Page 41 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox hugged him and kissed the top of his head.
“Don’t worry. I was Jett’s age when I pulled that stunt and living in the wild. Never did it again, and yes, bears love to swim. We’ll have to go to Crystal Lake sometime. They have a section of the beach set aside for shifters.”
Knox finished up with the cranberries and left them to cool while he helped Peggy with breakfast. Levi and his father were tasked with setting the table, and when they reached the dining room, Ted spoke up.
“Your mother and I like him, son. He appears to be a good man, and it’s easy to see how much Knox cares for you already. Are things getting serious?”
Levi expected his father to ask about their relationship.
“Yes. I was scared at first because of what happened with Daniel, but Knox isnothinglike him. He already considers me his mate and is waiting for me to accept it. Once I do, it’s like getting married.”
Ted looked mildly concerned.
“That’s an awfully short romance, son. Are you ready to make a commitment so soon?”
“I know it is, and it’s one of the things holding me back, but I love him and can’t imagine letting him get away. I think he’s the one, but don’t say anything to him yet. His bear is very eager to claim me!”
The conversation ended when the front door opened to admit Erin and Todd, carrying a couple of casserole dishes for the Thanksgiving meal. Levi and his father each grabbed one and took them to the kitchen. Peggy gave Levi another job while he was there.
“Honey, go upstairs and wake Jett, will you? That boy could sleep through a tornado!”
By the time Levi returned, Rachel had also arrived, carrying dinner rolls and several bottles of soda pop. Everyone gravitated to the dining room, and Knox helped bring in the platters of food. It was time to eat, but a certain someone still hadn’t made an appearance. Peggy went to the bottom of the stairs and called him out.
“Jett Owen Green! If you aren’t down here inthree minutes, you’ll get nothing but cold cereal!”
That did it. The bed-headed teen clambered noisily down the steps and plopped into the only empty chair with a wide yawn. Knox leaned over and whispered something in his ear, prompting a wide-eyed response. Sheepish, Jett looked at his mother.
“Sorry, mom. I’ll do better next time.”
Peggy stifled an amused smile and gave her youngest “the look” instead.
“Thank you. I’m going to hold you to it.”
Jett gulped and dug into his breakfast, missing the wink Peggy gave Knox. Everyone raved about the apple cinnamon muffins, surprised that Knox made them. Rachel couldn’t help sharing a comment with Levi.
“Looks like you’ve snagged a man of many talents, big brother. If there are any more like him in Bear Creek, send me their number.”
Laughter lightened up the mood, and they asked Levi why he couldn’t come home for the actual holidays anymore. He launched into an explanation and then mentioned that Knox was part of the public entertainment this year. Erin asked the big man what kind of music he liked to sing, and Levi had to come to his rescue.
“Oh, Knox isn’tsingingin the show. He’ll be in bear form with five others. I’ll show you a recording later.”
Jett decided to add his two cents worth.
“He promised to shift today and show us his bear. I can’t wait!”
Levi noted that everyone, including his parents, was quite interested in the idea. Knox didn’t mind the attention one bit, always proud to show off his other half. After the table and kitchen were cleaned up, the whole family assembled in the basement family room. Levi handed Knox an old blanket and sent him into the adjacent laundry room to change while letting the others know what would happen.
“Clothes get in the way, so Knox will wrap the blanket around his waist before he comes out here. Once he shifts, his bear will want to scent each of you. He might lick you, too, so don’t be surprised. He’ll understand everything we say, so just talk to him like you would normally.”
The man himself walked into the room, his glorious chest on display for all to see. Levi blushed, even as his dick took notice. Knox got down on all fours and asked if everyone was ready before initiating the shift. The quick transformation elicited gasps and giggles alike. Levi stepped forward to remove the blanket and scratched Knox’s ears. He worked Levi over with his nose first and then approached each family member in turn.
Levi watched their reactions to the big furry beast. A couple were obviously wary and wouldn’t touch him. Jett didn’t have any reservations at all, acting as though he’d been given a life-sized plush toy for Christmas. Knox enjoyed being petted and talked to but didn’t push himself at anyone. When he got to Erin, Knox’s nose kept returning to her abdomen. His grunts and clicking noises revealed a mysterious interest insomething. Erin and Todd looked to Levi for an explanation, but he didn’t know and shrugged.
Once he’d made the rounds, Knox returned to Levi, growling softly.
“All done? Let me get you wrapped up.”
Knox waited until the blanket was secured around his midsection before shifting back. While he went to get dressed, Jett waxed eloquent about having a bear in the family. When Knox returned, Todd asked the first question.
