Page 66 of Bear Creek Christmas
“What, where...oh damn.”
Levi clung to the muscular arm wrapped around his torso while his head cleared. He was in bed with his mate, not trapped in an icy prison.His mate.Oh, that sounded good.
“How long have I been asleep?”
Knox licked an ear and placed a soft kiss on his tender left shoulder.
“Couple hours. I guess I wore you out.”
Levi felt the ache in his groin, the burn of his abused hole, and the sharp sting of claw marks on his shoulder. Even after all of that, Knox’s erection pressed into the small of his back. Other needs, however, made themselves known.
“Yes, mate, you did. I know you’re ready to go again, but I need more time. How about we get cleaned up and eat something first?”
The big bear’s stomach growled ominously as if agreeing with Levi’s plan, and they both started laughing. Knox followed a wobbly Levi into the bathroom for a warm shower, gently cleaning his body and protecting the raw shoulder wound. Levi insisted on returning the favor, which only aroused Knox further. He took care of it with a quick soapy hand job before they were done.
Dressed in warm sweats and thick socks, the pair ventured out into the living room. A glance out the picture window revealed that the storm continued, piling snow everywhere in great heaps. Levi turned to his mate with a question.
“Hey! What time is it?”
Knox consulted the mantle clock, taking note of the newly-filled stockings hanging nearby.
“One fifteen. It’s already Christmas! Come here.”
Knox pulled Levi under the nearest sprig of mistletoe for some holiday smooches. Tender, feeling-filled kisses that curled the toes and warmed the heart. Once they made it to the kitchen, Knox shadowed Levi’s every move, unable to let him get very far without some demonstration of affection. The ultra-clingy behavior would pass soon enough, but Levi didn’t mind. He marveled at the reality of their bond, and following the accident, needed the comfort of his mate’s attention.
Knox raided the fridge for sandwich makings while Levi mixed up some hot chocolate. The attentive bear insisted that Levi sit on his lap while they ate and talked—scenting, licking, and nuzzling his mate’s neck. Bone tired and sore, Levi also felt the burn of the mating mark on his left shoulder and asked Knox about it.
“Why do you do it? Is there a special reason for the place you chose?”
Knox sniffed the area beneath his sweatshirt and then kissed Levi’s cheek.
“I guess it’s a territory thing, mostly, and it makes my bear happy. I put it on your shoulder because it’s easy to see when we’re making love. My mate.Mine.”
Levi tilted his head back and kissed him.
“Yes, I’m yours and proud to wear your mark. I love you, Knox.”
By the time they’d finished the meal, the poor human couldn’t stay awake. After the day they’d had, Knox wasn’t far behind. Foregoing more intimacy, Knox bandaged up Levi’s shoulder and settled them in for a long winter’s nap.
Chapter 20
Christmas day
Levi awoke to the wind’s moans and whistles as it tore past the cabin. Given the light level in the room, Knox had let him sleep in, and he turned to look up into his mate’s stormy blue eyes.
