran up and grabbed his jeans to start throwing them on.

“What’s happening?”

“Your brothers are happening.” He put his shirt on then grabbed his wallet, a gun, then my hand. The sirens began whaling outside as we descended down the stairs. I was trying to keep up with him and he threw open the panel just as Koty came running out. I was shoved into the elevator and both of them disappeared as soon as the doors shut. I had to use my palm to get out of the elevator, then it closed and went back up. I was relieved to see the elevator doors open and both my guys were in it. We walked fast down a lit tunnel until we stopped at a door and Michael grabbed my hand and put it on the panel. “This checks you into my apartment and sends a signal to the command center that you’ve arrived at my apartment. Once inside you’ll have to scan your hand again then Koty needs to scan his badge. It tells them you’re squared away. You couldn’t be safer, Belle. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I’ll have a prospect keep you informed.” He pecked my lips. “I love you, and if everything goes right, it’ll all end tonight. You’ll both be officially free.”

Axton

“Update me.” I approached Price in the command center.

“They showed up about five minutes ago. The front gate is giving them little resistance, just enough to fool them into entering. Once the gate closes, our second defense is ready.”

“Pull them up on the screen.” I watched as our video surveillance popped up on the screen.

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