Chapter 18
Meanwhile…
Tasha laughed along with her friends at the conclusion of the rom-com/action flick mashup they’d gone to see.
Though Hollywood had historically been slow to embrace films with shifter lead characters, audiences now ate them up like popcorn.
This one was the latest starring Theron Burkhardt—who according to rumor had some type of local connection.
The popular actor’s looks and talent had given him a lucrative career as a leading man, and stripping down to shift whenever the story called for it certainly hadn’t hurt his popularity.
Back in December, shortly after moving to Bear Creek, Tasha had attended one of the public Christmas concerts and fortuitously sat next to a group of shifter friends who called themselves the ‘Grrr Girls.’ They had invited her to join them for lunch that day and was folded into the group without hesitation or fanfare.
All of them were unmated—some by choice, and others who were still waiting for the right person to come along.
Tasha felt fortunate to have gained an instant group of friends as a new resident of Bear Creek, and her time off was well-spent when they got together.
Following the film, the ladies lingered in the lobby to discuss the show and plan their next meeting.
While all of them preferred nature, roaming about the woods wasn’t practical during the winter, so they enjoyed indoor activities until the season changed.
After a quick round of scenting, Tasha said her goodbyes and headed home.
By now, Orrin would have put the cubs to bed and was probably reading in the big room upstairs.
He preferred making it easy for the little ones to find him if they needed anything, and the years of caring for them by himself had produced habits that were difficult to break.
Tasha arrived home, only to discover Zak’s truck parked next to the Cub House van.
She couldn’t blame Orrin for wanting as much time with the hunky doctor as he could get, though the relationship came with two sweet little complications.
Mating a shifter was one thing, but adding instant fatherhood to the mix might be giving Zak reason to hesitate.
In her opinion, they were well-matched, and the perfect parents for Kip and Rayn.
At some point, the good doctor would have to make a decision, and she fervently hoped he’d make the right one or heartache would surely follow.
Tasha let herself in through the back door and shut off the porch light.
The house was incredibly quiet at this time of night, making it easy to hear even the slightest sounds.
She hung up her coat and then went to the kitchen in search of an evening snack.
Theater popcorn and boxed candies were tasty, of course, but her ursine metabolism required protein to get her through until morning without nocturnal hunger pangs.
In the fridge, she found a wrapped supper plate Orrin had left for her and popped it into the microwave to reheat.
With no one watching, Tasha downed the snack in record time, put her plate and fork in the dishwasher, and quietly climbed the stairs to check in with Orrin.
She found him in Zak’s arms, snuggled together on a pile of pillows—freshly kissed but fully clothed.
The air was thick with randy pheromones, and she gave them a look usually reserved for naughty cubs.
“All right you two, go somewhere private before I have to hose you down!”
Zak blushed and Orrin pulled him to his feet with an unrepentant grin.
“Thanks, Tasha. It’s been a good day. Scout and Birdy had a great time with the McCoys, and tomorrow we’re taking Kip and Rayn for a little outing.
Also, the Cunninghams will be picking up Zuzu after lunch for an overnight stay, and Dash and Aiden plan to stop by in the afternoon to meet Griffin and Fort. If that’s too much for you we can…”
Tasha waved away his concern while stifling her laughter.
“Thanks, but I can handle it. Now get out of here before I change my mind.”
They slinked out while she went to poke her nose into each of the bedrooms before heading to her own quarters downstairs.
It would be an unusual day tomorrow with cubs and visitors coming and going, though it was all for a good cause.
The process never ended, really, for as soon as the present group found homes, more orphans would arrive so she and Orrin could work their magic again.
As always, Tasha felt blessed to be part of it.
############
The next morning
Orrin awoke at the usual time, playing the little spoon to Zak’s big, warm body in the second-floor guest room.
He’d chosen this one for their use because it was fully furnished, had an ensuite bathroom, and was down the hall from his own bedroom.
After twenty-seven years of sleeping alone, Orrin relished waking up with his man—skin to skin, and with Zak’s scent everywhere.
His bear agreed, and an image suddenly came to mind of the two sharing a dark, cool den.
Hmm… they might try it during the hot summer months, but definitely not in February!
Last night had been absolutely amazing. Zak’s enthusiastic lovemaking had made him cum repeatedly without ever pulling out.
The final orgasm count was four for Zak and seven for Orrin, though they’d used every trick and body part to get there.
Orrin figured it was good practice for when mating season hit in June, though Zak still might find it difficult to keep up with an insatiable shifter.
They’d figure it out, though Orrin hoped they were mates by then, even with a one-sided bond.
Zak began to stir, automatically pulling Orrin closer—nose planted in the crook of his neck, seeking the scent he loved so much.
Orrin responded with a soft, rumbly purr that gave Zak a boner and finally woke him up.
Scenting turned to tender morning kisses and gentle caresses wherever hands could reach.
Despite last night’s orgasmic marathon, the pair possessed ample energy and interest to move things to a higher level this morning.
Zak’s hand reached for Orrin’s long, hard dick and began slow, steady strokes while his mouth latched onto a perky, brown nipple and started to suck.
Orrin’s purr gave way to a huffing, snarly growl that would have frightened anyone else.
Zak knew it meant the man was getting hot and bothered, and wanted things to move along faster.
Never one to disappoint, Zak kissed his way down Orrin’s hairy midsection until his hot mouth engulfed the beautiful man’s cock.
He didn’t have a prehensile tongue, but he knew how to use the one he had—and did so.
Meanwhile, one hand fondled Orrin’s heavy nuts while the other gripped the base of his shaft for short, tight strokes.
Orrin’s body shook and stiffened, toes curling as he grunted his way through a powerful orgasm—jets of cum firing down Zak’s eager throat. When the pulses stopped, Orrin surprised Zak by sitting up and reaching for the lube.
“On your back, love. I’m going to ride you so hard! ”
Zak quickly complied while Orrin shoved two lubed fingers in his ass and then lowered himself onto his lover’s pale pole with a breathless grunt.
While he would prefer to see Zak’s face, it could very well lead to an accidental claiming that neither of them wanted to risk.
Instead, they faced the same direction, giving Zak a view of Orrin’s back—muscles flexing and plump ass bouncing as he rode his cowboy.
The sound of fast, hard, meaty smacks filled the bedroom as Orrin went at it; head thrown back and long hair swaying with every movement.
Zak wasn’t going to last long with an assault like this, but he thrust upwards with each downstroke to make sure Orrin felt every inch of his cock.
This was nothing like sex with human partners—animalistic, fierce, punishing, and precisely what Orrin needed.
A deep, rumbling growl announced the impending orgasm, and Orrin’s back channel squeezed Zak’s dick in a death grip as he shot a hands-free load all over the sheets.
Ready to burst, Zak grabbed Orrin by the waist, anchoring him in place while he pumped him full of jizz.
They were both breathing hard by the time the last shivers of passion faded away and senses returned.
Orrin lifted himself off Zak’s cock and turned to lie in the man’s arms as they cooled down.
“Mmm… now that was a great way to start the day. I didn’t hurt you did I?”
Zak chuckled, brushed the hair away from Orrin’s face, and kissed him.
“No. It was intense, but sooo good. A man could get used to this.”
Orrin winked.
“All part of my nefarious plan. Why don’t we get cleaned up and have breakfast? The little ones aren’t awake yet and the place doesn’t open until nine, so there’s no need to rush.”
Today was the special outing for Kip and Rayn, and they were all looking forward to having some fun together. Orrin also hoped it would create a stronger connection and break down some of the barriers between Zak and the family who already loved him.
############
A bit later…
While Orrin installed the booster seats in the sedan, Zak cleaned up the remnants of breakfast. His thoughts were all over the place today—intimacy with Orrin, a shared breakfast, and the upcoming trip to ‘KID’S PLAY.
’ According to the website, the indoor facility had just about everything a little one might like to do, including putt-putt golf, go karts, inflatable bounce houses, ball pits, climbing walls, zip lines, big screen cartoons, and a zoo-themed snack bar to name a few.
It would be a good test of his ability to withstand the inevitable chaos and noise, though his focus would be on showing the little ones a good time.
Orrin returned to the house in a blast of frigid air, stomping the snow off his feet and looking half frozen. Thinking it would be a quick in and out project, the silly man had decided not to wear his coat and gloves.
“Hoo-boy! It’s really cold out there this morning. I had to dig for the seatbelts, and my hands were too stiff to get everything connected.”
Zak responded with an affectionate shake of his head, and walked over to wrap Orrin in a full body hug, prompting a happy moan.
“Mmm…just what the doctor ordered—a hot man.”
“Uh huh. And the doctor thinks your lips need to be warmed up, too.”
The first kiss was an icy shock, though that didn’t stop Zak from plundering Orrin’s mouth.
A different kind of heat began to rise, chasing away the cold and reawakening their ardor.
Unfortunately, the pair had other responsibilities and Orrin pulled back—regret showing in his eyes despite the smile.
“While my condition merits a full-body exam, Doctor, I’m afraid we have a previous engagement with two little ones. We better go and get them before the whole house is wired up.”
Zak laughed, swatting Orrin’s butt.
“Fine, though I’ll take a rain-check on that exam. I need to make sure the cold hasn’t damaged any important bits.”
Hand in hand, the couple made their way into the Cub House and down the stairs. Their arrival hadn’t gone unnoticed, and the sound of a stampeding herd rent the air. Zuzu got to them first, small but fast, and received hugs from both men.
“Where you going? Can I come too?”
Orrin had to gently correct her thinking.
“Not today, Zuzu-bug. You need to be here so the Cunninghams can pick you up after lunch. Be sure to bring your jammies and toothbrush, and tell Baxter hello for me.”
Kip and Rayn wiggled their way in next, lifting their arms to be held.
While Rayn loved Orrin, she usually sought out Zak first, drawn to his unique but familiar scent.
He’d been the first person who smelled like she did, and it provided a measure of comfort that couldn’t be found elsewhere.
Wrapped around his neck, the little urchin murmured a heartfelt greeting.
“I missed you, Papa.”
The unexpected title startled Zak, and he fumbled with how to respond while stroking her back.
“I missed you, too, Rayn.”
Orrin overheard the exchange, but the moment passed while he greeted an overexcited Kip.
The boy received his usual dose of tickles, hair rustling, and a kiss on the forehead.
The rest of the cubs crowded around to scent both men, ask nosy questions, and bask in their attention.
Having just finished in the kitchen, Tasha made an appearance—watching as the couple adroitly handled the whole hello-goodbye scene.
Once they’d settled down, Orrin shared some important news with Griffin and Fort.
“Boys, Dash and Aiden are going to stop by to meet you today. I know you’ll be good, and if you feel comfortable with them, they’d like to take you out for a treat.”
As the last of the group to be ‘claimed’, they were both excited and nervous.
Orrin had already explained who the men were, where they lived, and what kind of work they did.
The boys had asked some good questions, though their primary concern was staying together.
Orrin promised them that they would, even if someone else adopted them.
Following all the hugs and goodbyes, Kip and Rayn were instructed to go potty and were then bundled up in their winter gear.
Zak made sure that Rayn was wearing her leg brace, completely covered by her loose jeans.
He knew how unkind children could be, and the sensitive girl didn’t need anyone teasing or asking questions.
Orrin heartily approved of his concern, even if the man didn’t realize he was exhibiting classic parental behavior.
When everyone was ready, they trooped out the back door and headed for the car.