Page 25 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden was stunned. If this happened to Harv, weren’t all bear shifters at risk?
“My God, Dash. How can any of you ever feel safe? Sure, mistakes happen, but all you got was an excuse that it was an accident?”
Dash merely nodded, acutely aware of how unnecessary and preventable his mate’s death had been. It still filled him with rage, but he set it aside to finish the tale for Aiden’s sake.
“It was a whole series of wrong decisions, and I knew right away they were trying to sweep it under the rug. The DNR agents didn’t follow established protocol, knew almost nothing about shifters, and waited too long to call for an ambulance. Worse, the EMTs weren’t trained to treat shifters or counteract the powerful sedative he’d been given. Later, I found out that the state of Pennsylvania never passed a proposed set of laws designed to protect us.
“After laying Harv to rest, I went to see an attorney. There aren’t very many shifters who practice law, but I’d heard about Ryder Sinclair and his record of winning cases. It took almost two years before the lawsuit came to trial, and they ruled in my favor. The results were some very important additions to the national Shifter Protection Act, and I was awarded a large sum for damages.
“By the time it was over, I was exhausted and sick of seeing my personal life on the evening news. It was a big deal back then, and shifters cheered when we won the suit. I even got mail thanking me for getting the laws changed, though most humans thought I was only doing it for the money.
“I used the settlement to form Bear Claw Holdings and a separate charitable organization. By then, Ryder and I were good friends and worked well together, so I hired him as my Executive Assistant. Along with his other duties, he keeps me informed of legal and political issues that need attention, and I try to help fellow shifters whenever I can. Harv’s death was like an open wound, but I think he would have been proud of what we did. I was lost without my mate, but Ryder helped me focus on the business and my philanthropy. I wouldn’t have made it without him and my family.”
Aiden brushed the last few tears from Dash’s exhausted face and gently kissed him. He knew it hurt his lover to rehash thoseevents, but he’d done it forhim. Maybe it would help Dash let go of the past and allow something new to flourish instead.
“You’re stronger than you think, Dashiell Hawthorn. Braver, too. I’m glad you told me about Harv. He must have made you very happy, and I want to do the same. Right now, however, you looked wiped out. Stay the night with me, and I’ll make you breakfast in the morning.”
Though he hadn’t planned to sleep over, Dash agreed with a wide yawn and snuggled closer. Somehow, they both knew they’d reached a significant turning point in their relationship, and Dash slept comfortably, wrapped in the loving man’s arms.
Chapter 9
Wednesday morning
Aiden awoke to find Dash wrapped around him like a pretzel. The sweet bear was snuffling softly, his face buried in the junction of Aiden’s neck and shoulder. A glance at the clock told him they had just enough time to address their morning wood, and since they were still naked, all it required was a little bit of rearranging. Dash’s lovely ass was within easy reach, so Aiden stroked it softly to get his attention. Dash began to purr, but still hadn’t opened his eyes or moved. Aiden tried some verbal prompting.
“I need your cock, babe. Get up here so I can taste you.”
Dash’s eyes popped open. It took a moment for him to remember that he’d spent the night in Aiden’s bed, but the man’s order got him moving. Quick as a wink, he was straddling Aiden’s chest—tapping his dick’s spongy head against Aiden’s lips, seeking entrance. Wet heat encased about a third of it while Aiden fisted the rest in time with the sucking. Just to sweeten the deal, Aiden’s slim fingers slipped behind to flick and rub Dash’s pucker in a sensory tease that got the big bear growling.
It didn’t take long before Dash was grunting and thrusting into Aiden’s mouth, giving his man what he wanted. When the creamy flow stopped, Dash reached over to the nightstand for the lube and lay back down next to his lover. After latching onto a nipple, he greased up Aiden’s stiff pole and began tight, fast strokes. Already turned on, Aiden writhed under the assault and fired off his own load in short order. Dash breathed in the heady scent of his sexed-up man and then kissed him good morning.
It had been too many years since Dash awakened in another man’s arms. Instead of lonely angst, he experienced a rush of contentment and belonging. He realized that what he’d beenafraid to embrace all this time was precisely what he needed, only now it came from someone other than Harv. Dash’s bear chimed in with a strong endorsement of their new suitor, teaming up with Aiden to break down his resistance. The truth was, he wanted them to succeed.
The annoying buzz of Aiden’s alarm clock startled them, and they groaned in joint protest. In a quickly decided division of duties, Dash began working on breakfast while Aiden showered and dressed. The meal was well underway by the time Aiden walked into the kitchen. Mindful of the time, he set the table and made coffee while Dash finished preparing hearty omelets, hash browns, and buttered toast. Once they sat down to eat, Aiden used the time to explain a minor problem.
“SinceDeliciousopened, I’ve relied on local shifters, including Knox McCoy, to supply me with honey, nuts, and berries in the fall. Once we start producing for the resort, they won’t be able to meet the demand.”
Mouth full, Dash managed a soft grunt and gestured with his hand for Aiden to continue.
“I know how tough it is for some shifters to make ends meet, and I’d prefer to continue giving them the business. I think we agree on that, but if they had more equipment and supplies, they could harvest a lot more. What do you think about grants or loans to help them expand?”
Dash continued eating as he thought, but paused long enough to respond.
“Great idea. There are probably others around Bear Creek who would also like to get in on the deal. Do you know of a good way to spread the word and ask them to meet with us?”
Aiden had already given it some thought.
“DeeDee’s our best bet since I don’t know where most of them live. I’ll call her, and you might ask Knox if you see him today. I’m sure he’d be willing to help.”
Dash downed his entire cup of coffee at once and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Perfect. Let’s plan for two o’clock, Sunday afternoon, at my home. We’ll arrange transportation if they live too far out and tell them we’ll provide Bear Brownies.”
Dash helped Aiden clean up the kitchen before he left for home to shower and change. Afterward, he’d head to the resort for a walk-through with Ryder. Aiden accompanied Dash to the door, reluctant as always to say goodbye, though eager for the kisses involved.
“Have a wonderful day, Dash. Come to the shop if you get home before I close tonight. I already miss you.”
Dash gave him another growly smooch and purred all the way home.
