Page 61 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Why is my family here? Did you.. is this..”
Aiden shut him up with a kiss.
“Don’t be a stinker. We’re going to go in there, be happy, and have fun. Your birthday is only once a year, and I get to do something special for you. Suck it up buttercup, and don’t forget to smile.”
Dash stopped growling by the time they walked through the doors. The restaurant manager awaited them with a wide smile on his face.
“Good evening, Dash. The staff and I would like to wish you a very happy birthday. Please follow me.”
The man led them through the main dining area to one of the party rooms, knocked on the door twice, and opened it for them.
“SURPRISE!”
Chaos erupted as the entire Hawthorn clan cheered and clapped. Balloons and streamers decorated the walls, with festive tablecloths and centerpieces on each of the tables. Overwhelmed, Dash huffed a few times and then resigned himself to having a good time. Even Ryder was there, the traitor, armed with an evil grin that would cost him someday.
His parents rushed over for hugs and kisses, followed by his siblings and their mates. Nieces and nephews clamored for his attention with waves and shouts until he and Aiden reached their seats at the table. Servers arrived with loaded platters, and they dived in with gusto, creating a blessed pocket of temporary quiet in which Dash could think. Aiden, and presumably his mother, went to a lot of trouble to plan this, and he wouldn’t ruin the atmosphere by being a grouch. Besides, with everyone here, he could show off the resort and convince them to come for the holidays.
After the meal, a gigantic multi-layered cake was wheeled in on a cart and the off-key singing began in earnest. Aiden pulled him in for a smooch while the rest clapped and hooted. Dash burned with embarrassment, which only egged them on, and he couldn’t help but laugh. The birthday boy and his mate received the first slices of cake, and Dash rumbled with delight when he got a taste of it.
“This isgreat. Do I taste saffron in the frosting?”
Aiden nodded.
“I loaned one of my recipes to your pastry chef, Kendra. I haven’t eaten this in years, but it came out just right. I’m glad you like it.”
Dash leaned in to kiss him, the taste of him mixed with the frosting. His extra-sweet bear actually seemed to be enjoying himself, and Aiden caught Jean’s eye for a conspiratorial wink. From what she’d told him on the phone, Dash hadn’t celebrated since a meltdown at his fifth birthday party. Just like humans, shifter children could be cruel and thoughtless. As the runt of the litter, he was the butt of one too many jokes and pokes, leaving him with a permanent dislike for birthdays.
Successfully reviving the celebration, Aiden intended to have some sort of party for his wonderful mate every year. Dash had suffered enough, and Aiden wanted more smiles on his handsome face, more laughter, more joy. After visiting with the family for a while, Dash invited them to take a quick tour of the resort. On the way out of the restaurant, he thanked the staff for an excellent meal. He had never been the cold, distant owner type, knowing that people thrived on praise and affirmation. It was not only the right thing to do but created loyal, hard-working employees.
Following the tour, Dash and Aiden hugged and scented their way through the family before they took off for home. He saved one final exhortation for his parents.
“I would love for you to stay at the resort for Christmas this year. Everything is on the house, and there’s room for the whole family if you can get me numbers by the end of the week. I’ve been waiting a long time to do this for you, so please say yes. Oh, and thanks for the party.”
Lamont spoke for both of them.
“You’ve built something special here, son, and we’re proud of you. We’ll check our schedules and let you know about theholidays. This was certainly a birthday to remember, and I believe Aiden and your mother are to thank for that.”
Dash gave Jean an extra hug and kiss before they took off. As for thanking his mate, Dash fully intended to do so when they reached the privacy of their suite.
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Aiden didn’t give the birthday boy time to say much of anything once the door closed behind them. In a flash, he went to his knees, tugged Dash’s pants down, and sucked a load out of him. He was still breathing hard when Aiden stood and claimed his mouth as well, chasing the remnants of seed with his tongue. He was just getting warmed up, having planned this night for weeks.
“Bathroom. Get prepped and showered, and then it’s my turn. Don’t touch your cock until I say so.”
Dash’s eyes darkened with lust, and he growled low and long at his domineering mate. He hurried to obey while Aiden got out the supplies and turned down the sheets. Towels and lube, of course, but also massage oil, a butt plug, and a blindfold. He’d done some shopping at a site called Bare Bears, which specialized in toys for shifters. Some of it literally frightened Aiden, but neither he nor Dash was into pain or extreme kinks. The goal was to add a bit of heat and spice to their lovemaking while still respecting their comfort boundaries.
Dash exited the bathroom and hurried over to his mate. He was still damp, hair tousled, and stark naked; manhood poised like a rocket ready for launch. Aiden crowded him against the mattress, scenting him as a shifter would. His clothing rasped against Dash’s cock, sending a cascade of shivers down his spine. Needy growls filled the charged air, and Aiden wanted nothing more than to take him right then. Instead, he licked and nibbled at Dash’s ear, whispering naughty suggestions.
“Lay down and wait for me, but no touching. I’ll be back in a few minutes, and if you’re good, I’ll give you the rest of your birthday present.”
Dash complied, huffing and needy, but he played along because Aiden always made it worth his while. Until they’d met, he never suspected a mere human could give him what he wanted, push all the right buttons, or make him crazy with desire. Dash looked over the toys on the nightstand and wondered which ones Aiden would choose. Each brought to mind previous encounters, but his mate had a way of changing things up that kept him guessing. Was it a human thing or an Aiden thing? It didn’t matter because it worked, and Dash loved the hint of mystery and suspense.
He could hear Aiden’s preparations; the same ones he’d completed earlier. Shifters often eschewed cleanliness and preparation in favor of fast, furious, and sometimes dirty sex. City bears were less inclined that way, and with a human partner, Dash conformed to Aiden’s methods. They took more time, but the result was freedom to act on impulse and go with the flow.
Aiden turned off the shower, and Dash’s heart pounded when the rustling sounds of a dry towel reached his ears. Soon, his hands would stroke Aiden’s soft skin—if he was allowed to touch this time. The bathroom door opened, and Aiden strolled out wearing nothing but a heated smile. When he reached the nightstand, he snatched up the blindfold and handed it to Dash.
“Put it on me, love, and then do whatever you want. Happy birthday.”
