Page 64 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Malcom nodded.
“Yes, Sir. I have a signed contract giving me permission to service the hives at any time. He’s got clover fields that produce some great tasting honey, and I have to check the hives several times a year.”
Wilson’s eyes narrowed.
“In bear form?”
Malcom nodded again.
“In either form. He’s seen me lots of times and I usually get a smile and a wave. I heard he started drinking after his wife passed away unexpectedly last fall, but I never go near the house or outbuildings. If I needed to talk to him, I would just call or send him a letter.”
Wilson paused before his next question.
“Both natural bears and shifters are protected by law in these parts, so a crime has been already committed. Do you intend to press charges?”
Malcom shook his head.
“Not if I can help it, Sir. I’ve been thinking about this since it happened, and I don’t want to ruin the man’s life for one stupid mistake. If he quits drinking and pays for my lost wages andmedical care, I won’t press charges. I’d like to think he’d give me the same chance if it had been my mistake instead.”
Deputy Wilson was taken aback by the generous offer, and Nesbitt was obviously sincere. Still, the issue couldn’t be settled with a gentleman’s agreement, and he handed Malcom a business card.
“Give this attorney a call and set up an appointment right away. I can appreciate what you’re willing to do, Mr. Nesbitt, but there are legal issues to address no matter how you feel. Your testimony may influence what happens to Mr. Gruber, so the best way to help him is through official channels. Legal counsel isn’t cheap, but those expenses can be cared for a number of ways, and your attorney will advise you.
“Unofficially, I encourage you to contact Mayor Tillman. She’s heard about the incident, though not your name, and wants to help. She can put you in touch with all the right people and provide the resources you’ll need. If there’s anything else the Sheriff’s department can do, please give us a call."
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Lunchtime at the clinic
Zak finished the last bite of his sandwich and sat back to yawn and stretch. He was running mostly on fumes after the last couple of days, but it was satisfying to know that Malcom was out of danger and could now resume his normal activities. Deputy Wilson took the poor man home, and the clinic schedule returned to its usual efficiency. Zak had rewarded Crew, Dixy, and Jessica with gift cards from the Red Barn for their extra efforts—thankful for a top-notch staff.
He was also grateful that Malcom’s situation hadn’t spilled over into the weekend or the following week. His parents were due to arrive this afternoon to take the kids on holiday, giving him and Orrin the opportunity to mate. He’d spoken to Levi, Aiden, and Dustin asking what it was like for them and received similar advice. Would his mixed DNA make any difference in the bond? No one seemed to know, including his parents.
Apparently, there were no published studies about the effects of quasi-shifter and full shifter bondings. Very little was known about people like him and Rayn, and the thought occurred to him that perhapshewas meant to do something about it. Well, why not? He had a desire to know more, possessed a medical degree, and would soon have personal experience to draw upon.
Even if he had to settle for a simple first-person account, his observations might break the silence of others and enablesomeoneto conduct truly meaningful research. Collectively, they could make a difference for those who presently had no voice, including Rayn and others like her. Maybe he’d start with a website dedicated to quasi-shifters and their questions—assuming they’d freely share. Zak put those ideas on the back burner for now, unwilling to be distracted from his soon-to-be mate.
Orrin had so much to give, and Zak didn’t think he could love the sweet man more than he did now. To be bonded to him for life was not only an awesome responsibility, but a privilege that few humans ever experienced. Yes, it scared him a little, but Orrin was truly the one who risked everything by entrusting Zak with his life and happiness. Such a precious gift had no equivalent in the human world, and he’d do everything possible to cherish his wonderful mate.
Chapter 29
Friday, mid-afternoon
Around three o’clock, Orrin received a text from Zak’s mother.
>Almost there. Pull around back?
He answered quickly.
>Yes. We’ll be waiting for you.
Orrin had been in the Cub House chasing dust bunnies when the text arrived, and he called to the little ones who were watching old episodes of Bears In Space.
“Kip! Rayn! Turn off the TV, please. Grandma and Grandpa will be here any minute.”
They met at the bottom of the stairs, went up one floor, and entered their home through the connecting passageway. Then it was down again and into the living room just as the Halls arrived. The couple hurried in, eager to see Orrin and the kids on their very first visit to Bear Creek. With Kip watching from the window, he let Rayn know when it was time to open the door as Orrin looked on.
“Gamma! Gampa!”
