Page 42 of Bear Creek Valentine
Meanwhile, Dash had been subdued throughout the ceremony, clinging to Aiden’s hand, and exposed to the man’s confusing scent. Along with arousal, he caught a wistful longing from his lover and understood the reason. Aiden wanted what his friends had—to be mated, settled, and even have a family. They hadn’t formally discussed what their future might look like, but Aiden’s dreams were revealed in snippets of conversation over the past months.
Aware of Dash’s overthinking, and its probable cause, Aiden kissed the back of the hand he’d been holding.
“Wasn’t that a nice ceremony? I didn’t think Knox would ever go for a public wedding, but he’d do just about anything for Levi. Tell you what—why don’t we mingle a bit while they set up the meal?”
Dash agreed, and Aiden introduced him around while folding tables were loaded with food catered by the Honey Bear restaurant. The wedding party was served first, and it didn’t take long to get a plate in everyone else’s hands. Aiden enjoyed meeting the rest of the Green family, all avid fans ofDeliciouscandies who were thrilled to meet the owner. Asked about his employment, Dash described the new Pocono Ridge Resort under construction and how he’d hired Knox to create a beautiful guest lobby.
“We open in September, so the next time you visit Bear Creek, I invite you to stay with us.”
The family loved the idea, as they hadn’t taken a group vacation for many years. Levi’s father, Ted, accepted one of Dash’s business cards and grilled him about the resort’s golf course. Aiden was grateful for the distraction, as Dash finally shed the simmering tension he’d been trying to hide.
Since eating was practically an Olympic sport among shifters, Knox and Levi wouldn’t have to deal with any lunch leftovers. After nary a pause, the wedding cake was brought out, cut, served, and consumed in short order. When Rachel finished taking some formal photos, Eden announced the ursine part of the day’s celebration.
“Knox invites his shifter guests to join him for a ramble through the woods. Please use the changing tents by the workshop, and when you return, we’ll serve Bear Brownies. Meanwhile, the rest of us will enjoy chocolates fromDelicious.”
This was an unexpected twist since bears generally preferred solitude and privacy in their territory. Aiden assumed Levi wanted to make their wedding celebration an equal-opportunity event. In any case, he could tell that Dash wanted to go, but wasn’t sure what Aiden was thinking.
“Go ahead, love.”
Dash perked right up but was still hesitant.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you all alone with no one to talk to.”
Aiden smiled and shooed him towards the changing tent.
“Don’t be silly; there are lots of people to visit with. Let your bear have some fun exploring, and I’ll be right here when you get back.”
Dash rumbled with excitement, kissed him, and hurried over to get changed. A minute later, he shuffled out of the tent, snorted in Aiden’s direction, and took off after the others. Aiden forgot that bears could move fast when they wanted to and watched fondly as Dash disappeared into the trees. He sensed someone behind him and turned to see Levi with a soft expression on his face.
“It took me a while to get used to Knox’s habits. I’m not a woodsy kind of guy, but I enjoy going with him from time to time. He mostly prefers to explore by himself, but always loves me up when he gets back. I take it Dash is more of a city bear?”
Aiden nodded.
“So he says, and I guess, compared to Knox, he spends a lot more time inside and in human form. Still, there are times he’s just itching to run free, and I encourage it. I find it fascinating to interact with him in ursine form, and he’d lick me for hours if I let him!”
Personal experience prompted Levi to laugh along with him. Some traits appeared to hold true, whether a city or country bear. Levi felt compelled to share something about his mate.
“Knox is something of a mix. He comes from a family who favor their bear half, but he learned to make a life for himself in the city. I love him just the way he is, of course, but that’s why we couldn’t locate his family and invite them to the wedding.”
Aiden had wondered about that and asked his friend for more information.
“Knox grew up near Gibson, about two hours north of Bear Creek. Last he knew, his mother, brother, and sister were still living in the area, but he couldn’t pick up any of their scents. He hasn’t had any contact for years and says it really doesn’t bother him. I guess it’s a bear thing because I can’t imagine writing off my relatives that way. He only went looking because I insisted on trying. I won’t ask him again, but it makes me sad.”
Aiden assumed Dash probably felt the same way about his recalcitrant relatives, making him even more grateful for the sweet shifter’s family.
“I met the Hawthorns recently, and they’re a great bunch. Friendly, supportive, and lots of love going both ways. I worried they wouldn’t accept me since Dash hasn’t claimed me yet, but no one said a word about it. I feel like a member of the family already.”
What Levi planned to say was cut off by his brother Jett, who’d ambled over with an aggrieved look on his face. The family resemblance was striking.
“What’s the holdup, guys? Everybody’s waiting for you before digging into the chocolates! Geez, Levi, you weren’t theonlyreason we drove all the way to Pennsylvania.”
As they got underway, Levi smacked his sarcastic little brother on the arm while Aiden stifled a chuckle.
“We were just talking about how great family can be, and yet there are always exceptions...”
Jett just rolled his eyes and gave Levi a side hug as they walked.
“Yeah, yeah, but you have to admit I’m not near as bad as Aunt Freida. You’re lucky Mom convinced her to stay home.”
