Page 24 of Bear Creek Father's Day
“After high school, I double-majored in social work and counseling, with a minor in shifter psychology. When I graduated two and half years ago, the BSA hired me as Administrator of the Cub House. Last year, they added on a separate administrator’s home, and hired a full-time assistant. Tasha has known my parents for years, and they encouraged her to apply for the position when it opened up. We get along great, and the cubs love her.”
Zak was impressed. Orrin already seemed like an amazing guy, but he had depths that most people probably didn’t know about.
“I have a great deal of respect for the work you do, and the cubs under your care are very fortunate. Your parents must be proud.”
Orrin squirmed a bit at the compliments, refusing to believe that he was anything special. Hard-working and dedicated, sure, but so was Zak and many others he knew.
“Thanks, Zak. There are so many cubs that need homes, and I just want to do my part to give them a better life. What motivated you to pursue medicine?”
Now it was Zak’s turn to share his story, and though he usually avoided talking about himself, Orrin deserved to meet the real Zachary Hall.
“The short answer is that I wanted to know why people like me existed. I learned what a quasi-shifter was early on, and heard all the nasty names growing up: bearly, no-paw, grunt, shiftard, humine. Eventually, I asked my parents why I didn’t have any brothers or sisters. Since people like me are often considered weird, or even defective, they decided not to have more children to spare them the rejection and cruelty. I was hurt and angry for a long time, but when I got older, I read everything I could find about quasi-shifters, which wasn’t much.
“Even now there’s very little research being done, but the predominant theory is that the shifter genome is weakened or altered when mixed couples reproduce. Both my mother and father had mixed parents, and while they themselves are full shifters, third generation offspring like me are usually quasi-shifters. Fourth generation and after will show even fewer ursine traits until human genes are predominant.
“Genetics is a fascinating field of study, but I could never wrap my brain around it. Instead, I became interested in general medicine as a career choice, and my parents did everything they could to help me through school.”
Orrin’s sensitive nature cringed hearing Zak’s story. Even Rayn’s world had crumbled at the hands of ignorant, bigoted people, and he would do everything in his power to protect both of them.
“I’m sorry you went through all of that, but grateful you had supportive parents. Just so you know, I don’t care if you’re shifter, human, or somewhere in between—it truly doesn’t matter to me. Given your history, may I ask how you’ve handled relationships in the past? You don’t have to share if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Zak wasn’t eager to go there, but somehow he knew Orrin would understand.
“I never had the time or interest in anything long-term, so I just hooked-up whenever the need arose. Since humans don’t know what I am, they don’t judge, and it makes things a lot easier. Honestly, I’ve never dated or been intimate with a shifter. There hasn’t been enough trust for me to risk it, and yeah, I’m a little nervous about a relationship with you because of it.”
Orrin appreciated the man’s honesty, and having Zak acknowledge the mere possibility of a relationship was encouraging. His bear chose that moment to push for more sex and less chit-chat. Orrin wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea, but jumping the cautious man would make it seem like just another meaningless hook-up.
“Thank you for telling me, Zak. I’d have trust issues, too, if I were in your shoes, but I’m not going to push. I’m sure you know all about mating season and how it affects us, so I’ve had plenty of sex partners but nothing long-term. I always assumed my future included a shifter mate, but after I scented you that first time in the grocery store, my bear and I have changed our minds.”
Nothing Orrin had said surprised or concerned him, and Zak sensed that they’d cleared the decks in a meaningful way.
“We appear to have more in common than I thought, and I look forward to spending more time with you. After lunch, would you like to take a stroll down Art Avenue in Wilkes-Barre?”
Art Avenue was a neighborhood filled with artisan shops of all kinds, and definitely geared for adults. Though he felt vaguely guilty for doing something fun without the cubs, it sounded wonderful—especially with Zak by his side.
“I like that idea. Good thing I wore my heavy coat today.”
Zak caught another wave of pheromones from his date, and hurried to pay the check so they could go. Maybe later they’d warm up together.
Chapter 12
Meanwhile, at Shady Lane Orchard
Baxter stood on Dustin’s shoulder as they looked out the dining room windows, watching the action in the backyard. Gruff, Zuzu, Jay, and Esther were all in bear form, having a fun romp through the mounds of drifted snow. The little one didn’t have an extra layer of winter fat to keep her warm, and he worried that Zuzu would be chilled long before the others noticed. Baxter must have agreed with him, tail twitching nervously and vocally scolding the group for gallivanting in the wretched white stuff he despised. Dustin reached up to rub his ears.
“Yes, theyarebeing silly, but I think Zuzu is having fun. Don’t worry, Baxter—you’ll see her in a few minutes. I’m going to get the hot chocolate started, but you can stay and watch if you want to.”
Dustin pulled a chair away from the table, turned it around, and transferred Baxter from his shoulder to the padded seat. He immediately pressed his black and white nose to the cold glass, eyes shifting back and forth while he chittered at the frolicking bears. Dustin chuckled and left him to it, stopping by the laundry room to throw a bunch of clean towels in the dryer to warm. He’d shortly have three adults and one cub who’d be wet and cold once they shifted, and a hot towel would be more than welcome.
He got out the large stock pot and added a gallon of milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a handful of salted caramel baking chips. With the burner on medium heat, Dustin whisked the concoction into submission and then continued stirring so it didn’t scald. The simple task gave his busy mind time tocontemplate an eventful day, though it wasn’t over yet. It had started when he and Gruff picked Zuzu up at the Cub House this morning right after breakfast, and they’d listened to the excited little pixie’s prattle all the way home.
While bears were naturally curious, she seemed to be doubly so, asking questions about anything and everything that snagged her attention. Dustin did most of the answering as Gruff drove with a smile on his face. They’d been eager to spend time with the girl and see if she might be a good match for them. Since she was too young for school, they had consulted with Jay and Esther about how to care for her during working hours. Esther solved the problem without hesitation.
“Oh, now don’t you worry about that! Grandma and Grandpa Cunningham will be glad to watch Zuzu until you close up for the day, and after she starts school, we can take her there and pick her up if the bus won’t come out this far. It’ll be good for us to feel useful again.”
With Grandparents officially on board, he and Gruff were free to test the parenthood waters, knowing that Zuzu would be properly supervised by people they trusted. The Cunninghams had moved into their new cabin in early June of last year, within sight of the main house, but still leaving each couple with a modicum of privacy. They had even jumped in to help with last fall’s apple harvest, learned to make cider, and put in a few hours each week helping customers at the Red Barn. Gruff enjoyed having them close by, and they, in turn, relished being near friends and loved ones with plenty to keep them occupied.
Dustin had made two requests of his mate at Christmas in lieu of a gift list. One was asking Gruff to marry him, and the other was to start a family. They’d gone to the courthouse for the legal part, followed by a private reception that included the Tillmans,Cunninghams, and Mowrys. If Dustin had his way, they’d have three or four kids, but they had to start somewhere, and Zuzu just happened to be the first cub that caught their eye. So far, everyone seemed to be getting along well, and Baxter was in spoiled cat heaven with the sweet girl around.
