of where I stood. He’d said he would claim me, make me his officially, but until I knew I could give him everything he needed and wanted, I’d forgo any confessions.
Chapter Four
Patriot
Christmas was getting closer. A permanent chill had settled in the air, and our small town had decorations up on Main Street. Most of the homes were strung with lights, and the shops were overflowing with people buying presents. I’d always preferred to do any shopping online, but this year was different. MaryAnne was going to be mine, my old lady, and I wanted to make this Christmas special.
Which was why I found myself at the mall three weeks before the holiday. The place was packed, and everyone was out for themselves. I’d watched two women who had to be at least eighty bicker over a sweater. Two men in the tool section had nearly come to blows over a socket wrench. It was like everyone had lost what little sense they’d had. Only good news was that most people gave me a wide berth.
I’d managed to buy MaryAnne a pink scarf and a matching peacoat, a silver bracelet with a heart charm, and a tablet with an SD card I’d been assured would hold thousands of books. The woman loved to read, and I was all for her finding pleasure wherever she could. As long as it wasn’t with another man. I’d probably bought more than enough. Except last Christmas, I hadn’t known her very well so I’d picked stuff like bubble bath, nail polish, and hair stuff. Or rather, I’d let Phoebe pick out those things, then I’d wrapped them and stuck them under the small tree.
Now that I knew how much she loved Christmas, I was determined to make this one the best she’d ever had. A six-foot tree was being delivered later tonight, and I’d picked up some lights and ornaments. An electronics shop caught my eye and I paused to check out the display. It gave me an idea. Several, in fact.
I stepped inside and went over to the counter. The man gave me a wary look, but didn’t seem overly hostile. I was used to everyone assuming I was a criminal since I belonged to the Hades Abyss MC. They saw bikers wearing cuts with patches and figured we were all rapists and murderers. Granted, I’d slaughtered the men who’d hurt MaryAnne, and I’d gladly do it again, but I only took out the trash. Hell, I’d served my country and followed the rules for quite a while. I’d also learned sometimes those who deserved to burn were allowed to walk away. Now, I made sure those assholes paid the price for their crimes.
“How much for that one?” I asked, pointing to a small purple camera. He quoted me a price that seemed fair, so I paid for it and added it to the sacks in my hand. After several more stores in the mall, and a big box store on the way home, I’d made a dent in my bank account and hopefully guaranteed MaryAnne had a wonderful Christmas.
Hell, I’d even stopped at the pet store and bought a bag of treats and a bone for Archimedes, a new toy and some treats for Hatter, and a few toys for the kitten. Everyone in the house would have a gift.
Wrapping everything was another matter, and I didn’t know where to hide it all where she wouldn’t find it. So I stopped at Titan’s house when I reached the compound. I knocked on his door and smiled when Delilah answered.
“I need a favor,” I said. “I went shopping for Christmas gifts, except I don’t have anywhere to hide them at home, and no idea how to wrap anything so that it doesn’t look like it was mangled by a rabid badger.”
She snorted, then laughed. “Bring it in. I went a bit overboard buying wrapping paper and bags, so I should have enough to take care of it. If not, I’ll ask Titan to pick up a few more rolls.”
“I heard that,” the Pres yelled from somewhere inside the house. “I’m not buying another damn roll of Christmas paper. Make Patriot get his own shit. Fuck! Delilah, your son puked all over me, the couch, and the floor!”
I tried really damn hard not to laugh, but a snicker might have slipped out. Ever since Titan’s son, Walker, had been born, the Pres had been a little out of sorts. It was clear he adored