Justus tried to feign indifference as he stared at the Mercedes. “That one’s acceptable.”
Simon placed his foot on the undercarriage of the cart and leaned over the front so he could ride it down the aisle.
Hundreds of years later and Simon hadn’t changed a bit.
Justus found an ornament shaped like the state of Texas, where Silver was from. After checking out a few more aisles, Simon picked out a Rubenesque woman for Justus, a pair of red sneakers for Logan, and a wolf for Finn. Justus added a few more cars, a crocheted star for Page, and a little rose for his Rose.
An hour later, they had filled two shopping carts.
“Think we’ve gone overboard?” Simon asked, arms folded as he examined their wares. “A lady three aisles over said we have to buy a skirt for the tree. Maybe you can borrow one from Page’s wardrobe. She also mentioned stockings. Does Page wear garters?”
“One more word and I’ll throttle you. And remove that hat before I set it on fire.”
Simon pursed his lips, his musical Santa hat moving left to right, bells jingling on the fluffy white ball. “Bah, humbug! There was a whole aisle on Scrooge. Be right back while I pick outyourornaments.” He swaggered off, removing his leather coat and tossing it over his shoulder like some kind of fashion model from a BDSM club.
Justus rubbed his chin, wondering if they’d gotten everything.
“You look a little lost. Is there something you’re looking for?”
He turned to face a beautiful blonde with bright red lips and an eager smile. “Are you employed here?”
Her breasts jiggled when she laughed. “No, I just couldn’t help but notice your defeated expression. I come here every year, so I know these aisles like the back of my hand.”
This human was succumbing to his Charmer gift. Sexual energy melted off him like warm chocolate, and it usually attracted any woman standing within a few feet. He’d been doing his best to distance himself from the crowd, but every so often, he’d turn a corner and women would start undressing him with their eyes.
Justus cleared his throat and stepped back. “I’m here with a friend. We’re shopping for our… wives,” he said, hoping to discourage her.
A loud crash sounded from a nearby aisle. Everyone briefly turned to look before going about their business.
The blonde batted her long lashes. “Too bad. Looks like they’re missing out on all the fun. Are you sure that—”
“I’m positive,” he said, holding up his hand. “We prefer to be alone.”
Hopes dashed, she turned away slowly. Justus gave her a cold, impassive stare, hoping it would be enough to drive her away. The last thing he wanted was to hurt a woman’s feelings, but leading her on was cruel when he had all the woman he could ever want waiting for him at home.
His head was pounding to the beat of the loudspeaker music, so he took a seat next to an inflatable snowman. Two kids shrieked and sprinted by, one chasing the other with a giant candy cane.
Seconds later, Simon flashed to his side.
Justus lurched to his feet, his lips peeled back. “You can’t do that in here! They have security cameras.”
Simon scratched the back of his neck. “I think we need to go. I broke something expensive.”
Chapter 4
Page and Rose
Page finished slicingthe last of the carrots and put them in plastic bags to keep them from drying out. She polished the trays in preparation for the morning. Tomorrow was Christmas Day, and they were going to spend it together from dawn until dusk. No television, computers, or other electronics. Only good food, board games, conversation, music, and family.
Page felt guilty about Silver doing most of the work, but she also knew that it would be something Silver could look back on proudly. The Cross men were Chitahs, and by nature they didn’t believe a woman’s place was in the kitchen or serving men. It was a miracle Silver had convinced them to let her do this alone, but she was a headstrong woman who loved proving herself.
Page and Sunny knew from experience that cooking for these men was an undertaking, and since it was going to be an all-day event, they’d secretly decided to bring chips, dips, and snacks for between meals. Meanwhile, Leo and Levi were shoveling snow to clear the walkways outside the building in case anyone wanted to go for a walk.
Page strode into the living room and caught her reflection in the floor mirror. She approached the glass and touched the ends of her brown hair, which she kept above her shoulders in a tapered cut. Short or not, it looked a mess after all the work she’d been doing. Her hand traveled down to her stomach, which wasn’t flat. Despite all the training after pregnancy, she’d never regained her old figure.
How could Justus, a man who could have any woman he wanted and who’d always had such high standards about everything in his life, find her so beautiful? Maybe his reverent words and unwavering love were why she’d never had the desire to change. She worked out to stay fit and healthy, but that was the extent of it. Page didn’t bother with heels to appear taller, nor had she grown out lustrous locks of hair. She was a Relic, and her body aged and changed like a human’s. Yet that made no difference to the immortal she shared her bed with.
“Mommy! It won’t go on.”
