Chapter 14
Zak discovered that he missed Orrin and the children too much to stay away for long.
Monday hadn’t worked, since the clinic was open from noon to eight, so he showed up for supper on Tuesday.
Orrin met him at the door and received a possessive kiss on the mouth, making the gathered cubs giggle.
Once he released Orrin, the little ones gathered around to scent him and received hugs in exchange.
While trying not to make it too obvious, Zak gave extra attention to Rayn and Kip—allowing them to take a hand on either side and lead him to the dining room.
Everyone was present this time, including Tasha and Zuzu, and the table seemed extra crowded.
While the shifters refueled, Zak asked Rayn about her leg and promised to look at it before bed.
Once their bellies were full, he listened to the children tell stories about school, things they’d done, or games they’d played.
Orrin watched and listened as Zak interacted with the cubs, pleased with how easily they had accepted him.
Tonight’s dessert was honey-sweetened fruit salad—one of the cubs’ favorites.
Zac joined Orrin in the kitchen to dish it up, stealing kisses as they worked.
Tasha wasn’t fooled, winking at the pair when they reentered the dining room to serve.
Once everything was cleaned and put away, the group filed into the sunroom to watch an episode of their favorite animated show.
Cubs in Space featured a starship run by young shifters who traveled the galaxy, having one amazing adventure after another. The little ones loved it.
When the show was over, the children were sent upstairs to brush their teeth and put on their PJ’s before reporting to the living room for story time.
Tasha was the designated reader tonight, allowing Orrin and Zak to sit together—holding hands, and each with a child on their lap.
Afterward, they accompanied Kip and Rayn to the bedroom they now shared so Rayn’s leg could be examined.
With Kip watching closely, Zak carefully poked and squeezed while he asked the girl how much the leg hurt.
Overall, he was pleased with her progress.
“Your leg looks much better, sweetheart, but you need to wear the brace until I see you at the clinic next week. And remember, no running or jumping until I say it’s safe.”
Rayn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“Okay. Did you miss me?”
Zak bopped her nose with a fingertip.
“I sure did, and Kip and Orrin, too.”
Not to be left out, Kip wiggled closer seeking a hug—but got a surprise belly buzz instead.
He squealed with laughter and eventually got a kiss on the forehead as Zak tucked him in.
Orrin turned off the overhead light as they left with a final goodnight, holding Zak’s hand all the way downstairs.
Now it was their turn for hugs and kisses, accompanied by a growl or two.
Orrin was smiling softly as they parted, allowing Zak to put on his coat.
“You were so good with the kids. They talk about you all the time and ask me why you don’t live here with us.”
Oh boy. Talk about awkward.
“They do? Well, I had a great time tonight, and thank you for supper. When should I pick you up on Thursday?”
Orrin snagged Zak’s hand and kissed it.
“I’m off duty starting at five p.m., so any time after that.”
“Perfect. We can make supper at the house, and then do whatever we want for the rest of the evening. Bring your toothbrush—you’re staying over.”
Orrin laughed softly.
“Doctor’s orders? I hear and obey!”
Zak gave him a saucy wink.
“See that you do, Mr. Crosby. See that you do.”
############
Thursday morning, January 30 th
Knox McCoy was used to running errands and doing people favors, so when DeeDee Tillman called to ask him for help, he readily agreed.
Apparently, someone he knew was about to be gifted with a car, and he’d be the one to get him to the dealership to pick it up.
The funds had come from the SHARP charitable foundation ( S hifter H elp A nd R esource P rogram) that Dash Hawthorn and others had established a couple of years ago.
Shifters all over the region had benefited from grants, loans, and even legal assistance when needed.
Often it was practical help for those with a low income: food, housing, unpaid bills, and in this case, transportation.
What mattered to Knox was that something nice was being done for a worthy cause—all the more pleasant because it benefited someone he knew and admired.
Turning on Heatherhill Road, Knox watched for the familiar red brick home that he and Levi had visited many times.
Orrin had apparently been watching for him and exited the Cub House with a friendly wave when Knox pulled into the driveway.
The questions started as soon as he secured his seatbelt.
“What’s this all about, Knox? DeeDee’s phone call didn’t explain anything.”
Knox couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that Mayor Tillman enjoyed her secrets a little too much.
“The SHARP foundation donated a car to the Cub House, and we’re going to pick it up.
Don’t worry—it won’t cost you a penny, and even the gas and maintenance are covered.
I guess somebody decided that you and Tasha needed reliable transportation on your days off—or whenever you need to go somewhere without the cubs. ”
Astonished, Orrin stared at his friend’s profile, trying to wrap his head around such a generous gift.
“I don’t know what to say. Neither of us can afford a car on our salary, but I don’t recall mentioning it to anyone. I suspect Dash was behind it, though he wouldn’t admit it if I asked him.”
Knox’s friendly growl and scent said it all.
“I think you’re right. He’s one of a kind.”
Orrin simply nodded his head while Knox headed for Wilkes-Barre where the nearest dealerships were located. It was fortunate that they had a few minutes together, as he had something to share with the man anyway.
“I was going to call you and Levi with some good news, but since you’re here… two of my recent arrivals might be the perfect match for you and your mate.”
Now it was Knox’s turn to be flummoxed, and he huffed a few times before responding.
“Already? The addition is nearly finished, but I thought it would take longer to match us up. Tell me about them.”
Knox and Levi had been contemplating adoption for some time, and Orrin knew they’d added on to their small two-bedroom cabin to make room for a future family. The timing was nearly perfect.
“Scout and Birdy are littermates and going on six years old. They’re attending Kindergarten classes with two of our other cubs at the elementary building and doing great so far.
Their sow kept them longer than most do, which made it harder when she left them to fend for themselves.
They weren’t alone for long and should be ready to adopt out by the time the school year is over.
They’re sweet, friendly, and are learning new skills every day, but I think they’d do best in a home where there’s a good mix of country and city living. ”
Knox nodded, pondering the possibilities.
“That sounds like what we were hoping for, and we’d have the summer to get them settled before school started again in the fall. When can we meet?”
Orrin already had a tentative plan in place.
“How about joining us for lunch on Saturday, and if they feel comfortable with you, they can spend the afternoon at your place.”
Knox smiled.
“Sounds good. I’ll text Levi to see what he thinks, and then get back to you when he responds.”
As they neared the dealership, Orrin remembered what he’d wanted to ask.
“I’m glad the addition is nearly done, but did you remember to soundproof your bedroom as I suggested? You don’t want little ears to hear what goes on during mating season.”
Knox blushed, knowing exactly what Orrin was talking about.
“No worries. We did that part first, including the bedroom door. Cubs learn fast that it’s just part of life, but Levi and I know we’ll have to be more careful with kids in the house.”
Family changes always meant some sort of adjustments, and Orrin realized he’d need to consider those same issues if he and Zak mated one day. Poor little Rayn might not understand that her daddies were loving and not fighting!
############
Lunch break, Bear Creek Medical Clinic
The Monday through Wednesday soft opening had gone well, though Crew had purposely scheduled a lighter load to allow for adjustments and glitches.
There were a few, as expected, but their patients voiced no complaints.
Today was a little different in that Dixy had joined them and both Zak and Jessica were booked solid.
With only a thirty-minute lunch break, Zak had a delicious meal delivered from the Honey Bear restaurant to celebrate the clinic’s official opening.
“Everyone is doing a fabulous job so far, and I’m quite pleased.
Our patients are smiling when they check out, so I take that as a good sign, too.
There’s nothing we can’t do if we work as a team, which means issues should be brought to my attention so we can solve them.
The same goes if I’m the problem, so don’t be afraid to talk to me.
End of speech—now, let’s enjoy our lunch. ”
Light conversation and laughter dominated the meal as they got to know one another better.
There was a little shop talk, though Dixy fielded several personal questions as the newest arrival.
Crew brought up the weekly snacks coming from the Red Barn, which excited everyone and started a discussion of who offered the best sweets in town.
Delicious was declared the best for chocolate (no surprise there), and aside from the Red Barn, other sweets and goodies from Bella Vita, the Bread Basket, and Bears & Beer were all mentioned.
For the most part, Zak let them talk as he listened and observed.
After the first few minutes, his mind began to stray towards not something sweet, but someone .
This was Thursday, and he couldn’t wait to pick up Orrin for their evening together.
They’d kept in touch via text since Tuesday, respecting one another’s schedules, but needing the connection.
If he were a shifter, he’d be growling by now, and Dixy had evidently picked up his amorous thoughts—giving him an inquisitive glance from across the table.
His personal life was no one’s business, especially this early in the relationship.
Eventually, his staff would catch on, either through the grapevine or being seen together about town.
Nothing of interest escaped attention in Bear Creek, and while Orrin was well known, people were already busy gossiping about the new doctor.
As a couple, the tongues would wag even faster and there was nothing either of them could do about it.
Oddly enough, the thought of Orrin being his and off the market gave him a thrill he hadn’t expected.
############
Late that afternoon
Zak’s workday ended later than he’d planned, leaving him frustrated and behind schedule.
He’d skipped the shower and change of clothes in order to reach Orrin sooner, and arrived at ten minutes past five.
Two things grabbed his attention—a maroon sedan parked in the back, and a collection of odd-looking snowmen in the yard: tall ones, short ones, some with hats, others with crooked branches for arms. One was nothing more than a big snow pile, dotted with two dark rocks for eyes.
Obviously, the cubs had been playing outdoors and created the menagerie using more imagination than skill.
After knocking on the door, he heard sounds from inside—shushing, giggling, and little footsteps—alerting him that something special had been planned for his arrival. He assumed a neutral expression as Orrin partially opened the door with a wink.
“It’s good to see you. Come on in.”
Zak stepped over the threshold and into the house, only to have Kip and Rayn zip out from behind the door, barreling into his legs with shouts and enthusiastic waves. He acted surprised, of course, and kneeled down to give them hugs and kisses.
“Well, aren’t you two sneaky! What did you do today?”
Talking over one another, they told him all sorts of things—some of which he actually understood.
Orrin waited nearby with a wide smile on his face, and the domestic scene gave Zak a glimpse of what his future might hold.
Compared to his single life, it looked damn good to come home to two sweet kids and a wonderful man.
Zak stood, rustling Kip and Rayn’s hair before pulling Orrin close for a kiss.
Rayn clapped as they smooched, while Kip began to pat Zak’s leg.
“Go wif you?”
Orrin answered before things got awkward.
“Not today, Kip. I’m going with Zak while you and Rayn have supper here with the others.”
He looked so disappointed that Zak suggested a consolation prize.
“How about if we do something fun together on Sunday? Would that be all right?”
The kids thought it was a great idea, and while Orrin looked surprised, he nodded in agreement. Kip and Rayn each got another kiss before they were taken back to the Cub House for supper. Zak didn’t have to wait long, and on their way to the truck, asked Orrin a question.
“Whose car is that? Do you have a visitor?”
Orrin shook his head.
“It was donated to the Cub House for Tasha and I to use on our days off. They wouldn’t tell me who did it, but everything is paid for, and we’re both very grateful.”
Zak gave it the once-over as they neared the truck.
“Wow. I’m kind of jealous that somebody else is spoiling my man, though you deserve it.”
Orrin was delighted by the sentiment, and paused to give Zak another smooch before getting in the truck.
“No need to be jealous. Gifts are nice, but all I want is you .”
Afraid that he’d said too much already, Zak kept quiet until they reached the house.