Chapter Ten
Desmond
“I need something for the kids, first. Then Kane. They’re the most important.
” That was my game plan with Janice by my side at the mall entrance to help me with some last-minute Christmas shopping.
I hadn’t expected to do anything other than stream movies and television shows over the holidays.
Not until Kane had invited me to his parents’ house for dinner.
At that moment, I lost all my nerve. Meeting an omega’s parents was a huge step.
I didn’t think we’d reached that stage yet.
Wasn’t even sure if he was that into me.
Yes, he’d already met my grandparents, but everyone seemed to know them, or, at least, of them.
As much as I considered refusing the offer, my wolf wouldn’t let me say no.
So, I agreed to spend the evening of Christmas with him and his family.
When I’d asked Kane what to bring, he said only myself, that there would be more than enough food for everyone.
But I thought it would be rude to go to his parents’ empty-handed.
In a panic, I’d messaged Janice the night before, asking her what appropriate gifts for people I didn’t know would be. Instead of texting me a list, she gave me a time to meet her at the mall. Now, we had to find gifts in a crowd of other last-minute shoppers.
“Diversions is near the south entrance.” Janice pointed down the hallway to the right.
“It has all kinds of neat toys and books for kids. Stuff not usually found at a department store. Welcome Home is a couple of stores down from it. That would be a great place to shop for the rest of the family. And they have some great sales going on. As for Kane, what were you thinking?”
“I don’t know,” I whispered as my brain blanked of all ideas. “I thought about jewelry, but it might be too soon in our relationship for that. And I don’t think I could get anything personalized today.”
“Hmm, you might be able to.” Janice walked to the stand that showed a map of the mall. “There are some pop-up gift kiosks that could probably engrave their products. Did you have any other ideas?”
“I thought about clothes or cologne.” I rubbed my chin as I fretted. “But I don’t know his size or if there are any scents he hates. Why did I agree to this?”
Janice rubbed my back. “Because you like him. How about we start with everyone else, and we can look around to see if anything pops out at you. We have five hours before the mall closes. Plus, you’re buying me lunch for helping you out, so you’re going to be okay.
I won’t leave you until you have something for everyone. ”
“Thank you.” I released a heavy breath. “I really appreciate this. You’re a lifesaver.”
“I know.” She playfully punched my arm. “Now, let’s go. I have a couple last-minute things I wanted to grab for my kids anyway.”
Four and a half hours later, I said goodbye to my co-worker and wished her a Merry Christmas.
I’d bought gifts for everyone and paid to have them wrapped since I had no skills to do so.
We had lunch at a restaurant called Prepared that specialized in soups and sandwiches.
It was in the mall and had a far bigger seating area than I’d expected.
On my drive home, I noticed all the Christmas decorations and the extra vehicles in people’s driveways.
My mom and I never did anything extravagant for the holidays, but we spent it together.
Now, that was impossible. I considered turning around to go to the cemetery, but I didn’t want to leave all the gifts unattended in my car.
Instead, I headed home, stepping into my empty apartment.
Knowing the other side of my family did nothing to ease the loneliness that engulfed me with the loss of my mother. She was my only family for so long.
The holidays might have been easier if I’d joined my grandparents on their cruise.
Maybe I could have forgotten my mother’s absence for a short period of time.
I still would have had to deal with my uncle and aunt who both believed I was some kind of threat to them, and all the work I’d done to prove I was more than my Adan blood would be for nothing.
As I condensed the gifts to take them to Christmas dinner the next day, I held onto the box that was for Kane and smiled.
I really hoped he liked it. Maybe it was too soon to buy him such a present, but it suited him.
I didn’t see anything else in the entire mall that was more perfect.
It made tomorrow’s dinner much more important.
I had to make a good impression on Kane’s family.
I had to find out if we had a future together.
The more I thought about him, the more I was sure we were meant to meet, destined to be mates. I could only hope he felt the same way.