Page 36 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Dash’s brain swiftly unpacked the information.
“How about that? Orrin is probably busy putting the cubs to bed, so let’s send him a text and let him know that we’re interested. Meanwhile, I think we’re overdue for a visit to the Cub House.”
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Orrin spent the remainder of the evening with a little extra joy in his heart. Dash and Aiden’s enthusiastic message meant his entire group of orphans had a chance to find forever homes right here in Bear Creek. Tomorrow, Knox and Levi would join them for lunch to meet Scout and Birdy. After informing the cubs of the visit, he’d met privately with the siblings to explain who the men were and why they were coming to see them. The news was both welcome and scary as they wondered what would happen.Orrin encouraged them to be themselves and not worry about the future.
“The McCoys might be perfect for you, and even if they’re not, you’ll always have a home here. Tasha and I will take care of you for as long as you need us, and no one will force you to live with people you don’t like.”
Among the children, it was understood that Kip and Rayn belonged with Orrin, and Zuzu would most likely be adopted by the Cunninghams. That left Griffin and Fort, who would soon be told about the mated couple who wanted to meet them. Orrin’s regular updates to the home office included reports of potential adoptive families, and his immediate supervisor had responded with a personal note.
“Orrin—I’m happy to hear of your interest in Kip and Rayn! You will make a wonderful father, either alone or with a mate. Keep me posted on how things are going, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the process or paperwork.”
After story time that evening, Orrin made the rounds to say goodnight, ending up in Kip and Rayn’s room last. Instead of stacking the beds, theirs were both on the floor and separated by a small table with a lamp. Rayn didn’t enjoy sleeping in a room by herself, and Kip’s protective instincts compelled him to keep an eye on her. In bear form, he often curled up by her side, bringing both of them a measure of comfort. It was a given that the boy’s bear had already bonded with Rayn, though she would never sense it the same way. To her, they were now a matched set, like salt and pepper, and they both loved Orrin. Hugs and smooches on the forehead were doled out as usual before Rayn asked him a question.
“Is Zak going to live here and be our daddy, too?”
Kip sat up in his bed, waiting eagerly for the answer. Orrin had to be careful how he phrased it.
“I hope so, sweetheart. He’s very fond of you and Kip, but he needs time to think about it. It’s a big change, even for a grownup. While he gets used to the idea, we’ll just keep on loving him. Can you do that?”
They both nodded and settled down for the night. It wasn’t exactly what either of them wanted to hear, but Orrin couldn’t make promises for someone else. Deep down, he believed the four of them were already a family. If he was right, how long would it take Zak to realize the same thing and act on it?
Chapter 17
Saturday, February 1st
Zak finished his last set of reps and put the barbell in the J-hooks with a loud clang. He lay on his back to rest for a minute, wiping sweat from his face with a dry cloth. Orrin had blown him on this bench, and the memory had him hard and aching in seconds. The man was never far from his thoughts, though not all of them provoked the same response. He’d enjoyed spending time with the long-haired beauty the day before yesterday, but it seemed like ages had passed. Zak wanted more—more time, more contact, more kisses, more nights wrapped in Orrin’s arms.
How had he fallen so hard, so fast? He’d vowed to never date a shifter, but couldn’t deny the powerful connection and attraction they shared. And what about the kids? Orrin had told him flat out that he, Kip, and Rayn were a package deal, and in theory he had no problem with it. Reality, however, meant taking a mate and becoming a father in one fell swoop. Such huge responsibilities and changes weren’t meant to be embraced without serious consideration and the passage of time.
Still, now that he’d become involved in their lives, Zak couldn’t imagine living without them. Sure, he had his medical practice and was making friends, but were those enough to keep him happy and fulfilled? Honestly, no. The last decade had been a lonely pursuit of his career, but what about everything else? Orrin and the kids had given him a small taste of what ‘everything else’ consisted of, and he wanted it. Wantedthem. Was the required commitment really so daunting?
Zak set aside the angsty doubts and finished his exercise routine on the treadmill before hitting the shower. Memories of sharing it with Orrin brought his cock back to full mast, and he stroked out a load to take the pressure off. It helped, at least momentarily, and he refocused on plans for tomorrow’s outing with Orrin and the little ones. There were limiting factors at play, and he’d struggled to find something fun and unique they could all do together. In the end, Zak had asked Dixy, and she’d suggested a place that she and her family used to frequent when her cubs were younger.
Now, if only he could spend even more time with Orrin on his day off instead of… wait a minute! There might be a way to squeeze in some extra time with the man, though it would take some advanced notice. Zak knew the Cub House would be having guests for lunch today (the McCoys if he remembered correctly), but it was only ten-thirty, so Orrin should be able to answer the phone. He dialed quickly, tapping his foot until his lover picked up.
“Hi, Zak. What can I do for you?”
“Hi, Orrin. What time do the kids go to bed tonight?”
“Around eight-thirty. Why?”
“So, if I came over at nine o’clock, I could putyouto bed?”
Orrin tried to stifle a sexy growl, but Zak heard it anyway.
“That would be perfect, except… it’s Tasha’s night off and she might not be home by nine. If you don’t mind, come on over and sit with me until she gets back. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until I’m officially off duty at midnight, and then there won’t be any interruptions. I can’t wait to see you, and forget the PJ’s—your birthday suit will do nicely.”
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Near Lunchtime
The drive into town wouldn’t take long, and Levi’s anxiety spiraled as they got underway. Knox couldn’t miss the acrid tang of his mate’s scent and reached out to clasp the man’s icy hand.
“Deep breaths, love. We’ve been to the Cub House lots of times, and you work in a building full of kids. Why are you so flustered?”
Levi rolled his eyes, unsure why Knox didn’t see the obvious difference.
