Page 38 of Bear Creek Christmas
“I’ve never traveled this far before.”
Levi switched off the music so they could talk.
“Really? Don’t you like to see new places?”
“Bears don’t usually go far from home. We like to establish a territory and stay there. Besides, it’s no fun going places alone. Are you... disappointed?”
Levi glanced over at Knox, noticing the worry on his face. He reached out to pat his leg.
“Not at all. I wouldn’t mind some travel, but I honestly prefer staying home most of the time. There’s a lot of things and places to explore near Bear Creek, and that’s good enough for me.”
Knox squeezed Levi’s hand and rumbled in agreement.
“Good. That makes me and my bear happy.”
The rest of the drive passed quickly enough, interspersed with restroom and gasoline stops. About thirty minutes outside of Beechwood, Levi worked up the nerve to ask Knox about a potentially delicate situation.
“So, did my mom happen to say anything about where we were staying? With only my little brother living at home, there should be plenty of room for us.”
Knox picked up the negative change in Levi’s scent and wondered what caused it.
“Your mom assumed we’d be staying at the house. She asked if she should prepare one room or two. I told her one.”
Levi flushed.
“This is kind of weird! I’ve never stayed with my folks as a guest before, and never with, you know, a boyfriend. I didn’t know if sleeping together would upset my parents, and I was too chicken to ask.”
Aggravated, Knox started growling.
“Then we’d get a motel room. My bear won’t like it if we’re in the same house but in different beds. I won’t like it either. You belong with me!”
“Don’t worry, I agree with you. It’s something I’ve never faced before, that’s all.”
Knox understood now, sort of. Shifters didn’t think twice about such things, but he couldn’t expect the same from Levi or his family.
“Your mom seems cool to me, and I can tell she loves you. I don’t think she’ll say anything about it.”
As they neared Beechwood, Levi began pointing out a few landmarks and asked Knox if he was nervous about meeting the family.
“A little. I’ve never done this before, and I want to make a good impression. Let me see if I remember who everybody is. After you are Erin and her husband, Todd. Then Rachel, who lives on her own, and last is your brother Jett. He’s in his first year of college and lives with your parents. Ted is a Chiropractor, and Peggy works part-time as a bookkeeper. None of your grandparents live close by, so we won’t be seeing them this weekend. Did I get it right?”
Levi beamed.
“Yep! They don’t know anything about shifters, so I’m sure they’ll ask a lot of questions. If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll tell them to cool it.”
Knox wasn’t too worried, but he appreciated Levi’s support. Bears relied on scent for information and important social clues, but humans didn’t have that ability. This weekend would be... interesting.
Knox detected Levi’s rapid heartbeat as they wound their way through a typical subdivision. Neither Knox nor his bear liked all the houses crowded together and the paucity of green space. He could certainly understand why his mate wanted out of the city. Levi pulled up in front of a big blue two-story, all decorated for Christmas with white lights, a creche in the yard, and a garland wreath on the front door, festooned with gold ribbons. Levi appeared both surprised and delighted.
“This is great! I can’t believe they decorated early for us!”
Knox noticed the curtains twitch, leaned over to kiss his mate, and then started laughing.
“We better get in there. Somebody is watching out the front window. Besides, I can smell supper, and I’m starving!”
When they reached the front door, it flew open to reveal an entryway full of smiling faces. A small, teary-eyed blond reached out to hug Levi and kiss him on the cheek. Knox got the same treatment before being hauled inside to meet the rest of the family. Following introductions, Peggy drafted Jett and Todd to help the newcomers bring their stuff in from the car. Next, cranberries were delivered to the kitchen, presents were tucked under the fully decorated tree, and Levi led Knox up the stairs with the rest of their things.
With three empty bedrooms to choose from, Peggy prepared the one in the middle for the couple. Freshly updated, the room now boasted new paint, carpet, and furniture, including a queen-sized bed. Levi blushed, Knox waggled his eyebrows, and they spent a few minutes freshening up in the ensuite bathroom before going back downstairs. The ladies soon brought out the food, and everyone settled around the large dining room table.
