Page 39 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox was seated next to Levi’s mother, who quietly served him extra-large portions as if it were nothing unusual. Along with the typical family banter, questions flew thick and fast for the stranger among them concerning his job, home, family, and, of course, how he met Levi. Frustrated by the elephant in the room, Jett brashly asked what everyone wanted to know.
“I think it’s cool that you can turn into a bear! What’s it like being a shifter?”
Conversation screeched to an uncomfortable halt, and everyone turned to look at Knox. Ted cleared his throat and tried to apologize.
“I’m sorry, Knox. Jett doesn’t always think before he speaks. You don’t have to share anything if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Knox put his fork down and glanced at Levi, who gave him a silent nod. Smiling, he winked at Jett and then turned to address Ted.
“I don’t mind, Mr. Green. It’s natural for all of you to be curious.”
The meal resumed, and Knox went on to talk about his enhanced senses and some of the other things that made him different. Fortunately for Levi, he didn’t mention shifter mating habits, though virtually everything else was up for discussion. Polite inquiries came from everyone at the table, and Knox patiently answered them. Out of sight, Levi laid a hand on his thigh, and Knox appreciated the contact. He knew that if these people were to accept him into the family, they needed to understand his true nature.
Following dessert and clean-up, the group retired to the living room. Levi brought down a box ofDeliciousholiday candies and passed them around while they grilled him about his new teaching job. Since there weren’t enough places to sit, Knox pulled Levi into this lap to make room. The man kept right on talking, missing Peggy’s arched eyebrow and smile. She wasn’t the only one to notice the way Knox treated Levi compared to Daniel. Whatever else the handsome shifter might have going for him, he clearly treasured their son and brother.
When the conversation began to wane, Peggy rose and brought a plain cardboard box over to Levi.
“While we were decorating, I set some things aside for you. I thought you might want to have them for your new place.”
Inside, Levi found a collection of tree ornaments. Many of them were ones he’d made as a child, and others were purchased specifically for him through the years by his parents or siblings. He also found his favorite snow globe and other Christmas tchotchkes, along with a well-used felt stocking embroidered with his name. Knox got one as well, though it was new and didn’t quite match Levi’s. Peggy received a hug for her trouble.
“Thanks, mom. This means a lot to me. It will be nice to have a little bit of home in Bear Creek.”
With a jam-packed day planned for tomorrow, Levi’s sisters decided to head home and return in the morning for breakfast. Knox and Levi followed them to the door to say goodnight. Rachel went first, hugged both of them, and then had a final word for Knox.
“I like you. You’re good for my big brother, and he deserves someone nice for a change.”
Knox heartily agreed, even as Levi’s face turned the color of Rudolph’s nose. Erin and Todd were next up, and while they exchanged hugs, Knox detected something curious in Erin’s scent. Even if he was right, this didn’t seem like the time to mention it. If he shifted, his bear would know for sure, and then he could ask Levi. When they returned to the living room, Peggy offered the boys a bedtime snack before she and Ted called it a night.
Knox never turned down food, leaving Levi and Jett to grab their own sandwich before they all disappeared. With no one else around to hear, Jett pumped Knox for more information.
“Do you eat this much all the time?”
Levi’s eye roll was ignored as Knox answered the question between bites.
“Depends. Bears eat a lot, but more in the Fall. They have to put on weight to make it through the winter when food is scarce.”
“So, does your bear ever hibernate?”
“Not now, but he did when I was younger and on my own. As long as food is available, my bear isn’t interested in sleeping all winter.”
Jett gave Levi the side-eye and blurted out the question he’d been saving all night.
“I want to see your bear. Would you, like, shift for me?”
Both men started laughing as the perplexed teen waited for an answer. Levi did the talking so Knox could finish the last sandwich.
“I wondered how long it would take you to ask him! You aren’t the only one who’s curious, I’m sure, so we’ll figure something out tomorrow.”
All excited, Jett rubbed his hands together.
“This is way cool! Does it hurt? Are there weird noises when you do it? What happens to your clothes? Do you ever shift in your sleep? Is it like, accidental or on purpose? How long does it take? Can the...”
Levi stopped him with an upraised hand, though he and Knox were both amused.
“Whoa! Down boy! It’s bedtime, and we need some shuteye. Save it for later, OK?”
Knox reached over to cuff the energetic young man on the shoulder.
