Page 112 of Homecoming

“Yeah, I’ll beokayand you know Rocky seems like a great guy. I think he’ll be good for the team.”

“We’ll see.” Darius sighs loudly, still unable to face her. “He’ll need to get some new aftershave first, that stuff he wears stinks.”

Kat laughs and snaking her arm around his waist, she nestles against his chest. Darius lets go of a breath, holds her tight in his arms, and kisses the top of her head.

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to do this or not. I know we said we wouldn’t while I was on the team, but I figured as I’m not…”

“Shut the hell up.” He smiles and brushes his lips on hers. “I’m team leader. I can do whatever the fuck I want. Kat, I’m proud of you. Proud you finished it and didn’t give up.”

“Yeah, I guess I am too. It’s just a shame I was too damn slow, but I suppose it was to be expected—that I’d fail. I mean, you must have known I wouldn’t pass. You never really thought I’d make it, did you?”

“I wasn’t sure because I know you don’t give up when you want something so… we’ll see.” He takes a breath and turning around faces the others. “Alright, let’s get this thing done. Rocky, you passed the task but now the team needs to vote on whether to cut you in or not.”

“Ohwow!Wow… so does this mean I made it? That I’m on the team? Ohmomma bears!” Without a thought, the excited Rocky rushes over and grabs Darius in a tight, squeezing hold. “You can’t know how much this means to me, man.”

“Get the fuck off me!” Darius snaps as he shoves him away. “You everfuckin’do that again and you won’t be around long enough to take up your place! Am I clear?”

“Oh… uh yeah. Sorry,” Rocky winks with a smile at Kat.

The rest of the group quietly sniggers as Kat snorts a laugh. “Well, this is sure going to be interesting, it’s just a pity I won’t be around to see how that relationship pans out.”

“Hey, I’m really sorry, bro. It’s just a bear thing—the hugging—but I’ll try to remember not to do it too often.”

“You need to remember not to do it at all or I’ll show you awolfthing.”

“Yes sir. Understood sir.”

“Fuck.” Darius growls under his breath as he brushes his shirt and sniffs his uniform.

“Dee, it’s okay. We already voted to take whichever one of them passed today. I mean, before we left, we decided it didn’t matter. So, it’s a yes already.”

“Alright, wellthenget your hairy dumb ass back over here.” Darius sneers with apprehensive dread as Rocky takes another step towards him.

“Oh…” the bear smiles and winks at Kat, “can I just say something first?”

“Oh God… What is it?” Darius groans.

“I just thought we should all take a moment to applaud Lieutenant Morgan. I have to admit, I’m totally in awe of what she did today. Afterhavin’three cubs she did this… that’s wow… she sure is oneamazin’woman. If she were a bear, I’d marry her tomorrow. I mean, I thought I was fit, but she really put me to shame. I just hope I’m going to do her proud on this team and I just want you to know it’s an honor to serve withy’all.”

“Well, thank you, Rocky,” Kat smiles. “It’s really sweet of you to say that and honestly, I don’t think I’d have been so gracious. You’re going to be a great addition to this team and if…” she swallows and wipes the tumbling tears from her cheek, “if I had to lose my place, then I’m glad it’s to someone like you. Oh, and one more thing… trust him. Darius, you just need to trust him, and I swear you won’t regret it.”

“Sure thing,” Rocky kisses her cheek and stands tall. “Bro’I’m ready for whatever you’re gonna do to me.”

“This I gotta see,” Zak smiles.

“Alright… as much as it pains me to say this… take off your clothes.”

“All of them?” Rocky smiles.

“Yeah, all of them,” Darius snarls

“Okay, but I wasn’t sure you’re would wanna see me bear naked ass but… it’s your jamboree, not mine. Hey, so I'm just askingout ofcuriosity,but if the Lieutenant had gotten this place, would she be taking her clothes off right instead of me? I mean, does everyone have to do this or is this just some kinda special initiation because I’m a bear? Otherwise I might wanna think about giving up my place if it means I get to see the Lieutenant naked,” he laughs with a deep purring growl.

“Hey bozo,” Digby steps forward with a snarl on his lip, “you keepthinkin’that way and she’ll begettin’the place because you won’t be around to take up yours. You…” Digby jabs a finger into Rocky’s chest, “are neverseein’her without her clothes. Is that clear?”

“Hey bro’, I’m justhustlin’ya brother. It’s a joke. And anyway, wolves… they’re not really my type and as nice as she is, she’s a little too skinny for me. Just so you know, for future reference, I like my women much bigger.” Rocky winks, and dropping his pants, he scratches his groin.

“Holy fuck!” Kat’s mouth drops in surprise as she chokes on her laughter. “He… he is abigboy!”

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