Page 15 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox eventually reigned in his horny bear and pulled away to place a soft kiss on Levi’s forehead. Hard as iron and breathing heavily, Levi’s voice came out in a raspy whisper.
“Good morning. You know, I could get used to being greeted this way. I guess I don’t need to ask if you missed me.”
Knox gave him a wicked grin.
“Of course I missed you. And don’t worry, there’s more where that came from—lots more. Why don’t I show you around before we take off?”
Holding Levi’s hand, Knox led him towards the cabin.
“I hope you like it. I built it myself.”
Levi seemed impressed.
“It’s beautiful! I’ve seen places like this in magazines but never in person. Umm, may I ask why the doorway is on the other side of this partition?”
He faced a blank wall at the top of the steps, right where the front door would normally be. Instead, it was part of the open porch off to the right, while on the left, he found a waist-high divider and the door beyond it.
Knox understood his confusion and smiled.
“Most of us do it this way. The wall hides my naughty bits if I come back to the house in bear form and need to shift. Don’t want to shock any visitors, you know.”
Thoroughly flustered, Levi reddened up nicely. He didn’t know if this was Knox’s revenge for last night’s naked-from-the-shower discussion or not. Now that he’d heard an explanation, the set-up made sense, and he was grateful Knox hadn’t offered to demonstrate. Levi found an open design inside, with shiny wood floors, numerous windows, and a stone fireplace.Cozysummed up the charm and comfort of the place.
Whatever Knox made for lunch filled the air with a delicious aroma, making him feel welcome. The rectangular cabin was longer than it was wide, with the main room, kitchen, and dining area in the front. A short hallway led the back of the home: two bedrooms, an outsized bathroom, and a laundry area lined with large storage cupboards. The clean, masculine space utilized furnishings of simple, sturdy design—obviously built for someone Knox’s size and free of clutter. Levi liked it immensely.
“I love it! Lots of peace and quiet, too. One of the things I hated about the city was listening to everyone else’s noise. You have something special here, Knox. I’ve always dreamed of a place like this.”
Levi could not have known how much his words meant to Knox, brushing aside his earlier fears.
“I’m glad you like it. How about I show you the workshop, and then we’ll head out?”
The extensive nature of Knox’s territory limited their exploration to the area nearest the house. Even so, there were creeks, berry patches, pretty glades, and a natural den Knox used from time to time in bear form. Levi was shown the many and varied nut-producing trees that Knox would soon begin harvesting as they walked. Despite his city upbringing, he asked intelligent questions, giving Knox a chance to shine and his bear preen with satisfaction. Levi enjoyed tromping about in the woods with a handsome man to guide him—surprised and a little disappointed when they suddenly cleared the trees within sight of the cabin.
A few minutes later, Knox let Levi in through the special bear-sized back door and into the kitchen, where the scent of food prompted bellies to rumble in anticipation. While Levi washed up in the bathroom, Knox began dishing up their meal and pouring drinks. They sat down together, facing one another across the small table. Knox explained the menu.
“This is marinated rabbit, along with a cold vegetable salad and fresh rolls from the bakery. For dessert, I mixed up some fresh fruit with cinnamon and honey.”
Knox served Levi first before filling his own plate. Everything looked and smelled wonderful, but since rabbit was new to him, Levi started there. Knox observed carefully, taking note of the man’s reactions.
“Oh! This is SO good! It’s kind of like chicken, but the flavor is unique. I can taste the spices in the marinade, but have no idea what they are.”
Knox explained the health benefits of rabbit meat and what was in his special recipe as they ate. Levi learned quickly how much food a bear shifter could consume during a single meal, dwarfing his meager portions. Busy chewing, Knox used far fewer words as they conversed, but Levi didn’t mind. When they got to it, the simple, sweet dessert hit the spot without being too heavy.
Levi noticed the volume of food remaining and wondered if Knox always cooked so much.
The question was answered as they were cleaning up afterward, and Knox packed a large bag of leftovers for Levi to take home. No one had ever been so considerate or generous except for his mother, and Levi deeply appreciated the gesture.
“You didn’t have to, but thanks. I’m going to enjoy this all week.”
“Well, I’m not sending my man home empty-handed. It’s my job to make sure you’re taken care of.”
Levi’s heart swelled with affection, and he couldn’t leave without showing the big bear how he felt. Knox scented the change in pheromones instantly, eyes wide as Levi approached with intent and looked up at him.
“May I kiss you?”
Knox grunted, pulling Levi closer.
“Yes! I’ve wanted this since the first time we met.”
