Page 43 of Bear Creek Valentine
The brothers continued poking at one another until they joined the others for a chocolate buffet. Aiden loved the way his creations prompted smiles and laughter, bringing strangers together as friends. While folks were enjoying themselves, Aiden pulled out his phone for a quick text to Leo and Serena, who were holding down the fort in his absence.
>Everything all right?
Their quick replies were reassuring.
>No worries, Boss. We got this!
>Usual busy Saturday. All is well.
Michael Becker approached just as Aiden slipped the phone back into his pocket. His expression must have unintentionally given something away, as the friendly judge gave him a searching look.
“You appear to be a man with a problem.”
Aiden scanned the yard, noting that he and Becker were alone for the moment.
“I was just checking in with my staff. We’ve dealt with some security issues lately, and I wanted to make sure they weren’t having any problems.”
Michael seemed perplexed.
“That strikes me as out of character for a community like Bear Creek. Perhaps I can help.”
Aiden appreciated the offer and gave the man a thumbnail sketch of events and the recent security measures they’d taken. Michael’s brow beetled with concern.
“Not to alarm you, but it sounds as though things may be escalating. Whoever is behind this is clearly capable of more extreme steps, so I urge you and your staff to be cautious. I believe Dash’s decision to install the alarm system and cameras was a good one.”
Michael took out his wallet and extracted two business cards for Aiden.
“I intended to give one to Dash earlier, but please contact me if things get any worse. One of my friends is a private investigator who does excellent work, and he owes me a favor.”
Aiden’s stress level slipped down a notch, just knowing he had some high-powered people on his side.
“That’s very generous of you, and I appreciate it. Hopefully, the harassment will stop and we can forget all about it.”
Soon after their discussion, the shifter contingent returned to home base for their promised brownies. Knox, Dash, and Calvin Shaw all made beelines for their human mates, sniffing and licking with abandon while the other guests looked on. Eden drafted Matt Langtree to help her distribute the brownies, and soon the yard was filled with happy growls, grunts, and snorts.
Levi’s grandparents, who’d never encountered real bears, were fascinated by the strange scene. A group like this, called a sleuth, is normally comprised a mother and her cubs. Among natural bears, this type of gathering was rare, since bears were solitary creatures. Jett, of course, was busy scratching the ears of any willing participant, and eventually brought Knox over to scent the family. Meanwhile, Levi’s sister, Rachel, snapped more photos, certain they would make a unique addition to the wedding album.
The mixed interaction brought the celebration to its conclusion, and the bears went off to shift and redress. As soon as Aiden was alone, Eden came over to give him a warning.
“You should probably say goodbye to Levi before Dash comes to get you. He’s feeling the start of Mating Season, and unless you want to put on a show, I suggest you let him drag you home. You’re about to have an exhausting afternoon!”
Aiden blushed but did as he was told. He’d just given Levi a farewell hug when a half-dressed Knox charged in, threw Leviover his shoulder, and hurried into the house without a word to anyone. The guests who understood what was happening simply laughed and clapped, leaving the others to wonder what the strange behavior meant.
Dash, too, hastily exited the changing tent and went straight for Aiden like a hound dog after a coon. The obligatory scenting didn’t last long, and Dash wasn’t interested in farewells or conversation. HeneededAiden with a tormenting intensity only other shifters could understand. Aiden squawked when Dash picked him up, chest to chest, and jogged towards the car, growly and keening with desire. Aiden demanded the keys and drove them to his condo at speeds frowned upon by law enforcement.
Chapter 15
Aiden kept his eyes on the road while Dash stared at him from the passenger seat, growling ominously. He wasn’t afraid, exactly, but the sexual tension prickled the hair on the back of his neck. He knew little about Mating Season—only that shifters were extremely horny and needed more sex than usual. While he didn’t object to slaking Dash’s thirst, he wondered if his bear would succeed in his demands to claim their mate. Aiden wanted it, to be sure, but would Dash resent being forced into it by his ursine half?
Aiden turned into the complex and parked outside to save time. Dash opened the car door before they’d come to a complete stop, moaning as if in pain. Gripping his keys, and Dash’s beefy hand, they practically ran to the front door, eager to get inside and down to business. Since Dash wasn’t thinking clearly, Aiden had to take charge for a few moments and tend to practical matters. He kissed the horny man first and then gripped his face with both hands.
“Listen to me, Dash. I have to prep first or you’ll hurt me. I want you to get naked, and prepare the bedroom while I get ready.”
Dash didn’t want to let Aiden out of his sight, but his human half understood the reasons for the slight delay. His bear wasn’t so accommodating, having waited too long for this moment already.
“Hurry!I need you.”
They parted in the hallway as Aiden stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. While he purged and cleaned, Dash got undressed, pulled back the covers, and laid out the lube and towels. He heard the shower running and sat down on the edge of the bed while he considered his bear’s demand to claimAiden. Could he do it? Was he ready to risk having his heart broken again?
