Chapter 9 #2
“It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Hall, and please tell Zuzu that we’re looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend!”
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The Cub House
At a quarter to five, Orrin was focused on final supper preparations while Tasha kept an eye on the little ones before she left for the evening.
What she did with her personal time was none of his business, though he knew she’d delayed her departure to meet their guest. The poor woman had been dismayed on Wednesday to learn of Rayn’s injury and subsequent trip to the new clinic, but she also regretted having already made plans for Saturday evening.
There were few secrets in a home full of shifters, and Tasha’s scent gave away her curiosity—not just about Zak Hall, but Orrin’s interest in the man.
Even more intriguing was how Rayn and Kip fit into Orrin’s hopes to form a family.
Would those plans include the intriguing doctor as his mate?
Personally, she hadn’t known very many mixed couples, but there were several in town who seemed to be stable and happy.
If that’s where Orrin and Zak were headed, the addition of children might complicate things.
Tasha made sure that her charges were presentable—something of a challenge after a busy afternoon ‘helping’ her clean the house.
With Dr. Hall arriving any minute, she scooted into the kitchen to check and see if Orrin needed anything.
Tasha cracked open the swinging door far enough to stick her head through and saw Rayn sitting at the island, stirring a large pitcher of lime Kool-Aid.
Kip was busy filling wicker baskets with dinner rolls while Orrin whipped up a batch of thick gravy to go with the beef roast.
“How’s supper coming along? Do you need anything?”
Orrin looked up and gave her the ‘I know what you’re up to’ look. While he appreciated Tasha’s offer, he knew she was dawdling for a reason that had nothing to do with supper.
“I’m all set, Tasha, but I’ll let you check the table settings so you have an excuse to be here when Zak arrives.”
She stuck out her tongue and disappeared to do his bidding.
Soon, the unmistakable sound of a vehicle out front reached Orrin’s ears and his heart skipped a beat or two.
He’d been more than eager to see the sexy man again, though he had to be careful not to put the moves on him in front of Rayn or the cubs.
His bear had no such reservations, however, and Orrin had to give him a mental thump on the snout for riling up his libido.
This was a meal and social interaction, not a date—though Orrin sincerely wished it was, albeit without an audience.
Meal prep was momentarily abandoned so that everyone could gather by the front door to greet their guest, and Orrin provided the necessary reminders.
“Everyone on their best behavior now, and allow Rayn to greet him first.”
The doorbell chimed, and Tasha opened the door while Orrin remained with the children.
“Welcome, Dr. Hall—come on in. I’m Tasha, Orrin’s assistant and housekeeper. I want you to know how grateful we are that you took such good care of Rayn on Wednesday.”
Zak crossed the threshold carrying a large bag from the Red Barn on one side, and a wrapped, rectangular gift on the other.
“Thank you, Tasha. Please call me Zak, and that goes for the little ones, too. I brought some sweets for later and a gift for the children.”
Tasha took both items and excused herself, while Orrin stepped forward to scent Zak.
If his lips happened to graze the man’s neck in the process, it could hardly be helped, and both men gasped at the soft contact.
After lingering just a little too long, Orrin stepped back with a fired-up smile—suffering an additional jolt of lust when he noticed the doctor’s ear stud and perfectly trimmed dirty blond scruff.
Shifters normally eschewed ornamentation and kept grooming to a minimum.
Not so with this incredibly sexy, irresistible man.
“M…may I take your coat, Zak?”
Zak had barely walked in the door and Orrin’s scent was already stirring inappropriate thoughts.
It would be a miracle if they kept their hands off one another for the entire evening.
He handed over his coat and dropped to one knee as Rayn hobbled forward to greet him.
She clung to his neck, breathing deeply, and he kissed the top of her head.
“How are you feeling, Rayn?”
She pointed at her leg.
“It still hurts, but I didn’t run or jump like you said. Will you sit by me for supper?”
Zak nodded.
“Of course. Now, I’ve met Kip and Zuzu, but who are your other friends?”
The cubs surged forward to scent Zak, asking overlapping questions and torn between being polite and dragging him to the dining room so they could eat. Rayn quickly introduced Scout, Birdy, Griffin, and Fort, and explained why they hadn’t been at the clinic on Wednesday with everyone else.
“They go to school and ride a yellow bus! Orrin says I have to grow up more before I can go too.”
Once the greetings were over with, Rayn and Kip took Zak’s hands, leading him to the dining room.
Except for Scout and Birdy, who were helping Orrin and Tasha, the rest took their places and waited for the food to arrive from the kitchen.
When all was ready, Tasha bade them goodnight and left to enjoy her evening off.
Lastly, Orrin sat at the head of the table—regrettably, not next to Zak, which was what he and his bear wanted.
For him, at least, it promised to be a long and frustrating evening.