Bear

(Cover fan art by MayceeMouse :)) 

It was getting cold outside.

September had flown by and the biting cold nipping at his thick black nose foretold an early winter. Marsh stared up at the graying sky with deep chocolate eyes that almost looked like coal in the dimming light. He still needed to bulk up.

Shaking out his heavy coat, he sniffed around and nibbled on a struggling blackberry bush. His bear was likely pushing six-hundred pounds, but he needed at least another hundred or two in order to make it through hibernation. He’d slept through every winter he’d come upon since finding himself a territory, though he sometimes woke up too soon if he hadn’t managed to build up his fat reserves in time. He didn’t want to have to go through the struggle of raiding campsites and dumpsters for food again.

Pawing at the ground, he sniffed at a root before deciding not to waste his time on the low-nutrient item. With his mind hard-wired to find food, he started sniffing the air and hobbling along, hoping that he’d pick up the scent of something decently substantial.

After a short bit of wandering, his nostrils flared as they found something on the wind. It definitely wasn’t a deer or possum, but it smelled edible, and that was good enough for him. Hell, he’d even take carrion.

His heavy paws followed his nose as he paced through the massive forest, but as he grew closer to the scent, his ears began to twitch as they picked up sounds that he didn’t like. There was talking nearby. That meant that there were humans.

The instinct to turn and run was strong as it pulsed through his veins, but he was also very undernourished considering how fast winter was approaching. He needed food… and meat was the best thing he could get a hold of. It was worth the risk.

Moving as quietly as he could, he circled around the small group of humans, silently noting that two of the males were holding long guns. If he could kill them first, the others could only run. That would be two meals, possibly three, if he could chase down one of the runners.

The thought of a good meal made him hunch down and dig his claws into the moist, cold soil beneath them. It was now or never.

With a habitual roar, he lunged forward, immediately drawing the human’s attention. Thankfully, he was close enough to swat one of the guns out of the first man’s hands, and while the other one fumbled with his own to aim, Marsh took his chance for his first kill. Right as he was raking his paw down the first man’s chest, something suddenly swung onto his back, arms fumbling to wrap around his large neck.

With the scent of blood in the air, Marsh refused to stop until he felt fingernails claw at his own right eye. He stumbled backwards and shook his head abruptly, then stood up onto his back legs with an angry roar. The person who had jumped on him had to relent and hold on tightly or be thrown to the ground.

When Marsh dropped back down to his front paws, he hurriedly shook his coat out again, but frustratingly, the person still managed to hold on.

“Shoot it! Shoot it!”

Half of the small group had already taken off running, leaving one man standing beside the one who had the second gun. It appeared to be broken, since he was still messing with it, and not pointing it at him.

“The damn thing is jammed!” the guy with the gun growled as Marsh started for him, only to slide to an abrupt halt as the person on his back returned to clawing at his eye.

Deciding that he needed to deal with the human on his back first, and remaining around the man with the gun was only risking more, Marsh turned and barreled through the underbrush. The man riding on his back returned to holding on tightly, but even with his fingers removed from his eye, Marsh couldn’t see more than dark blotches on that side.

He didn’t think much into it as he pushed on, making sure that he got a good mile or so away from the foremost danger before coming to an abrupt, skidding stop. The man’s hold on him finally slipped, sending him flying several yards over Marsh’s head. He came to land in a patch of tall, weedy grass, and was immediately lunged at.

With barely a second to shake off his hard fall, the man stumbled to his feet, then darted behind a nearby tree right as Marsh swung a massive paw at his chest. He dodged, luckily, but with such strong instincts pushing him, Marsh refused to relent. He charged after the man, following him around the tree several times before the man ducked into a particularly-thorny bush.

With his thick coat, Marsh only hesitated long enough to close his eyes and lower his head before charging through it. When he made it out the other side, his stubby ears flicked back and forth as he tilted his head and looked around… but there was no one in sight.

Turning to his third sense, his big wet nose started flaring its nostrils, and within seconds, his head tilted upward. The human had scaled the large redwood impressively fast. Unfortunately for him, he also cornered himself with the action, too.

Knowing that food was close at paw, Marsh grunted and swung his head, then quickly raked his claws along the bark until he got a decent hold. It took him no time at all to scale a large portion of the tree, only stopping for a moment to regain his bearings when a claw slipped on the side he couldn’t see.

At that moment, the human had found a limb large enough to support his own weight and begun digging through the dark gray backpack he’d seemingly been carrying on his shoulders. Marsh’s nose picked up the smell of meat before his good eye zeroed in on the large stack of sliced ham now in the man’s hand.

“This is what you’re after, right? You came for this? I bet you’re hungry and need more food for the coming winter,” he said.

He wasn’t wrong on one thing. He needed more food… but he could always eat the morsel of meat he was offering once he killed him. Besides, a hundred or so pounds of meat was better than one or two.

Smacking his lips at the idea of a feast, Marsh gave a quiet grumble and hurried to finish his climb. However, when he finally reached the large branch the man had been perched on, he watched with irate frustration as he finished tying a knot in a thick twine rope, then leaped from the branch to descend quickly toward the ground.

Seeing his meal swiftly descend out of his reach after dropping the measly pound or so of meat below, Marsh gave a roaring cry, but instead of climbing back down the tree, he swung his head and awkwardly hobbled onto the branch, then leaned over and roared again, frustrated.

When the man’s feet landed in the damp leaf litter below, he hurried away until he was at a decently safe distance, then turned. Surprise was etched on his face as he looked up at the stranded bear.

“Wonder why it’s not coming down…”

March swung his head repeatedly and nibbled at the moss-laden branch, indecisive. He needed the larger amount of food, but it was going to get away. He also needed to get down in order to try and catch it, but…

He was terrible at climbing down once he’d gone up. It didn’t matter if what he was climbing was a tree, a fence, a utility pole. Once he went up, he would always fumble his way downward. The last time he’d tried to climb down from a large tree after being lured up its thin branches by a heavy beehive, he’d snapped several of the higher branches and broken his back leg. Thankfully, his tolerance for pain was quite high and he still managed to walk on it after keeping it lifted for several weeks, but he didn’t dare try to scale another tree again… until now.

Growing more and more distraught, he turned in an awkward circle on the uneven branch, then roared again before staring at the frustrating rope that had allowed his pray to escape.

“Is it really stuck up there? I thought bears could climb really well.”

Knowing that he did have to eventually get down, he snorted and awkwardly reached for the rope with his massive paw.

“No way. It can’t climb down with that, can it?”

The man was already backing away as he spoke, but he refused to look away as Marsh’s claws easily slit the rope in two as he added a small fraction of his weight to it. Already off-balance, he gave a startled grunt and felt himself begin to fall. The ground began to approach far too quickly, reminding him of the time he’d broken his leg and instilling fear in his thrumming heart.

Unable to think of another way, he felt his bones painfully shrink and rearrange themselves as his fur partially receded into a much smaller body. A rough scream left his small parted lips as his thick, dangerous teeth shrunk to the size of mere pebbles as they took their place in a human mouth, but didn’t lose their sharpness.

Somehow, mid-shift, he managed to reach out and grab the rope, this time managing to not fray it with his remaining small claws, and instead, he managed to grip it with his new thumb and fingers.

His one good eye finally found the man far below him. He looked like he’d just seen a ghost as he continued to slowly back away, but as Marsh got closer to the ground, the man stopped, seemingly realizing that he was no longer in danger because the bear was actually a shifter.

He was about to take a step forward when Marsh immediately felt his body revert back to his true form and he released the rope that had slowed his ascent. As he met the ground, he had regained his thick paws and heavy mass, his weight easily shaking the surrounding ground cover, sending bursts of leaves into the air as he let out a bone-rattling roar.

“I… I’m so confused,” the man rushed out before turning and bolting away again.

Marsh was soon hot on his heels and closing the gap by the second, even with his old injury flaring up every few steps. It had likely been agitated after he’d jumped from the rope, but there wasn’t much he could do. If he relented now, all of the energy he’d expended on chasing his meal would have been waisted, and that was something he couldn’t accept.

“Watch out!”

An unfamiliar voice yelled right as the sound of a gunshot rang out. The sound of the bullet whizzing in front of him had Marsh drawing back abruptly, but he wasn’t fast enough to protect his nose from being grazed. Little droplets of blood spattered onto the leaves by his paws and the scent of blood overtook his sense of smell, making his frustration burn brighter.

“Don’t shoot yet!”

The man he had been chasing was stopped about ten yards away. It was a short distance. Easily closed with a bit of effort… yet Marsh had to hesitate. The man who had fired the gun would have hit him head on if he had been another foot forward. He would have been dead.

His need for food urged him onward, but self-preservation fought with that instinct. He couldn’t fill his belly if he was gunned down, dead.

“Why the hell are you telling me to wait? It’s clearly going after you!” the one with the gun yelled, already leveling the weapon for another shot.

The man he had been chasing, though panting heavily, cleared his throat with a cough and straightened a little more.

“He’s a shifter, but there’s something wrong!” he shouted back, making the guy with the gun give him an are you crazy? look.

Marsh understood them, since he’d once been human, and for quite some time, but he had no interest in communicating. All he wanted was food, and it was clear that if he continued to try and catch the man before him, he’d lose his life. His blood boiled at the thought that he’d wasted all of that energy for nothing, but he couldn’t compete with a gun.

“Mitchel is driving Carlos to the hospital right now. His chest was completely clawed open,” the man with the gun said, anger raising his voice. “He’ll be lucky if he survives.”

The man he’d been chasing’s face paled at the words, but he gave his head a slight shake and frowned at Marsh.

“Why did you do that? If you were so hungry, we could have given you our food… but you didn’t seem to really want the meat I offered, though. Then, what did we do? Did we trespass in your territory? Do you not like people in your space?” he asked, trying to figure out how a shifter had gotten so outrageously aggressive.

Marsh stared at him with his good eye, panting with quiet grunts mixed into the sound, yet he never shifted to answer his questions. Instead, he began backing away, swinging his head in frustration as he put distance between himself and the two humans.

He expected them to give up and return to town to see to their injured friend, but when he saw the man he’d chased run over to his buddy and grab his gun, then hurry after him, Marsh felt his hackles rise higher and he backed up onto his hind legs with a warning roar.

The man seemed undeterred as he stopped only a few feet away and lifted the gun.

“I’m not playing around, kid. Shift back now and come back with me, or I’ll make a choice I really don’t want to have to.”

Marsh snorted as he dropped back down to his front paws, but instead of changing his form, he pawed at the ground and gave a frustrated grumble. He truly couldn’t shapeshift well. It hurt like hell and remaining human was absolutely out of the question. His bear was his dominant side and would not be locked away behind human flesh.

His damaged nostrils flared and he swiped a paw at his injured eye, no longer able to see anything out of it.

He couldn’t hunt his normal prey without both of his eyes functioning. Add his bad leg to that equation, and his recent waste of energy, and Marsh was internally panicking. Would it not be better to just end his life quickly with the bullet from the gun in the man’s hands?

“He’s not going to shift. I don’t know what you thought you saw, Walker, but there’s no human inside of that thing,” his friend said as he walked up, but didn’t dare get too close.

The man, Walker, shook his head and lowered the gun slightly, nodding toward the ground.

“Lie down.”

Marsh considered his words, but saw no reason to comply.

Seeing his hesitation, Walker pursed his lips and thought for a moment before nodding toward the ground again.

“You don’t have to trust me, but I don’t want to kill you. I just want you to prove that you can understand what I’m saying.”

Flicking his little ears, Marsh jerked his head to the side with a snort, but after a few tense minutes, he lifted his right paw, then swiped it across his thick left front leg, then leisurely lied himself down in the leaf litter.

The relief that he saw on the man’s face was laughable.

“Holy shit. He’s actually a shifter,” his friend muttered as the sound of large vehicles began to reach Marsh’s ears. He had no doubt that the man’s other acquaintances had called for back up to deal with him and save their friends.

He wanted to run immediately, but Walker stepped closer, keeping his gun trained on him.

“You’re going to come back with me. I don’t know why or how you’re here, or how you became like this, but we’ll take it one step at a time.”

Bear 2

(This is another teaser chapter. I’m not quite ready to put it on a regular update slot yet.) 

The giant round carrier one of the trucks dragged along behind it had Marsh’s ears pinning down against his head. He had no interest in getting inside it, no matter how many times Walker took a careful step closer to him with his weapon. 

He had eventually been joined by two of the people that had come with the envoy of vehicles. One was a woman with a catch-pole, which was ignored, and the other had a longer gun than Walker’s. Marsh understood after hearing them talk for a few moments that it was a tranquilizer rifle, used specifically for knocking out large, dangerous animals. 

“This is your last chance, kid. None of us want to shoot you, but you aren’t listening at all.” 

Why should he? There was no positive outcome. Either he was tranquilized and transported to some foreign place, or he was shot with a bullet and died. 

He honestly wanted the second option, but he had a feeling that he’d have to do some actual damage to Walker before he’d dare pull the trigger. The idea of killing, even by mistake, made him unsettled if he knew that he would be unable to consume his target. Wasting food was never appropriate. 

“Why do I feel like you are considering chewing on me to get me to shoot over just getting into the transport container?” Walker muttered, more to himself than to him. 

Marsh gave a snort in response anyways, making the guy scowl at him. 

“Your life isn’t over because you’re hurt. Come back with us and we’ll have a doctor, or if you’d rather, a veterinarian, check you.”

Come back to where? There was nowhere else he wanted to be. With that in mind, Marsh turned and started to hobble away, really feeling the ache in his damaged leg as he limped slightly. He could hear several sets of footsteps following him, but they seemed to disappear one at a time over the course of a few minutes. The only remaining set following him already had their sound memorized in Marsh’s mind. 

He came to a stop near a small stream to lap at the cold water, ignoring the man as he crept closer. The chill from the water hurt his injured nose, making him retreat a step as he shook his head, then sneezed and grunted. The scent of blood filled his nostrils, making Marsh paw at the injury with his big claws. 

“Hey now, don’t do that,” Walker chastised as he carefully grasped Marsh’s paw, halting it from unintentionally slicing up another bit of his nose. He hadn’t meant to hurt himself worse, but it itched and ached. It was a natural reaction to try and scratch at it. 

Walker’s sudden interruption did at least take Marsh’s attention away from his nose, but now it was on Walker… the man who was not only way too close, but was also grabbing hold of him. The gun was on his hip, not in his hand. 

Marsh took his chance. In one second flat he had the man on his back beneath his massive paw. His added weight kept him there, and when he tried to reach for the gun, Marsh easily pinned his hand at his waist, his fingers less than a inch from having been able to grab the weapon. 

The idea that he might be able to eat him came to mind again, but even if he managed to consume the person beneath him, he had backup. Marsh had no doubt that he’d just told them to wait just out of view. If they heard him scream, they’d definitely come running. 

“I’m not worth it, Bear. Even if they know that I’m instigating this, they won’t let you off if you kill me,” the man beneath him said quietly, clearly struggling to breath with the weight of Marsh’s paw on his chest. 

He knew that he would likely be hunted down if he did kill the guy, even though he wasn’t the cause of their close proximity, but his brain was hard-wired to seek food, and there was some right beneath his paw. It would be an easy kill, and he looked like he had a decent amount of meat on him. He wasn’t scrawny, but he wasn’t built. It would be a reasonable meal. 

Without even thinking about it, he lifted his lip and nudged his nose against the man’s neck. He could smell the fear, but it wasn’t nearly as pungent as it normally was on his prey. The man didn’t think that he would kill him. 

“I’m sorry that I’ve been bothering you. I’m just worried.”

Marsh snorted and leaned away, finally removing his left paw from the man’s chest, allowing him to take in several big breaths of air. Seeing him struggling only made Marsh want to attack again, but he managed to hold himself back, barely. He didn’t, however, release the man’s arm from beneath his other paw. The gun would not be part of this interaction. 

“I can only imagine how hard you’ve had it out here, and judging from your reactions, you’ve been fending for yourself for a long time,” Walker said, earning no response from Marsh as he tilted his head back slightly and sniffed the air. 

He couldn’t make out much with his damaged nose, but it was a habit to scent his environment often. 

Eventually, he relented, resigned that his own blood would be the majority of the smells he’d be able to take in for the time being. 

“Hey Runner!” 

Marsh’s head immediately jerked toward the new voice and he bared his teeth, adding a warning growl for good measure. He was getting extremely tired of humans bothering him in his own territory. 

The owner of the voice slid to a stop at the edge of the slope that lead down to the area they were in by the stream. 

“I swear you find the strangest partners when you want to get down and dirty.” 

Without warning Marsh charged halfway up the embankment, making the new arrival stumble backwards a good distance and raise his hands up in front of himself. 

“Down boy,” he said as he kept backing away, already out of Marsh’s vision because of the height difference of the ground they were standing on. 

He heard movement from his right and looked in time to see Walker dust some leaves out of his extra-dirty blond hair, then look up at him with a pained grin. Noticing his discomfort, Marsh swept his eyes over the man’s body and immediately found a gash that he must have accidentally left when pinning his arm down so that he couldn’t grab for his gun. 

There was no remorse in his mind, but he was a bit surprised. He normally had better control of himself. 

“Don’t worry about it. Nothing a few stitches won’t take care of,” Walker said as he pushed himself back to his feet, coughing a few times before finally straightening up and looking beyond where Marsh was standing. 

Following his gaze, Marsh snorted and growled at the new man who had skulked closer while he’d been distracted. 

“The guys called me to come help you with some crazy bear, but it seems like you guys are doing just fine on your own? Interesting setting for some roleplay, but hey, to each their own,” the guy said, making Walker roll his eyes. 

“Your sarcastic jokes aren’t going to work on him. He’s more animal than anything else,” he said, making his friend lift a brow and frown as he turned his attention to Marsh and began truly looking him over. 

“Why not just leave him here? He doesn’t seem to want anything to do with you,” his friend said, making Marsh actually calm down slightly. He understood. 

Walker hurried up the slope, coming to a stop once he was standing beside the other man. They were similar in height, and build, and now that Marsh could compare them…

“He looks confused, bro,” the new man said as he ran a hand through his own dirty blond hair and smirked, tilting his sunglasses the slightest amount. 

Walker didn’t seem to have time to deal with the other man and sighed before reaching behind the guy and yanking off a backpack that Marsh hadn’t even noticed. It appeared heavy, and when it was set on the ground, Walker only needed a moment to dig through it before he pulled out a large wrapped item. 

A few seconds later and Marsh felt saliva dripping from his jowls. 

“Here bud. I know you’re hungry, and lunch meat definitely didn’t seem worth it to you… but maybe this is?” Walker said as he tossed the huge chunk of raw beef toward him. 

Marsh attacked it the second it landed before his paws.

“I think there’s a lesson somewhere about feeding the wildlife,” the new man mumbled as Marsh tore into the meat. He hadn’t realized how hungry he’d truly been after the stress of dealing with the humans. 

Right as he was finishing his meal, a second item was thrown at his feet. A whole chicken. He quickly swallowed down the remaining beef and got to work dismantling the chicken carcass. 

“He’s almost kind of cute, in a ferocious, I-can-murder-you-in-three-seconds sort of way.” 

 Walker pressed a hand over his face and sighed. 

“Like your last ex?” 

Marsh crossed his paws in the leaf litter after having lied down to enjoy his second meal. As he was finishing crunching the remaining bones and morsels from the chicken, his attention rose back to the two men and their banter. 

“Let’s not talk about her. That was totally my mistake, for once. She lured me in!” the man yelled, a tinge of red covering his cheeks as he got defensive. 

Walker crossed his arms over his chest and turned half his body toward him, looking completely unimpressed. 

“Your mistake? Like the girl before her? Or what about that single mother you had dated before her? The one who you said was no problem and you could handle her kid… except the kid ended up kicking you between the legs after only dating his mom for a week?”

The guy abruptly reached to block the space in front of his private bits and scowled. 

“Don’t you have something to deal with, bro? Enough poking fun at my dating history,” he said, his words bringing both their attention back to Marsh. 

Marsh twitched his nose and yawned, then got up and started walking away. 

“Wait!” Walker yelled out as he hurried back down the embankment and promptly face-planted into the leaves with a yelp as he slipped in a deeper pile of litter. 

A slow clapping sound was his earned reward as he pushed himself up, spitting out some damp soil and bits of dead leaves. Marsh grunted and turned back around after a brief glance, clearly intent on leaving this time. 

“Wait, please! You won’t be able to survive out here with your current injuries. Just come back so I can at least find someone to treat you?” he asked as he got back to his feet. 

Marsh huffed out a breath and shook his coat as he turned his head to look over his shoulder at the annoying human again. He wasn’t interested. 

“You’re not saying the right words, bro. He doesn’t want help , he wants to survive.” 

Walker stared back at his brother, obviously not understanding his meaning. 

“He doesn’t want to leave here, but he needs help if he’s going to be able to hunt again,” Walker said, earning a light chuckle from the other man. 

“Runner, just do what I do. Promise him that you’ll always take care of him and he won’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

Walker’s shoulders sagged before he yelled up at the man. “You only say that to get laid!”

The guy laughed out loud as he replied, “and it works every single time!” 

“You’re not my brother!” Walker shouted back before returning his attention to an unimpressed Marsh. 

“Sorry bro, you can’t get rid of me. We’re twins, after all.”

“Don’t remind me,” Walker mumbled as he walked over to Marsh. 

They stared at each other for a good while, neither bothering to move. Walker wasn’t messing with the gun at his waist, and Marsh didn’t feel the need to threaten him without the option of eating him or the possibility of a threat to his fluffy person. It was an impasse, but oddly enough, it wasn’t awkward. 

“Am I missing out on some mental conversation? Did you guys actually somehow form a bond already?” his brother asked as he carefully descended the small hill to stand a few feet away, not quite trusting him. It was a good idea. He was at the very limit of Marsh’s safe-zone. 

Although, he wasn’t sure why he was even letting Walker so close. He didn’t like people, and the guy had a gun on him. It was a double negative. With that thought, he reached up with a paw and promptly shoved the guy over without batting an eyelash. 

“I don’t think he’s interested in you, bro. Better luck next time?”

Walker was just opening his mouth to respond when Marsh reached over and carefully pushed him farther away along the damp grass and leaf litter. 

That’s a reasonable distance. Still a bit too close, but at least the man wasn’t right up next to him. 

“Ouch. That’s a pretty hard rejection. Don’t worry, I’m sure there are other fuzzy-wuzzies out there. One might even be a bear. Although, they might have no hair, so then that would mean that that fuzzy-wuzzy in particular wasn’t very fu—”“Dammit Ranger, shut up with your stupid jokes!” 

Marsh tilted his head and twitched an ear. After everything the guy had gone through, Walker hadn’t yelled or seemed all that angry until his brother started poking fun at him. The human was a weird one. 

“What are you looking at?” Walker grumbled, drawing Marsh’s attention away from his brother, only for him to realize that the man had moved closer to him once more. And not only that, he was reaching out toward him!

It was a miracle that Marsh held himself back from biting, but in hindsight, he knew that he shouldn’t have. If he had known that Walker was going for his ear, he would have mauled him to death then and there. As it were, he’d made a mistake.

In an instant, fingers tightly grasped his left ear and Marsh felt all of the bones in his body break simultaneously, then resize and realign. The entire process took only seconds, and normally, he would be able to manage it and shift back right away, but after all of the injuries he’d sustained, he was unable to fight any longer. 

“Woah! I-I gotcha.” 

Marsh felt arms wrap around his naked human body as he was caught by someone, but after that instance, his mind went completely blank and darkness took over.

Bear 3

“He’s gonna kill you the second he gets free… and I won’t even blame him. Dibs on your car.” 

His head hurt like hell and his body ached just as badly. 

There was a rustling sound nearby before it got closer. A familiar scent drifted into his injured nose, making Marsh growl through human lips. 

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to make you shift, but I can’t have you changing back where we are right now,” the unpleasantly-familiar voice replied. 

Walker. 

The other one would be his brother, then. He wanted nothing to do with either of them, but for some reason he couldn’t move his arms from behind his back, and he couldn’t manage to change back to his bear, either. The latter causing far more panic than the former. 

“It’s pretty rude to pierce another dude’s ear without even a first date, unless I interrupted that earlier when you two were rolling around in the leaves…” 

A deep sigh sounded from Walker, and Marsh couldn’t help but feel the need to mirror it. He was exhausted and wasn’t used to being in his human form for more than a few minutes at a time, and that was on very rare occasions in the past years. Yet now, he had clearly been in his human body for quite some time, and he could no longer pull his bear out from beneath his own skin. 

“So glad that the earring worked. It was just a hunch, a far-fetched one, but man, saved us a lot of trouble.”

His brother whistled quietly before giving a chuckle. “That guy’s got trouble written all over him. He’s going to claw your eyes out the second he can use his hands again, then eat you for breakfast.” 

Both of those thoughts had definitely crossed his mind, but he could do neither until he managed to get free. 

“Ranger, please just get us there faster,” Walker pleaded from directly behind him. 

Marsh took note of where he actually was as his senses began to return. A car was the first thing he realized, even as his blurry eyes opened but refused to focus right away. His injured one remained uncomfortably blurry. There was also something tight binding his hands behind his back, but Walker’s own fingers also gripped his wrists, so it must have been something that couldn’t be tied very well and had to be held to remain secure. 

The road suddenly turned bumpy as the vehicle rocked back and forth, then began to slow down. 

“We’re here, bro.” 

Walker carefully picked him up from where he’d been sitting on his lap, then awkwardly got him into his arms as his brother ran around to their side of the back of the car and opened the door. He made some sort of grand gesture but Walker ignored it and carried Marsh out. 

Dust agitated his nose immediately as it began to settle. It smelled very unfamiliar. Not a single sent was something Marsh was used to. They were very far away from his territory. 

“It’ll be okay. I promised that I’d bring you back after we looked over your injuries, and I’m not a liar. Please just bear with me,” he said, drawing a quiet growl from Marsh as he was carried into a very dark, concrete-looking, open building. 

It reminded him of the filthy restrooms that were scattered about the more visited areas of the national park he lived in, except that this place looked well maintained. He’d visited them a few times to rummage through the trash cans, but after a few tries with minimal nutrients found, he’d deemed it a waste of time and effort. 

Another person appeared as they rounded a corner. 

“Hello again, boys,” the woman said as she gestured him into a large room behind a barred, metal door. 

Walker smiled and nodded as he hurried into the room, then carefully set Marsh down on the fresh straw that had been placed inside. The smell of bleach made his nose twitch, but Marsh was much more focused on the loosening of the binding that was around his wrists. 

“Just give me a moment to get this off,” Walker mused, more to himself than to anyone else. 

Marsh waited, biding his time. The second he felt the leather item finally leave his wrists, he whirled around, ready to bite Walker square in the face. His teeth had managed to change and sharpen, and his fingertips had sprouted claws. It was enough to do some good damage. 

“Wait! You can’t change back to your bear form, right?” Walker shouted as he slammed the door shut, locking himself inside, then darted off to the far side of the room. 

Marsh’s bear snarled through his human mouth as he started running for the man, but after having rarely used his human form in years, running wasn’t high on his list of coordinated abilities. Walking, he could somewhat manage, but running. That ended in…

He landed with a grunt in the straw, thrashing about for a moment before sitting up with a frustrated snort. 

The other man was so close. It would take his bear less than a second to be upon him. 

Useless human skin. 

Turning his attention elsewhere, Marsh lifted his hand and grabbed at the item in his aching left ear. It didn’t budge. He was definitely not accustomed to earrings, and he was not happy with his new piercing. 

“Gotta admit, it does look good on you, though,” Ranger said from behind the safety of the steel-barred door. 

Since he couldn’t get to him, Marsh ignored him and continued to gingerly tug at the frustrating jewelry. He noticed Walker carefully taking little steps closer, but he needed the earring out before he could tear the man apart, so he bit back his aggression and tried to focus on undoing the strange clamp at the back of the item. 

“I messed with the back a bit, but I’ll remove that for you after you let my friend here check over your injuries,” Walker said, drawing Marsh’s angry glare up to meet his worried eyes. 

“She’s a shifter doctor and veterinarian and can help you with your injuries.” 

The idea of someone touching him wasn’t something he was okay with, especially after he’d already been tied up and driven to who knows where… but he needed the earring gone, and tearing it off wasn’t an option. His left ear was terribly sensitive. Even the piercing they had done while he’d been unconscious had spawned a bad headache and pain. 

“It might be best if we leave him be for a bit? You guys did just drag him out of his territory and throw him into a strange environment. If he relies on his bear as much as you say, he’s probably extremely conflicted about making decisions as a human now,” the doctor said, drawing Walker’s attention. 

There was silence for a moment when Walker returned his attention to him, but Marsh wasn’t interested in it and crawled his way to a thick bunch of straw and curled up in it. It definitely wasn’t his den, but at least there was enough to get under quite well. The floor was a bit cold, but his body heat thankfully made it bearable. 

“Okay, that makes sense,” Walker said solemnly as he walked over to the door. 

Marsh could feel eyes on him, but he’d already turned his back on them and was trying to slow his racing heart. He might have looked calm on the outside, but his bear was pacing and roaring in his mind, angry and scared. It had never been locked away before and it did not like it. Neither did Marsh. 

He waited until Walker left with the other two to go get something for dinner before he let his tears begin to dampen the straw. 

“I really hope that you’re actually going to let him go after I help with his injuries,” his friend from high school, Sally, said as she sipped a diet Coke. 

She had a phenomenal mind, and Walker had no doubt that she’d be able to help him, but her words didn’t sit well in his stomach, making him hesitate taking another bite of his cheeseburger. 

Before he could pull together an answer, however, his brother, the always helpful one, chimed in. 

“Runner has a little crush on that poor little bear. You should have seen them when I found them,” Walker shoved a handful of french fries into his brother’s mouth before he could continue on to some gross beastiality kink story. 

Sally shook her head and decided to ignore Ranger as she straightened and narrowed her eyes on Walker. 

“I mean it, Walker. You promised that you would let him go, so that’s what you need to do. That boy clearly isn’t normal. You said that he’d attacked one of your hunting buddies pretty badly, too. No normal shifter would just hang out in the middle of nowhere to maul random sportsman.” 

Walker set his half-eaten burger down and dropped his hands to his lap. 

“Don’t take it to heart, hun. Let’s go one step at a time. I’ll help him with his injuries, then you’re going to remove that earring and take him back to his home.”

He wanted to argue, desperately, for some reason, but he knew that he had no leg to stand on. It was bad enough that he’d taken the guy from his home. Of course, most people would probably have shot him for attacking one of their friends, but he just didn’t see it that way. The guy was a bear first, and a human second, if that. 

“Just treat him right, Walker. I know you have the heart to help him and want to see him rehabilitated, or something along those lines, but that is so far in the future that it’s not even visible from where we are now.” 

Walker was about to try and figure out a response when his brother scooted closer, bumping their thighs together as he tossed an arm around his shoulder, smirking. 

“Let’s just start from the bottom and see how high you can climb that tree for your bear boy?” 

Confused, Walker furrowed his brow until Ranger shoved a menu into his hands and pointed to the steak section. 

Marsh blinked open one eye as he heard people returning. Sitting up groggily, he shook some of the straw from his hair, but then quickly relented when his headache sprang back to life. 

It was dark by now, and while he would normally have no problem seeing, he still wasn’t able to shift and his right eye was still blurry. 

“Hey there, um… do you have a name?”

Marsh lifted his head to meet Walker’s eyes in the darkness. After a few moments a small electric lantern lit up the area and the door opened. This time, three people walked in, immediately making Marsh tense up and start growling. 

“Ready to play, guys?” Ranger asked as he sauntered forward, removing the belt from his pants. 

“Stop being a pervert, Ranger!” Walker chastised as he shoved his brother aside but yanked the belt from his hands and smacked him with it. 

Marsh stared at the belt that was now in Walker’s hand, eyes narrowing. They had tied him up with that last time. That was what had been binding his wrists. 

When Walker knelt down a few feet away and raised it slightly, Marsh let his teeth sharpen and snarled. The man before him simply frowned, but when he did nothing else, Marsh tilted his head and slowly lowered his upper lip. 

It abruptly raised a second later when he realized his mistake. It was too late to react, however, when strong arms hooked beneath his own two and dragged him backwards into Ranger’s lap, trapping him tightly against a firm, warm chest.

“Hey, uh, bro. He’s pretty cold,” Ranger said, way too close to his ear. 

Marsh struggled, but he quickly gave up when he realized that his human form couldn’t compare to Ranger’s. The guy was built and didn’t even try to hide it. 

“Good boy. Just let them t—” Marsh did  manage to jerk his hand backwards just enough to smack Ranger’s mouth once before the guy tightened his hold further. 

“Good boy,” Walker said with a grin as he sat down in front of him. His friend, the doctor, set down the lantern and a large bag and began taking items out once a large towel was placed over the straw with a second one being settled over Marsh’s lap. 

She tended to his minor cuts and scratches first, then tested his injured leg. Marsh tried to jerk it away even at her lightest touch, drawing a frown to her face as she dug through her bag again. She produced a small brace and carefully fitted it onto Marsh’s leg. 

He tried to avoid it, but Walker gently held his leg still, easily restraining it so that she could apply the item and fasten it in place. 

“Thankfully it doesn’t seem broken, but it’s definitely tender and needs to be watched. If he doesn’t mess with the brace, it should heal itself up in a few weeks. I would prefer to X-ray, but the stress that could put him under, in my opinion, wouldn’t be worth it.”

With that taken care of, she took out a small flashlight and leaned forward, gently cupping the side of his face and shining the light into his damaged eye. He could barely see it, and what he could see wasn’t focused. 

“This eye, though…”

She sighed and leaned away. 

“I don’t know if that is going to heal. Those scratches are pretty bad.”

Walker released his leg and lifted a hand to rub at the back of his own neck. 

“How did he get such a bad injury to his eye? Even running through branches wouldn’t cause this kind of damage.” 

Marsh licked his lips and watched Walker’s face fall. He wasn’t mad at him. He’d done what he had to in order to save his friends, and himself. When neither him nor Ranger responded, Marsh lifted his head and looked the woman in the eye with his good one and spoke, his voice deep and echoing in the darkness of the confined space. 

“Walker did it.”

Bear 4

“That voice…” Walker mumbled, utterly confused. 

The woman’s brow furrowed for a moment as she sat back, looking unsettled. 

“How old are you?” she asked after a long stretch of near-silence. The only one making any sort of sound before her question was Ranger snickering quietly. 

Marsh tilted his head slightly, but did not answer. Age was just a number, one that he hadn’t cared about in years. It didn’t matter how old he was. 

Seeing that she wasn’t going to get an answer to her question, Sally sighed quietly and straightened her shoulders. 

“Can I have your name, at least?” 

You don’t need it to fix my remaining injuries, or to release me, so that is another question I have no reason to answer. 

Since she was getting nowhere with her questions, Sally finished with her work, taking care of his skinned nose, then packed up her things and pulled out a small tablet. Walker scooted closer to her, curious about what she was looking up. Marsh wasn’t interested, and he couldn’t move with Ranger holding him, anyways. 

“Too many people,” Sally mumbled as she tapped at the screen a few more times. “It would help so much more if we had his birthday, or even just a general age, because that voice definitely doesn’t fit his looks.” 

They both looked up at him, but Marsh just stared back silently. 

Seemingly thinking for a few moments, Walker jerked his head up and quickly stood. He walked out of the stall-like area, then returned a minute later with a large white plastic bag that appeared to have some weight to it. It only took Marsh a few seconds to pick up the smell of raw meat and start chewing at the air hungrily. 

“I think I’ve got something you’d like… and we have a few questions we want answered. Seem like a fair trade?” Walker said as he pulled out one of the white Styrofoam containers and opened the lid to reveal a massive raw steak. 

Marsh’s stomach rumbled loudly at the sight of it, and he didn’t hesitate to try and yank himself out of Ranger’s grip to get to the food. Of course, it was no use. 

“Down boy, we just want a few words from you and then you get that whole thing. It’s a pretty good deal, yeah? My brother wouldn’t even buy my dinner, let alone three huge steaks,” Ranger said, half helpful, and half complaining. 

Marsh ignored his later words, but the first few sentences… 

“I don’t remember my birthday,” he said, his words, while not helpful, had the two faces he could see before him lighting up with hope. 

“That’s perfectly fine. Do you remember anything about your past life? Perhaps around what age you were when you left to go live as a bear? Or how long you’ve been out in the forest?” Sally questioned as she held a hand over her tablet, ready to get to the bottom of his uninteresting mystery. 

Marsh looked down at the blanket over his lap as he tried to think back on his life. His childhood was a muddled blur. He couldn’t even remember the faces of the adults who had taken care of him… if they even had. 

“I… left when I was in middle school.” 

The woman started typing frantically at her device. When she seemed to get as far as she could with that information, she looked back up at him with an encouraging smile. 

“Do you know about how many years you’ve been out there?” 

That definitely wasn’t something he cared enough to keep track of, but he did always have to be careful when winter was coming. He let himself get lost in his thoughts for a short while as he tried to remember the winters that had come and gone. 

“At least… eleven.” 

Both Walker and Ranger repeated the number out loud in shock, making Marsh confused, but not enough to bother questioning their surprise. 

“Well, that solves that. Give Marshall his food,” she said as she held up the tablet for Walker to see better. 

Hearing the name he’d used to be called made Marsh bristle. If he were in his bear form, his hackles would have risen to pin-points. 

“I don’t think he likes that name, Sal,” Ranger said as he gently relaxed his hold. 

Marsh’s bear wanted him to swing around and bite the man’s face immediately, but his human half, that rarely had much control, reigned it in just enough to prevent the attack. He was hungry. Starving, even, and winter was fast approaching. He needed something to eat, and the raw steaks were definitely worth behaving for the time being. 

As soon as his arms were free Marsh lunged at the top container, grabbing the meat and raising it to his mouth with a warning growl. He heard Walker beginning to read about him on the electronic device, but none of that information mattered as much as filling his belly as quickly as he could. 

“He disappeared at fourteen. That was eleven years ago…” 

Marsh felt eyes on him, but he didn’t bother looking up and instead just gave another warning growl to the group to not touch him or his food while he ate. 

“He doesn’t look twenty-five,” Walker whispered as his brother walked over to drop down beside them, curiosity having gotten the better of him. 

“Dude, he’s the same age as us!” Ranger said, a little too loudly for Marsh’s aching head. 

He was just finishing the first large steak, licking the blood from his fingers, when he heard someone moving directly behind him. Their enthusiastic discussion and his constant chewing covered the sound of someone approaching. His claws began to extend from his fingernails the second he realized that someone was moving closer, but he hesitated striking when he felt the blanket that had been on his lap, gently drape over his shoulders. When he looked over his left one, Walker was already retreating to sit back down next to Sally a few feet away, a cautious smile on his face. 

“You were shivering. That should help while you finish your dinner.” 

He honestly appreciated the extra layer, since he didn’t have his fur and the temperature had dropped quite a bit since the afternoon. His instincts wanted him to pull it around himself snuggly so that he wouldn’t be as cold, but they also warned him against it. He needed to be able to defend himself if needed. Humans were the biggest threat to bears, and he was definitely more bear than human. 

“There’s not a lot of information on him besides his missing person details. He went to Starkey Middle school, then disappeared three weeks into eighth grade,” Sally read out loud. 

“So the question is,” Walker said, mainly to himself. “Do we report him found, or leave it be?” 

Ranger took that moment to chime in as he leaned against one of the concrete walls nearby. 

“It’s his own damn life. Leave it be. If you report him found, what the hell would he be able to do in this type of society with such a strong-willed shift? He would definitely hurt someone, or even kill them on purpose.” 

True. 

He had no qualms about killing people if he was hungry and they were the only thing available, or if they tried to hurt him. 

“Take out the earring.” 

Having heard his voice suddenly, all eyes turned to Marsh as he finished his second steak, his human stomach struggling to handle the last few bites. He hugged the third container holding his last steak to his chest and stared at Walker with sleepy dark brown eyes. 

“I let her near me. Take off the earring and take me back home.” 

He could tell that Walker wanted to argue. He also knew that his leg wasn’t something that could just heal in a day, and his damaged eye would likely mean that he starved to death this winter, but he was already at his limit with humans. 

“But your leg… and eye,” Walker mumbled quietly, averting his eyes since he knew that Marsh wouldn’t stay just because his injuries weren’t healed. 

When he didn’t receive a response, he slowly stood up and walked over as Marsh rose to his own feet. The blanket began to slip from around his shoulders, but he’d planned to ignore it. Except, Walker caught it right before it was going to hit the floor and carefully wrapped it back around him. 

“Don’t want to get too cold until you have your fur back,” he said as he reached forward, making Marsh raise his upper lip and let his teeth sharpen in warning. 

Walker hesitated, looking confused. That’s when Marsh realized what he’d been trying to do and quickly relaxed his posture and closed his mouth. When Walker stepped closer, Marsh tensed, then growled when the man reached past him and gently pressed a hand against the back of his head, carefully pressing against the back of his head as he leaned closer on his other side to look at the back of his ear. 

You’re warm, but I want to kill you so badly for this. 

It took him a few tries to work the clasp, but he did finally manage to get the back piece off. Marsh yanked the front part off a second later, then let it drop to the floor as fur began to sprout from his body. 

Walker started backing up, but Marsh was much faster. His bear had the man pinned beneath thick paws in seconds. As his aching body finally returned to its true form and his leg easily broke the tiny brace that had been fastened to it, Marsh’s human mind gladly receded, allowing his bear to lean down and let out a ferocious roar, his hot breath rustling Walker’s hair, as well as the straw beneath it. 

He knew that the man was his ticket back home, but he couldn’t restrain his animal any further. It had been abducted, locked away, and forced to be around humans. It was done being friendly. 

He was just turning his head slightly and opening his jaws wider, intent on making an easy, killing bite, when a shrieked roar made his head jerk up less than a second before something heavy and massive sent his whole bear rolling into the far concrete wall. 

What the hell was that? 

Dizzy and disoriented, Marsh lay there for a few moments, confused about what had just happened. When his vision finally cleared in his good eye, he was even more unsure of the situation. There had definitely been something large and aggressive attacking him, yet he could plainly see that there were only the three humans in the room with him. 

Walker was just getting up, dusting straw off of himself as he looked at him nervously. The woman present had her arms crossed, but her expression was hard to discern. Ranger, however, wasn’t even looking at him. The man had his back to him facing the steel bars, his arms risen, gripping one tightly in each hand as he tried to catch his breath. 

I don’t smell any other predators, but what happened, it’s definitely him. His shirt is torn in a few places and his jeans are ripped on his left side. 

His bear slowly got itself back up, favoring its injured leg. It wanted to get up on both of its back ones to look more menacing, but that was impossible with the damage. Instead, it roared another warning, though the force of it was much less than his first. 

“Thanks, Ranger,” Walker finally said, making his brother glare at him over his shoulder with bright gold eyes. 

What the hell is that? 

When Walker finally took another step forward, Marsh’s bear hunched slightly and let out another warning grumble, but it was through with roaring. 

“I told you I would take you back, and I even took off the earring. Yet you attacked me right away. I can’t just open the door and let you run off here, it’s too close to a large town, so either you shift back and behave for the car ride, or you stay here.” 

His bear wanted neither option, but Marsh knew that he no longer had the upper paw. There was something else much more dangerous in the room, and he wanted away from it as soon as possible. 

With a strenuous amount of effort he forced his bear back, then shakily got to his feet. Walker actually looked upset with his choice, but Marsh paid his expression no mind. His attention was mostly focused on Ranger, whose golden eye color was dulling, the beast that had suddenly appeared, returning to its former slumber. 

“I guess I’ll drive this time, Rane?” 

His brother nodded and shoved the door open, then stood aside as he stared at Marsh with narrowed eyes. 

He knew that he was warning him. Whatever had suddenly attacked him earlier could just as easily show up again if he did something stupid. It wasn’t worth it. 

Picking up his remaining package of steak, Marsh hugged it to his bare chest and slowly walked out of the room, following a few feet behind Walker, but constantly glancing backwards at his brother. 

Why can’t I smell anything? Not even a hint of a predator on him? 

His worry only mounted when they stopped outside of the SUV he’d been brought there in. 

Ranger stood uncomfortably close as Walker held the back door open. Marsh weighed his chances of escape if he shifted again as he looked between the two brothers. His bear could still run, somewhat, but whatever had attacked him earlier was much faster, and didn’t have a crippled leg. 

With a frustrated shake of his head, he carefully got himself up into the car, then scooted all the way to the far side when Ranger slid in to the other seat. He couldn’t help but let out a nervous warning growl, but Ranger seemed to just shrug it off as he leaned his head back and then turned it to stare at him. 

“You’re going to behave, hmm?”

Marsh curled up closer against his own door in response. His action just had Ranger lifting one side of his mouth in a half-grin. 

Walker took a few more moments outside of the car to talk to Sally, then got himself situated in the front. They were off soon after, but as the miles passed in a blur, Marsh could only focus on one thing… and that was the predator sitting across from him. It had the expression of a cocky playboy, but he had felt the fangs and claws. The muscled body as it had impacted his own large form. Whatever the hell that guy was hiding deep down, it needed to stay there until he was long gone.

Bear 5

(Ball got a bath lol)

This is going to be a problem soon if I don’t separate them. 

The drive was nearly an hour, unfortunately. That was a long time for a bear and a bomb to be locked in close quarters together. He almost considered dropping Marshall off earlier, but his brother proved just how important being in your own territory was… and how dangerous it can be if something tried to suddenly become top dog in it. 

Deep breaths, Rane. He’s behaving. 

He caught his brother’s eyes in the rearview mirror and felt his breath hitch at the faded gold color still lurking in them. 

He hasn’t been able to pull it back completely yet…

“Ranger, I need the numbers for this months report,” he said out of the blue, snapping his brother out of his thoughts, at least for the moment. 

It was a relief when Ranger took in a deep breath, then let it out before pulling out his phone and beginning to go through the charts they’d made for their business. Walker knew that he wouldn’t remember shit with how stressed he currently was, but he appreciated his brother humoring him, and he knew that Ranger desperately needed something to grasp for his sanity. He rarely ever, ever , let his shift out. Even that split second he’d let it attack Marsh had taken a lot out of him, and even though he could finally manage to keep it beneath his skin safely after years of hard work, it always lurked, especially if he’d let it see the light of day recently. 

It was an absolutely gorgeous and rare animal, definitely not something seen in the modern day, but that came with a heavy price. Their family was one of the few carriers for its genetics, and they often paid the price. Suicide rates were extremely high for those who were unlucky enough to possess it, but thankfully the gene wasn’t passed down to everyone. It only selected a very small amount of descendants to inhabit. Ranger was the only one in their current family’s living generations that had to deal with it. Walker was pretty much human, for all intents and purposes, even though they were identical twins. 

There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t wish to take some of his brother’s burden away, though. While others who saw the rare glimpse of their family’s curse were always awed, it was extremely dangerous and hard as hell to keep beneath ones skin. Once the beast was out, however, there was no way to control its actions unless it was retracted back beneath the surface… where it continued to rage and try to claw its way out while wild snarls echoed in its host’s head, driving them mad. 

“We should have at least fifteen calves next month,” Ranger went on, his focus now firmly on the information he was giving Walker. 

“I’ll have to get the barn set up. We have the stalls, but we were a bit short on our hay yield this year, can you order some tomorrow when you do the one for the grains and supplements?” he asked, getting an affirmative grunt from his brother as he typed some reminders on his phone. 

He checked Marshall with a quick glance over his shoulder, but the guy was wisely keeping his eyes down. It was clear that he was still on-edge, but at least he had stopped growling. Ranger really didn’t react well to growling when his shift was nudging at the surface. 

“We’ll be there soon,” he said to both of them. 

The atmosphere relaxed a bit at his words and he and Ranger continued to go over what else they needed for their animals during the upcoming winter. He would be lying if he wasn’t secretly calculating what they might need to help a bear through the cold weather, too, but he knew that once they let him go, chances are that they would never see him again. There was no way he’d be able to hunt this season. He’d die come winter. 

Nature was cruel, but there was nothing he could do, especially not with Ranger so volatile. They’d had no choice but to put Marshall in Ranger’s concrete stall. He hadn’t used it in a long time, but it was still his territory. He’d spent many months, day after day, week after week, locked in there when he hadn’t been able to handle the animal lurking in his body. He’d hated that space. Had always desperately wanted to be freed from it… but it was his, and it always will be. 

That’s why, when he saw Marshall attack his brother, in his own territory, his control had slipped. Granted, Walker greatly appreciated the save, but now they had to deal with the aftermath. 

After another twenty minutes of discussing things for the ranch Walker pulled the SUV over onto the side of the road, then hopped out. Marsh didn’t hesitate to shove his own door open and fumble out. 

The abrupt rumbling growl from inside the car made Walker hurry to Marsh’s side and slam the door shut before Ranger could react further. His brother didn’t need to see a predator trying to run away from him. That wasn’t a chase Marsh would be able to handle… and it wouldn’t last long. 

“Are you okay?” he asked as he carefully helped Marshall up. 

He could tell that the guy was having trouble with his bad leg but bit his tongue on speaking further. The guy had made his decision. He didn’t want their help, either. He’d made that abundantly clear. 

“Well, I’m sorry that things turned out this way. Please take care of yourself,” he said with little weight to his words. 

They both knew what would happen. 

Marsh lifted his nose to the wind and sniffed, seemingly becoming more at ease as he scented his territory. It was nearing midnight, with almost no one out on the road. Crickets, owls, and other nocturnal insects chorused around them as a chilly breeze hinted at winter’s fast approach. 

“I-I’ll come back,” Walker hurriedly whispered out as Marsh turned toward the woods. His steps faltered as he looked back at the man, confused. 

Walker straightened his shoulders and after a quick glance inside his dark car to be sure that Ranger was under control, he returned his attention to Marsh. 

“I’ll come back. Right to this spot. In three weeks, if you need help, please, meet me here.” 

He couldn’t see Marsh’s expression very well with the limited light, but he could see his head turn toward the car, no doubt worried about Ranger. 

“He’s really not bad. He just reacted because you had attacked me. He’s not a bad guy,” he said, trying to reassure him. He knew that it was probably fruitless, though. Ranger wasn’t a bad guy. He was sweet, hard-working, and an absolute play boy. He’d worked so hard to keep his dark side chained up deep down inside himself. He deserved a chance to show that he wasn’t the animal he had to keep locked up. 

“I think you guys would honestly become good friends if you gave each other a chance,”  he said, the hope in his voice sounding fake, even to himself. Of course, he wanted them to get along, but two predators? Both seemingly out of control when released? It wouldn’t happen. 

Marsh seemed to think the same thing, because he silently turned toward the forest and began ascending toward the tree-line. Right before he vanished into the darkness, Walker ran to the edge of the road and yelled after him. 

“Remember! I’ll come back in three weeks! I promise I’ll be here if you need me!”

Bear 6

(Cheese would like to know if you would throw her toy for her lol cause I don’t do it enough while writing, evidently.) 

It had been snowing solidly for the past week. Preparations for the coming winter had to be pushed into overdrive, taking away much needed hours of sleep. Ranger had thankfully returned to normal the evening they’d come back from dropping Marshall off, but he’d needed a few days to regain his strength after fighting back his inner beast. The horses and other livestock didn’t trust him for a few more days after that, too, leaving Walker to handle most of their tasks. 

It was now two days before he’d promised to go back to the mountain, but the sudden cold weather was making him worry. If Marshall’s instincts pushed him to seek shelter in a den instead of continue to try and forage, he might not show up, even if he knows he needs help. 

“You’re spacing out again, bro,” Ranger said as he walked up leading one of their older mares. The younger ones had access to the heated barn if they wanted to come in, but they never took a risk with their retired older horses. The one he was leading, Spring, was a little over twenty, though her exact age wasn’t known since she was originally a rescue. 

She’d had quite a spring to her step when they’d purchased her away from a butchery, so the name had been pretty much settled from then on. Her coat was a dark dappled gray, giving her quite the look compared to most of their simple brown and black horses. She was also the only horse that would ever stand her ground against Ranger during the rare moments he was in his dangerous shift form. She’d also won each of those times, too. A well-placed kick to the face was a phenomenal deterrent, even for such an aggressive predator. 

Walker looked up at his twin and smiled tiredly. He really wasn’t all there, and hadn’t really been for most of the week. 

“Go back inside and eat something, Runner. I don’t need you passing out on me,” Ranger said as he nodded toward the house they shared. 

Not having the energy to argue, Walker set down the bag of feed he’d been holding for the past ten minutes and began trudging through the thin layer of snow still on the ground. He slipped inside the house as he shrugged off his coat, hanging it up by the door before heading for the kitchen. The entire house was wood, from the walls to the floors, right down to the kitchen cabinets. The counter was a dark granite, making it easier for two men who didn’t like cleaning up small bits of crumbs or spills. 

Of course, they did clean, eventually, but with the winter fast approaching, things were definitely needing done. Shaking his head, Walker opened the refrigerator and took out a few large carrots. He honestly hadn’t been very hungry the whole week, but he could never say no to crunchy food. While Ranger wouldn’t touch most vegetables, Walker would gladly eat them raw and not bat an eyelash. 

He settled on the sofa, his mind already beginning to wander back to the bear out in the middle of the forest. I know he’s waiting for me to come back. He’ll settle down here… maybe even come to like our farm enough to want to stay.

You’re dreaming really big there, bro. 

I saw you text that girl who dumped you after two days. The one who you swore would ask you to merry her within two weeks,  Walker replied sarcastically. Did she text you back professing her love yet? 

He could feel his brother’s annoyance through their bond but he remained silent until the front door opened about an hour and a half later. The guy was covered in mud up to his knees. His boots were completely brown and about to dump at least a pound of wet dirt and feces on the floor from the freshly mucked stalls. 

“Those boots are going outside,” Walker said as he sat up, eying the disgusting footwear. 

His brother didn’t mind the farmyard smell at all, but he drew the line at poop in the house. He could tell that Ranger wanted to mess with him about it, but thankfully he relented and nudged the boots off outside, then stepped in and shut the door. 

“There was no love professing, but I think we’re making progress,” Ranger said with a lopsided smirk that normally won him all the ladies in an instant. 

“She didn’t block you?” Walker questioned, making Ranger’s grin widen. 

“Bingo!” 

Flopping back down onto the sofa, Walker sighed and watched as his brother began removing his clothing as he headed toward the bathroom to wash up. If he hadn’t been watching he would have bet money that the guy would have dropped every single dirty item on the floor as he went. As it were, he thankfully stopped by the laundry room on his way and tossed them directly into the empty washer. 

“Mom is coming down tomorrow, by the way!” Ranger called from the bathroom, making Walker jump up from the sofa in surprise. 

“Wait, you’re serious?” he yelled back, earning a maniacal laugh from his brother as the shower was started. 

Walker hurried to his room and grabbed one of his spare backpacks, then began stuffing a few changes of warm clothing into it. When he couldn’t fit anymore, he went into the kitchen and got himself a reusable grocery bag and put in several packets of chicken, tuna, and whatever other small thing he could find that would have a decently-strong scent. 

By the time he was done his brother was standing in the dining room, staring at him as he dried his hair with a single towel. 

“You really should start wearing boxers or something after you shower. I know we’re twins and all, but there might be other people here at some point,” Walker said as Ranger looked down at his six pack and… other bits. His lips quirked up into a smile as he lifted his damp head. 

“Going to get your little bear early, hmm? Probably a good idea, since mom definitely won’t let you just go waltzing out into a snowstorm after a grizzly bear,” Ranger said, adding a wink as he ignored Walker’s normal nagging about his lack of clothing. 

His brother knew that she wouldn’t, that’s why he’d told him ahead of time. 

“I owe you one, Rane,” Walker said as he hurried out the door. 

Take care of yourself, Walker. Don’t let your guard down, because I won’t be there to save you this time. 

Walker smiled as he got his clean pair of winter boots on, then headed for his SUV. 

I’ll be careful. 

He was in his vehicle and out of sight minutes later. 

Snow was already beginning to fall as he turned on his windshield wipers to low and focused on any possible invisible ice on the road. Thankfully, there weren’t many people out with the continuous snowstorms, and by the time he got to the outskirts of town, traffic was rare. 

It was slow going once the storm really picked up, but he persisted until he got to the spot he marked on his phone’s GPS, then pulled over to the edge of the road. His weather app said that it was getting close to ten degrees, and would probably drop further overnight. 

I can’t get out of the car tonight. 

It hurt to think that he couldn’t go get Marshall yet, but he knew that he’d just make things worse if he tried to go find him with minimal visibility and dropping temperatures. With his mind made up, he turned his car off and grabbed two of the extra heavy blankets he kept in the trunk, then hunkered down in the back seat. Right before he went to sleep, he opened a few of the tuna and chicken packs and tossed them towards the woods. 

I hope your nose still works enough to tell you that I’m here for you early. Have a safe night. 

He slept fitfully as the cold crept in, making him snuggle further and further into the blankets until he was practically cocooned. It was some time around two or three in the morning when a loud snort jolted him out of his groggy rest. He immediately turned on his phone’s flashlight and shone it out the back side window. 

A large figure was moving around back by the forest, sniffing at the ground. Walker quickly removed the blankets on himself and opened the back door. The animal that was foraging the food packets he had thrown out earlier swung its head around and sniffed the air with a warning growl. 

That’s not him. 

It was a smaller black bear. Quite a thick one, at that. 

You don’t need that. Leave some for Marshall. 

Of course, the bear didn’t hear him, nor care. Since it wasn’t who he was waiting for, and he had no interest in interviewing a wild bear, Walker quickly moved back into the car and shut and locked the door.  

He was staring at his phone, waiting for the bear to finish eating and be on its way so that he could bait the area again, when the sound of ferocious snarling broke out down the small hill. Turning his flashlight app back on, he shined it out the window again. 

Holy crap. 

The black bear who had been eating the little packets of food was now on the ground, snarling and swatting at a much bigger bear that was attacking it. It was hard to see much from such a distance, but as he watched the fight intensify, he noticed that the attacking bear had a limp. It also wasn’t attacking much from the right side, and seemed to be relying more on its left eye to aim. 

Marshall!

Without thinking, Walker hurried from the back seat of his car and immediately stumbled into a built-up snowbank on the side of the road as he tried to get closer. He’d evidently made some sort of sound of surprise, too, because soon two large, fuzzy heads were staring at him. His appearance seemed to have startled the larger bear more, because when the small one started to squirm out from underneath it, it didn’t react. 

“Marshall,” Walker finally said out loud as he freed himself from the foot-deep layer of snow. 

The moment he stepped out of it and onto the slick, grassy slope, he realized his mistake. Ice had coated the ground between the stalks of grass and weeds, sending him fumbling down the small hill and straight towards both massive animals. The smaller of the two bears took the opportunity with the larger bear much more focused on Walker, and finished getting itself free. Another moment later and it was high-tailing it back into the dark forest. 

He was glad that both weren’t going to go after him together, though he kind of wished that the smaller bear was the current aggressor. As it were, he had to hurry to his feet as Marshall’s massive brown bear hobbled toward him. It was growling and huffing, clearly interested in the situation but also possibly destressed by it. 

Had he planned on actually eating that bear? 

“I’m sorry I interrupted, and that I’m here early. There’s going to be a big storm soon and I was worried that you might try to hibernate… and not make it through the winter,” Walker said nervously as he fought to keep his feet from trying to back away from the encroaching bear. 

This doesn’t look like it’s going to end well. 

He considered trying to get back up the small embankment, but he’d felt enough of the ice coming down. Going back up, with a huge grizzly bear on his heels, wasn’t going to happen. 

I don’t have claws to dig into ice and snow. Or the speed to outrun him, even with his bad leg. 

Holding his hands up, he quickly tried something else. 

“Come back with me and I’ll get you as much food as you want.”

Normally, they didn’t keep enough food on hand to feed a literal bear, but they had recently butchered one of their old steers and filled their two extra chest freezers for winter. The meat had only been in there for a day, too, so it wouldn’t take too long to thaw. 

“We have about three hundred pounds of meat in the freezer. I can get you as much of it as you want.”

The look on the bears face didn’t change, but Walker finally gave a sigh of relief when it stopped a few feet away. 

“Come back with me, please?” 

He thought that Marshall might finally be calming down, when he suddenly gave out a loud warning roar and lunged! Walker was pinned before he had a chance to react, his back shoved into the cold snow. Marshall’s jaws snapped so close to his nose that he could feel the heat from his breath. 

“L-let’s talk about this!” he hurried to say as the bear leaned closer and pulled its lips back from its sharp teeth. 

Right as it was biting down toward his face Walker reached up and yanked on its ear. His eyes clenched shut at the same time teeth clamped down on his nose. Thankfully, those teeth weren’t pointy, nor as large as a bear’s. 

“Thank god,” Walker mumbled out on a sigh. 

Marsh’s naked body was splayed out over his own. The guy was moaning quietly and shivering, clearly in pain from his abrupt shift like the time it had happened while in the forest. 

“I’m sorry about this, but I don’t want to be eaten today,” Walker said as he carefully got himself sitting up. Marsh was reluctant to release his nose, but he gave up after a few moments as his shaking got worse. 

Walker took that time to fish the earring he’d brought from out of his pocket and slip it into the pierced spot on Marsh’s ear. The boy seemed too cold to protest or resist, so once he was finished with that simple task, he carefully wrapped his arms around him and got himself standing. Cooling blood was running from several small punctures on his nose but  Walker simply wiped it off with his sleeve as they headed up the hill. 

It took a bit of effort, and two failed attempts, but he finally got them both into the back of his SUV. The second he had the back door shut he reached up to the front and slid the key into the ignition, then got the heater running full blast. When he was done with that, he returned his attention to the shifter that had curled up on the blankets before him. 

“I brought some extra clothing. Let me get you dressed, then the heater should finish taking care of that chill,” he said as he rummaged through his bag for the pair of sweats he’d brought that had grown too small for himself. They would still probably be too big for Marshall, but he’d been in a hurry and definitely hadn’t had the time to run to town and go shopping for him. 

Thankfully, the guy didn’t fight him as he started tugging the clothes over his limbs, but he definitely didn’t help, either. It took about five minutes to get him into a pair of sweatpants, sweatshirt, and socks. When he was finally done, Walker pulled one of the blankets that had fallen on the floor up, then carefully tucked it around Marshall. 

“There we go. You should be nice and toasty in no time. I’m going to get us heading back, but if you need anything, just tell me,” he said as he slipped out the door, then shut it and walked around to the driver’s side. 

They drove in silence for nearly an hour before he heard a quiet growl. He was about to respond to it as he glanced in the rear-view mirror, but when another quiet growl occurred, then another, he realized that Marshall wasn’t trying to threaten him. He was fast asleep.

Bear 7

“Kidnapping is frowned upon, bro.” 

Walker grunted as he held the door open with a booted foot while trying to maneuver the sleeping man in his arms. He’d tried to wake him when they’d arrived, since he didn’t want to startle him by trying to pick him up from the back seat, but he couldn’t get him to come around. 

“I think his system kind of went into hibernation abruptly when he got warm in the back of my car,” he said as he walked over to where his brother was lounging on the couch. He was clothed, so Walker’s attention didn’t linger there as he looked around the room. 

“Where is mom?” 

Ranger smirked at him and pointed toward the ceiling. 

“Upstairs cleaning. She’s very interested to meet your new boyfriend, too.”

You’re a pain in the ass. 

His brother’s face contorted with laugher as he replied mentally. 

That bear in your arms is gonna be your real pain in the ass soon. 

Walker blinked at Ranger, confused about the innuendo. He never thought about a relationship with the guy he was holding. Hell, the only thing he’d honestly thought when concerning him was his well-being because winter was coming. 

“I bet you fifty bucks he’s gonna top you,” Ranger said as he finally calmed down from laughing. 

Deciding to ignore his brother’s idiocy, Walker carefully nudged off his boots, then headed up the stairs. His mother was thankfully inside of another room, giving him the chance he needed to slip into his own and get Marshall tucked into bed. He added a few extra thick blankets when the guy unconsciously began to bury himself farther beneath the ones that were already there. Within moments he could no longer see any of the young man’s form. All that remained was a small outline from the blankets and, eventually, the resuming of his quiet growl-snores. 

Okay. At least he’s good for now. I’ll check on him again a bit later. 

As soon as he stepped out of the room and quietly closed the door, he felt a presence staring at him from behind. It was no surprise when he turned around to see his mother standing there with her arms crossed over her chest and a raised eyebrow. 

“Why is my son kidnapping shapeshifters from the middle of the woods during a snowstorm?” 

Well, that was straight to the point. When he didn’t answer right away, Walker winced as his mother grabbed one of his ears and began yanking him toward the stairs. 

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I raised you better than this, Walker Candace Fang,” his mother berated as she dragged him down each step faster than Walker could manage his legs. 

Thankfully, he didn’t fall, but it was close a few times. When they got to the first floor she pulled him over to the sofa and made him sit down next to his smirking brother. Said brother got a flick to his nose immediately, making him drop his grin and fight back a scowl. No one scowled at their mother. Not even his shift. 

“What the heck is going on here, boys? I came to have a nice short visit and make sure everything was getting taken care of here, and I walk in the door to you,” she pointed at Ranger, “telling me that your brother has run off in the middle of last night’s terrible snowstorm to find a bear in the forest. A bear, I might add, that did not wish to be removed from said location.” 

Her hand moved toward Walker, the pointing finger still extended and only a few inches from his face. 

“And you! I can’t believe you’d do something so stupid. If the temperature had dropped much more, your car could have started having problems again. That would have meant that not only would you be stuck out there until someone happens to find you, but you also might have frozen to death!” 

Walker was just opening his mouth to respond when his mother’s eyes narrowed on his damaged nose. He still needed to get that treated before it got infected. 

“Get your backside in the bathroom and take care of that injury. Then wash up and help your brother get some of the meat from the freezers defrosted so that we can get dinner started.”

Not one to try and argue after their mom has said her piece, he hurried back up the stairs and, after very quietly retrieving a set of blue flannel pajamas from his room, he got himself into the shower. Not wanting to waste what little hot water their old heater was able to manage, he quickly scrubbed himself up, then washed his hair before rinsing and stepping out. 

He tugged on his pants, then quickly took care of his injured nose, combed his hair, and brushed his teeth before adding his shirt and walking out the door… right into a very sleepy Marshall. The guy looked like he was about to fall over where he stood, but when he realized that the door was now open, he hobbled past Walker and abruptly began peeing in the bathtub. 

I… should stop him, but he seems completely out of it. 

Thus, he waited silently, staring at the mirror so that he wouldn’t make things awkward… at least for himself. He doubted that Marshall gave a crap about who was watching him relieve himself. Once he was done with his impressively-long urination, he slowly turned around and walked right back toward the door. 

Uh, we’re going to at least do one extra thing. 

Walker gently shut the door and gestured toward the sink as he turned the warm water on, then picked up the hand soap bottle. 

“Wash your hands, please?” 

Marshall still didn’t seem able to focus, and after looking back and forth between the closed door and sink a few times, he finally looked up at Walker as tears began to run down his cheeks. 

Wait, what? 

“H-hey, it’s okay. Here, I’ll help you so that you can get back to bed,” Walker said nervously as he moved behind Marshall and gently guided him to face the sink. 

He then quickly added some soap to his own hands before gently rubbing his together with Marshall’s. The guy didn’t seem like he was enjoying himself, but he also didn’t fight him much. Just a few light tugs to try and remove his hands, but no growls or nips. 

“There we go. That’s all,” Walker said as he quickly dried the guy’s hands, then opened the door for him. “Go ahead back to bed. We’re going to get working on dinner.”

He was going to ask if he wanted his meal uncooked or cooked, but considering how out of it he was, there didn’t seem to be a point in the question. So, he simply watched the guy walk back to his room and silently nudge the door closed. 

I’ll just get him some uncooked and then a helping of whatever mom makes. Maybe he’d enjoy a home-cooked meal since he probably hasn’t had one in years. 

The idea made him smile, but it disappeared after a few moments as he headed back downstairs. He knew that getting Marshall to come around enough to enjoy being around them wasn’t going to be as easy as cooking him delicious food. 

It will be a process, but I’m willing to make the effort. 

Good, now get your effort down here so that we can get shit rolling, bro. 

Shaking his head, Walker hurried past his mother, who was already busy getting vegetables chopped in the kitchen, and headed downstairs through the open basement door. His brother was already loading up several cuts of steak into a container. Walker grabbed one of the bags of ground sirloin from the other chest freezer and carried it up by himself. 

Their mother had already gotten a huge tub of scalding hot water ready, so Walker carefully set it inside, then got out of the way as Ranger came up with his own container full. 

“So, tell me about that boy upstairs,” their mother said as Walker got busy cleaning off the dinner table, which they rarely had time to use when their mother wasn’t over. 

Ranger snickered at her question but quieted when a glare was directed at him over her shoulder. The lady was a foot shorter than them, and her dark brown hair was already starting to turn silver, but neither son would dare try to chastise her for scolding them. 

“He’s a shifter that decided to live his life out in the forest. Me and my group of hunting buddies stumbled across him while he was desperately foraging for something to eat. He’s really skinny, and since he was running out of time to pick up weight for the early winter, he decided to try and attack and eat us,” Walker said as he walked back into the kitchen and got down some plates and glasses. 

“So you decided to bring a ravenous, aggressive, probably-not-house-trained shape-shifter into your home by force?” his mother questioned with a look that pretty much screamed my son is a few cards shy of a full deck. 

 Biting back a chuckle, Walker set down the glasses in his arms at each spot on the table, then turned to smile at her. 

“He’s actually house trained… almost. He peed in the bathtub, which I totally forgot to clean…”

Ranger was just starting to laugh out loud when their mother turned to him and pointed up the stairs. 

“Get going. Go make yourself useful and get that scrubbed. It needed it anyways.” 

Walker glanced sideways at his brother, doing his best to hold in his own laughter. Ranger worked his ever-loving ass off outside, but when it came to household chores, he was sorely lacking in skill. He’d probably have to go upstairs later and redo some of his work, but just knowing that his brother had to actually scrub the bathtub was pretty funny. 

Once the table was set for four, though he doubted Marshall would join them, Walker headed back upstairs and got changed into some warmer clothes, checked to see that the young man was still asleep, then headed outside to tend to the evening chores around the property, since Ranger was preoccupied. He returned about two and a half hours later with a pale full of eggs and mussed up hair from the windy evening. 

After removing his boots, he stepped inside and shut the door, then brought the eggs over to the sink to clean and put away into cartons. By the time he was done they had three full ones in the fridge. 

“Dinner smells amazing,” he noted as he held himself back from opening the oven to check. 

His mother hated when they poked around her things while she was cooking. The food would be done when the food was done. Until then, they just needed to deal with it and make themselves useful. 

Since it probably wouldn’t be long before everything was ready, Walker retrieved the pajamas he’d previously been wearing and took a quick shower in the downstairs bathroom. It was usually just for guests, but he could smell the bleach coming from the upper one, even though his mother had told him that Ranger had finished awhile ago and was taking a nap. 

When he came back out of the bathroom, fully dressed and rubbing at his hair with a towel, he was shocked to see Marshall standing in the kitchen sipping slowly at a cup of water. He wasn’t look at anyone, just staring mostly downward, but his mother was glancing at him every few moments as she got the food over to the table. 

Walker wanted to run over and ask him if he needed anything else, or if he wanted to eat with them, but he knew that he probably didn’t want to talk to him. 

I did kidnap him… twice. 

He was just starting to walk toward the table when his mother hurried over to where he stood in the hall and grabbed his shoulder. Walker was a bit surprised, but he realized that she wanted to talk to him privately when he suddenly felt their mental connection stir to life. 

I did a little research on bear shifters. They aren’t too common, and they can be pretty aggressive. 

He couldn’t argue with that information.

There is one thing I was curious about, though. You said that he preferred to stay in the wild, so I looked up hibernation. It seems that, unlike most shifters, whose animals don’t really interfere with their human lives, bears are different. 

She turned and gestured toward Marshall, who was still nursing his glass of water without paying any attention to them. 

While I don’t condone your actions, you did probably save him. Bear shifters have to hibernate, to an extent. They get very groggy and zone out to the point where they can’t function properly. They usually use their vacation time from work to rest for whatever portion of winter they feel that their symptoms are the worst. 

Walker nodded slowly, taking in the information. 

He’s one of the shifters that hibernates at the beginning of winter? 

His mother nodded, then added. 

I’m not sure how he is going to work, honestly. That’s just some information that I looked up while cooking, but it was all about normal bear shifters. None of them wanted to live in the forest, at all. Your boy might be different, more heavily influenced by his animal side, but I wanted to let you know that you don’t need to try and wake him up from this. He’s okay, just going to be terribly tired and minimally reactive to things for a while. 

Walker smiled, reassured that Marshall’s behavior was at least considered normal for his kind of shifter. He headed toward the table and sat in one of the pushed-out seats, then looked over his shoulder at his mother as she called his brother down. Ranger took a bit to join them, but that was fine. It allowed him to turn his attention to Marshall, who had finally finished his large glass of water and was now staring hungrily at all of the dishes set out on the table. 

“You’re welcome to anything you’d like, sweetie. Walker even thawed out some brisket, if you’d prefer to eat raw,” his mother said as she walked over and retrieved that one final plate and brought it to the table. 

Marshall eyed everything quietly, though they did linger on the raw slices of beef on the smaller plate at the end of his appraisal. 

“There is plenty more of everything, so eat what you’d like,” his mother said as she finally sat down at the same time Ranger descended the stairs and took a seat beside her. 

When Marshall didn’t move from where he was standing, everyone seemed to silently decide to just start eating. Walker was slower than the others, taking his time scooping some mashed potatoes and steak onto his plate. He added a massive helping of the mixed vegetables his mother made, too. 

Ranger’s plate looked a bit more carnivorous. His meat was triple what Walker had taken, and there was not a single vegetable in sight besides a tiny plop of mashed potatoes. He ate much faster than anyone else, either, finishing off his food before Walker even started on his pile of vegetables. 

Since he was already full, Ranger took his empty plate and glass to the sink. He got busy on the dishes while the other two ate, which would normally be frowned upon, but they all seemed to notice how Marshall was keeping a good distance from the table and, every once in a while, looked toward Ranger nervously. 

When the man was finally away from the food, Marshall slowly shuffled closer. His eyes focused in on the raw meat, and the moment he got within reach, he slowly reached out and picked up a large piece. Instead of sitting down to consume it, however, he made his way to the far corner of the living room and sat down there, nibbling quietly on his little meal. 

He’s adorable. 

Walker couldn’t help but sneak glances toward the young man as they both ate. He was just about to make Marshall a big plate of food and bring it over to him once he’d finished his own meal, but his mother beat him to it. Her plate looked a bit odd to him, though. There were two pieces of the cooked meat, the rest of the raw, but beside it was a huge pile of vegetables. 

Don’t give me that look. Bears are foragers. They don’t hunt all the time so you shouldn’t feed him just meat. 

His mother rose from the table at that point and walked over to Marshall without looking at him most of the way. When she got close enough, she set the plate down in front of his feet, then gave him a warm smile before returning to help clean up the table. 

“Now then, my boys are going to take care of putting away the leftovers and cleaning up the kitchen while I enjoy a nice big glass of wine and your comfortable sofa.” 

He couldn’t argue. She helped them clean up and cooked a feast. She was also super sweet to Marshall, which he greatly appreciated. 

“We got this. Go relax, mom.”

Bear 8

(When your dog turns the armrest into a buttrest.)

The next day started out a bit of a mess. A leak had decided to make itself known in the roof of the house and their mother had made the decision to deep clean the place. That, in turn, meant that both boys had to be out of the house so that they didn’t get in her way. Of course, Marshall was allowed to stay since he slept most of the time… and she clearly doted on him, but Walker was sentenced to working on the roof while Ranger had all of the farm animals to deal with. 

He didn’t mind, since he was definitely happier being with the animals than on top of the roof, but that’s where another small, or rather, large, problem decided to show itself. 

“Nope, not today,” Ranger grumbled as he stomped toward their herd of horses after letting their few older ones free from the barn. 

He knew that stallion standing in the field several hands over their own herd. 

“I swear, he can never keep you over there, can he?” Ranger said as he walked up to the beautiful black stallion. 

It was a gorgeous animal, a Friesian with a hint of something else mixed in. Every so often it showed up in their paddocks, no doubt looking for their females. Thankfully, no foals ever came of it, but he wasn’t willing to just let the beast hang out. 

“Let’s go, horse. You’re not staying here anymore. I’m sure your owner is waiting for you… again,” Ranger said, chastising the beast as it slowly lifted its head from grazing on the few remaining bits of weeds that hadn’t been completely knocked out by the cold yet. 

Since he’d seen it from a good distance away, Ranger already had a rope on his waist to wrangle the large animal. 

“Come on. Time for you to go back home. I’m too busy to mess around with you today,” he said as he grabbed the rope and tossed it toward the horse. 

He was a pretty good horseman and rarely missed, so when the horse intentionally took a few steps back and snorted at him, he scowled and rewound the thick nylon. Figuring that it was just being stubborn, he stepped closer and tried again. This time, the horse hopped up on its hind legs just in time for a second dodge, then stomped back down to the ground with a swing of its head. 

“Alright alright. I get it, you’re bored. I don’t have time to mess with you today, though. Mom is having a cleaning frenzy in the house and Walker is fixing the roof while his new bear boy sleeps inside. I’ve got to do all the animals chores by myself now, so I really don’t need a distraction,” he growled at the animal, knowing damn well that it didn’t understand a thing he was saying. 

The horse stared at him for a long moment, but as soon as Ranger started lifting the rope to try and lasso it again, it dropped its head and began eating. 

Pinching his brow in frustration, he glared at the stubborn beast before stomping off toward the barn. He could hear it following him at a distance but didn’t bother looking back. It just wanted his attention. He decided to just leave it be for the moment since it never really bothered their females, and went about cleaning out some of the stalls. He’d done a good amount of them the previous day, so the few that still needed work didn’t take more than an hour. 

After he was positive that they were spotless, he added a good amount of straw and sawdust for padding, then smacked the stallion’s nose away from the bale of hay he needed to distribute to the feeders. 

Once the barn looked ready, he whistled for one of his main riding horses to come over. He hopped up onto its back when it stopped in front of him, but right as he was about to start directing it to do their daily check of the fence-line, he felt a thick nose shove upward at the bottom of his boot, then send him fumbling off the other side of his horse. 

Thankfully, he grabbed the animal’s mane before he could break something, but he was pissed. 

“What the hell is wrong with you? You could have killed me doing that!” he yelled as he stormed around the front of his horse… only to see the much larger equine nibbling at a few dropped pieces of hay on the ground as if it hadn’t just nearly broken his neck on purpose. 

When the animal simply swished its tail and turned around, giving him its backside, Ranger had half the thought to kick it. He knew better, however, because that would really end with him having something broken. 

Deciding to ignore it again, he turned back to his horse and was just about to jump back up when he felt something abruptly slide between his legs, then lift. His arms flailed in the air, desperate for something to grab onto, but the only thing that stopped him from falling off of the massive creatures back were his legs that somehow wrapped tightly around its neck in his panic. 

He got himself sitting up properly right as the horse began walking toward the fence-line. 

“Excuse me, but I have my own horse that is quite capable of doing his job,” he said in frustration. 

Yes, it was kind of cool to ride such a huge, well cared for stallion, but it wasn’t his and he definitely didn’t need it to be giving him rides. It was almost like it didn’t want to go back to its own farm. 

“You know what? You want attention so badly then let’s go. Move your butt so that I can get my job done faster and get my freezing backside back in the house,” Ranger said with a bit of snark as he squeezed his legs into the beast’s sides. 

It shook out its mane and glanced over its shoulder, as if daring him to do it again. Well, he was more than happy to oblige. Ranger gave the horse a medium-strength kick to both of its sides, making it abruptly lift up onto its back legs with a loud neigh. He’d seen it coming, though, and easily held on with his arms so that he wasn’t thrown off. 

As soon as its hooves slammed back down to the ground, it took off. 

“H-hey!” 

He didn’t expect it to stop at his shout, and of course, it didn’t. 

Fine. We’ll just get this done faster. 

Locking his arms and legs against the animal as tightly as he could, Ranger watched as the fence-line blurred by. Thankfully the crazy beast seemed to at least understand where he needed it to go. 

They finished in record time, and as they finally came to a stop a bit inside the barn, Ranger grabbed his lasso that he’d refastened onto his waist and yanked it over the animal’s head before slipping off of its back. He stumbled immediately but refused to release the rope. 

“Jesus, my legs,” he groaned, not used to riding so quickly without a saddle. 

His normal perimeter horse was more than happy to take things nice and slow and never gave him sass about where to go, which was why he didn’t bother to saddle it. 

“You’re a demon,” he moaned as he hobbled toward a stall, pulling the huge horse behind him. 

He was kind of surprised that it was actually letting him lead it, but at the same time it was panting pretty heavily, too. Perhaps it didn’t get ridden often so it was a little out of shape. The cold weather probably didn’t help, either.

“Alright, you’re just going to stay in here for now. I’ll give your owner a call as soon as I finish with my last few chores,” he said as he gave the horse a pat, then turned around to slip out the door. 

He was just about to start sliding it open, just enough so that he could get out without the horse being able to escape, when a large hand came from over his right shoulder and slammed against the door. 

The abrupt action made him jump, but thankfully his inner shift wasn’t worried enough to try and force its way free… yet. It was watching quietly, curious about the sudden change in situation. 

There was definitely no one in here when I brought the horse in…

He felt a cold hand gently press against his abs over the long-sleeved shirt he wore. He’d unzipped his jacket after their crazy ride, but he regretted it now as a warning growl slipped from his lips. And not a moment after that he heard a familiar, deep voice speak far too close to his left ear. 

“No need to call the owner, he’s not there to answer.”

Bear 9

“Heian,” Ranger grumbled as he stared at the stall door, a bit shocked at the man’s sudden appearance. 

He hadn’t seen him in quite a while, and even before that, the guy tended to keep to himself. He was a Chinese-American who had inherited the neighboring property from his immigrant father when he’d passed. He took after his Dutch mother is some of his looks, but still had the silky black straight hair from his Chinese father, and he gladly kept it long. 

His realtor was quite the nosy person and had known the man’s father for quite a while. 

Ranger had barely said but a few greetings to his neighbor over their few years living next to each other, and even less acknowledgements when Ranger brought his horse back to his own paddock. They did eventually exchange numbers because of the horse continuing to frequent his fields, but now he felt like an idiot for giving it to the guy. 

Not like he’s ever called you, though. 

He paused for a moment, then scowled. 

So each of those times I’ve had to deal with that black stallion, it had been you…

Annoyed and ready to give the guy a piece of his mind, Ranger smacked his hand away from his belly and spun around… only to come face to face with a horse. 

“That’s not funny. Change back, Heian.” 

The horse’s nostrils flared, taking in a deep breath as it pressed its muzzle against Ranger’s hair. He swatted it away, of course, then shoved the door open and stomped out. He could hear it following him at a distance, but he decided to just ignore again. If the guy didn’t want to tell him why he was freaking following him around, then so be it. He could take himself home when he got tired of bugging him. 

Actually…

Turning, he eyed the animal as it slowed to a stop. Seemingly wary now, the horse flicked its ears and stomped a foot as it remained in place. 

“If you’re going to hang around here, at least help me with the rest of the chores?” Ranger asked as he yanked up the zipper on his coat, taking a few tries to get it all the way up since it was older and well-worn. 

Heian flicked his tail and trotted toward him, stopping with his side to Ranger before snorting with some sort of excitement. 

“Yeah, no. I’m not riding you again. My legs still hurt from you trying to kill me,” he said as he grabbed the rope still around the horse’s neck and began to lead him. They were halfway to the small herd of goats he wanted to use Heian to corral back toward the barn in preparation for a round of deworming when he felt something sift through some of the strands on the back of his head, then gently tug. 

Fingers…

Whirling around, he opened his mouth to yell… but it was just a horse again. And said horse was ignoring him, grazing as it slowly walked away from him swishing its tail. 

“I’m not laughing.”

When Heian continued to ignore him, he sighed and started shooing the goats toward the barn. It was slow going for a while, but when they finally saw the hay feeders in their pens full, they quickly waddled in and allowed Ranger to slide the door shut. 

He’d already put all of the items he’d need inside, so he quickly got to work grabbing each animal and forcing the appropriate amount of dewormer into their mouths. They fought him and bleated, but as soon as he was done they just snorted and hobbled back to the hay feeders. 

It took nearly an hour until he was done. He would have finished about ten minutes earlier, but one of the smaller goats was a bitch to catch. He’d had to dive into the hay three times before he managed to grab the darn animal. 

Now, after they were all finally done, he decided to sit down against the back wall of the stall and just chill out for a few moments. His eyes had drifted shut at some point, but they jerked open when he heard the sound of the stall door being opened and felt a new pair of eyes on him. When he looked to the right toward the door, a tall, decently-built man stood against the entryway, his arms crossed over his slightly tan chest. Thankfully, the guy had decided to snag one of the towels he left in the tack room for when it rained and wrapped it around his waist. 

So you finally show yourself.

Instead of gracing him with his attention, Ranger just leaned his head back against the wall and let his eyes close again. He wasn’t worried about the man being there. He’d seen his horse in their field plenty of times. If he’d wanted to attack him, he would have already done it a long time ago. Thus, he wasn’t going to do anything… especially not acknowledge him, since he’d been messing with him all day. 

“You’re interesting, Ranger.”

The man’s deep, faintly-accented voice drew Ranger’s right eye open for just a moment before he pursed his lips and closed it, turning his head away. 

I have no idea why you keep showing up in our pastures, but the joke’s over. Go home. 

He heard the man walked closer but refused to open his eyes. It took a lot of effort to hold back, though. His inner predator didn’t really like not being able to see the person approaching, but it wasn’t really concerned about a horse shifter. 

“I enjoy seeing you,” Heian finally replied as he sat down beside him. 

Ranger did finally look at him then, turning his head toward the man… and nearly falling over with how fast he jerked himself away. The guy hadn’t sat down at a reasonable distance. He was nearly right up against him. He thankfully caught himself with his arms and scooted a little bit father away before settling again with a scowl. 

“What the hell does that mean? If you needed to talk to me you should have just called or walked over in your human form,” he said, utterly confused by the half-naked man he was now facing. 

Heian leaned the side of his head against the wall and gave Ranger a half-smile. 

“Words weren’t necessary.” 

Ranger glared at him. 

Weren’t necessary? You were stalking me! 

“I apologize. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to see you.” 

Ranger was just opening his mouth when he faltered, his eyes widening from confusion and shock. 

“Wait… what are you apologizing for?” he asked, worried what the answer might be. 

His heart was suddenly in his throat. 

Heian looked down for a moment, but quickly returned his solid gaze to his own before speaking. 

“Ever since you and your brother moved here I’ve been hearing a quiet static in the back of my mind. I’m not familiar with this kind of thing, because I’ve never had such a connection with anyone. Not even those in my own family, as that feels different. So I was very confused about the feeling,” he said, then continued with a small smile. 

“One day, I felt the static getting a little more clear while I was working close to your property, so I decided to shift and walk over. I do apologize for trespassing, multiple times. My curiosity has gotten the better of me.”

Ranger blinked, his mind unwilling to register what the man had said. 

“You… have a connection?” he asked, dumbfounded. 

Heian chuckled deeply, seemingly amused by his confusion. The man’s laughter made him scowl again, but when Heian leaned closer, Ranger growled quietly and leaned back. His reaction made the man return to his former position, though his smile remained firmly in place as he lifted a hand and pointed right at him. 

“I can hear what you are thinking if I am close enough to you, Ranger.” 

That had Ranger jumping to his feet, his face turning reddish-white in horror. 

“You can’t hear me! That’s ridiculous. That’s only something that can develop between family!” he yelled, his fists shaking at his sides. 

Heian let him fume for several moments before he slowly got himself to his own feet. He gently brushed off the dark blue towel he wore around his waist, removing the straw before turning his full attention back to Ranger. 

“I can understand your worry. I had a feeling that you wouldn’t accept me right away, so I decided to just keep my distance,” the man said, clearly relaxed about the insane situation while Ranger was close to hyperventilating. 

It had taken him years to simply develop his bond between his brother and mother. Now their neighbor, whom they’ve only ever even talked to a few times, suddenly has an intimate connection with him? 

Heian looked like he wanted to say more, and even took a step closer, but Ranger quickly backed up and let out a serious warning growl as his eyes flashed gold. That reaction got the man to hesitate, then calmly take several steps backward, putting him in the entryway to the stall. 

“I’m very sorry for scaring you. I just couldn’t keep the situation as it was, though I now realize how much I’ve misjudged how this would affect you. I’ve never been very good at interacting with others and seem to be too straight-forward for some,” Heian said as he ran a hand through his long hair, draping a small part of it on his front left side. 

Ranger quieted his growl as the man retreated, but the action brought forth his shift’s aggressive urges. Before he knew it he was stalking Heian step for step out of the barn. His low growling returned as the teeth in his mouth slowly began to sharpen. By the time they got to the barn entrance he was ready to pounce… and for once, he didn’t try to fight his shift’s bloodlust. 

He lunged, aiming a punch at the man’s face. A firm hand grabbed his own in a blur, though, easily blocking his attack before he was abruptly spun around, then pulled back against a cold chest and held there. 

“I will never intentionally harm you, Ranger. I do hope that my honesty today has earned me your respect in that aspect, at least,” Heian said before Ranger felt fingers sift through his hair one last quick time before he was released and nudged forward just enough to make him stumble before whirling back around with bared human teeth. 

His aggressive posturing dissolved as he noticed that Heian had retreated a small distance and was looking at him over his shoulder, a long piece of clean straw between his lips that he had likely swiped from Ranger’s mussed hair when he’d sifted it through his fingers moments ago. When he noticed him looking Heian simply nodded, but then seemed to realize something and looked down at himself. 

Ranger’s eyes followed automatically, but he really wished that they hadn’t when the man unfastened the towel and tossed it toward him to land at his feet with a knowing grin. 

You perverted horse! 

Heian raised a hand to his mouth abruptly to try and smother a coughed laugh, but it was obvious that he’d heard his thoughts… again. 

Blowing out a frustrated, hissed breath, Ranger swiped the towel from the ground and turned toward the house. He was done with that guy, period! 

“Hey Rane, who was that guy?” Walker asked as he hopped down from the ladder leading to the roof as Ranger approached. “He kind of looked like our neighbor,” he added helpfully. 

Ranger snarled at his brother as he passed, refusing to answer before he disappeared into the house and slammed the door shut. 

Fuck that strange guy. 

(His name is a play on a word that means darkness in Chinese because of his horse’s color. Pronounced Hey-on.)

Bear 10

Darkness met his blurry vision as Marsh drowsily opened his eyes. His mind couldn’t focus, but the need to pee dragged him out of his slumber. He’d never been in such a hibernation and it was hard to function through the constant cloud of exhaustion settled in his mind. 

“Marshall?” 

Marsh hadn’t even realized that he’d made it to the hallway until he heard Walker call out to him quietly. 

“Are you alright?” the man asked as he walked up and knelt down in front of him, making Marsh give a quiet grumble. He’d meant for it to be a loud warning growl, but he couldn’t muster up enough energy to raise the volume or even bare his teeth. 

The sound he did put a small smile on Walker’s face as he reached forward and gently touched Marsh’s injured leg. It had been healing decently well, but it still made him limp often, especially when he wasn’t paying attention. 

“Go ’way,” he eventually mumbled as he shuffled around the man and headed toward the bathroom. 

He felt eyes watching him as he moved, but didn’t expect Walker to suddenly run up behind him and press a hand to his forehead to stop him from walking. The action woke him up a little more, resulting in a quick but sloppy bite to the man’s wrist, though he couldn’t break the skin. A hint of satisfaction welled in his belly when he heard Walker hiss behind him and remove his hand, but then he realized what he’d been doing and actually felt a little bad. He’d stopped him from walking face-first into the closed bathroom door. 

Turning, Marshall nervously looked up at Walker’s smiling face in the darkness. He couldn’t understand why the man still looked happy. He didn’t bite him hard since he felt like he was permanently half asleep, but it still probably hurt. 

“It’s alright. I know that running up to you like that would probably get me a reprimand, but I didn’t want you to hurt yourself by accident. It’s my fault that you’re here, anyways, so I should protect you while you’re hibernating. 

Marsh blinked up at him, but was struggling to get his mind to register a response. When he felt Walker settled a hand on his head for a brief moment, he frowned, then slowly turned as the man walked around him to open the door, then hold it for him. 

“You needed to use the restroom, right? Go ahead, I’ll wait.” 

Having nothing else to say, Marsh walked in and, catching himself right before he peed in the bathtub for the third time, he turned and used the toilet. Once he was done he flushed, then did his best to wash his hands while still in his daze. 

 When he stepped out of the room a few minutes after entering, Walker was waiting for him with his usual smile. 

“Here, let me help a second before you go back to bed?” he asked as he slowly reached forward, giving Marsh plenty of time to retreat, but he didn’t feel any hostility, so he let him gently grasp one of his hands and press the edge of his T-shirt against his damp skin, drying it. 

Walker did the same with his other one, then stepped out of the way and nodded toward his room, which had technically become Marsh’s. He’d been sleeping on the sofa downstairs but often came up to check on him. He could hear the door creak every so often in the back of his sleeping mind. 

Marsh remained still as he processed the situation. Walker figured that he was doing just that and carefully stepped around him to go relieve himself in the bathroom. 

When the man stepped back out a few minutes later, Marsh looked up and over his shoulder at him. 

“Is everything okay? Are you hungry or thirsty? I can go get you whatever you need.” 

Was he hungry? Not really, Walker had been bringing him food if he didn’t come down. He also wasn’t thirsty, as the man had left a large container of filtered water beside his bed on the nightstand so that he could have it whenever he liked. He also kept it refilled and cool with some ice cubes. 

He turned and took a step closer to Walker, curious what his reaction might be. The guy’s eyes widened slightly and his right foot took a half-step back. 

“Is something wrong?” he asked, confused. 

Marsh took several minutes to configure his response through his hazy mind, but when he finally spoke, he was pretty sure that he had the words right. 

“You should sleep in your room.”

He knew that Walker would protest, but he didn’t feel like trying to wade his way through an actual conversation. Exhaustion was permanently heavy on his mind and body, so he simply reached out and took the man’s wrist, then turned and slowly walked back toward the room. His den of blankets was plenty big enough for another bear… he could share for at least one night. Besides… the guy definitely ran warmer than himself, and the added heat was not something Marsh could easily pass up. 

Walker seemed hesitant to follow him, but he didn’t fight the tug from Marsh’s hand as he guided him back to his room. He also blocked Marsh from smacking his forehead on the doorjamb by accident, again. His bad eye just wasn’t getting better and it made walking around at night, especially while in a daze, that much more tricky. 

I can use him as extra vision, too.

He might have felt bad about it, since he continuously tried to kill the guy, but Walker hadn’t exactly been perfect. He’d kidnapped him, twice, and caused his injuries, to an extent. 

With a slight, rare smile, Marsh pulled Walker over to the bed and then turned around to face the guy who was staring at him like he was about to be eaten by his bear. 

He eyed his clothed body briefly, but then realized that there was a damp spot on the man’s shirt because he’d used it to dry his hands earlier. Not wanting to accidentally brush against the cold area, he reached forward and grabbed the hem, then tried to yank it over Walker’s head… but because of his foggy mind, he was just tugging the guy closer to him. 

“You want me to take it off?” Walker questioned after a moment as he awkwardly grabbed the edge of the shirt and pulled it up and over his head. 

Marsh reached forward before Walker had even dropped the shirt, pressing against his chest with a satisfied grumble. He was warm. He would do. 

Without hesitation, Marsh grabbed Walker’s wrist and pulled him onto the bed, then beneath the huge mound of blankets he’d used to make his den. The bigger guy seemed to have some trouble getting into the mass of blankets without knocking over his hard work, but he took his time making sure not to mess anything up too badly. 

Marsh tried to fix a few of the holes, but eventually just nudged Walker until the guy was lying on his back, then flopped over onto his chest with one arm draped over to the other side. He was out seconds later with the added warmth, completely uninterested in whether Walker was having a mental breakdown about it or not… which he was. 

What is sleep?

Ranger looked out into the darkness as he sat lounging on the long seat there, yawning for the tenth time that night. It was already close to two in the morning, but his previous run-in with Heian was seriously bothering him. The worst part? He’d left with his favorite lasso still around his neck!

He wanted it back, but that meant that he’d likely have to go over to the guy’s property. 

Wait. He wouldn’t bring that into the house. He’d leave it out in his barn… maybe the tack room. 

Standing up abruptly, he felt a jolt of energy zip through his body as he shoved the window open, then slipped on his sneakers and hopped up onto the ledge. 

“I’ll just go get it. It’s mine, anyways,” he thought out loud as he carefully hopped down to the ground. 

His shift helped him handle jumping from higher heights, making it easy to slip past his mother who would, no doubt, hear him trying to open the front door at such a late hour and question him till he spilled everything. 

Tch, nothing to spill. 

He’d forgotten a coat, but he didn’t plan to be out long enough for it to matter. His shift made his body run hotter than most, anyways, and he was wearing his dark red flannel pajamas, too. He easily ran the distance separating the edge of their two properties, his muscles warming up, making it tolerable. 

After clearing the main fence, Ranger heard the sound of a horse whinnying far off in the distance. 

Probably that black mare that I always see running up to us when I return Heian’s black stallion. 

Shrugging off the thought, Ranger slowed his pace slightly, allowing himself to catch his breath. It took him about fifteen minutes, walking at a brisk pace, to see his neighbor’s horse pasture come into view. It was next to his house, just like their own. He kept quite a few beautiful Frisians, but Ranger never noticed a male anywhere within the herd the previous times he’d been on the property. 

As he approached the last few feet, the mare that had likely been the one making noise ran over to him. He chuckled at her enthusiasm so late at night, a bit surprised that she wasn’t in the barn because of the temperature. 

“Hey girl, aren’t you cold?” he asked as he reached up to pat her nose, then moved his hand to her neck after he easily cleared the fence, then began walking with her toward the barn off in the distance. 

She snorted and trotted ahead of him for a moment before turning back and prancing around him in a circle. 

“I wish I had your energy. Haven’t slept yet,” he said as a familiar shadow appeared near the house a ways from the barn. 

“Uh oh. Did you tell your dad that I was coming?” he asked jokingly, making the mare jerk her head up and down before running toward the large stallion calmly walking toward them. 

He halted when the mare ran over to him and nuzzled his face. Heian’s horse returned the gesture, flicking his tail as he did so. She ran around him a few times, nipping at his mane and snorting before running back toward Ranger. 

When she was within reach, he gladly scratched her neck, then continued forward, figuring that he now had to deal with Heian, since he was somehow awake at this ungodly hour. 

They met after a few quiet minutes, but when Heian didn’t shift, Ranger raised an eyebrow and frowned. 

“I just came to get my lasso. I didn’t think that you’d be up, so I was just going to grab it from the barn,” he said, already turning toward the building that would, undoubtedly, hold the item he was seeking. 

“It’s not there,” came a voice from behind him. 

He turned quickly, afraid that the guy might have shifted back before he could question him about it… and he was right. Heian’s giant horse stared at him for a moment before flicking its ears and walking closer, then turning sideways. 

“I’m not riding you. You are a dangerous animal,” Ranger said with a scowl before he turned back toward the barn. “And you’ve got to be lying. There would be nowhere else to put it besides the barn.”

He walked for a short time before looking over his shoulder. Heian’s horse had turned and was walking back toward the house. It seemed to have sensed him watching, because it looked over its own shoulder, then jerked its head toward the home and snorted. 

The house? You seriously put my lasso in your house? 

Who would do that? 

Him, evidently. 

Ranger fought himself to keep walking toward the barn, but after a few harsh gusts of wind rustled his hair and finally began to illicit some shaking from his body, he grudgingly turned toward the house and started walking faster. 

The door was open by the time he got to it, but Heian was nowhere in sight. He didn’t see the mare, either, but he figured that she’d retreated back to the heated barn since the excitement was now over. 

He didn’t like the idea of simply walking into someone else’s home, but the warmth called to him as his body began to shake violently from the frigid temperatures outside. 

He said that it was in here… just go get it. He’s a horse, you can easily tear him apart if you have to defend yourself. 

Squaring his shaking shoulders, Ranger stepped inside. His freezing nose picked up the scent of something mouthwatering immediately, drawing his feet slowly toward where he assumed the kitchen was in the back of the house. He realized when he was about halfway there that he’d forgotten to take his shoes off, and quickly nudged them both off and pushed them to the side before continuing toward the scent. 

He didn’t exactly want to find Heian, but the guy would know where his lasso was, which would save him a lot of frustration searching. 

When he got to the end of the small hallway Ranger stepped into a massive kitchen that was easily double the size of the one he had on his own property. Pots and pans hung from an apparatus on the ceiling and quite a few gizmos and gadgets lined parts of the immeasurable black granite counterspace. 

Mom would be in heaven in here…

“She’s welcome to visit if she’d like,” Heian said from behind him as a thick, warm blanket was settled over his shoulders, then wrapped around his body at the same times the arms that were controlling it pulled him into a gentle hug. 

Ranger snarled immediately and jumped forward, breaking free without an ounce of effort. It threw him off a bit, since he figured that the guy was trying to keep hold of him. 

“I plugged that blanket in to warm it when Nia alerted me to your presence. I could feel our connection a lot closer than it normally is, so I knew that it had to be you who had come to visit… at close to three in the morning?” 

Ranger felt his face heat as he tugged the blanket tighter around himself. 

At least he put on some clothing before coming to find me. 

The outfit was a pair of black silk pajama pants and a matching long-sleeved stop, but it was definitely better than naked. 

“I just wanted my lasso back. I told you I was just here to get it out of the barn,” he mumbled, looking away from the guy before returning his attention to his face with a glare. 

“I see,” Heian said as he walked over to the microwave and pulled out a large plate of roasted pork. 

That smells amazing. 

“Would you like some? I bought a bit too much, and I’m not a huge meat eater,” Heian said, bringing Ranger back to his senses. 

“I’m not here to eat,” he said as he looked around, even though the kitchen was definitely not somewhere the guy would have left his lasso. 

Why was he heating up food so late at night, anyways?

He forced his tired body to turn around and stalk toward the living area he’d walked through previously. It was very elegantly styled, but definitely showed some woodsy charm, too. The guy was a country man, that was for sure. 

“Alright, you want your lasso back? Follow me,” Heian said as he walked past him and headed up a dark wooden flight of stairs. 

Ranger hesitated for only a second before following after him with some effort. He was really beginning to feel his exhaustion, but he knew that his shift could easily take Heian if anything happened. He had no idea why he had to keep reminding himself about that, though. 

“It’s alright. I would never hurt you,” Heian said as he continued walking, clearly having picked up on Ranger’s nervousness. 

I’m not freaking nervous. 

Heian gave a muffled chuckle abruptly, hiding the sound behind his hand as he turned and opened a door, then stepped inside a room that was warmer than the rest of the home. 

Ranger hesitated by the door as his eyes were drawn around the expansive area, the giant king-sized bed with dark red blankets and black pillows, then finally landed on the fire burning calmly in the hearth. 

It was a beautiful bedroom and far larger than any he’d ever seen. 

He seems to like size over function. 

“Oh, I can assure you that it functions quite well, even for its size.” 

The abrupt innuendo had his tired brain short-circuiting, drawing another quiet laugh from the man who had walked back over to him, the soft nylon of his lasso drew Ranger’s eyes as it was gently tugged through Heian’s long fingers. 

Oh… that’s mine. 

“It is,” Heian said as he calmly lifted a length of it and slowly, softly, wound it around Ranger’s own neck. 

“Spend the night with me, Ranger?” he whispered as he leaned down to press a kiss to the piece of rope still grasped between his fingers. 

Ranger blinked, trying to process the man’s actions, but failing. The lights seemed to be darkening every few moments. He opened his mouth to say something, to decline the absurd invitation, but his vision blurred, even though he blinked repeatedly to try and clear it. 

He didn’t want to fall asleep in such a place, and especially after such a proposition, but the cold had stolen the remainder of his strength faster than he’d expected. His head bobbed forward, his forehead landing against a soft fabric covering a firm chest. 

A faint, gentle tug was felt before a lock of his hair was brushed aside, then tucked behind his ear. 

“Don’t worry, Ranger. I said that I would never hurt you, and I meant it. Rest here tonight. I’ll wake you for breakfast tomorrow.” 

Ranger tried desperately to lift his head, but he barely managed to nuzzle against the guy, who had since wrapped his arms around his waist to keep him from dropping as his legs got shaky. 

“I am extremely happy that you came to visit me, even if it was only to retrieve your rope, but I am also very mad that you did so in such poor clothing for the temperature outside,” Heian said, his voice sounding more like a far-off echo in Ranger’s mind now. 

He felt the man sigh more than heard it.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” he said before carefully picking him up. 

A few seconds later and Ranger felt himself being settled into the large bed. He wasn’t sure if Heian said anything else, or did anything else, but the moment his head sunk into a soft pillow, he was out cold.

Bear 11

Too hot. 

Ranger rolled around beneath the smooth, soft blankets covering him. 

Too cold.

He felt like he was in an unending dream where the temperatures went up and down, but refused to stay at a tolerable level. 

“I’m sorry to call you over here so abruptly, but he’s just not getting better.”

He recognized that voice, but couldn’t quite piece together the words or picture their owner. 

“Not a problem. I’m glad you called. I was worried when he didn’t come down for breakfast,” another, much more familiar voice replied as Ranger felt something damp press against his forehead, then wipe away sweat from his face and neck. 

“He never handled getting sick well. His brother can just laugh off a cold, but they hit Ranger really hard,” the newer voice, which he could now tell was female, replied. 

There was a sound of understanding before the male voice responded. “He came over looking for his lasso that I had accidentally borrowed, but he wasn’t dressed for the weather.”

The woman chuckled quietly as Ranger felt a container holding some sort of warm liquid press against his lips. 

“He’s a sweetheart, but definitely not the brightest. He’s snuck out on plenty of occasions just like this when he was little. If he wanted to get a few more pebbles from the pond for his little rock collection but didn’t want to wait until morning when the temperature was higher, he’d jump out of his window at night and come home the next day half-frozen. Or like when he was in high school and discovered girls. Oh boy, he would be sneaking out at least once a week, sometimes just in a pair of shorts, even when there was ice on the ground,” the woman’s voice chastised, and that’s when he realized that his mother was there. In Heian’s house. In his bedroom. Taking care of him. 

  Kill me now. 

“Do you  mind if I use your kitchen, Mr. Li?” his mother asked with an enthusiasm that made Ranger want to groan, but he didn’t have the energy. 

“Of course not. Help yourself to whatever you need in the refrigerator and freezer, too,” Heian replied as Ranger felt the side of the bed next to him depress. 

He could hear his mother run out of the room in less than a second. 

Don’t leave me here with him!

Oh hush, you. Mr. Li has been treating you all night and all day. He hasn’t even gone to sleep yet. You better thank him when you are feeling better!

Ranger bit his tongue on a response. What could he say? That the guy was after his ass and was probably just pretending to be nice? 

The faint tug against his hair that he hadn’t noticed previously stopped abruptly, drawing his attention to the words that he knew  he hadn’t thought. 

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell what you’re thinking right now, but I can feel that I’m making you extremely uncomfortable. I’ll excuse myself. I’ve got to get outside to take care of the morning chores,” Heian said as the pressure on the bed beside him lifted away. 

Ranger felt his heart fidget nervously as he heard the man’s footsteps head toward the bedroom door. Right before he stepped out Ranger managed to force one of his eyes to crack open. 

He changed his clothes but his hair is in a messy ponytail. 

Even without brushing it out or any product, it was still nearly to the bottom of his back.  

The light was switched off a moment later, leaving him in a darkness that swiftly stole his consciousness away again. 

He awoke some time later, feeling a little better. It was obvious that he still had a fever, but he wasn’t so hot that he was rolling around, struggling to escape the temperature, only to start shivering minutes later. 

Pushing himself up against the stack of pillows on the bed, Ranger opened his tired eyes to look around the room. At first, it appeared to be night time, but when he looked toward the large floor-to-ceiling windows on the right, he realized that there were tiny flecks of light peeking in through miniscule spaces around the blackout curtains. 

I need to get some of those. 

So it was some time in the morning or afternoon, but he couldn’t make his body want to wake up enough to actually go downstairs… especially if his mother was still there. 

“She’s not,” came Heian’s exhausted voice from his left. 

Ranger quickly turned his head to look, then felt his upper body lean away abruptly, even though there was plenty of space between him and the other man, and the latter wasn’t even facing him.

The urge to get the heck out of the massive bed pushed Ranger toward the edge, but when he stood up, another urge took over and he hurried toward the attached bathroom next to the huge window. 

“Holy…” he rasped quietly as he turned on the dimming light in the room, grateful that it wasn’t a simple glaringly-bright bulb. 

As the soft glow illuminated the large area, Ranger couldn’t believe his eyes. There was a two sink marble vanity to his left with a small white cup by the faucet that held a toothbrush. Two dark red hand towels were folded on the far end of it with another two clean washcloths folded beside them. 

Three cabinets above the two sinks called to his cat’s curiosity, but he knew better than to snoop. He’d gotten in enough trouble with that over the years already. 

Everything was spotless as he walked farther inside, remembering to shut the door after a few moments. Not wanting to get distracted again when he definitely had to pee, he quickly got his business done, then washed his hands before drying them on one of the hand towels. 

Once that set of tasks was complete, he returned his attention to examining the bathroom. There was a separate shower off to the side with enough room for two, if not three people, easily. The glass wasn’t frosted, either, so if anyone wanted to see inside, it would be as easy as looking. 

Rolling his eyes, Ranger looked at what had original caught his attention. A large, five-point hot tub sat in the opposite corner, taking up twice as much room as the shower. 

If I didn’t feel like I was boiling just standing here…

He expected some sort of comment from Heian about his thoughts on the room, but when the man remained silent, he calmly stepped out, then turned off the light behind himself. 

“Heian?”

Did he actually fall asleep? 

Quietly, Ranger inched his way closer to the bed. The soft pillows were calling to him, as well as the cool, crisp sheets… but he needed to get the hell home. He had his own bed and his own pillows. 

His eyes wandered to Heian’s form in the darkness. The man had one arm tucked up under his head with the other resting just beyond his pillow. He was facing away, his hair splayed over the other side of the pillow and draped along the bedsheet. 

Slowly, quietly, Ranger took a step forward. He waited a few moments for any kind of reaction from the sleeping man, but he just continued to breathe steadily in and out. 

He took another step. Then another. When he finally got back to the bed he leaned forward and climbed onto it silently, his eyes turning gold as his feline pressed itself closer to the surface, providing excellent night vision. 

The bed dipped so slowly as he approached that it would be nearly impossible to sense while sleeping. 

Shit! Don’t do this. Not right now!

He’d lost control of his damn shift at the worst possible time!

Ranger fought to regain control, but he was barely only hanging on by a thread so that the cat wouldn’t break free of his human skin. 

“H-Hei…” he ground out between clenched teeth, trying to warn the man who still seemed blissfully unaware of the danger he was in. 

Ranger blinked several times, trying to force his cat to the back of his mind again, but when he opened his eyes for a fifth time and everything was suddenly pitch black, he felt his heart jump into his throat. 

I… lost all of my control. I can’t do anything now. 

He was normally able to see what his shift was doing, but for some reason, he couldn’t feel the actual shift taking place. Which meant that it was controlling his human body and had decided not to change for some reason. It had happened before, but only twice from what he could remember. 

Terrible time for a third go, but I guess it’s better than me sprouting claws and massive incisors. Heian might be able to handle it. 

Ranger paced in the darkness of his mind, waiting for his shift to finally release its control. It took what felt like ages, but eventually, his vision began to clear. He expected carnage, or at least a decent amount of blood, but when he was finally able to regain control of himself, he was nuzzling his face against something solid and warm. 

Oh god. I killed him. 

Feeling his entire body turn to ice, Ranger slowly pushed himself up to stare down at the bare chest beneath him. It was marred with a couple of bad scratches, but his full claws clearly hadn’t come out. 

He’s not disemboweled…

Looking higher, he saw a few nip marks on his neck, but nothing too bad. The bleeding from those had already stopped. 

It wasn’t a throat bite that killed him. 

Nervously, he looked higher, but took a moment to tilt his head slightly and rub the side of his face against the warm arm that still had its fingers softly moving within his hair. It had a couple nibbles on it, too, but—

Wait. 

Wait a second. 

His brain took a moment to catch up to what he just did before his eyes quickly lifted to a tired, yet smiling, face. 

“Alive…?” Ranger rasped in disbelief as his arms gave out abruptly, no longer willing to hold his weight. 

Heian caught him easily, then tugged him up a bit so that he could hold him in his arms. The man had moved to lean against the mound of pillows previously put together for Ranger. 

“You have quite the animal inside of you, hmm?” Heian finally said as he carefully worked his way out from the beneath the remainder of the blankets his lower half had been under, then easily stood up with Ranger in his arms. 

Being so on edge already, Ranger practically climbed nearly to the guy’s shoulders, but was just-barely unsuccessful in perching there as he slid back down his chest to the sound of a quiet chuckle. 

“It’s alright. I’m not mad at you, and you didn’t do anything that won’t heal in a few days with some basic treatment,” Heian said as he walked with him into the bathroom. 

Ranger looked over the man’s shoulder as they moved, noting that his pajama top had been shredded in several places. 

I’m sorry , he thought after a few moments. 

Heian remained silent until he set Ranger on the counter, then turned the dimmer light on just enough to see. 

“It’s alright, Ranger. Your shift just wanted attention. It simply acted like a normal cat, demanding affection, but also demanding that it be on its terms… and those terms changed quite abruptly on multiple occasions,” he said with a light laugh as he reached up into one of the medicine cabinets and pulled out a few things. 

Hunching his shoulders, Ranger shivered lightly as he watched the man tend to his own wounds. He wanted to help, but he couldn’t keep from shaking, though most of it was now from stress instead of his sickness. 

“Are you feeling alright now?” Heian asked as he placed a small bandage across a portion of his chest for the third time. 

He really didn’t know what to say. It was shocking to see Heian still whole once he’d regained control of himself, but he hated knowing that he’d cut the guy up a lot, too. 

“It really is alright. Your cat is a sweetheart. It just didn’t understand its own strength,” Heian said as he looked up from applying the last bandage for his lower abdomen. 

“H-hey,” he stuttered awkwardly as he lifted a hand to gently wipe away the tears Ranger wasn’t aware he’d been shedding. 

He expected Heian to just go about his business, but he didn’t move from where he stood as his eyes locked on his own. 

“Were you afraid that your shift had transformed and killed me?” 

Ranger slowly nodded, lowering his eyes to his lap. 

“But it didn’t. You were honestly adorable rubbing your face against my arms and chest,” Heian said as he moved between Ranger’s open legs, then lifted his arms, hands gently cupping either side of his face. 

“Cry it out, then let’s go back to bed and wake up tomorrow morning ready to make some steps forward?” Heian asked with a half-smirk that made Ranger feel like he should scowl in response, but he didn’t have the heart, nor energy. 

Instead, he simply reached forward with one hand and poked the man in the chest, nudging him backwards until he was just far enough away to allow him to slip from the countertop without rubbing their bodies together. 

“Goin’ to sleep,” he grumbled out as he ducked around the man and hurried to bury himself beneath the blankets on the bed. 

He expected the guy to try and play his injury cards while he had them, but Heian remained silent as he slid into his bed on the far side, then got comfortable. 

Ranger waited and waited, but when at least five minutes had passed and the other man remained quiet, he curled up a little more, then mumbled out a near-silent “night.” 

He thought that Heian had gone to sleep, but right after he’d finished speaking, there was an immediate response of “Good night, Ranger. Wake me if you need anything at all.”

Bear 12

Where the hell is Ranger? 

Walker felt eyes on him as he tended to the goats in his winter gear. Marshall had actually allowed himself to be dressed and was standing near the fence-line, watching him intently. 

I’m so confused. After sleeping with him last night he’s been glued to me. 

The thought made him fidget, making him drop more food than he’d intended. Of course, the goats were more than happy to clean it up for him.

“You pigs,” he mumbled as he turned back toward the barn. 

He returned the food to the feed room, then mucked two stalls… all with eyes on him. When he looked up after his third stall Marshall was standing near the entrance to the barn, his eyes still glued to him. He let him be until he was completely done with his other bits of work, then walked over two hours later. 

“Was there something you wanted to do out here, Marshall?” he finally asked since the man still hadn’t returned to the warm house. 

I swear mom is even cooking again today. I’m shocked he’s not waiting near the kitchen. 

“My name is Marsh,” was his reply, making Walker blink for a moment before realizing the nickname. 

“Oh, sure. I can call you that from now on.” 

Was that all he came out here for? 

It didn’t make sense. 

“Walker, I’ll keep you, okay?” 

Walker felt his jaw go slack for a moment before he closed it, then opened it again to try and speak… but what did he say to that? 

“Do you… understand what you just asked?” he eventually questioned, already fidgeting with the gloves on his hands nervously. 

Marsh tilted his head as the wind blew his already-messy hair around. 

Ah, he needs a shower. 

The guy had been out of it most of the time since he’d gotten there, which made Walker suddenly realize that he probably didn’t understand what he was saying. 

“I’m done out here for now. Would you like to go take a shower?” 

He’d taken one soon after he’d brought him home, but since then… he’d mostly been hibernating. 

Yeah, definitely shower day. 

“No,” was Marsh’s response as he slowly turned away and began shuffling back toward the house. 

That’s when Walker noticed something else that probably needed done, too. 

He needs shoes that actually fit him. 

He needed a lot of things that actually fit him, but getting him into a store to try things on didn’t seem logical, or probable. 

Wait a minute. I can just measure him before he takes a shower. That would be killing two birds with one stone… but how to get him to allow it. 

Following after the other smaller man, Walker stayed at a distance as he continued his thought process. Eventually, he decided to just ask him outright. He doubted that he liked stomping around in too-big shoes and having to hold up pants while walking. 

Stepping inside the house, Walker noticed a trail of clothing leading up the stairs that was definitely what Marsh had been wearing. 

Wait, I can catch him now while he’s naked and before he gets back into bed!

Hurrying to the kitchen utility drawer, Walker pulled out a length of measuring fabric, then ran up the stairs. Thankfully, Marsh was coming out of the bathroom at that moment, clearly intent on returning to bed. When he looked up, Walker stepped forward and held up the measuring tape. 

“Can I measure you real quick so that I can order you some clothing? I’m sure it’s annoying not having anything that fits…” 

He also wanted to get him in the shower, but he’d take either or at the current moment. 

Marsh looked at the measuring tape, then back to Walker, repeating the gesture many times before he finally seemed to decide on what he wanted to respond with. 

“You want me to shower?” he asked slowly, clearly trying to get his words in order through his clouded mind. 

Walker nodded quickly, a hopeful smile appearing on his face. 

“You shower, too.” 

The excitement drained from his eyes as Walker felt his lips turn downward into a frown. 

“Me… too? You mean, after you?” he asked, pretty sure that was what Marsh had to have meant. 

When the other man shook his head and stepped forward, Walker stepped back, only to feel the wall abruptly stop him. 

When had I turned, or even backed up several steps?

He suddenly felt like he’d been the one in a daze as Marsh stepped forward again, putting them toe to toe. 

“You want to measure me… and a shower. I think the deal is acceptable.” 

That’s not morally acceptable, though!

“I-I’ll just do it another time,” Walker mumbled as he awkwardly stepped to the side a few times, then hurried back down the stairs. 

He could have sworn that he heard Marsh chuckling quietly behind him, but didn’t dare look back. 

Ranger blinked open his eyes as he heard his shift grumble in the back of his mind. His vision was a little blurry, making him realize immediately that he was in a shared dream. 

Oh no. His cat rarely ever connected with him unless it took over his human body previously. He knew what was going to happen next without even needing to think about it. 

As his vision mostly cleared, he was creeping closer to Heian’s sleeping form. He felt his stomach twist into knots as he approached, even though he knew what the outcome had been. 

When he was just beginning to start climbing over the man, he suddenly dropped down to the blankets and began rubbing the side of his face against Heian’s back. 

The knots in his stomach tightened, but this time it was from embarrassment. 

His cat growled quietly as it continued its affections, eventually rousing Heian out of his sleep. He slowly rolled onto his back, then began pushing himself up when Ranger saw his own hand shoot out and rake down the man’s chest at the same time his other arm pushed his body up and forward slightly. 

He was now lying on Heian’s chest, and Ranger now knew where some of the marks on his chest had come from, because his cat refused to stop clawing at it with his right hand until Heian began running his fingers through his hair. 

When his cat realized that it was being pet, it bristled at first, drawing another light line of blood on the man, but then it realized something… it liked the attention. For the moment. 

Ranger watched as he moved even closer on top of the man, then continued to rub the side of his face against his collar-bone area. 

They remained that way for some time, but the moment Heian decided to stop petting his head, he lunged forward and took a few nips out of his neck with a warning growl being added to the end of the actions. 

The petting resumed immediately, along with an apology and a quiet chuckle. 

Over the next span of time Ranger’s shift rolled about every once in a while from one side of Heian to the other. At one point, and Ranger really wished that his shift hadn’t shared this little detail, he rolled over onto his back and reached up to grab one of Heian’s hands… then brought it down to rub his belly. 

The look on Heian’s face made Ranger wanted to never wake up… especially because he was still asleep in the man’s own bed. 

They remained that way for another stretch of time, but then something happened that made Ranger not feel as bad for the bite marks he’d left. 

Heian, with a new, devilish smile, lifted his hand away intentionally. Ranger’s shift tilted its head where it had been lying, then quickly reached up and dragged the arm back down to where it should have remained. 

It stayed there, rubbing at his belly and chest, for another bit of time before Heian grinned, teeth and all, and pulled it away again. 

Well, his shift was ready this time and snatched it immediately, dragging it back down and adding a few good nips to his arm for good measure. 

Mortified, Ranger tried not to pay attention to the remainder of the dream, which thankfully just consisted of extended belly rubs. 

After what felt like forever, his vision began to blur more, then darkness took over and the dream ended. 

That left him awake and beneath the blankets he’d evidently squirmed under. 

I’m never coming out. This is where I’m going to live for the rest of my life. 

“I don’t mind that second part, but I do need to wash those now that your fever has broken. You also could use a shower,” was Heian’s response far too close to him for comfort. 

When he just growled in response, Heian chuckled and began pealing the blankets away. Ranger wanted to yell at him to stop, but it really wasn’t his choice. He was still in the guy’s house, and in his bedroom… and his bed. 

Sitting up abruptly and sending the remaining blankets to pool around his lap, Ranger was about to bound out of the bed and straight through the door when he realized that he shouldn’t have been so rash. 

He hadn’t realized that Heian had been kneeling over him, not sitting beside him. 

“Definitely not the way I thought our first kiss would be,” Heian mumbled against his lips as he slowly sat down in Ranger’s lap so that he could lift his arms, which he’d been using to balance over him, as well as remove the layers of blankets. “But I can get behind this.” 

I…

“You,” Heian replied in a whisper as he settled one of his palms on Ranger’s cheek, tilting his head just-so. He was clearly far more focused on savoring the surprise moment then small talk. 

I’m going to bite you, Ranger finally managed to warn. 

The look on Heian’s face was split between a huge grin and a disappointed pout as he slowly retreated just far enough away to break contact. 

“I’m behaving,” he said in response, though it was clear from the shine in his eyes that he really didn’t want to. 

Sighing, Ranger gestured with a nod for the man to get off of him, and thankfully, he did. 

“I’ll go shower,” he eventually said as he got himself up and headed toward the bathroom. 

He stopped by the door as he heard Heian get out of the bed, then pinned him where he stood with a glare. 

“You’re not coming.” 

He didn’t wait to see the man’s expression in response to his words and quickly shut, then locked, the door. 

I swear I’m going home after this… and never coming back.

Bear 13

Ranger really should have waited until he got back home to shower, but his curiosity truly had gotten the better of him… and he definitely needed to get away from Heian without seeming too awkward. 

Yeah, right. You are the definition of awkward right now, and it’s totally not you. 

He really didn’t like feeling so nervous around another person. 

He’ll get over you. You’re nothing so special, and you have the wrong stuff between your legs, anyways. 

Reassured by his nonsensical mental pep talk, he hopped into the shower and got to work figuring out the temperature settings. There was a panel going up the side of the wall under the showerhead, which had all of his attention as he started turning on the water. 

To his surprise, he was abruptly sprayed from both the front, from several different sprayers, above, from the main showerhead, and then from behind, from the showerhead he hadn’t even noticed before! 

Thankfully, his cat helped him remain on his feet when he jumped from the bombardment of cold water. 

“He could have warned me,” he grumbled as the temperature quickly warmed, drawing a sigh from between his lips as he let his body finally relax. 

Okay, this feels kind of good. 

He turned his back to the wall of sprayers and tilted his head beneath the rain of water directly above him. 

Feels almost like a hot tub’s jets. 

Opening his eyes after lowering his head a few minutes later, Ranger resigned himself to actually showering instead of burning through Heian’s hot water. 

He ignored the fact that he was going to be smelling like the man until he washed himself again at home and quickly got busy scrubbing away all of the fever’s sweat from his skin. 

Once he was comfortable that his body was squeaky clean, he turned his attention to his hair and worked in a good amount of shampoo as he let himself get lost in thought. 

It definitely smells like Heian’s. Cucumber and mint. 

He didn’t dislike the scent, but it wasn’t nearly as heavy as the one he used back at his house that was sandalwood mixed with a few other things. He definitely recognized the brand, though, and wasn’t hesitant to use it. Heian knew his stuff when it came to hair care, which wasn’t much of a surprise considering how well managed his own long hair looked. 

Maybe I should start trying to touch it. That might make him back off a bit. Or it would just spur him on more. Yeah, probably that. 

Shaking his head, Ranger grabbed the conditioner and quickly worked it through his hair, then rinsed it out after running his fingers through it to check for tangles. 

He was just turning off the water, resigned to the chill that always accompanied getting out of a nice, hot shower, when a loud, continuous chime began echoing around the house. 

It didn’t quite sound like a fire alarm, and wasn’t as loud as one, but Ranger knew better than to take chances. He hurried out of the shower stall and quickly tugged a towel around his waist.

He was downstairs a minute later, running toward the open front door. 

Heian turned where he stood beside the door, seemingly hearing him coming, and gave him the most shockingly-bright smile he’d even seen on a person. He straightened slowly afterward, holding a young girl that looked to be around seven or eight. She was wrapped tightly in a large, soft blanket, and nervously tucked herself closer against Heian’s chest when she noticed him coming. 

Confused, Ranger stopped a few feet short of the two, his brow furrowing in utter bewilderment. 

“I’m… really confused,” he eventually mumbled, unable to ignore the fact that the two looked fairly similar. 

Heian chuckled and stepped farther inside, then nudged the door closed with his bare foot before turning his attention back to Ranger. 

“This is my daughter, Nia,” he said proudly as the little girl continued to peek curiously at Ranger. 

Wait… daughter? But the alarm? And wasn’t she the horse that was outside all night the other day? 

Heian walked over to one of his large black sofas and sat down, patting the seat beside him with a knowing smile. 

Ranger narrowed his eyes, not quite sure he liked the situation, but did walk over to sit a cushion away, his arms folded over his bare chest. 

“What’s going on, Heian? If she’s your daughter, and she’s that horse that I’ve been seeing outside at random hours of the day… Just what the hell is going on?” 

His tone of voice seemed to agitate the girl, who quickly ducked farther into the blanket, making just her eyes and forehead visible. 

“Sorry,” Ranger said quickly, not meaning to scare the kid. 

“You might not like what I’m about to say, but just hear me out, please?” Heian said before hurrying into what he intended to say, figuring that Ranger probably had no response to his previous words. Which would be correct. 

“It’s a bit of a long story, but to shorten it a bit… she is my daughter and is seven and a half years old. And you’re right. She is that horse that you’ve been seeing with the other mares.” 

Ranger was about to start cussing him out, especially for letting a seven year old stay outside at night, alone, but bit his tongue because of the little girl in the man’s arms. 

“I’m not really sure how to even say this, since you’re the first person I’ve ever tried to tell,” Heian said as he looked down at the little girl he was holding and she looked up at him. She offered him a half-crooked smile, and he returned it with one full one of his own. 

“She’s nonspeaking autistic, and has trouble with mobility due to a rare version of cerebral palsy,” he said, making Ranger even more confused as to why she was outside. 

“She was always upset that she couldn’t communicate well, or even walk around without help. We went to so many doctors and rehabilitation facilities, but no matter how hard we tried, she just continued to shrink into herself. She didn’t want to need help with everything, but unfortunately, she needed it most of the time.”

Heian reached up with one hand and gently patted the little girl’s head, making her smile widen as she reached up with one shaky hand and awkwardly grasped his lowering fingers. 

“I felt hopeless… especially after my wife left. I just wanted to make Nia happy, but no amount of time, work, or money seemed to help. All of that changed when she shifted two years ago, though. The first time was rough, like most shifts for people. She was used to not being able to walk or talk, but all of a sudden she was in a different body altogether,” Heian said as he gladly allowed his daughter to play with his hand, completely oblivious to the conversation about her. 

“She shifted back pretty quickly, having only been a young horse for an hour or so. After that, I began to see something really change in her. She shifted again two days later, and that’s when things really took off. I’m not sure how, and the doctors are completely dumbfounded, but that second time she shifted… she stood up, all on her own.” 

Ranger felt his eyes widen at the man’s words, utterly shocked. He didn’t know much about cerebral palsy, or autism, in all honesty, but he couldn’t imagine the amount of joy his daughter must have felt when she found out that she was suddenly able to move, and without any help, too. 

“She can also speak as a horse, too. I’ve heard her say all sorts of things about you,” Ranger said, teasing Heian and earning a laugh from the man as the situation lightened a little. 

Heian squeezed his daughter in a gentle hug before continuing. 

“Absolutely. She’s quite a talker in her other form. Let me explain the last bit of this situation, though, so you don’t continue to misunderstand,” Heian said, earning Ranger’s quiet attention. 

Heian leaned back against the couch, and much to Ranger’s surprise, he noticed that the man’s daughter had already fallen asleep against him, nestled into the blanket. 

“I didn’t let her out of my site for the first several months when she decided to stay as a horse. And you can bet that I immediately sold our two stallions and transformed their double stall into one for her to access whenever she wished.” 

Ranger nodded, starting to piece together what was really going on. 

“Well, after many months without shifting back, I had to start working at least part of my time. I was taking care of the horses and other animals, of course, but that didn’t pay the bills that needed to be handled. So, I began taking a few hours of my day to deal with the fields I was growing on. I also sold some of our extra animals, which gave me back at least some of my time.”

“I remained outside with her as often as I could, but as time went on and I saw how strong she had become, and how independent, I realized that while she was in her horse form, she really didn’t need me there twenty-four seven. She practically became the matriarch of the herd in less than a year and, as I’m sure you’ve heard and seen, is quite a smart, strong-willed spitfire.” 

Ranger looked down at the girl again, shocked and impressed by her situation. By both of their situations. 

“So that alarm I heard while in the shower… Was that because she had come to the porch? Did she do that once before, shifted right outside, and you hadn’t caught it?” 

Heian’s face darkened with a memory as he slowly nodded. 

“Yes, thankfully it was a warm summer night, but I immediately knew that I had to get some sort of alarm so that it would never happen again. She couldn’t stand up well enough to open the door, even though I never locked it anymore since she’d first stayed outside when I came in to sleep.” 

Ranger nodded, feeling a little relieved. 

“How long has it been since she last decided to come to the house?” he asked, curious. 

Heian smiled at his words as he looked back down at his daughter. 

“About four months.” 

Four months? 

He couldn’t fathom how hard that must have been. Sure, she was right outside or in the heated barn, but just by looking at the man’s face, it was clear that the whole situation had taken its tole on him.

“I think she came back because of you, too,” Heian said quietly, making Ranger blink in surprise. 

“Me?” 

Heian nodded and carefully stood up, then headed toward the stairs. 

Ranger waited a moment, then followed. They ended up in a medium-sized bedroom with soft pink sheets and teddy bears galore. He waited at the doorway, looking down the hall as Heian gently tucked his daughter in, then situated a small necklace with an electronic call button beside her pillow. 

Once he was back in the hallway and had the door mostly closed, leaving a small crack so that he could check on her periodically, Heian slid his hand into Ranger’s and tugged him back toward his own bedroom. 

“I bet you she was curious about the man who always brought her daddy home when he went off for a little bit. When you actually came in here and stayed for the night, I was hoping, and praying, that she’d want to come in and see you, too.”

Being more than a bit overwhelmed, Ranger remained silent as Heian went through a large closet of things. He eventually pulled out some winter clothes and handed them to Ranger. 

Oh right, I need to get dressed. 

He turned his back to Heian and tugged the dark blue sweater over his head, then reached for his towel, only to pause and stare over his shoulder at the man nonchalantly watching with bright, hopeful eyes. 

“You…”

Sighing, Ranger walked to the bathroom and stepped inside, shutting the door behind himself so that he could get dressed without an audience. He really did need to get home and tend to his chores, and he had no doubt that Heian wanted to spend time with his daughter as soon as she woke up. 

When he stepped out, fully dressed, Heian was waiting for him, sitting on the edge of the bed. 

“Come back and visit sometime? I’m sure Nia would love to run around with you outside,” he said, hope in his dark brown eyes. 

Looking away, Ranger wanted to tell him no , because honestly, he shouldn’t lead the guy on… 

“Maybe,” he mumbled as he walked out the door. 

He heard Heian follow him downstairs, but the man stopped when Ranger stepped outside. 

“Take care, Ranger. Thank you for spending some time with me, though I’m sure most of it wasn’t by choice.” 

Rolling his eyes, Ranger started heading down the porch stairs, only pausing when Heian shouted to him. 

“You can borrow a horse, if you’d like!” 

Glancing back over his shoulder, Ranger gave him a look , then replied. 

“So that you have a reason to come back to my property soon?” 

The look on Heian’s face proved his thought correct, making him shake his head as he began to jog. 

Ranger easily set a decent pace, then disappeared into the forest at the edge of the pasture that surrounded the house. He only looked back when he was sure Heian had already shut the door. Except, the had man remained there, his form blurry off in the distance, but still standing tall, watching him. 

Hmph. Strange, stubborn horse, Ranger thought before turning away for the final time and disappearing from sight.

Bear 14

Standing at the front door, Walker turned and looked up the stairs as Marsh hobbled down them. It had been a few days since he’d tried to get the man to let him measure him so that he could order him some decent fitting clothing, but he still refused. 

Not sure why he wants to come grocery shopping with me all of a sudden, though. 

Marsh was just about to the bottom of the stairs when Ranger walked out from the hallway behind them, making the smaller guy fidget and hunch against the railing. 

Ever since Ranger had returned from his trip to the neighbors a couple days ago he’d been grumpy and mumbling about his lasso, which Walker quickly found out was missing from its usual spot in the barn. 

He wasn’t sure why he didn’t just go back over and retrieve it if he had left it there, but he didn’t dare bother him when he was moody. Their mother had also yelled at him to go get more vegetables while there was a break in the bad weather, so away he went… with a bear, evidently. 

“Walker?” 

Blinking out of his thoughts, Walker noticed that Marsh had made it to him and had already taken his hand. He was also trying to tug him outside, but not putting much effort into it. 

Still a sleepy bear. 

Smiling, Walker followed Marsh over to his SUV and unlocked it as they walked. Marsh settled in the passenger seat as Walker hopped into the driver’s. 

They were on their way soon after since enough of the snow had melted for him to drive safely. He switched on the heater once the car had been running for a bit, then glanced over at Marsh once they got out onto the main road. 

Asleep already. Not surprised. 

He left the radio off to allow Marsh to rest. It took about an hour to get to the store, and while he’d normally listen to music, he couldn’t deny that the man’s growl-snores had become quite calming to him over the short time he’d known him. 

After what had happened when he’d tried to get him to shower, however, Walker had decided to sleep on the couch. Marsh didn’t mention anything about it, so he just figured that he’d do that for a while… or at least until their mother decided to finally leave. She’d only planned to be with them for a day or two, but that time span was already turning into a week. 

Oh well. It’s nice to have her around and she seems to love Marsh. 

The guy had put on a decent amount of weight in the time he’d been with them already, and each day he ate a little more. Thankfully, he wasn’t picky, either. He’d eat raw, cooked, meat or veggies. The only thing he wasn’t really a fan of was baked or processed sweets. 

He remained relaxed for the last twenty minutes of the drive, then pulled into the parking lot of the local department store. Granted, he wanted to go to the actual grocery store, but he decided, halfway through the drive, that he’d try to get Marsh some actual clothing. 

“Hey Marsh, we’re here,” he said as he gently shook the guy’s shoulder through his thick, borrowed blue jacket. It took him a minute to come around before he looked up at him sleepily. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay in the car? It’s pretty cold out, still. It would be fine to snuggle up in the back and wait until I came out,” he said, wanting to get the guy clothing but not wanting to drag or carry him through the process. He definitely didn’t need to be stared at for trying to share a dressing room with a sleeping guy he was carrying around. 

Definitely not. 

“I’m coming,” Marsh eventually grumbled as he opened his door and slid from the SUV. 

Walker wasn’t sure how long he would last, but they’d just leave when he got too tired. 

Hopping out of his own side, he hurried around and took Marsh’s hand, knowing that he’d probably fall behind if he didn’t guide him. 

First stop, shoes. That shouldn’t take much time. 

He immediately got them to the back of the store and sat Marsh down in one of the uncomfortable plastic and metal chairs. The man was asleep in moments, making the task much easier than he’d expected it to be. He eventually found something he thought looked comfortable and woke him up again to walk a few steps in them. 

Marsh didn’t seem too happy with the new items on his feet, but after he moved in them a bit, he looked up at Walker and tilted his head. 

“I’ll take these.” 

Small victories!

“Perfect! Let’s go this way now,” Walker said as he jammed the shoes he’d borrowed awkwardly into the small box, then took Marsh’s hand with his free one and headed toward the clothing section. 

He expected some resistance now that Marsh was actually awake enough to bother looking around, and of course, when they stepped into the rows of clothing the guy immediately hit the brakes. 

“You said we were going for food, Walker. I already let you do the shoes thing,” he said, staring up at him with a pout that shouldn’t be allowed, ever. 

I know there’s a ferocious bear in there, but why is its human half so adorable sometimes? 

“What do I get if I go through with this?” Marsh asked after a moment of silence from both of them. 

Walker frowned, trying to figure out something that might entice the guy. He liked food, sure, but he knew that his mother was already going to give him whatever he wanted in that category. She even made him a list of food to get, and several of the items, he’d noticed, were things that Marsh specifically really liked. 

“Um, what would you like? It’s for your own good, though. I know that the big clothing you borrow can be a hassle. Wouldn’t you like things that fit a little better so it’s not annoying to move around?” he asked as an older couple came up to them, their attention looking between the two of them. 

“Oh my, I just couldn’t help but come over and say hello. Is this young man you little brother, sir? He’s quite adorable,” the woman said, making Walker glance down at Marsh. 

He didn’t seem impressed by her words, but he did seem to be thinking. 

“We’re not brothers,” Walker answered, wanting to at least clear that little bit up. 

Marsh took over at that point and raised a finger toward the older man. 

“What is he?” 

The woman looked toward her husband, then back to Marsh, confused. 

“My husband?” she questioned. 

Marsh nodded, then looked up at Walker, tapping his chest with his pointer finger. 

“My husband.” 

The small group of people were stunned into silence long enough for Marsh to get bored and take Walker’s hand, then tug him toward the men’s department. 

Walker remained silent as he watched Marsh sift through random racks of clothing, clearly not paying any attention to the price tags. Not that it really mattered, though. His mother had given him her debit card and said to get whatever they needed. 

He was busy going over what little extra things he wanted when Marsh took his hand again and tugged. Walker grabbed the front of the cart and pulled it along, surprised when Marsh stopped in front of the dressing rooms. He eyed the stalls for a moment, clearly uncomfortable with their size, when he noticed the handicap one, which was twice the size of the others. 

It was a first come first serve dressing room, so he couldn’t really argue as Marsh pulled him into the larger one after removing the clothing from the cart. 

Walker immediately turned toward the wall as Marsh pulled off his loose clothing. Unfortunately, said wall had a mirror, so he quickly closed his eyes. 

A light chuckle sounded behind him, but he didn’t dare open his eyes until Marsh told him to check his current outfit. He was hesitant to turn around, but when Marsh walked up behind him, then reach around to begin undoing the button on his jeans, Walker jumped and immediately spun around, ready to tell Marsh that he was being inappropriate. That’s when he felt his mouth suddenly go dry, though, and refuse to open. 

Marsh had definitely changed clothes, but while he wore a nice pair of waist-hugging, faded, dark blue jeans, he seemed to have forgotten to put on a shirt altogether. 

“Y-you should finish trying on your clothing to make sure it fits,” he eventually managed to mumble out as he turned around again, pressing his forehead to the cold glass of the mirror. 

The sounds of Marsh doing as told after a moment of silence filled the air for about ten minutes, then he felt a finger slip into one of his back belt loops, drawing his attention and making him turn around again. He was hesitant to open his eyes, but he did so when he felt Marsh begin to inch his fingers beneath the hem of his shirt. 

Oh. 

“What’s this?” he asked as he took the sweater Marsh was holding out to him.

Surprised but unable to hold back a smile, Walker tugged off the sweater he currently wore over a long-sleeved T-shirt. When he set it aside and looked back at Marsh, the guy looked like he was pouting slightly. 

“Expected a show?” he asked jokingly as he took the sweater and pulled it over his own head. 

Before he could get his head out of the top, he felt felt hands grasp the hem of his T-shirt and nonchalantly tug it up slightly. Sensing where the situation was going, he quickly yanked the sweater down and gave Marsh a look that made the other guy almost appear remorseful… almost. 

Shaking his head, Walker tugged the sweater off again, then pulled on his own before they exited the room. Marsh tossed most of the clothing he’d tried on back into the cart, as well as the sweater he’d picked out for Walker, then handed the items he hadn’t liked to the clerk at the counter. 

They were off toward the food area now, finally, but Walker swiped a few packages of underwear for Marsh along the way, noting the size of the pants he’d been trying on to pick out a size for them. He doubted the guy cared what color or design he got, and as the items hit the cart, Marsh didn’t even bother acknowledging them. 

As they stepped into the first section of food Walker noticed Marsh scoot a little closer to the side of the cart and grasp it tightly with his hand. He wasn’t sure if he should react to the behavior, so he made a mental note of it, then took out his list to begin stocking up on what his mother had asked for. 

He considered asking Marsh to go grab a few things in the isles further down, but each time he glanced at the guy he was holding the cart in a death-grip with one hand and seemed much more nervous than usual. 

It was odd, though. He expected him to be looking around, wary of the people around them, but it almost seemed like they didn’t exist. Not wanting to bother him further, Walker sped up their cart a little, figuring that Marsh would want to get done as soon as possible so that they could go. 

He came to a stop by the fruit and vegetable area last, loading up on just about every kind they had. It took a few minutes, and each time he filled a little bag with something he’d glance back at Marsh. The guy still looked really stressed, but he kept sneaking glances at the berry area. 

Ah, of course. Bears are foragers, so berries would definitely be on the menu. 

He didn’t normally buy them, since him and his brother didn’t really care for them, but…

“Would you like some berries, Marsh?” he asked with a warm smile. 

The guy seemed like he had spaced out, maybe remembering something that used to be buried in his mind? 

“Marsh?” 

Walker wanted to go over to him, but for some reason, he didn’t think that it was a good idea. Startling a bear was never a wise decision. So, he waited patiently after stopping in front of the stand of different berries. 

When he still didn’t get a reaction, he picked up one of each kind; raspberry, blueberry and blackberry, then walked over to stop about a foot or so away from Marsh. 

“How about one of each? Just for you,” he said with a reassuring smile that finally seemed to thaw Marsh’s frozen features. 

He slowly looked at the containers, then up to Walker. 

“I’m going to buy them all. If you want them, you’re welcome to all of them,” he said as he stepped up to the cart and set the containers inside. 

When he straightened back up, Marsh tugged at the sleeve of his sweater, drawing his attention back to him. 

“Walker, would you…”  he wouldn’t finish his sentence, making Walker reach over and gently pat his hair to try and calm him. Except, Marsh flinched when he tapped his hair, making Walker raise an eyebrow. 

“Are you alright, Marsh? Do you not want me touching you?” 

It seemed a bit odd, since the guy had literally started trying to take his pants off earlier. 

Marsh shook his head before replying, “I don’t mind it now. I just… I don’t like shopping for food.” 

He doesn’t like shopping for food? 

“Then why did you come? I would have been glad to get you whatever you wanted. You didn’t need to stress yourself by coming,” Walker said, wanting to hug him, but nervous that he might make him fidget again. He clearly had some bad experiences, and as Walker thought about it, he actually realized what it might have been. 

“You wandered away from the cart a lot as a cub, huh?” 

The look in Marsh’s eyes changed to one of fear as he stared up at him, hunching his shoulders and gripping the cart tighter. 

“You wouldn’t hit me…” Marsh asked, his words clearly a response to Walker’s own. 

Shaking his head slowly, Walker reached forward and pulled Marsh into a gentle hug. The guy still refused to let go of the cart, but he knew that past traumas didn’t heal in the blink of an eye. He knew that it must be frustrating when your kids run off in a grocery store, but hitting them to the point of making them terrified to let go of the cart around the food areas was pretty harsh. They were probably just excited to get their favorite snacks. 

“I promise I will never hit you, and especially not for that,” Walker said before releasing Marsh and walking around to the front of the cart. 

“Is there anything else you’d like to grab before we go?” he asked, watching as Marsh looked around a little, then hesitantly pulled the cart over to the berry stand and, using his free hand, put six more packs in the cart. 

Adorable. 

When he was done, Marsh looked back at Walker and gave him a half-smile. 

“I came with you so that no one tried to do anything to you.”

Anything to me…?  While shopping? 

“You are my husband.” 

He… came to fight off anyone who might possibly try coming onto me. God, I picked up a strange bear.

Bear 15

Staring at the phone he was holding above him, Ranger tilted his head on his pillow for the fifth time. He’d received a few notifications for the dating apps he had, and the woman he’d been pursuing actually replied to his last message, finally. 

He just… didn’t feel like dealing with any of it right then. He’d napped most of the day away after his morning chores, but still felt a little tired. 

Pulling up with groceries in a second, Rane, came his brother’s thought, pulling him out of his daze. 

Gotcha, I’m coming. 

Slipping out of bed, Ranger slid his phone into his back pocket and hurried down the stairs. He felt it vibrate a few more times as he stepped outside, but didn’t bother checking it as he began helping his brother unload the car. He saw Walker get out and expected him to start helping, but when he went to the other side and picked up an out-cold Marsh, he understood that he’d need a minute. 

His mother showed up on his second round, grabbing the huge pile of clothing from the back of the car. 

Surprised he actually got his bear to try things on. 

He knew that Walker wouldn’t just buy a ton of stuff without the guy checking to see if it fit. 

Wonder what the price tag was for you, bro. 

He could feel his brother’s annoyance at his question in his thoughts, but the guy didn’t bother with a reply before returning to help finish unloading. Ranger brought in three loads before returning outside, only to see his mother taking in the last few bags and Walker locking up the car. 

Shrugging, he fished his phone from his back pocket and raised an eyebrow as the screen lit up abruptly, showing him a brand new text. 

Neighbor: Again, you are not dressed for the weather. 

Ranger’s eyebrows narrowed as he stared at the message. 

How the hell do you know? 

“Because I’m enjoying the view, even though I’m upset that you might get sick again with your shirt off in forty degree weather,” came a voice from in front of him, drawing his attention up and over toward the fence. 

Heian stood leaning forward against the firm wooden structure, a dark brown cowboy hat tied around his neck, resting against his back. He wore a pitch black dress shirt and faded, dark gray jeans. His hair was perfect, of course, and it seemed like he’d braded a small portion of length on each side and tied them together behind his head. 

Do those two lines of braids go all the way down his back? 

Why had he even thought about that? 

“What are you doing here?” he finally asked as he took a step forward, but refused to walk all the way up to the guy. 

Heian gave him one of his dazzling smiles, but Ranger just scowled. 

“Your mother invited me over,” he said as he easily hopped the fence, then walked up to Ranger. “And the braids were requested by my daughter. It’s one of the things she prides herself on.”

Ranger pursed his lips and sighed away his frustration. 

“They look really good. I’m honestly impressed. I can’t do anything like that.” 

And he had definitely tried before, too. Women loved it when you could interact with their kids well. He… sucked at it. 

“I’m sure she would love to teach you sometime,” Heian said before he began walking past him, slipping his hand into Ranger’s and gripping gently as he headed toward the house. 

 Ranger tried to tell himself to pull away, but his shift was already poking its head up, having scented the man. When they stepped up onto the porch, Ranger did lift their entwined hands. 

“Hands, Heian.” 

Heian lifted them a little higher with a curious grin, then leaned down to press a kiss to the back of Ranger’s before releasing it as the door started opening. 

“Ah ha, there you are, Mr. Li! Ranger, come help prepare dinner,” his mother said as she ushered them inside. 

Ranger slipped off his shoes and hurried up to his room to put a shirt on, even though he was a little warm inside when the fire was going in the living room. When he started back down the stairs, he noticed Heian standing near the dining room table with Marsh sniffing at his raised arm. 

It looked like the taller man had tried to offer him a handshake, but Walker’s bear didn’t seem all that interested in pleasantries. Marsh nudged his nose along the man’s arm, then into the side of his hand before slowly opening his mouth. 

Thankfully, Heian caught on quickly and moved his hand away before Marsh could take a bite. The bear shifter looked confused, at first, then stared up at Heian with a frown. 

“Sorry, sorry!” Walker said as he rushed into the room and quickly scooped up Marsh. 

The guy seemed so out of it that he didn’t even appear to notice that he was no longer on the floor until he caught Walker’s scent. That had him immediately beginning to nuzzle his face into the guy’s hair, a content growl purring from his chest. 

“That trip to the store completely drained him. His bear is a bit more in control than normal right now. I’m going to get him settled in upstairs, then I’ll be down to help out,” Walker said as he turned and hurried away, making Ranger and Heian’s gazes follow them up until they were out of sight. 

That… was strange. 

“I agree. That’s the first time someone’s tried to eat me without at least asking for my name first,” Heian said from right behind him, making Ranger jump and spin around at the same time. 

The action drew the man’s eyebrows up, as well as his lips. 

“Quite the reflexes, my sweet cat.” 

Bristling, Ranger was about to correct him on that my comment, when his mother walked over and grabbed his hand, dragging him into the kitchen. 

“You behave. Mr. Li helped you a lot. The least you can do is cook for the man,” she said in a hushed tone that wasn’t exactly quiet. 

The chuckle he heard from the man made him want to go to town on the huge scratching post he had in his room, but he bit back his frustration and got busy chopping vegetables and making a sauce on the stove. 

He could feel eyes on him the entire hour he was helping his mother, but he didn’t dare sneak a glance over toward the dining room table where he knew that Heian had seated himself to watch. 

“You have quite a lovely place here, ma’am. I see that you have horses. Is that your main business?” Heian asked after about twenty minutes of content silence. 

His mother, always the eager one to start chatting, had been biting her tongue so that she didn’t bother him, but now that he was the one opening up the channel for some small talk, she was all in!

And thus began the stories about everything. No one was spared. Thankfully, when the embarrassing childhood stories started up, Walker was the first one to take the hits, starting with when he tried to shove a green bean up his nose in kindergarten because another little boy had told him that it was a new way of eating vegetables so that you didn’t have to taste them. Of course, now he loved everything fruit and vegetable, but it was still a great story. 

There were a few others about Walker as he grew up into the fine handsome man  that he was now, but the waiting only made Ranger’s stomach twist into knots. He chopped all the vegetables at twice his normal speed, then got the meat simmering and seasoned in each of the necessary pots. 

His mother finally finished sufficiently embarrassing her first son, so now it was on to Ranger. She began with the time when he was four and first shifted into a baby smilodon. He’d been getting picked on because of his scruffy mop of hair, and eventually, his shift had decided that it had just had enough. 

That was the only fight that another person was able to easily break up where his shift was involved… only due to its cub size at the time. 

Heian did not need to hear about it, though, or the other stories he knew were coming. The second he was done with everything entrusted to him, Ranger ran over to the other man and grabbed his wrist, yanking him out of the chair, much to his mother’s dismay, and pulling him up the stairs. At the same time, Walker was finally coming down, a tired look on his own face… along with a few nibbles on his chin and neck. 

Not gonna ask. 

Once at the top of the stairs, he took a left and went past his brother’s room, then pulled Heian into his own. He shut and locked the door a moment later, knowing that his mom would likely try to come up and pry them out at some point to continue her list of stories. 

“That was quite an entertaining show. I really did want to hear all about you, though,” Heian said with a slight hint of humorous upset to his words as he calmly walked around the room, immediately noting the giant scratching post with a grin. 

The man wisely kept whatever comments he wanted to say to himself, then turned to examine the rest of his room. 

“You’re very neat,” he noted as his gaze traveled across his clean floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, hardwood dresser, and freshly-made bed with dark blue blankets and pillows. He nodded, as if giving his approval. “I like it very much.” 

Ranger felt his cat preen itself in his mind, but he refused to let it get the better of him again. 

“I didn’t do it to gain your approval…” he grumbled as he walked over to his bed and sat down with a tired sigh. The man really did wear him out without even trying. 

Heian suddenly dropped down beside him, making Ranger jump and scramble backwards onto his bed. To his surprise, Heian immediately followed him. He tried to move back farther, but soon he was out of space, and of course, right as he got to the other edge of the bed his right hand slipped, dropping him to his back against the blankets. 

There was soon a hand on either side of his head, and a light curtain of dark hair gently brushing his left cheek. 

It really does feel as soft as silk…

He didn’t know Heian all that well yet, but he definitely felt like this response from him was a bit out of the ordinary. His eyes also looked a bit off, as if there was something else staring at him through them. 

A loud bang on the door had both of them startling as his mother shouted; “Ranger, get your butt downstairs and be social for once!” 

They both heard her footsteps clomp away a moment later, but neither dared to move. Well, Ranger couldn’t, at all. They had both reacted defensively to his mother’s abrupt banging against his door because their previous position had  already been awkwardly tense. Ranger had responded by turning onto his side and lifting his arms to shield his face, while Heian honestly did the exact opposite. 

He dropped his upper body and reached over to cradle Ranger’s shoulders and head, tucking his right cheek against his hair, acting as a shield toward the nonexistent danger. 

They both took several minutes to calm their breathing, then Heian finally seemed to get ahold of himself and carefully unwound his arms from around Ranger, then slowly pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. 

Another moment later and he was swinging his right arm and leg over him, allowing him to sit normally on the bed beside him with a deep sigh. 

“I’m very sorry about that. I lost control and my horse’s instincts took over,” he said quietly, clearly frustrated about his mistake. “He doesn’t normally do that… ever.” 

Ranger slowly pushed himself up once his own heart had calmed down. He wasn’t really sure what to say in response to Heian’s words, so he just reverted back to his normal attitude and shrugged. 

“It’s fine. I freaked out a bit, too. My mom can be scarier than any predator… even my own.” 

Heian laughed at his words, a smile forming on his lips as the sound quieted. 

“I suppose we should head downstairs before she comes back up. She might try knocking the door down if we don’t hurry,” he said as he stood up, then turned to offer Ranger a hand. 

For once, he accepted the help, and on their way out of his room, he might have tugged on just a few soft strands of Heian’s hair as he followed him silently back downstairs.

Bear 16

You smell good.

Marsh stared down at the panicked chicken in his hands as he sat hunched inside one of the two huge coops.

It had been a few weeks since Walker’s mother had left. The two brothers had been good at keeping raw meat on hand, but they’d forgotten to defrost it for today, and neither were awake when his bear wanted a snack.

But he might be mad.

He set the hen back down, but then lifted its struggling body up again… then sat it down again.

I want to eat you, but Walker might be mad.

Granted, there were a lot of chickens. Surely he wouldn’t be too upset if just one was savagely disemboweled and eaten in front of its brethren?

He… still might be mad.

“I do believe you’re going to give that poor girl a heart attack if you keep looking at her like that, my friend,” came a deep voice from over by the fence-line.

Ah, Ranger’s lover.

After reluctantly releasing his quarry, Marsh slowly climbed out of the coop area and stood up, brushing off some of the dried poop and dust that had clung to his black sweatpants and Walker’s too-big AC/DC sweatshirt.

He remembered the guy, slightly. His name was Heian, and he was a horse shifter that he’d tried to eat when he’d been invited over by Walker’s mother.

I just wanted a nibble. He smells so good.

His stomach growled just thinking about it, making his shoed feet take him closer to the taller man. He stopped a few feet away, on the other side of the fence. Instinct told him to try and chase his prey, but it also told him to be extremely cautious. He didn’t have his bear form available anymore, but the man definitely had his horse. Stallions, or really adult horses in general, weren’t usually worth the effort. A well-placed kick was not something to laugh at.

“You’re a cutie, but I can tell that you aren’t quite used to being in this kind of setting. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you happen to come from?”

Cute…

Scowling, Marsh pointed toward the trees to his left without looking away from the other man.

“Ah, so you really were trying to eat me. That’s not very nice,” Heian said as he finally hopped up onto the fence, sitting with his legs hanging down nonchalantly. The man was dressed for a day of riding in the brisk morning weather with the same black cowboy hat from last time situated on his smooth, long hair. There were no braids this time, though. He also sported a leather jacket that went just a little ways past his waist and hung open to reveal a dark blue shirt underneath. His legs were covered in worn jeans, of course. This time it was a pitch black pair that settled neatly over his light brown cowboy boots.

Looking down at his own plain clothes, Marsh actually thought about what Walker would think if he saw him wearing actual nice clothing. It was just a fleeting thought, though, and he quickly shook it from his mind as he looked back up.

The cloud of drowsiness that had settled in his mind due to hibernation had cleared a good bit over the past month or so, though he wasn’t sure why. He always hibernated for the entire winter, but perhaps his bear was content with the amount of food it was constantly receiving and felt safe in its bed-den. Either way, he was able to at least focus on conversations and, mostly, walk without wobbling.

“Are you here to take the other predator? You can have him now,” Marsh said as he looked toward the house for a moment before returning his attention to a chuckling Heian.

When the man didn’t actually say anything else in response, Marsh walked up to him and grabbed his wrist, then gently tugged him forward. Heian probably could have withstood his pulling, and even broken his hold easily, but he let himself be guided from atop the fence, then up to the house. He did stop allowing himself to be moved once Marsh opened the door, however.

“I’m sorry, but unless he’s awake, I won’t go any farther,” he said as he turned and looked out over the large herd of horses grazing quietly in the morning mist. “We aren’t really together, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to just walk into his house when he’s asleep.”

Not having been a person who has lived in a house for much of his life, Marsh huffed and walked straight upstairs, then banged on Ranger’s door before hurrying back downstairs and into the guest room… which now held a sleeping Walker since their mother had left. He didn’t hesitate to snuggle right up against the guy, either, though he did remember to kick off his shoes right beforehand.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t been inside long enough to warm the parts of his body that had been exposed to the cold, making Walker startle awake and try to scramble away. It was too bad that Marsh had a grip like a cold bear, and refused to release his hold around his bare torso.

It took Walker a few moments of panting with his head on the pillow, eyes staring up at the ceiling, to calm himself after realizing that Marsh had been the one to wake him up. They both heard the sound of Ranger running down the stairs at that moment, drawing a grin across Marsh’s face, which was still hidden beneath the heavy blankets.

“Wow, Ranger is up early on a day that he doesn’t have morning chore duty,” Walker noted as Marsh wiggled his way upward until his head finally slipped free of the blankets and settled onto Walker’s shoulder.

“I brought his horse here. He can take him away.”

Marsh felt a hand pat his head as Walker replied, “his horse, huh? Heian came by?”

Marsh grumbled an affirmative, drawing a quiet laugh from his human.

“You know that Heian can’t just take him away and that’s that. Ranger still has a lot of work to do on the farm, and he isn’t exactly an easy one to tame, either.”

He mulled over Walker’s words in his mind before shrugging and snuggling in for a quick nap. A tired sigh was the response he got to his silence, but then Walker turned slightly and wrapped his warm arms around him.

“I really should be getting up, but I’ll let you have your way… but just for this one morning,” he said, making Marsh slip out his tongue and swipe it across a tiny part of Walker’s chest.

The guy squeaked and jumped slightly from surprise, but didn’t dare say anything else in concern to when Marsh got his way.

Mm, mine.

Seeing Heian standing in the space of the open front door, his attention out toward the pastures, had Ranger slowing at the bottom of the stairs. He was going to yell at Walker for banging on his door when he finally didn’t have to do the morning chores for once and could sleep in, but when he ran out of his room, he smelled Marsh, not his brother.

And definitely not Heian.

His cat didn’t mind the random guest, though he quickly shoved it to the back of his mind as he eventually stepped forward, making his presence known by clearing his throat. He figured that the guy already knew he was there, but it was a habit to make sure that he didn’t startle anyone. His shift had some serious instincts when he sneaked up on people by mistake.

When the man turned toward him with his beaming smile, Ranger quickly looked down, then scolded himself internally as he jerked his head back up with a tired scowl. He’d stayed up all night since he got to sleep in all day.

So tired…

Heian tilted his head and took a step forward, but didn’t set foot inside the house.

“I’m sorry that Marsh woke you up. I had planned to simply wait by the pasture when I discovered him sitting with the chickens. He seems to think some strange things,” he said, ending his words with a chuckle.

At the same time, a gentle but chilly breeze sifted past the man, sending a shiver down Ranger’s spine as it brushed against his bare chest. Without a second thought, he reached forward and grabbed Heian, then tugged him inside. The other guy seemed to have read the thoughts he hadn’t voiced, because he grabbed the door handle and gently shut it as he was moved forward.

Ranger released him once that task was complete, but then just stood there, staring at the man, unsure what he should actually do with him.

Heian’s smile grew a little wider. “I have a few ideas,” he said cheekily.

Not interested in being a pushover this time, Ranger squared his shoulders and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah? And what would those be?”

He was a little surprised that Heian’s expression only changed from excitement to excited-amusement as he clasped his arms behind his back and leaned forward, pressing his lips just-barely against the shell of his ear as he began to whisper.

His heartbeat picked up as each word was spoken and his palms began to sweat at each scenario Heian brought up.

The man seemed to have plenty more to say, but he suddenly reached forward and wrapped his arms tightly around him, pulling him against his warm chest as he felt him press his lips against his hair.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you so much. I went overboard,” he said, drawing Ranger’s eyes up to him in confusion.

Wait. Why am I bothered by his words? Was I that overwhelmed with what he was saying that I froze?

Slowly stepping backwards, Ranger felt Heian’s arms slip away from him, not trying to keep him close since he was clearly wanting to back away. When he had a few feet between them, he took in a large, deep breath, then sighed it out.

“It’s fine. I just wasn’t prepared for you to be such a pervert,” he said in retaliation as he gave a side-eye and a smirk that had Heian bursting out laughing so hard that he actually doubled over after a few moments.

Ranger wanted to relish in his small victory, but he knew that Walker and his bear were probably trying to sleep, so he walked forward and quickly pressed his fingers over Heian’s lips.

The action quieted the man immediately, but the smoldering gaze he got along with his silence had Ranger swallowing.

Wait a minute. Why isn’t Walker up? We agreed that he would take the morning chores today.

Well… about that, Walker replied, having heard his thought.

Ranger rolled his eyes and started for the door as he replied, you need to stand up to that bear. I wasn’t joking when I told you that he was going to top you.

He knew his brother, though. It took a lot to get Walker to be authoritative.

“I wouldn’t mind helping you with chores, if you could find a use for me,” Heian offered, his warm, moist breath dusting the fingers Ranger still had pressed against hi lips.

He quickly withdrew his hand, glaring in the direction of the guest room before turning toward the door, only for Heian to step in his way with a stern but concerned expression.

“Please put on a shirt and shoes, Ranger.”

Oh, right.

He really hadn’t meant to just go outside without them, especially because it was still pretty cold out in the mornings, but he just didn’t think about it.

“Right,” he mumbled as he turned and hurried up the stairs.

He returned five minutes later in a pair of loose blue jeans, held up with a lopsided worn black belt, black boots, and a thick gray sweater.

“Better,” Heian said as he stepped aside and held the door open for him.

Ranger took the offer and stepped through, feeling a tug on his hair as he past the other man.

“I like your hair messed up like this.”

Hush, you.

Heian laughed quietly, no doubt hearing his thought, but Ranger shoved it aside and started toward the barn.

“I’m going to work you like a draft horse, Heian. You better be ready,” he said with a look over his shoulder at the man he knew would be following.

He stumbled abruptly, however, when he realized that while the man was indeed following him, he was also stripping at the same time.

Holy damn, he’s built like a horse.

When Heian finished tugging his shirt over his head, having already settled his jacket over his shoulder, he grinned and looked down at himself.

“It’s free to touch for you, if you’d like,” he offered with a knowing smile.

Ranger scoffed and turned back around.

“Why the hell are you getting naked?” he grumbled as he continued stomping toward the barn.

When he didn’t receive a response, he walked a few more yards before turning again.

A huge black stallion was right there, already trying to nudge its head against his chest for some attention.

Change back, you dork. I was just joking about the horse thing!

In the blink of an eye, a naked Heian was standing before him with a slightly nervous look on his face.

“My mistake,” he said as his cheeks tinted pink.

He quickly turned to pick up the clothing he’d folded and left next to the fence, and Ranger quickly yanked his eyes away from him when he caught himself staring.

I’m going to go insane with this guy… and I really didn’t need to see him naked in the middle of my front yard! Forget it. Just forget it all.

Trying to shake the images from his head, Ranger stalked into the barn, intent on losing himself in his work for the rest of the morning.

He was just getting getting ready to check on their older animals that had spent the evening locked in the barn due to the cold when he felt something gently settled atop his head.

His cowboy hat…

Not wanting to get distracted, Ranger ignored it and continued with his current task. He had Heian work away from him, for the most part, but he could feel eye on him most of the time they were out there. It was still odd, but he could now shrug off the feeling of being watched… and his cat really didn’t mind it if it was Heian doing the watching. It rarely behaved so well around their older animals due to its predatory instincts, so he let it be… but only this time.

Bear 17

“Marsh?” 

Walker stepped out into the crisp, evening air and quickly looked around. 

Where is he? 

He hurried to the barn, then the chicken coops, expecting to see him wandering around… but he was at neither location. 

Hey Rane, do you happen to know where Marsh went? I can’t find him in his usual spots and he’s not in the house. 

It seemed to take his brother a few extra moments to respond, which wasn’t normal. Especially when there was a chance to mess with him. 

I saw him heading toward the woods. Wanna bet he’s digging into Heian’s honeycombs? 

Walker felt his face pale immediately. He hadn’t even thought about what would happen if Marsh found honey! The guy had downed the only bottle they kept on hand, mostly to sweeten teas when Ranger wasn’t feeling well, in minutes. 

I really hope he’s wrong, but I have a gut feeling that he’s right. 

Running his hand through his hair nervously, Walker sighed and hurried out of the barn. 

Don’t worry, Heian doesn’t mind. Just go get him. 

Walker nodded as he walked, getting a good distance away from the barn before stopping abruptly. 

Wait a minute. How do you know that he doesn’t mind? Are you with him right now? 

He heard static from his brother, making him stare back at the barn. They definitely weren’t in the house, he would have sensed at least his brother. If they’re together and nearby, then the pasture or barn would be where he’d see them… but neither were in sight. 

Just go get your bear before he causes more problems. 

Awkwardly turning back toward the woods, Walker decided not to question his brother and just made his way toward the two honeycombs Heian kept a little ways onto his property. 

I wonder how he found out about them, though?

Shaking off the question, he made his way through the forested area, then stepped out onto a small empty field, long-since ignored with stalks of grass and hay reaching for the sky. 

He knew better than to wade through somewhere he couldn’t see, so he skirted around the outer portion, then went through another small forest before hopping over a frozen brook and ducking around a few last trees. 

Oh, shit. 

He had definitely found Marsh, but that was definitely not the form he’d expected him to be in. 

Now I know how he’d found them, too. 

A plump, chubby bear was greedily munching down on one of the large hives, having easily broken off a chunk of honeycomb from one of the shielding boxes. 

“H-hey, Marsh?” he called out hesitantly, unsure of how his bear would react. His ear was too fluffy to really check, but he didn’t doubt that the earring holding the beast in had likely been removed somehow. 

It flicked its left ear and looked over its shoulder with a snuffled-grunt. 

Walker held his breath as he waited for some kind of reaction, ready to run at a moment’s notice. It was odd, though. The bear didn’t seem nearly as interested in gutting him as it did the first, or second times they’d met. It didn’t even bother standing up as it turned back to noshing on the item it held between its massive paws. 

I’m kind of shocked. 

“Um, you really can’t be eating all that, Marsh. It belongs to Heian,” he said after a few more tense moments. 

The bear ignored him while it finished off what it was working on, then it finally snorted and wobbled forward. The action didn’t quite bring it to its feet, so after it tilted backward, it tried again. It took it two more tries before it was able to fumble onto its paws. Bees were still buzzing around its face, but they didn’t seem able to really bother him enough to make him walk any faster, or even swat at them. 

Walker fought himself to stay still as the huge creature approached. Thankfully, it wasn’t acting aggressively and it was dripping honey from its coat in many places. It was clear that he’d glutted himself on the sugary goo behind him. 

“Ready to go back home?” he asked as Marsh’s bear stopped right in front of him, then slowly started trying to stand up on its hind legs… except, it utterly failed and dropped back down to its fluffy backside in less than three seconds. 

Trying to hold back a chuckle, Walker tilted his head and smiled at him. 

“If you want to shift, I can carry you back,” he offered, then quickly added. “I won’t put another earring in if your bear can keep being good.” 

He wouldn’t have done it in the first place if his life hadn’t been at risk. 

The bear looked at him as it slowly opened and closed its mouth, then lifted a huge paw covered in honey up to gnaw on. 

“I don’t think you want to chew on that… I’m sure it tastes good, but there are much better things at the house.” 

He wasn’t too sure he was getting through to him, but then, finally, the bear’s form wavered, then there was suddenly a naked Marsh sitting before him covered in gooey honey from head to toe. 

Sticky.

Inwardly groaning, since he was definitely the cleanlier of the two brothers, he forced his body to move forward and reach down.

Marsh gave him a sloppy grin and reached up, allowing himself to be lifted up into his arms. 

So sticky…

It didn’t help that Marsh immediately began to nuzzle his honey-covered face against his cheek, then started licking it off. 

The walk back was extremely awkward, especially when he had to climb over the fence into their main pasture a while later. 

Of course, his brother just so happened to appear from much farther down the fence-line, though he didn’t look like he was returning. 

Sending someone off? 

The second Ranger noticed him, he bristled like a startled cat, then ran back to the house without a single word. 

Today is just getting more and more strange. 

“If I rub honey on other places, can I lick it off, too?” 

This guy is going to give me a heart attack. 

Shaking his head, Walker ignored him and made his way into the house and went straight up to the bathroom. 

Wait. Why is the door locked? 

“Use the spare one!” came Ranger’s voice as the shower got started behind the door. 

Didn’t he already shower this morning before going out? I didn’t see him working at all, either. 

“Shut up and go clean off Yogi Bear!” 

Ah, claws today, then. 

He wondered what had happened, but when his brother got snippy, it was best to just avoid him. Thus, he sighed and headed back down the stairs. It wasn’t nearly as big of a bathroom, and there was no tub, but it would do. 

When they stepped inside, he nudged the light on with an elbow and walked over to set Marsh in the shower. Thankfully, the guy stayed on his feet, though he swayed a little as he got his balance situated. 

Knowing that he couldn’t simply keep his sticky clothes on, Walker grudgingly removed everything besides his boxers, then walked into the shower and slid the frosted door shut. 

It didn’t take Marsh more than a second to get his sticky hands on his abdomen while he had his back turned to adjust the temperature.  

“Walker, I was a good bear?” 

Looking over his shoulder after taking down the detachable showerhead, Walker couldn’t help but smile as he turned around to begin gently rinsing the honey from Marsh’s face and hair. 

“Yes, you were a good bear. I really appreciate the way you behaved.”

The guy was quiet for a while after that, closing his eyes and simply letting Walker rinse away his evening escapade. 

“I’m sure Heian wouldn’t mind giving you some honey from time to time if you ask nicely. That way the bees and their home don’t get hurt and they can produce more for you to eat instead of needing to focus on repairing their hive,” Walker said as he was working shampoo into Marsh’s hair. 

The young man grumbled as a response, then looked up through the steam. 

“Your underwear is all wet.” 

You would be looking. 

Holding back an eye roll, Walker poked Marsh in the forehead and leaned down so that they were eye to eye. 

“Your eyes sure like to wander, hmm?”

He expected Marsh to look away for at least a moment, or even grumble again, but when he squared his shoulders and leaned up to barely swipe his lips across his own, Walker fidgeted and took a step back, putting him against the cold tile wall. 

Marsh followed him, reaching for his boxers, though he only slipped one finger nonchalantly into the waistband. When his eyes lifted back up afterward, Walker swallowed, but couldn’t find any words to say. Marsh, however, didn’t seem to have any trouble replying to his previously unanswered question. 

“Only to what’s mine.”

Bear 18

He’d almost clawed the guy apart. Pacing in his room, Ranger took a swing at his scratching post every time he passed it. The heavy twine wrapped around it was already wearing thin, even though he’d replaced it recently. After an hour or so, he dropped down to sit in front of it so that he could pick at it further. His cat was extremely close to the surface, sharpening his human fingernails since he’d actually let it out earlier with Heian  for a few minutes.

And he’d nearly paid for it. It was stupid to just let him goad it out so suddenly, and when around other animals.

They hadn’t exactly planned to meet, though. Or, at least, he hadn’t. He’d been spoiling some of the older horses who had decided to stay in the barn overnight with apples, even though the temperatures were finally starting to rise a little.

That was when Heian had appeared. He’d brought a small insulated bag with him, drawing a curiosity from Ranger that was one-hundred percent because of his cat. It was. All his cat. They ended up going up to the hay loft to get away from the nudging horses and when Heian took the item he’d brought out of the bag, Ranger had felt his eyes widen. It was some sort of seared meat, and when the lid was unlatched from the large container, his nose greedily took in the scent of prime rib and bacon.

His stomach had growled immediately and he’d had to swallow a few times to keep from drooling. He remembered that the man had heated him up some food when he’d showed up unannounced before. It had smelled really good, too, but he had been frustrated and distracted at the time.

Just the thought of the food had his mouth filling with saliva. Heian had offered a piece of whatever he wanted, and Ranger, with his cat nearly hissing to be let it out and devour everything in front it, couldn’t refuse. He took a slab of the prime rib and made very short work of it. His feline lent him some of its stronger teeth, making it a tad awkward to chew, but much easier to tear.

When he had finished it and licked his fingers clean, the sound of something below caught his attention and immediately made his cat bellow out a warning growl through his human mouth that easily echoed throughout the entire barn. Several of the animals below had hurried from their open stalls and run out into the field, but the intruder hadn’t. He was considering jumping down and just dealing with the carnivore, but Heian put a hand on his head and smiled before looking toward the small opening in the floor where they’d climbed up from.

“Hello, Marsh. I forgot to mention last time, but I do have some beehives that I accidentally forgot to harvest form this season. If you’d like, you can go take some of the extra honey,” he’d said, his lips turning up into a smile when they heard the footsteps below them stop.

“They are north-east of here, about fifteen minutes walk, if that.”

There had been silence for a moment before they’d both heard a set of much-heavier footsteps leave the barn. Heian looked just as surprised as he was, and when he turned to him, Ranger shrugged.

“I didn’t know that he could shift again. He must have figured out how to get the earring out of his ear.”

Heian had let his head sag for a moment, then had simply begun laughing as he fell backwards into a large pile of hay.

“I guess I’ll have to go clean up what’s left of my hives later.”

Ranger had fidgeted, unsure if he should have gone to stop Marsh or not. He’d thought that Heian would do so, but he didn’t really seem too worried.

“I’m really a terrible bee keeper, Kit.”

Kit?

The nickname had made his eyes narrow, since he definitely wasn’t a kitten, but when Heian reached forward without getting up and grabbed the container of meat he’d brought with him, then set it on his chest, Ranger forgot about the name as he’d gotten a strong urge to tear apart everything in the container… as well as the man.

“You’re playing wit’ fire,” he’d slurred out as his canines began to elongate without his consent.

Heian hadn’t seemed the least bit concerned as Ranger had begun to stalk forward on his hands and feet, his body hunched and ready to pounce the second the man decided to try and get away.

“I won’t try to run away from you, because I know that your cat is a sweetheart,” Heian had said as he’d grabbed the container of food and slowly sat up, then took out a thick piece of bacon and offered it out to him.

The shift happened in the blink of an eye, surprising Ranger into losing control as his cat had lunged for the piece of meat. Thankfully, Heian had easily seen it coming and had released the bacon right before his hand could get bitten along with it.

“There you are,” he’d said with a purr to his own words as Ranger’s shift made short work of the meat, then hurried toward the container after shaking off the remnants of his shredded clothing.

Ranger had tried to put on the breaks, but his cat had refused to even let him control a single whisker, let alone any of his four huge paws. Heian had seemed far too calm for someone so close to an uncontrollable, massive predator.

He’d thought that it would be over quick, since his neighbor made a much more appetizing entrée than the simple container of meat, but to his surprise, Heian had put the container of down next to him, then picked up a big slab of prime rib, holding it by the end of a bone poking out from the side.

“I enjoy cooking, my furry friend… and I assume you enjoy eating?” he’d asked it as it smacked its nose against the palm of his hand with a low, rumbling growl before taking the chunk of meat and lying down right up against him to crunch it apart.

“I think we can be good friends,” he said as the massive smilodon lifted its head back to him and licked its muzzle between its two giant teeth.

There had been silence for a few moments as they both simply stared at each other, but then, somehow, things had seemed to calm down…

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Ranger leaned forward and pressed his forehead to the scratching post with a tired sigh.

“What the hell are you doing to me?”

He stared at his lap for a few moments before his face began to heat. Of course, he knew exactly what Heain wanted to do to him, he’d said so, very straightforwardly the last time he’d come over.

You’re such a cute cat, Kit.

Ranger fumbled backwards before turning and hurrying to his feet… only to see that his door was still closed and no one was there. Frowning, he looked out the window, but again, not a soul besides the horses grazing in the— wait a minute.

Heian’s large stallion was coming to a stop at the edge of the fence, his full tail swishing back and forth with excitement as he bobbed his head, almost as if he knew that he was being watched.

“He’s there, but I swear I heard him here…”

Shrugging off his confusion, Ranger hurried from his room. Except, when he got to the top of the stairs and realized that he was only wearing a light T-shirt and shorts, he quickly returned to his room and changed into a pair of khaki cargo pants and a black sweatshirt. By the time he stepped outside, Heian’s horse was at the bottom of the porch steps to meet him. It was still bobbing its head off and on, and now it was also stamping its feet and turning in little circles every few moments.

“Alright, alright. Hold your horses, you stubborn mule,” Ranger mumbled as he walked down the steps, right into a greeting headbutt that nearly knocked him on his butt.

He grabbed Heian’s head and mane to steady himself, then straightened and flicked him right in the middle of his forehead.

“What’s got you so riled up? You would have called me if there was some sort of problem…”

The horse danced around him a couple times before it abruptly vanished, leaving Heian kneeling in front of him, his long hair draping partially over his right shoulder. He was situated just-so, so that he didn’t flash him with the body change.

“I-I’ll go grab you some clothing,” Ranger said as he spun around and bolted into the house.

Once up in his room, he looked around at the laundry basket of clothes he’d finished washing earlier, but had yet to put away.

What should I give him?

He began digging through the basket at the same time he heard a response behind him, “I can make a few suggestions, if you’d like?”

Feeling his face burn, Ranger whirled around, squinting one eye closed in expectation of what he was likely to see… except, Heian had on a pair of red pajama pants.

Huh?

“Your brother let me borrow a pair, but his bear didn’t seem too pleased with the generosity.”

I can imagine.

“Uh, yeah. Let’s not make Yogi angrier. I’m sure you wearing Walker’s scent isn’t the best idea right after he got that earring off,” Ranger said as he walked over and grabbed the waistband of Heian’s pants, then hesitated.

The hell am I doing?

He glanced up sheepishly, unsurprised to see Heian’s amused head-tilt and half-smile.

“By all means, continue.”

The tips of Ranger’s ears brightened to a tomato red and he quickly looked back down… at his fingers, still in the waistband of the pants Heian wore.

So cute. He’s so darn cute!

Ranger jerked his head up, a glare settled on his face until he saw Heian’s confused expression.

“You… what did you just say?” Ranger asked, unnerved that the man’s expression didn’t match his words.

Heian seemed to pause for a moment as he thought through the situation, then let an excited smile play across his lips as he abruptly tugged Ranger against his warm, bare chest in a hug.

“That’s what I came up to your house to talk to you about!” he said with so much enthusiasm that it made Ranger suddenly tired.

“What?” he asked, still oblivious to their situation as he squirmed against the man.

Heian let him go immediately, never being one to make him do anything he didn’t want. Ranger appreciated it and took a step back to put some breathing space between them.

“You’re beginning to be able to hear my thoughts,” Heian said with hope shining in his soft brown eyes.

He was speechless. How did he respond to such a personal thing?

Sure, he’d gotten used to Heian being able to pick up some of his own thoughts, but to hear them in return? It was extremely personal and not meant for simple neighbors.

Noticing movement in front of him, Ranger refocused to see Heian take a seat… on his own hands.

“What are you doing, you strange horse?”

Heian looked up at him with an impish grin, but the look in his eyes was anything but playful.

“Trying to stay on my best behavior,” the man said honestly, not a hint of humor to his words.

Ranger felt his whole body sag in defeat. He felt like he was going around in circles with him, but not winning a single battle.

“What battle would you like to win against me?” Heian asked calmly as he looked up at him with curiosity. “I’ll let you have any victory that you’d like.”

He still wasn’t sure how he should respond, so he simply took a few more steps backward, then slid down to sit against his large scratching post.

“I don’t even know what victories I want with you. I don’t understand you,” he eventually said.

Heian thought through his words for a bit before carefully standing up and walking over to the large basket of laundry on Ranger’s bed. He peeked through the top pieces for a few moments, then held up a pair of worn black pajama bottoms.

“May I?”

His cat, which had been quietly watching the situation, finally decided to nudge itself back toward the surface, making Ranger nod faster than he’d wanted to, multiple times over. The gesture got a chuckle from Heian as he turned around and grabbed the waistband of the pants he currently wore.

Fighting back his beast, Ranger quickly turned around, pressing the side of his cheek to the rough twine as he stared at the wall as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

“It’s getting late.”

Heian’s voice suddenly right behind him made Ranger stumble to his feet. He tried to turn around at the same time, but his cat, which normally lent him its balance for any awkward mistakes his human self made, decided to retract its abilities for that brief moment. Instead, strong arms slipped under his own, catching him just before he could drop back down to the floor.

You traitorous cat!

The light laughter that came from his mental remark told him that Heian had heard his thought. After so much stress already on his shoulders, though, he just ended up shrugging it off as he straightened back to his full height and turned.

Per usual, Heian had on his curious but playful grin, but for some reason, Ranger didn’t buy it all of a sudden.

“Are you okay?”

The man’s smile faded into a confused expression, but he didn’t respond right away.

“Is something wrong with Nia? You went home earlier, but then you came back soon after. It’s already dark outside, too,” Ranger said, suddenly worried about Heian’s little girl.

Heian pursed his lips and sighed as he backed up to sit down on the edge of the bed. He stared down at his hands that had settled in his lap, but they couldn’t seem to stop wringing each other. It was odd. He’d never seen Heian look stressed out before.

“I’m sorry to come over here like this. I just…”

I just woke up feeling… sad. I tried to play with Nia, but she wanted to run in the back pasture with the herd, and I don’t really watch TV or have friends… I didn’t meant to bother you. I was just going to stay outside with your horses for the night.

Ranger felt his heart squeeze a little. He was just beginning to hear the man’s thoughts off and on, but he heard that one loud and clear.

“Come on, it’s getting late,” he eventually muttered as he looked down at his own pants.

“Uh, turn around,” he said as he reached for a second pair of pajama pants from his laundry basket.

When Heian silently did as told, Ranger quickly tugged off his sweatshirt and pants, then replaced the bottoms but left his top bare. He got hot enough at night… and he was going to have a plus one this evening.

“Come brush your teeth and whatnot,” he mumbled as he walked out the door.

It took Heian a few moments to follow after him, the man seeming a little out of it. He did as told with the spare toothbrush Ranger offered him, then they took turns relieving themselves and washing their hands before Ranger led the way back to his room.

He fell into bed immediately, relishing in the cool sheets he had beneath his only light blanket. He had a comforter, but that wouldn’t be needed tonight. When he didn’t feel the bed depress on either side of him, though, he slowly sat up and glanced toward the door.

Heian was standing there, looking a little nervous.

“I can sleep on the couch. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home,” he said as he looked away from Ranger’s gaze.

He really wasn’t one for dealing with others’ emotions. Which was probably why he never managed to keep a girlfriend very long… if at all. Not that he wanted a boyfriend all of a sudden, but Heian had been really nice to him, and never really pushed things when he was told not to or thought that he was making him uncomfortable.

“What do you want to do?” he asked before yawning and falling back against his pillows, already ready to pass out.

When he got no response, he glanced sideways at the man again, only to roll his eyes at the expression on his face.

“Get your butt in bed or I’m going to toss you out. I’m tired and you’re a pervert,” Ranger growled before turning onto his side and giving the man his back.

I wanna cuddle, just a little…

The thought came from Heian at the same time Ranger felt the bed depress behind him. He expected the guy to do exactly as he’d just thought, but to his surprise, he held himself back. He could feel a slight wisp of breath against the back of his neck every few seconds, but not a single part of the man was touching him.

You’re as stubborn as a mule, you horse.

Stifling another yawn, Ranger scooted backwards slowly, stopping the moment he felt Heian’s chest press against his back. He was definitely not interested in cuddling their lower halves, but as an arm hesitantly slid beneath his own and wrapped around his middle, pulling him a tiny bit closer, Ranger decided to let the man have what he wanted… but only for the night.

Bear 19

Walker wiped off the honey from the knife he’d been using to make Marsh a few peanut butter and honey sandwiches. The guy had been helping him around the house for most of the day and he knew that he’d be hungry soon. He’d also found the extra jar of honey stashed up behind some of their older groceries an d figured that he might as well use it before his bear sniffed it out… likely sooner over later. 

“Marsh?” he called as quietly as he could, not wanting to wake his brother. It would be better if Heian heard him and got up first, though. If he stayed and Ranger woke up with him there, he might just start grooming him without really being awake all the way yet. 

Not that he’d think Heian would mind, at all, but his brother would turn red from embarrassment. 

He searched the main rooms first, but when he came up empty-pawed, he nudged open the door to his office. 

Uh…? 

“There seems to be a slightly chubby bear sitting in my computer chair,” he said with humor winding through his words as he leaned against the doorjamb. 

Marsh was, indeed, sitting in his chair, his stubby back legs sticking out mostly forward and slightly down. Both of his thick, heavy paws were placed on some of the random paperwork that had been left on the desk’s surface. When he heard Walker come in, he lifted his head slightly and sniffed the air with a few loud grunts. 

Looking down at the butter knife in his hand, Walker snickered and shrugged. 

“Oops, forgot to put it in the sink. I made you some sandwiches, if you’d like to come to the kitchen? That is, if you aren’t too busy working?” he asked, pursing his lips to try and hide his growing smile. 

Marsh’s bear opened and closed its mouth a few times, as if tasting the sweet treat already, but then it tapped the desk with its long claws, drawing Walker toward it curiously. 

“What’s up? Is something bothering you?” he asked as he looked down at the slightly cut-up papers. 

Thankfully, none of them were really important and he’d already scanned them all into his online files, so it didn’t matter if they got destroyed. 

“Walker?” 

Hearing his name, he looked up to see that Marsh had shifted and was now sitting in his big officer chair… completely naked. 

What the…?

“I think I got bigger.” 

Feeling like his brain was short-circuiting, Walker reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. Two minutes later and he was looking through an article on bear shifters, and more importantly, on how they grow when faced with malnutrition. 

“Evidently, bear shifters have a remarkable ability to regain body weight, and sometimes, even increase their general size after bouts of malnutrition because of the way hibernation affects both of their forms,” he read from the web page he had pulled up before looking up at Marsh. 

Granted, he hadn’t grown that  much, but for it to be so abruptly noticeable overnight was a little overwhelming. He looked back down at his phone and continued to read silently as he heard Marsh stand up and move around his desk. 

If a bear shifter has not eaten sufficiently for many months, or even years, and then suddenly has access to food and water constantly, they can experience small bouts of growth that were missed during adolescence, but the amount will still be limited and will never reach the intended weight or height for that individual like if the malnutrition had no occurred. 

“Wow, that’s pretty cool,” he said as he looked up again, only to see Marsh standing right in front of him. 

Walker opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t find any words to say. 

“Walker? You look really tired,” Marsh said as he stepped a little closer, putting them nearly chest to chest. 

He really has gotten taller. 

The growth spurt didn’t quite put them eye to eye, but he was suddenly a bit more aware of the age of the person standing right up against him. 

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Walker took a step back, but to his surprise, Marsh immediately mirrored his action with a mischievous grin.

“I made you sandwiches… in the kitchen,” he said as he took another step backward and quickly turned toward the door. He made it a few steps before he felt warm fingers reach into the waistband of his black jeans and hold him back. 

“I wanted to ask you something,” Marsh said as Walker slowly turned back toward him. 

Thankfully, the guy released his hold on his pants as they returned to facing each other. 

“Oh, uh, sure. What did you want to ask me, Marsh?” Walker replied, a little relieved that the situation was beginning to feel normal again. 

“Do you like mating with men, or women?” 

Well, that hope for normal just went out the window, fast. 

 “It’s not something I think about,” he answered honestly as he quickly turned and walked out the door. 

He heard footsteps following behind him, but thankfully Marsh didn’t try to grab his pants again. The guy actually grabbed a pair of clean shorts from the laundry room and remained silently until they stopped in the kitchen, then he tugged them on a second before beelining for the small stack of sandwiches on the counter. 

Walker took the single peanut butter and banana one he’d made for himself and dropped down into a seat at the dinner table to eat. He wasn’t really hungry, but he figured that a snack couldn’t hurt. Right after he finished scooting in his chair so that he didn’t get crumbs on the floor, he heard Marsh speak behind him from the kitchen as he took his first bite. 

“I want Walker to be my mate… but you seem afraid of me when I try to touch you.”

Coughing several times as he tried not to choke on his bread, Walker pounded his chest a few times before swallowing, then taking in a few deep breaths. When he looked back toward the kitchen, he leaned away abruptly. Marsh was right there. He was about to tell him that he needed to back up a few steps, and they needed to have a discussion about personal space, but the worried look on Marsh’s face made his tense body calm down a little. 

“I… I’m not afraid of you touching me,” he said, then paused as he tried to figure out what he should be saying. 

What am I even supposed to say in this situation? 

He knew that his brother would have plenty to say, but he wasn’t used to people chasing after him… and especially not guys. It was always Ranger that caught the women’s attention, and even if one did dare to look at him, they were quickly taken by his brother, and that had honestly been fine. 

There was more than enough work on the farm to keep him busy, and having a significant other took up way too much time. At least, that’s what he’d seen when it came to his brother, over and over and over again. 

Feeling a warm hand against the side of his face drew Walker out of his thoughts. 

“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to ignore you. I just—” 

“Drift off into your own mind when you get nervous,” Marsh finished his sentence for him, then added, “and it’s adorable.” 

Walker felt his mouth go dry as his face heated and he fought with himself not to look down. Pushing forward all of his determination, he lifted his eyes to meet Marsh’s shining dark ones. 

“My Walker,” Marsh said with a cheerfulness that finally made Walker lift his sandwich up, but he didn’t take a bite, himself. Instead, he raised it to press against Marsh’s lips. 

Thankfully, the guy bit it obediently, then chewed slowly, giving Walker some much needed time to calm his stumbling heart. He retracted his hand after a moment and took a bite, too, not really thinking about the childish indirect kiss thing that kids joke about nowadays. 

A warm hand wrapped partially around his own to guide the remaining part of his sandwich back up to Marsh’s lips. The young man took another bite, then moved Walker’s hand back toward his own mouth. He, too, took a bite obediently. 

They finished the sandwich quickly between the two of them, but once the edible obstacle that Walker had been hiding behind was finally gone, he wasn’t sure what to do with the hand that was still holding his own. 

“Have I been a good bear, Walker?” 

Walker blinked, a bit surprised by the sudden simple question. 

“You have. You’ve been a very good bear, Marsh.” 

Marsh tilted his head the slightest amount and actually gave Walker a shockingly beautiful smile. 

“This bear is very happy,” he replied as he moved his thumb gently beneath Walker’s eye. 

He’d forgotten that Marsh had even had his other hand pressed against the side of his face the whole time they’d been sharing his sandwich. 

“You’re blushing again,” Marsh said before pressing a gentle kiss to Walker’s forehead, then leaning away and retracting both of his hands. 

“I no longer want to go back to where I was. I want to stay here, and I want to win over what I feel is already mine,” Marsh said, then added with a sleepy smile, “well, I know he’s mine, but he’s not too sure yet.”

He walked away then, heading up the stairs to likely rest. Walker felt like he needed to sleep for a few weeks after that encounter, but as he stretched his arms out on the table and then leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cold, worn wood, he didn’t think that he’d be able to sleep even if he bothered to go to the guest room. Sure, he’d been using that room since his mother had left, but had he gotten any real sleep in it? Not really…

What am I doing? 

Sighing, he slowly forced his body up and out of the chair. He intended to go unload the dishwasher, but his feet took him upstairs, instead. To his surprise, Marsh was standing at the top with a big comforter in his arms. 

“I will sleep somewhere else. Walker is tired and I took his den…” he said quietly as he nuzzled his nose gently into the blanket, already clearly drowsy. 

Walker was going to tell him that it was okay and that he had just come upstairs out of habit, but when a yawn slipped past his defenses, he bit his tongue on his words. Instead, he reached forward, and now, up slightly, and patted the young man’s head. 

“Thank you.”

He doubted that Marsh would mind the guest room. He could even make it his own den room, if he wanted. 

Marsh closed his eyes for a moment to enjoy the attention. When Walker moved past him, he heard the guy walk a few steps, but when the sound of him going downstairs didn’t meet his ears, he turned and raised an eyebrow at the guy who was now cuddled in the heavy blanket near the top of the stairs. 

“What are you doing curling up there? Aren’t you going to go to the guest room downstairs?” he asked, confused. 

Marsh blinked open his good eye and looked up at Walker at the same time he nuzzled into the blanket and mumbled a rough reply. 

“I need to protect my Walker… and there are a lot of stairs.” 

Shaking his head, Walker walked over to him, making Marsh sit up groggily. 

He really isn’t done hibernating quite yet, huh.

“Come on. You can stay in my den, but you best behave, okay?” he said as he helped Marsh to his feet and took his big blanket with one arm and grabbed his hand with his free one. 

Marsh rubbed at his eye with his other hand and mumbled something unintelligible as they stepped into Walker’s dark room. Right as the door was being shut behind them Marsh looked up at Walker and asked, “can I at least lick you above the waist?”

Bear 20

Clean. Need to clean…

Ranger’s cat had seemingly been in control for a while as it continued its normal morning grooming session. He habitually licked his arms, shoulders, and sometimes his hands and the upper part of his chest a few times a week in the morning before his human side came around to halt the embarrassing behavior.

His rough, sandpaper-like tongue was hard at work cleaning warm skin. For some reason, what was beneath it kept moving and shifting as if this was the first time he’d cleaned himself. It was odd, but his mind was too foggy trying to wake up to notice anything off.

“Let’s not go lower,” came a voice beside and slightly beneath him, its sound rumbling from beneath his traveling tongue. “At least not until you’re fully awake.”

What?

Ranger tried to wrestle his cat back, but it adamantly refused to stop its task. It never let him stop its grooming sessions. It was one of the rare times that it could hold back his human form for any decent amount of time.

Frustrated, Ranger tried to at least open his eyes, but he had no luck as he felt his body scoot upward a bit, then tilt his head to lick at something that had to be near where his pillows were, but it sure as hell wasn’t himself.

Wait a minute. Last night, Heian stayed over…

“I’m sorry, Kit. I can tell that you’re not in control of this, but I’ve already tried to stop him twice. You’ve got some nice teeth, even without your beautiful cat’s larger ones. It seems like he’s determined to lick me clean from head to toe. I stopped him from going too low, though,” came Heian’s response to his thought.

Kill me now.

He felt fingers sift through his hair as a deep chuckle reverberated through his hands where they rested on different parts of Heian’s body, as well as a small portion of his upper chest.

“I would say that I’ll pay you back to make this right, but I’m not really sure what else I can help you with besides perhaps some more work and maybe cooking dinner?” Heian offered, making Ranger want to nip his nose.

It isn’t your fault. I should have remembered that this happens often.

Heian was silent for a short time before he replied honestly.

“Well, I can’t say that I’m upset that you forgot. I only feel bad because this isn’t really you doing it.”

You would be okay with this if it was me? Ranger asked, incredulity and disbelief mixed into the thought.

“Absolutely, and I’d lick you back, too.”

Ranger wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so he remained silent until, finally, he felt his body relax against Heian’s and slowly opened his blurry eyes. He could feel the man still sifting his fingers through his hair, but he didn’t mind. It actually helped him clear his head to have some sort of tactile stimulation to focus on.

“Sorry,” Ranger finally whispered as he noticed the large swaths of red across Heian’s chest and upper abdomen. His cat had clearly been having a good time with a new target to groom.

He felt a few pats to the top of his head before Heian’s arms wrapped around him and squeezed gently.

“It was a surprise, and I never imagined that I’d one day feel the equivalent of rubbing sandpaper all over my upper body as a wake up call, but I can’t say that I’m upset about it,” Heian said as Ranger tilted his head to look up at the man.

He felt his cat stir beneath the surface at seeing the man’s face whom he shared a bed with all night, but like hell he’d let it take control again. With his luck it would probably shred both of their pairs of pants and then do several kinds of physical education activities that weren’t taught in gym class.

“I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to any kind of activity with you, with or without pants, but your stomach has been growling quite loudly for a while now. If it would be alright, may I borrow your kitchen to make some very late breakfast for us?” Heian asked as he carefully sat them both up, making Ranger quickly roll off of him or risk having his left hand slip too far south.

“Sure,” he mumbled as he hurried out of the bed and made his way down the hall.

He quickly relieved himself, washed his hands, then scrubbed his face. Once done, he let Heian have a turn as he headed toward his brother’s room. He knew that he’d been using the guest one downstairs, but he could sense that he was upstairs, now.

Guess they finally switched rooms.

He started opening the door as he began speaking, “hey bro, why didn’t you wa—” his words were cut off by a quiet, yet ferocious growl as he saw Marsh’s eyes and teeth flash in the faint light allowed in from the window in the hallway. The guy was partially on top of his brother, his body already forming a crouch, anticipating a need to attack, yet being careful enough not to wake Walker.

And that answers why you didn’t wake me up before I started preening our neighbor. Got it.

He quickly but silently closed the door, then awkwardly walked downstairs. Without realizing it, he began pacing near the table, unsure if he was supposed to help, or just sit, or go outside and start chores… or why the hell were his brother and Marsh sleeping in the same bed again?

“Kit.”

Hearing the nickname, Ranger stopped walking in circles and looked up just in time for a soft towel to gently start patting his damp face and hair.

“I think you forgot to dry yourself off a bit,” Heian said as he made quick work of the few patches of moisture on his face. Ranger mumbled something incoherent in response as his eyes looked over Heian’s upper body.

My cat really did a number on him. Even his face is red on the left side.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” Heian said as he handed Ranger the small hand towel to finish drying himself, then walked past him into the kitchen.

“Is there anything I shouldn’t use in here?” he asked as he opened the refrigerator and looked around.

It was odd seeing the man in his kitchen, but he didn’t hate it.

“You can have whatever you want,” he eventually said, making Heian straighten and raise an eyebrow with a stare that made Ranger’s face heat up.

He quickly turned and went to sit down on the couch, tucking his feet beneath him before turning on the television to just have something to focus on that wasn’t the man beginning to cook in his kitchen.

After about five minutes, he couldn’t seem to calm his mind and hopped off the couch to head back upstairs.

Taking a shower.

He figured that the guy would probably hear the words, and he really didn’t feel like talking with how much of a mess his emotions were at that moment.

After grabbing a change of clothing from his room, he went into the bathroom and got the water started. It was closer to evening than morning, so thankfully the hot water tank didn’t struggle too much to warm up the shower.

Heian’s was instant, and a little startling.

The random thought made him shrug as he stepped under the spray and got busy cleaning himself. He wasn’t one for long showers since they rarely had enough hot water, so after about seven minutes, he was ready to step out… except that he’d forgotten to restock the regular towels in the bathroom and Heian had grabbed the last hand towel.

Crap. Walker? Walker, wake up!

When his brother didn’t respond, he leaned sideways against the cold tile wall and sighed as he yanked the curtain closed again.

I’m not gonna do it. I’m not asking Heian to bring me a towel from the laundry room. I’m not.

After a few moments of contemplation, he stepped out of the shower and carefully inched open the door. The smell of sausage and bacon cooking brought saliva to his mouth, but now wasn’t the time to be drooling over meat.

He’s cooking. Just go grab one from your room. Reusing one once won’t kill you.

Without letting himself hesitate, he licked his lips, then bolted from the room… only to suddenly have a huge, warm towel suddenly wrapped around his middle, as well as a set of familiar arms. The momentum he’d had made him swing, but Heian easily managed his weight before softly sitting him back down on his feet after a slight spin in the air.

“You…” Ranger stuttered out, shocked and confused.

Heian finished tucking the towel in around Ranger’s waist before leaning back with a warm smile.

“I could hear your thoughts, but I remembered that when I’d grabbed that hand towel before that it was the only one in there. When you said you were going up to take a shower, I found the clean ones sitting on top of the drying and threw one in it to warm it up for when you got out.”

He was speechless.

“Breakfast will be done in just a few moments. I made bacon, sausage, eggs and pancakes from scratch since I couldn’t find a mix. If there’s anything else you’d li—” Ranger pressed his lips hard against Heian’s as his hands grabbed two fistfuls of the man’s perfect, soft hair and yanked him closer.

He felt Heian’s hands settle on his waist as things got more heated, but he ignored them as he focused on fighting his mouth for dominance.

Well, he ignored them until he felt one move over the towel, then suddenly grab his backside. He broke them apart with a surprised yelp, the action making Heian release him with an impish grin.

“Sorry, sorry. I was, uh, just checking for a tail. I thought that your cat might have snuck in there,” Heian said with a tone that screamed, I totally just wanted to squeeze your butt.

Ranger bristled, but he wasn’t mad at the guy’s words, but at himself, because he knew that his cat hadn’t pushed any part of that.

Sending the man a deep warning growl as he walked by him toward the stairs, he got about three steps down before Heian spoke.

“I absolutely don’t mind if you dine with me in just a towel, but you might, perhaps, want to put on some clothing?”

He was going to scream.

Spinning around, Ranger stomped back up the stairs, throwing a hiss to Heian, who looked like he was on the verge of busting out laughing, as he walked by. He almost slammed his door as he closed it, too, but caught himself right beforehand. He didn’t need to wake up his brother, and in turn, gain even more ire from his ferociously-awkward teddy bear.

Sighing out a huge breath, he leaned back against his door as he heard Heian head back downstairs to finish getting their food ready.

“I know I’m going to ask myself, for the billionth time, what the hell is wrong with me… but I know the answer now.”

He leaned forward, putting his head in his hands and groaning.

“I freaking like this guy.”

Bear 21

(This has been one heck of a busy week XD Short chapter but Marsh wanted to say something.) 

This one is mine. 

Marsh lay silently against his sleeping man, hugging Walker’s head gently to his chest. He hadn’t quite meant to snap at Ranger earlier, but before they had both gone to bed earlier Walker had gotten a call from one of his hunting friends. He’d been trying to reach them for a while, but the constant snow storms had made their phone connection spotty, at best. 

His friend had recovered, but there were deep scars left. They had chatted over text a few times, but earlier he had let it slip that he actually had the bear with him. Of course, then his friend had told the others, and they decided immediately, and without hesitation, to kill it. 

Walker had told them that he was a shifter and not just a bear, and that he’d been out in the wild for too long and was just reacting the way bears would. They hadn’t been impressed with his words, and while the fact that he was a shifter took shooting him off the table, they still didn’t seem like they were willing to let the subject drop. 

That, in turn, had made Walker stress out, and he’d only just managed to calm down enough to rest moments before Ranger had barged in. 

It was close to sunrise when he felt Walker stir against him again. 

I want to lick…

He was just about to do just that when he remembered that he hadn’t gotten permission, even though he’d asked if he could at least do a little above the waist. Walker had chuckled quietly at him and patted his head. 

“Hey… there,” Walker whispered, drawing Marsh out of his thoughts as he looked down. 

When he noticed Walker trying to hold back a smirk, he blinked, unsure of what was funny. He watched the man reach up with his hand and extend his pointer finger… then he poked the tip of Marsh’s tongue that had evidently been sticking out just-barely past his lips. 

Was thinking of licking too much. 

He quickly pulled it back inside his mouth, feeling his face warm at the awkward slip. 

“Did you rest, too?” Walker asked, ignoring the odd moment since it seemed to bother Marsh. 

He is a little too nice. Wouldn’t survive well in the wild on his own. Good thing I would never let him go out there on his own. 

“What are you thinking about with that look?” 

Marsh tilted his head, a bit surprised that Walker had leaned closer to his face, but he quickly remembered that humans didn’t have very good eyesight at night. His own had definitely diminished in his bad eye, but his good one could still easily see the man’s face in the darkness. 

“About how you are too nice and you would be eaten if you had encountered anything besides me out in the forest,” Marsh said sincerely. 

“ You weren’t going to eat me if you had gotten the chance?“ Walker asked, making Marsh lick his lips without thinking about it as he lifted a hand to Walker’s shoulder and gently pushed him onto his back. 

“Back then? Absolutely, but now… a different kind of eat,” he said, making Walker’s eyes widen. 

When the man started trying to sit up, Marsh put his free hand on his other shoulder, easily holding him down. 

“ Marshall ,“ Walker said, his voice becoming stern. 

Marsh narrowed his eyes but bit back a growl. He did not want to intimidate, but when he did reply with “ Walker ,“ he matched the man’s tone. 

“What do you want?” Walker finally asked with exasperation. 

Marsh considered his words quickly, checking and rechecking what he felt would finally get through to the man beneath him. Eventually, he backed off of the obvious and settled for something a little more careful. 

“I want to lick you above the waist.” 

He could tell that Walker hadn’t expected his answer, but to say that he startled Marsh with his own response would be an understatement. 

“Fine. Have at it, if that’s what you really want to do.”

Did I break him? 

Marsh reached up and was about to press his hand to Walker’s forehead when the palm of it was suddenly licked. He withdrew his hand immediately, startled by the abrupt action. 

Walker gave a long yawn before smiling up at him. 

“I know that you’ve been hitting on me constantly, and I’m sorry that I’m just not secure enough to really give you the responses you’re looking for.”

But you’re really handsome, and smart. You work hard and you make good money. Isn’t that what makes people secure? 

“I see you trying to figure out what I said, but there really isn’t an answer… as far as I know,” Walker said on a sigh as he reached up to pat Marsh’s head. 

What if I make the answer? 

“Can I try to find it?” Marsh asked, making Walker pause, his fingers halting in his soft hair. 

“Find it?” Walker mumbled without thinking. 

Marsh gave him a half smile and began to lean down slowly. When he got close enough, and Walker still didn’t try to push him away or move, he cautiously let his tongue slip from between his lips and tap against the tip of Walker’s nose before withdrawing immediately. When he leaned back just enough to see the man’s expression, he gave out a surprised yelp as teeth nipped the tip of his own nose. 

“If you’re going to pin me down and lick me, let’s at least see some effort, hmm? Or were you not sincere about all this? Cause I’m trying not to freak o—” lips sealed his mouth and Walker immediately began to squirm, making Marsh lean back right away, breaking the contact. 

Even without much light coming in from the window, Marsh could easily see the man’s face starting to burn red as he cupped a hand over his mouth. 

He really does stress about this, even with the little bit of joking he’d tried. So cute!

“I said lick, you deaf bear,” Walker eventually mumbled before sitting up abruptly, nearly bumping their foreheads together. 

Blinking, Marsh felt his own face warm. 

“Sorry, I thought that it was similar since my tongue was going to lick the inside of your m—” the lips that sealed over his own were barely-there, but that was all that was needed to silence him in an instant. 

He wanted to go straight to ravishing his mouth, but he held back his instincts and instead, simply held still. Only, Walker didn’t move a single muscle, either. 

His bear paced back and forth in his mind, confused as to why there wasn’t a lot more touching going on, and mating. They were touching mouths! Humans mated after touching mouths!

“You guys want breakfast?” came Ranger’s voice from down the stairs. 

The shout had Walker and Marsh both jumping slightly, and unfortunately, breaking their too-brief kiss. 

Before he could do anything else, Walker had moved him from his lap and was up and out of bed. Right as he finished tugging on a shirt, he grabbed the door handle. Marsh got off the bed at that moment and took a step forward. 

“I still want to lick…”

He couldn’t argue that food sounded good, though. Maybe he could lick Walker while eating. 

“Whatever you’re thinking, no ,” Walker said as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Marsh’s cheek, then turned and quickly walked out of the room. “I need to cool down from this. If you really want… something from me, I’m going to need time to process all the bits and pieces.” 

Marsh hurried to follow him out the door, but kept a few paces behind him so that he didn’t crowd the man who was clearly stressed again. 

I didn’t mean to make him stressed like his friends had. 

A gentle hand on top of his head stopped him right before he was about to fail at descending the steps. Grateful but confused, he turned to look slightly up at the man beside him. 

“Be careful, and don’t think that you’re stressing me out. I can make my own decisions, and worry about their outcomes, too.”

But I don’t want you to worry. Let’s just have sex and skip the courtship that is making you so nervous. You’re my human, after all. 

“I’m really glad that we don’t have a bond yet, because I’m afraid of what you’re thinking when you give me that look,” Walker mumbled as he hurried down the stairs, leaving Marsh standing there, staring at his back, and butt, with a growing grin. 

Yet.

Bear 22

(Marsh and Heian are so much fun XD) 

It was extremely hard to pretend that he wasn’t hearing Ranger’s thoughts now. He’d most definitely heard the revolutionary one when the guy was upstairs, but when he came back down afterward, he was cool and collected, though albeit a little nervous. 

So adorable. 

“What are you staring at?” Ranger grumbled as he started hand washing the dishes that hadn’t fit in the dishwasher. 

The boys were great at farm work, but when it came to inside the home… some things were lacking. Ranger had pulled his hair back into a tiny ponytail to keep it out of his eyes while he was looking down to wash, but seeing him differently so suddenly was making it hard for Heian to focus. On one side, he couldn’t just randomly run his fingers through his hair while it was tightly tied… but on the other, it was freaking adorable. 

He blinked when the end of a damp ladle abruptly poked the end of his nose.

“Don’t get any pervy ideas just because I kissed you for making me breakfast. I was starving this morning,” Ranger said, his tone scolding but his face tinting pink at the memory. 

Heian bit his tongue on a verbal and physical response. He wanted to slip his tongue out and lick the item poking him, but he didn’t want to push his love too far. Today had already been a miracle for them. No need to mess it up with perverted jokes and fooling around. Besides, he didn’t always have to be thinking about Ranger in that way. The guy was amazing in his own right, and even looking past his gorgeous appearance and work ethic, he was a nice guy who had a rare and beautiful shift, liked to ride horses and sleep, and was perfectly happy just chilling on the couch watching movies on his down time or spending some extra time with his animals. 

I can do all of those things, too. Nia would also love to spend some time with you, as well. 

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he finally replied with a growing smile as he turned toward the counter and continued wiping off the clean dishes that were beginning to pile up on a towel they’d spread out. 

Of course you haven’t, because you haven’t gone to sleep yet since it had happened, he heard Ranger think to him, unintentionally, he was sure. 

He was one hundred percent guilty there, though. 

“Not that it really matters, though,” Ranger muttered as he focused exceedingly hard on scrubbing a cup that didn’t really seem all that dirty. 

I love you. 

The man suddenly stopped scrubbing and looked up, his cheeks now a soft red color. Heian lifted his eyebrows, pursing his lips and shrugging at what he knew must have happened. 

“Sorry, I’m trying not to overload you,” he said, watching as Ranger just took a deep breath and turned back to his task. Having overheard that one thought still seemed to be bothering him, though, so Heian hurried to dry most of the remaining dishes, then made his way into the living room area so that he could give the other man some space. 

He was just about to sit down on the sofa and turn on the TV when he heard the sound of someone coming down the stairs at the same time a different person knocked on the front door. They’d called Walker and Marsh down a few times, but after a while the food had gotten cold. Figuring they could just heat it up, they’d called them one last time about ten minutes ago. 

Walker paused at the bottom of the stairs, then slowly walked toward the door, seemingly nervous. 

Is he expecting someone? 

A quiet growl sounded from the top of the stares, but he couldn’t see its owner yet. The sound had Walker pausing with his hand on the door, however, and turning to glance back toward Marsh. 

“Don’t worry, I can handle them. You stay up there and be good.” 

Telling a bear who is defensive of you and evidently doesn’t like who is on the other side of that door to be good? Best of luck, my friend. 

Of course, if there really was an altercation, he would definitely step in, especially if Ranger got directly involved, but he wasn’t sure what the situation was yet, so he just decided to sit down on the sofa and observe for the time being. 

When Walker finally did open the door, Heian tilted his head, surprised to see that it wasn’t just one person behind the barrier, but three. His stallion immediately pressed itself closer to the surface, not happy to see so many males in the house he was beginning to associate with his own territory. Of course, he would always be submissive to the true owners of the house and land, but to anyone else that steps foot on the property, and especially if they might have bad intentions? 

Don’t like them. 

He felt a faint tug against his long hair and glanced to his left, a bit surprised to see Ranger holding onto a length of it. 

Behave. 

Biting back a chuckle, he nudged his horse back, then refocused on what was going on with the group of intruders. 

“You really took that crazy guy here? Why didn’t you hand him over to the police?” one of the young men said who appeared to be around twenty-two. 

A second one stepped forward, inciting a growl from the top of the stairs that had the whole group fidgeting in response. 

“You can’t think that you’re safe with that thing. He might be more bear than person, but if that’s true, then he needs to go to a rehab facility or one of the refuges so that he can live as a bear away from people,” a slightly older, brown-haired man said, his tone slightly more stern than the last one who’d spoken. 

What he said seemed to have struck a nerve with Walker, however, because he straightened to his full height and took a step forward, making the group automatically step back. 

“He was away from people! We were the ones who walked into his home, so don’t give me that bullshit, Brian.”

Wow, he’s got some claws. Who would have thought. 

He’d always considered Ranger the more aggressive one, who would stand and fight over Walker. Granted, Walker didn’t have a shift, and that was probably why he thought that, to a point, but he was glad to have his horizon’s broadened. Walker clearly didn’t need his brother, or his brother’s cat, to stand up for him. 

Hearing something behind Ranger, Heian couldn’t help but grin. 

He can stand up for himself… but he can’t really stop his bear from coming to his rescue, either, even if he doesn’t quite need it yet. 

“We were hunting, bro! That’s what happens when you hunt! “ one of them yelled, raising his voice enough to make Heian lean forward. The only thing that kept him from standing up was the hand grasping his lock of hair. 

Heel, Heian, Ranger thought to him, clearly partially joking as he used his length of hair as a makeshift set of reigns, but also not. 

Heian rolled his eyes but stayed seated and quiet,  but not before he blew out a breath of air that would remind anyone of a frustrated horse more than a person. 

“Well, then what right do you have to come here and yell at him? You just said that he should be somewhere where he can be a bear. He was in the forest. Is that not where bears live?” Walker said, his anger clearly rising. 

The group hesitated for a moment, but then the third man stepped forward. He was bald, with a few tattoos on the left side of his face and neck. That seemed to push Marsh past his willingness to listen to Walker, because there was soon a large, fluffy bear fumbling down the stairs. It grumbled the entire way to the door, then started standing up on its back legs to, no doubt, let out an intimidating roar, but he still seemed to be unable to figure out his bears new added weight when going up on his back legs, because instead of doing what he’d intended, he partially straightened, then flopped backwards onto his bum and grunted. 

For what it was worth, though, the guys did look terrified until Marsh had lost his balance. 

Oh, wait. Wait a second…

Marsh grumbled a few times before wiggling himself forward back onto his four paws. He then shook out his coat, sniffed the air as he glared at the group of intruders, then slowly leaned back onto his hind legs. He nearly flopped back down twice, but to everyone’s newfound awe, he managed to straighten to his full height. 

Seemingly proud, as he should be, Marsh looked down at the group of nervous men and twitched his nose, then leaned forward slightly and let out an impressive roar. 

Okay, he’s kind of cute in his bear form. 

Heian’s head jerked back as the length of hair in Ranger’s hand was abruptly yanked. When he turned his head and gave the man a look , Ranger was pretending he’d done nothing. 

Going to play it that way, hmm?

A faint pink growing on the right side of the man’s face told Heian what the guy refused to say, or show intentionally. 

“Dude, that thing is seriously dangerous,” one of the guys warned as Marsh looked down at Walker, who stared up at him with a raised eyebrow. 

“You dangerous, Marsh?” 

Marsh’s bear smacked its lips a few times, then gave a stern nod that nearly made him off-balance himself again. 

“Are you going to hurt me?” Walker asked. 

Marsh immediately shook his big fuzzy head and twitched an ear. 

Neither of Walker’s hunting buddies seemed happy with the bear’s answers, but Walker didn’t seem to care anymore as he grabbed the side of the door and looked them over. 

“Well, that’s that, then. I’m sorry that things turned out the way they had for our group, and I do regret not being able to stop his attack completely, but I’m not going to let you guys get rid of him just because he was being a bear where bears live. He’s a great guy, and his bear has even calmed down a lot. I’m not worried about my safety around him, but if you guys are, you don’t need to come over anymore. I wouldn’t want to make you guys feel uncomfortable.”

Hell yeah, you tell them. Get them away from my man’s territory. 

He felt Ranger poke the side of his head, but he pretended to have not noticed and just kept staring at the ground as they conversed a bit more. Walker was easily holding his ground, though, especially with Marsh still standing high beside him. 

Heian…

Fighting back a smile, Heian continued to ignore Ranger, curious to see what he would do about it. 

He really is a cute bear. At first I thought that he was a bit too vicious to safely be here, but Walker has him wrapped around his finger, even though he doesn’t seem to reali— Heian’s thought was broken when he felt himself being shoved over onto the couch before Ranger promptly settled his backside in the middle of his chest. He was growling just loud enough for the two of them to hear, but he refused to look at him, and was, instead, glaring at the closed door his brother had just shut and locked before walking with Marsh over to the kitchen to heat up the leftovers. 

Heian let him have his way for a few minutes before he abruptly jerked his body onto its side, making Ranger flop over onto the cushions between Heian and the back of the couch. He wrapped his arms around his grumbling man once he was settled and squeezed him tightly, then reached up with one hand and slipped his fingers into his hair, easily tugging out the tie there. After his fingers got a few good run-through’s of soft hair, he settled his palm against the back of Ranger’s head and pressed him closer so that their lips could briefly brush together. 

“If I’m going to be held down, I want a kiss first.”

Ranger immediately turned cherry red and tucked his head against Heian’s chest. Chuckling quietly, Heian buried his nose in his love’s soft hair and sighed, closing his eyes. They could still hear Walker and Marsh nearby, but neither seemed to pay them any mind, which he was sure Ranger appreciated. He hadn’t intended to just hug him on the couch, but he didn’t mind it at all. He could tell, however, that Ranger was nervous, and he doubted that having his brother’s attention at the moment would help at all. 

“Stop overthinking things. I’m not a kid,” Ranger mumbled after a few minutes or quiet. 

 Heian wanted to say a few things to that, but he felt like Ranger was just trying to defend his nervousness, and didn’t need his unease to be pointed out any further. Besides, he loved his caution. He was testing the waters with him, and he was more than okay with that. Ranger was the first man he’d ever been attracted to, as well. There was nothing he wanted the guy to change about himself just to try and make him happy, either. He already liked the man exactly how he was. 

Eventually, he settled with a one word response that he felt summed up their situation at the moment. 

“Alright.” 

Because everything would be. Lots of things were going to change in the future, but he felt confident that no matter what happened, everything would eventually be alright… and if it wasn’t, he’d try his hardest to make sure that at least Ranger and Nia were safe and happy.

Bear 23

(Throwback photo of my big floof, Snowman. He’s gone now, but his fur never will be.

The point of view switches around a bit in this without any notice, but it seems to flow fine, so I’m leaving it as is.)

I like you, Walker.

Marsh’s bear waddled about the kitchen, constantly nudging its cold nose beneath Walker’s T-shirt, making the guy jump every few moments.

Walker, pat my head.

Walker dodged him after the fifth nudge as he carried a plate over to the microwave and started it. The food smelled good, and he was hungry, but attention…

When he tried to use his nose to lift the guy’s shirt again, Walker poked it with his own finger and leaned over.

“There’s a certain bear here that’s getting a little too nosy ,” he chided, making Marsh’s bear drop its bum to the floor immediately and give a quiet, hesitant grumble.

Attention please.

He lifted a huge paw, and was ecstatic when Walker actually took it and sat down in front of him. As he began spreading out his claws calmly, seemingly checking them for something, and nothing, at the same time, he looked up with a knowing smile that made Marsh’s bear’s heart flip in its chest.

“I’m sorry. I know that you want attention but I’m still a little stressed out from what just happened,” Walker said, making Marsh wish that he’d just chased the bastards off the property altogether instead of letting Walker slam the door in their faces.

Of course, he was super proud of his human for how he handled the situation, but there wasn’t quite enough, or really any, bloodshed for him.

Next time. If I see them again.

Hands pressing against the side of his furry face drew Marsh’s attention very quickly out of his own thoughts.

“You behaved very well, Marsh. I really appreciate you letting me handle the situation,” Walker said, making Marsh feel like Mush in a bear suit.

Any time. I will let you do anything you want.

“I am a little curious about what is going on in that head of yours, honestly,” Walker said before standing up, after giving Marsh a good head-pat first, of course.

He got the big plate he’d put in the microwave out and sat it down on the floor, since he figured that Marsh wasn’t going to be able to shift back so quickly, then got himself one in the microwave.

As he waited for it to be done, he felt a light tap against his side and looked back down.

Sometimes you’re far too cute to be that perverted human, Walker thought as he reached down and took the piece of crispy bacon from between Marsh’s bears teeth that was being offered.

“Thank you, Marsh,” he said before happily munching on it.

He really did love bacon, even though his normal preference was vegetables, but he made sure to give Marsh the bigger portion of everything since he could still use a few more pounds… at least, he thought so. When the microwave chimed a moment later, he took his own food out and headed toward the dining room table, but paused for a moment when he noticed his brother and Heian lying on the couch together. Ranger has his head tucked against the other man’s chest and was clearly out cold, while Heian was grinning with an excitement that didn’t quite match what he was seeing, but to each their own?

When he felt something tugging at his pant leg, he looked down at Marsh’s bear, who then glanced back toward his plate of food on the floor, then looked up toward the stairs before hobbling in their direction.

Probably a good idea. Ranger gets pretty shy when he’s nervous and waking up with both of us nonchalantly eating at the table while he’s cuddling up against a guy… upstairs it is.

He turned and quickly grabbed Marsh’s heavy plate, then hurried silently up the stairs with it and his own. Marsh was nowhere to been at the top of the steps, but when he got into their room, he was a bit surprised to see that he’d shifted back to his human form and was sitting, waiting on his bed. He even had a pair of loose sweatpants on with little chubby cartoon bears wandering about on them.

“Walker?”

Walker stepped forward and handed Marsh his meal, then sat down beside him on the bed with his own.

“Yeah, Marsh?”

“Is your friend that I attacked really okay?”

Walker blinked, a bit surprised that Marsh had actually asked.

“Yeah, he’ll be okay. He’ll have a nice scar, but he’ll be fine in a bit,” he said as he reached over and mussed up the guy’ hair.

Still can’t get used to him being taller.

“Walker,” Marsh said, drawing his attention down to the fork that was gently nudging against his lips.

Isn’t this your food?

He wanted to say something, but he couldn’t find the words when he looked into Marsh’s hopeful eyes.

“Walker is too skinny,” Marsh eventually said, making Walker grin as he obediently opened his mouth and accepted the bite of food. Little did he know that accepting that one morsel would lead to Marsh trying to feed him the entire platter of food he’d made for his bear .

He managed to get through half of it before he flopped over onto his back with a quiet groan. His stomach felt like it was going to burst. Whenever he got super full, he’d always fall asleep almost immediately, but he’d already slept really well earlier, and didn’t want to pass out again so soon. Thus, he forced his eyes to stay open… only to see Marsh staring down at him with the most enthusiastic smile he’d seen on the guy so far.

“Did I do something?” he asked, confused.

Marsh looked about to burst, himself, but from happiness before he suddenly looked nervous, then darted for the door. His actions had Walker sitting up abruptly, then hesitantly getting out of bed and heading downstairs when he heard the door open a few moments later. He grabbed his heavy winter coat and slid on a pair of warm boots before stepping outside to see where Marsh had gone.

He wasn’t sure what he expected, because he had no idea what had even happened, but when he saw the man’s chubby bear running around in the pasture, but not really bothering the horses, he tilted his head, even more confused.

“Marsh?” he yelled, getting the big fluff’s attention instantly.

It roared, but it was obvious that he didn’t mean anything by it as he turned and hopped the fence, then ran over to him and began to do circles.

“Okay, I’m confused, big guy. What’s wrong?”

Marsh continued to run around like a dog with the zoomies, keeping Walker’s attention until he heard someone step out onto the porch with him, chuckling quietly.

Looking over his shoulder, he smiled as Heian walked up to him. The slightly taller man nodded as he watched Marsh suddenly skid to a stop and wobble up onto his hind legs in the tiny bit of snow still left on the ground.

“Oops, made him jealous,” Heian said as he took a step to the side, putting some distance between himself and Walker. It was clear that he wasn’t afraid of the bear, and he really didn’t need to be since his horse was taller and might even be able to match his weight.

“Do you know why he’s running around so much? He just fed me half of his meal, then looked disturbingly happy before bolting out here,” Walker said, honestly wondering if Heian understood.

He got another chuckle in response as Heian nodded.

“He just provided a meal for you, someone he considers his mate. I can understand how he feels. He probably just didn’t want to scare you by jumping you upstairs, so he ran out here to burn off his excitement and extra energy,” Heian said, then tilted his head back to look up at the cloudy sky, a smile on his own lips.

“I remember when Ranger first accepted something that I had made for him. It was the best feeling in the world.”

Walker returned his attention to Marsh, except he nearly jumped back when he noticed that his bear had come much closer and was struggling to get its hefty self up and over the railing in front of them instead of simply registering that he could walk around to the step. He was clearly not pleased about Heian being next to him, even though the guy had distanced himself a bit.

Shaking his head, Walker stepped forward and as Marsh’s bear looked up, seemingly stuck in the railing a bit, he poked its nose until it slowly began to lean back. It got so far that it actually lost its grip on the railing and flopped down onto the dead grass with a grunt.

“You have quite a jealous mammal there, my friend,” Heian noted as he looked over the railing with an intrigued expression.

Marsh’s bear sat up and grunted toward the two, then huffed and began hobbling toward the barn. Walker looked at Heian, who shrugged one shoulder and nodded toward Marsh.

“Gonna go comfort your bear and tell him that he’s the only one for you, or let him sulk it off?”

Walker pressed a palm to his forehead and sighed.

“What have I gotten myself into?” he asked himself as he started walking toward the barn.

He felt eyes on his back for only a brief moment before he heard Heian go back inside and shut the door. No doubt he’d only gotten up to check on them, and had no intention of losing anymore time cuddling with his brother… while he still let him.

Stepping into the barn a few moments later, Walker noticed that the ladder leading up to the hay loft was slightly askew and grinned.

“Wonder where my bear could go, hmm?” he said as he nonchalantly walked over and, after readjusting it, climbed up.

He was just getting off of it in the loft when he was suddenly tackled into a pile of loose hay. Thankfully, he could tell that Marsh had shifted back to his human form, because there was definitely not three hundred plus pounds on him. He’d also wrapped his arms around the guy when he’d been tackled, not wanting him to accidentally fall through the hole.

Right as he began to ask what had gotten into him, again, he felt chilled lips seal over his own. Since Marsh didn’t push it further, he let him have his kiss for as long he wanted, then, once he finally relented, he smiled and spoke.

“So, are you going to tell me what that was all about now?”

Marsh leaned back to sit in Walker’s lap, a look of slight embarrassment on his face before he shook it off and and leaned forward again. Walker quickly blocked the kiss with a finger to Marsh’s lips, making the man lean back again with a quiet grumble.

“My question first, please.”

He sulked for only a moment before getting serious, then grinning.

“Walker let me feed him.”

He looked down after speaking, clearly a little shy, then looked back up abruptly.

“I can’t cook like that, yet, but it meant a lot that you trusted me to feed you. I can hunt for you whenever you want meat, though! And I can… used to be able to find berries really well with my good sniffer nose.”

Ah, I did injure his nose when I first met him. I guess he can’t smell as well now.

Reaching up, Walker pulled Marsh back down into a hug, which the young man gladly melted into.

“I would very much love to see you hunt one day, and don’t worry. I’m a master at hunting for berries in the grocery store, so leave those to me, hmm?” Walker said, a bit of humor to his words.

He expected Marsh to try and kiss him again, but when he just heard the guy sniffing, then saw him sit up and continue, he tilted his head on the hay.

“Smell something interesting?” he asked as Marsh moved off of him and began sniffing at the floor.

Walker sat up after a moment, watching as the guy circled an area nearby, then sat back and looked over at him.

“Something delicious was up here.”

Something delicious?

Walker thought for a moment before realizing that Marsh would likely consider only one thing outright delicious, besides berries, which weren’t as likely to find their way up into the hay loft.

“I think my brother was up here with Heian the other day. Heian can cook really well, so maybe he brought some meat up to share with Ranger?”

He wasn’t quite sure if that was how it went, but that was his best guess.

Marsh seemed to consider his words before licking his lips.

“That horse can cook meat well?”

Maybe I should keep him around, but the other predator…

Walker reached out and grabbed Marsh’s jaw, guiding him closer until their noses were almost touching. He wanted to say something, because for some reason, he was seriously annoyed after he heard Marsh say that he wanted Heian to basically cook for him, but when Marsh’s expression went from confusion, to shock, to a massive, mischievous smirk, he realized what had happened.

“I was joking about the yet part when I was talking about us forming a bond,” he mumbled sheepishly, turning his head to look away as his nerves caught up with him.

Unfortunately, he was loved by a bear, and that bear was very forward with his attentions. Thus, he soon had a hungry mouth covering his own and eager hands wandering a little too quickly beneath his coat and pants.

At least go in one direction!

Marsh stopped both of his hands abruptly and leaned back to sit on Walker’s abdomen.

“Okay.”

Okay…? Okay what?

It took him a minute. A long minute, of deep thought.

“Oh,” he eventually whispered, to which Marsh replied with a wide smile and a yelled “yes!” at the top of his lungs before jumping him.

Walker might not have tried his best to fend him off, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but laugh at his predicament. Eventually, they both ended up panting with hay tossed about all around them. Walker was missing his jacket and his shirt was pushed up precariously high on his chest, but Marsh didn’t seem to mind since his head rested happily against the warm flesh there.

There might have been a few nibble marks about that area, too, but Walker decided that he didn’t mind… this time.

Bear 24

(Took Pepperjack instead of my other dog, Raquetball, to my parent’s house for the holidays since she does better with dogs. My roommate failed to tell me that she MUST have a pillow of her own… or she’ll steal yours.) 

An unfamiliar chime slowly woke Ranger from his deep sleep. He didn’t open his eyes right away, though, because he could tell that he was being carried. It wasn’t cold, so he knew right away that he was still inside the house, but he couldn’t quite figure out why someone would be taking him somewhere else. 

Where did I fall asleep again? 

“The sofa, love,” came Heian’s deep, whispered voice from above. 

Right, they had fallen asleep on the couch… right in front of his brother and his bear. 

Embarrassment welled in his belly, but before he could dwell on it he felt his back softly settled against his bedsheets. His heavy blanket was soon to follow as it was tugged up and over him, but when he realized that it was just himself in the bed, he finally did open his eyes. 

Heian was leaning over him with a warm smile, but Ranger’s attention was quickly stolen by the little flashing red light beneath the man’s shirt. 

Come to think of it, I’ve seen him wearing a small electronic locket before. Is it a medical device? Is he okay? 

A hand settling on his head brought his eyes back up to Heian’s before the man began to speak. 

“I’m fine, love. It’s an alarm to let me know when Nia is at the door.”

Ah, that makes sense. He did mention that she had shifted and sat outside before without him knowing. 

“Yes, so I got this device for when I’m not home.”

Ranger tilted his head on his pillow, wanting to ask if that meant that Heian would be leaving now, but of course, the answer to that was obvious. 

“Okay,” he whispered quietly, not wanting to seem upset. 

He had no reason to be jealous over the man’s own daughter, anyways. She should always be first… he just wasn’t used to wanting attention, at least not from another man. 

And one with his priorities as straight as a line. Who is unfairly hot. And could probably get just about any— He cut off his thought process after a hesitant look up at a smirking Heian. He’d totally forgotten that the man could read his mind and he’d just went on about how amazing he was. 

Yanking his blanket up over his head, Ranger bit back a groan and waited for the guy to tease him, but when he felt the bed depress on either side of his legs, then upper body, he froze. The person above him stopped moving, too, until Ranger felt his heart slowly calm down a little. 

That’s when he felt Heian’s hand gently peel back the blanket he’d pulled over himself and lean down. 

“I just wanted to amend that last thought of yours,” he said quietly, his words nearly a whisper, yet still so loud in the dark room. 

“I don’t care who I can get, because there’s only one person I want, and all I want to do is keep him happy and one day hear that he’d like to spend the rest of his life with me.”

The kiss to his hair that followed that statement had Ranger’s brain short-circuiting from heat. 

“Sorry, a bit too much,” Heian said with a quiet chuckle as he mussed up Ranger’s hair, getting a growled warning in response. 

“There’s my Kit.”

Ranger scoffed and yanked his blanket back up and over his head. 

“Get lost, you perverted horse.”

Another chuckle met his ears but Heian did as told and made his way to the door, drawing Ranger’s attention enough to pull down his blanket to peek at him again. 

“Nia and I would love to have you over for dinner this evening if you’d like to come by after your nap,” Heian said with an inviting smile before he stepped out of the room. 

When Ranger couldn’t find words to reply, the other man gave him an understanding nod and quietly closed the door. 

Blurriness met his vision as he awoke a few hours later. 

Wait a minute… why am I walking? 

He focused past his confusion and realized with an unsettling feeling that he had shifted while asleep!

How the hell?

His cat had already managed to open the door to his room and was downstairs fiddling with the turn lock on the front door. It didn’t take him long. 

Please don’t go after the horses again. You know you’re just going to get kicked in the face. 

His cat seemed to heed his words, at first, but Ranger quickly realized why it didn’t seem as interested in the horses. Chicken was on the menu. It approached the coops, its eyes examining each panicking bird as they bolted to or from the buildings. 

One, in-particular, caught its attention. 

Oh no. Not Henrietta! 

Before he could reign in his beast, it had the poor thing between its massive teeth. He didn’t kill it, or really injure it enough to cause a problem, yet, but the poor bird was likely to have a heart attack before it was released… or eaten. 

Satisfied with its catch, his cat turned and began confidently trotting toward Heian’s ranch. 

You know, he did invite us for dinner… but I’m pretty sure that he is plentifully stocked on food to cook, Ranger reminded his animal, which, of course, took no heed to his words. 

The frightened hen clucked in time with his smilodon’s gate, making an awkward soundtrack to their little romp through the woods and fields. Soon enough, they were standing on their neighbor’s porch, nubby tail swishing to the side every few moments as his massive paws paced the hardwood flooring. 

“Hello, my sweet kitten,” came a voice by the door a few minutes after his arrival, making his cat immediately dart toward it with excitement. 

Heian was ready, thankfully, and quickly knelt down to catch his large feline in a hug. He was careful to avoid the chicken as he gave Ranger’s cat a few good scratches, dodged a playful swat of its massive clawed paw, then patted its head before standing back up. 

“Did you bring that for me?” he finally asked, addressing the hyperventilating chicken between Ranger’s cat’s teeth. 

It grunted affirmatively and when Heian reached down, gladly handed him the startled bird. 

“I do already have everything already almost done for supper, so how about we leave her out here for tonight and I’ll make sure to cook her for you next time?” he said, holding the chicken so that it couldn’t just dart away. 

Smart. He’d be after it if it tried to run. 

It took his cat a few moments to process the offer, but thankfully, for Henrietta’s sake, he bobbed his fuzzy head and allowed Heian to let the chicken go. It ran a few feet, then looked back at them, released a large amount of droppings, then promptly hopped off the porch to go strut around the horse pasture. 

“Kit?”

Ranger’s cat quickly returned its attention to Heian, who gave it a rewarding couple pats of on the head. 

“I’d like you to meet my daughter. Would that be okay?” 

At first, Ranger was hesitant and tried to take control back, but when they both heard a snort come from their left, both heads turned. 

Nia…

Her mare was as beautiful as ever and was eyeing him with a nervous but sure caution. She bobbed her head as her hooves stopped a little ways from the porch, then shook out her mane and huffed out a breath. 

Ranger’s cat scented the air first, then slowly made its way off of the porch. The moment its front paws touched the grass its claws dug in, but instead of attacking, which Ranger had honestly expected, it took another sniff, then continued forward. 

Nia wisely turned and gave it her back end, waiting and watching in case she needed to kick. 

It took Ranger’s cat a whole two minutes before it was no longer interested in trying to make a meal out of the horse. Besides, Heian was watching him, and he clearly didn’t want to upset the man. Thus, he returned to sit beside Heian on the porch, staring up at him, seemingly hoping for praise. 

“You were a good boy. That went much better than I thought it would,” Heian said as he walked forward, then descended the few steps leading to the ground. 

Nia ran forward to meet him, but so did Ranger’s cat. As soon as Heian gestured with his hand for him to stop, however, his cat immediately put on the brakes and didn’t set a single paw on the steps. 

He watched with a few grumbles as Heian paid attention to the horse, but then suddenly, there was no horse. His cat took a few moments to figure out that the horse had been a shifter and that Nia was actually his biological daughter. 

That seemed to fry its brain, because after another minute, it finally released its hold on him and shoved Ranger into control. Nia was peeking over her father’s shoulder when the transformation had happened, and when she saw that it was actually him, her face lit up with a big smile. 

“I bet you had a feeling that it was him, but his cat’s definitely not one to be trusted too soon. You did very well, Nia,” Heian praised as he carried her over once Ranger had gotten one of the spare blankets near the door wrapped around his waist. 

He held one out for Nia, too, and helped Heian secure it around her before following them both inside. 

The smell of cooked meat immediately brought saliva to his mouth. He wanted to head straight for the kitchen, but did have at least some manners, so he continued to follow them upstairs. When Heian headed for Nia’s room, though, he stopped early and slipped into Heian’s, then quickly found himself a pair of black silk sweatpants and pulled them on. He was just about to tug on a light blue shirt of similar fabric after a slightly longer search, when he felt warm arms wrap around his waist. 

“Wearing my clothes…”

The husky whisper had Ranger fighting back a shiver. 

“I could go naked, if you want,” he said sarcastically, only to want to smack himself for how obvious Heian’s answer would be to that. 

“As much as I’d love that, and will hold you to the offer another day,” Heian mumbled against Ranger’s neck. “My daughter will be joining us for dinner tonight.” 

He knew that Heian was trying to get a rise out of him, either verbal, or probably physical, but Ranger couldn’t help but hear the general excitement as he spoke, too. 

“How long has it been since she’s had dinner with you?” he asked, curious. 

Heian slowly guided him with his hands until they were chest to chest, and, of course, his hands had slid down to firmly grasp his backside. 

“With me? Last week. With me and someone else? Years. She doesn’t trust people… but she really likes you.” 

A wave of nerves started making Ranger’s palms sweat at the thought of how far he was stepping into Heian and his daughter’s little family, but of course, Heian didn’t let him stress about it for long. He, quite skillfully, distracted him with a gentle but firm kiss. 

I will never tie you to us if it stresses you too much, love. Let’s just take this one day at a time. 

Ranger was about to break the kiss to reply when his stomach growled loudly, impatient for the food cooking downstairs. 

I suppose we can take it one dinner at a time, too, Heian thought with humor before leaning away with a grin. 

Feeling awkward with the guy still happily grapping his backside, Ranger glanced toward Nia’s room down the hall and nudged Heian with his hand. 

“Aren’t you going to go help her?” 

Heian tilted his head, a knowing look in his eyes as he released Ranger’s butt, clearly regrettably, and lifted one hand to sift through his hair. 

“She wanted to take care of herself so she pointed for me to wait here. She will tell me, in one way or another, what she wants or doesn’t want… but you need to start doing that, too, please,” he said, making Ranger flush with embarrassment. 

“I’m more than a bit obsessed with touching you, and I really like your butt, in particular, but if that bothers you, or anything I do bothers you, I need you to tell me.” 

I feel like a kid in front of him. He’s so mature, and here I am getting embarrassed about him touching me. 

Ranger blinked out of his thoughts as he was tugged over to the bed. Heian stopped them right before they’d have to climb into it, then turned and looked at him sincerely. 

“Ranger, you’re not a kid, and I know that saying this usually doesn’t help, but you have nothing to be embarrassed about when you’re with me. I like you. All of you, even your fuzzy side.”

Pursing his lips, Ranger thought through his words before taking a deep, calming breath and looking up. He was just about to open his mouth to respond when he saw something familiar out of the corner of his eyes. 

“You… have my lasso hanging above your bed.” 

Heian’s grin returned to his face as he stared at the length of nylon he’d curled perfectly on a hook above his bed. 

“Didn’t want to lose it,” he said sheepishly, clearly hiding something. 

Ranger leaned forward slightly, making Heian hesitantly lean back. 

“You didn’t do anything untoward in front of my precious baby, did you?” Ranger asked before he carefully got up onto Heian’s bed and started making his way toward his lasso. 

He wouldn’t be forgetting it this time!

It was within reach only a few moments later, but right as he was lifting his arm to retrieve it, a slightly longer arm moved past his own to twine its hand’s fingers with his own, effectively halting his retrieval. 

Ranger glared at the man on his right side, who proceeded to pull their entwined hands away from the lasso and hold them up between them. 

“I don’t know if I can bear to let it go yet, unless…” 

Ranger narrowed his eyes, but bit anyways. 

“Unless what?” 

Heian’s grin widened slightly, but right before he was going to respond, the little necklace he wore around his neck chimed to tell him that Nia wanted his attention. 

Just like that, he released Ranger’s hand and turned to start walking off of his bed, but finding a hint of courage all of a sudden, Ranger lunged forward and caught Heian’s hand right as he stepped down from the bed, making the man turn and look up at him. 

“Unless what?” he repeated, wanting a darn answer. He was going to take his lasso home tonight. No matter the cost!

Heian seemed to think over his answer, then eventually replied with an eager tone.  

“Unless its owner would like to keep me company in my room at night, instead.” 

The man’s words left Ranger speechless, so Heian simply leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the hand he was still holding, then went to tend to Nia. Ranger remained where he was, perched standing on the edge of the bed, until Heian returned several minutes later with his daughter in his arms. 

“We’ll see you downstairs for dinner, love. Don’t forget your shirt… or do,” Heian said with a wink before disappearing from the doorway. 

It took Ranger a whole five minutes to figure out how to move his body again, and when he looked back at hi lasso hanging neatly on the wall, he hesitated… then hopped off the bed. 

I’m starving. I’ll grab it after dinner.

Bear 25

(Going to be extremely busy this month so updates will be shorter and slower, but here’s some Marsh being Marsh.) 

A long piece of hay poked the side of his cheek, but Walker refused to pay it any mind. He was enjoying zoning out, even with the added weight from Marsh on his chest. 

“Walker, will you marry me yet?” 

He tilted his head on the mound of hay he was lying against and wrapped his arms around Marsh, squeezing him tightly with a chuckle. It was already dark, since both of them had dozed for a while and just enjoyed the simple quiet. Nothing quite beat relaxing on a cool day with the sound of horses neighing in the background, chickens clucking as they foraged, and— his thoughts were abruptly halted as a warm, wet tongue made its way from the bottom of his jaw to the tip of his nose. He didn’t mind, but at the same time…

I feel like I’m being too lax on him. 

It definitely wasn’t normal to just lick someone. 

Sitting up, he let Marsh slowly slide into his lap before looking slightly down at him. 

“You shouldn’t just lick people like that,” he said, his voice trying to be stern, but having trouble due to the look on Marsh’s face. He couldn’t quite read it, but there was happiness, a bit of nervousness, and maybe a tiny shine of hope?

The nervousness seemed to win out in the end when he replied, looking down at his hands he had settled against Walker’s abdomen. 

“I don’t want to just lick people like that. I only want to lick Walker like that.” 

He paused for a moment, then licked his lips and looked up. 

“I want to lick Walker in a lot of ways, and in a lot of places,” Marsh said as he slowly reached up and nudged him back down into the hay. 

There were a hundred reasons Walker could come up with to tell Marsh no, but he couldn’t find one to make him want to let that single word pass his lips. He didn’t have to think for very long, either, because he soon had Marsh’s mouth sealed over his own, the young man’s tongue was hesitant, at first, but his enthusiasm wasn’t too far behind when he realized that he wasn’t going to be pushed away. 

He let Marsh investigate every inch of his mouth that he wished, the attention making him begin panting quietly. When the man started exploring the outer parts of his body, he was taken a bit by surprise. The part that Marsh seemed to enjoy the most, and pay more attention to, was the palm of his hand. 

“Does it taste good?” Walker asked jokingly. 

Marsh had been very carefully licking every inch of his right hand and fingers, but he always returned to the palm after each full lap, making Walker tilt his head on the straw, curious. 

“You like hands?” he finally asked after Marsh’s five go-round. 

The guy was snuggled against him, but also partially on top, lying on his side. He was cradling Walker’s hand against his chest as he carefully licked its entirety. When he heard the question, he looked up, his tongue pausing halfway past his lips for a few moments before he tucked it back in and lifted Walker’s hand to nuzzle. 

“This hand has held and owned so many things… but I want to hold and own this hand.” 

  That… was way too deep for my mind. 

Marsh looked up at him with a smirk that told Walker that he’d read his thought. 

“I can go deeper in other places…”

Walker sat up abruptly, nudging Marsh back into his lap with his back to his chest, while at the same time reaching up with his right hand and down with his left. He knew that he would stop himself if thought about what he was doing, so he shoved his hesitation to the back of his mind and slid his hand down over the crotch of Marsh’s pajama pants. 

His other hand grasped the man’s chin and tilted his head back and up, allowing him to take control of their second deep kiss. It didn’t last nearly as long as he’d intended, because his nerves did decide to make an appearance, making him break contact right as Marsh was reaching up, no doubt to dig his claws into his hair. 

“S-sorry,” Walker mumbled awkwardly as he hurried to lean back against the hay, close his eyes, and catch his breath. 

He felt Marsh move off of him a few moments later, then shuffle around the hayloft, but when he opened his eyes, it was because of the thud sound he heard from down below. 

Not seeing him anywhere, Walker crawled to the hole in the floor, just barely catching Marsh’s pudgy bear as it began running around after the chickens. 

Got you a bit too excited again, I see. 

He couldn’t blame the guy this time. The chickens had been scattered near the entrance to the barn. It was no wonder his bear hadn’t grabbed one y— never mind. Marsh’s fluffy self hobbled back into view after Walker heard a loud, startled cluck! from just beyond his line of sight. 

“Ah, I see you’ve brought me Mr. Cock-a-doodle,” he said as he saw Marsh’s bear appear down below, a panicking rooster in its mouth. 

With a smile that refused to leave his face, because he really should be stern with Marsh about grabbing the poor chickens, he just shook his head and shrugged off the slight upset. He did, however, make him release the shrieking bird as soon as his feet were back on solid ground. 

“You were a good bear again. How about we go inside and have some berries with a bit of honey drizzled on them?” 

They hadn’t really had dinner, but when Marsh’s bear stumbled over its own feet to turn around, then high-tail it back toward the house, Walker knew that he’d said the right thing. 

He had known better than to just buy honey at the store, too, because, while the guy’s sniffer wasn’t what it used to be, it definitely had no problem finding his favorite treat. Thus, he’d ordered it to be delivered, then left it sealed in the box in the basement. Thankfully, that worked, but he doubted that the bottle would last once it was revealed. 

I don’t think I can handle him on another one of his honey binges. It made him hyper when he was hibernating… and he’s not drowsy from that anymore. 

The thought made him second guess his decision, but the bear standing up on its hind legs on his porch, doing a little jig as he shifted his weight from paw to paw to stay balanced, made him shrug it off. 

A little extra energy never hurt…

He made it to the porch and let Marsh in, then closed his eyes for a moment. 

Odd, Ranger isn’t here? 

The guy’s car was still in the driveway, so there was really only one other reason why he wouldn’t be nearby. He was about to think something snarky about his brother’s cockiness being tamed by Heian, but his hand was taken at that moment, breaking his thought as he was quickly tugged inside by an impatient Marsh. 

Right right, I promised honey. 

“Sorry, spaced out. Let’s go get our treat,” he said as he nudged the door shut and locked it, figuring that his brother wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

Bear 26

Ranger really needed to head home. It was already getting close to ten and he had quite a few chores to do come morning. Dinner had been phenomenal, and if food could completely silence his nerves, he would have found a ring to put on Heian’s finger the second he’d finished his third helping. 

Unfortunately, he was much too fidgety once there was nothing left to eat and all the small talk had been said. Nia had been an absolute sweetheart and had braided a small portion of his hair on the left side, even tying it off with a few pretty pink sparkly beads before she had Heian help her upstairs to bed. 

Closing his eyes with a deep breath, he focused on trying to calm his nerves for the hundredth time. Heian had gotten up to do the dishes, and he could hear him walk over several times to remove what remained so that they could be loaded, too. He wanted to help. Had even intended to do it all himself as thanks for the meal, but as he finally pealed his eyes open again, the same nervousness hit him as he watched the man who was currently pursuing him work in the kitchen. 

“Ranger?” 

Blinking, Ranger stiffened when he realized that he’d zoned out while staring. 

Heian was now right next to him, a worried look on his face that made him feel a little ashamed. 

“It’s okay if you’d like to go home, Ranger. I only invited you for dinner and to spend some time together with you and Nia. I don’t want you to stress about anything else,” he said as he reached forward and gently sifted his fingers through his hair. 

His cat surfaced at the sensation, as it was always one to love getting pets… from Heian only. He could tell that it was visible in his eyes, too, because Heian couldn’t hold back his grin after a few minutes and chuckled. 

“I see you, Kit. I hope you enjoyed the food, too,” he said, earning a grumble from Ranger’s mouth that was definitely more feline than human. 

“Your shift is adorable, by the way. Ferocious teeth, claws, and all. He has a pretty good attitude for such a predator, too,” Heian said, making Ranger’s cat preen itself beneath his skin. 

It had a terrible attitude, but it seemed to worship Heian and always behaved for him. 

Rolling his eyes, Ranger stood up from the table, feeling his stomach ache slightly with the weight it now carried. “You’re going to make him shift again just for some more compliments.”

He didn’t want to shift again so soon, but he also wasn’t sure that he’d even make it back home before curling up somewhere and falling asleep for the night. He might need his cat’s coat. 

Heian took a step back to give Ranger room to move away from the table, while at the same time responding to the hint he’d clearly caught in his thoughts. 

“I will gladly give you a ride home, and I mean in my car this time,” he said with a small wink. And I’ll try not to instigate your cat too much. I like him, but I do prefer to be around your human self a tad more. 

 He was about to head for the door when he remember something important. When he turned around, Heian was standing by the stairs, nonchalantly smiling with his hands in his pockets. 

“I’ll be taking my lasso home,” Ranger grumbled as he walked past the other man and headed up the stairs. 

Surprisingly, he didn’t hear Heian follow after him, making him pause at the top of the steps to look down at the man watching him. 

“I’ll wait here. It’s was a nice view, anyways,” he said, though Ranger could hear his thoughts for the first time in a bit. They added and I don’t want to stress you out more.

Holding back a sigh, he turned and headed for Heian’s room. He would just grab his rope and be on his way… or that had been the plan until he stepped into the doorway and noticed Nia curled up in her father’s bed. 

Um, hey dad. I thought you put Nia to bed? 

He couldn’t, in his right mind, wake her up just retrieve his lasso. 

“I did,” came a whisper from close behind, making Ranger jump slightly as he turned to see Heian approaching. 

He quickly stepped to the side, allowing Heian in just as Ranger noticed one of Nia’s eyes peek open. 

“Alright Nia, you need to stay in bed. I know that you like Ranger, but he’s not sleeping over tonight,” he said, drawing a bit of heat to Ranger’s cheeks. 

The girl slowly sat up, looking a little upset, but more-so tired over anything else. She looked past her dad and gave Ranger puppy dog eyes, but before he could be guilted into saying that he would stay, Heian carefully collected his daughter into his arms and took her to her room. 

Ranger waited for a while against the doorjamb until Heian finally came out of the room and closed the door. He had one new small braid on the right side of his head, matching opposite with the one she’d given Ranger. Heian’s beads were purple, however, where Ranger’s were pink. 

“Sorry about that. She likes you a bit more than I thought,” Heian said as he stepped into his room, flicking his new braid with a proud smile. “Had to trade sleep for a new braid.”  

Ranger chuckled and followed, suddenly aware that he had to have waited quite a bit, because it was inching closer to eleven, judging from the alarm clock on Heian’s nightstand. 

Just get your lasso. 

He kept telling himself that, but when Heian walked over to the left side of the bed and looked back at him, expecting Ranger to do exactly as he had planned, he just stood there, staring awkwardly. 

It would be so easy to just walk over and take his rope, then head home… but he’d said that he would give Heian a chance. 

I don’t feel like I really have, though. 

Licking his lips, he looked down at his bare feet, then back up to Heian, who tilted his head slightly in silent question. He really didn’t have a question, or an answer for the man, though. 

He did, however, feel a nudge from his cat. 

I’m not getting naked in front of him, you stupid cat. 

It grumbled in his mind, then nudged him again. 

Sighing, Ranger looked toward where it seemed to want to point him, then raised an eyebrow. 

The shower? You aren’t a huge fan of water. 

He walked that way anyways, then realized what his cat meant when he stepped into the huge bathroom. 

The hot tub. Right. 

His cat wasn’t a fan of being sprayed, but it loved a warm soak once in a while. Not quite to the level of feeling like you’re being cooked, but it definitely didn’t mind a hot bath… and one with jets sounded nice to its human self.  

He looked back over his shoulder at Heian again, noting that the guy was still watching, and clearly enjoying it. His eyes rose up to his own, making Ranger bite back a scowl. Heian had clearly been staring at his butt again… and didn’t even try to hide it. Instead of grumbling at him, he got back at him a different way, and did finally give into his cat… at least a tiny bit. 

Reaching up slightly, he returned his attention to the currently-empty hot tub bath and tugged his borrowed shirt up and over his head, then let it fall to the floor. He might not have been able to hear many of Heian’s thoughts, but he could definitely feel his stare and the flare of interest from their growing bond. 

He then proceeded to start filling the bathtub. It had quite a few gadgets on its panel that could turn on different things, but he wasn’t too interested in anything special. His catlike curiosity would just make him press all the buttons, anyways. 

“There are bubbles under the sink,” came Heian’s voice from behind him, drawing his attention back into the room. 

The man had moved to sit on the bed, his feet propped up as he tucked one hand behind his head and held a book with the other. He looked completely relaxed… and not interested in all at joining him in the bath. 

“Oh, believe me. The second you send the invitation, I’ll be in there, but you seem to want to relax, and I don’t think I’d be able to behave myself as well wet as I would dry. So I’ll just enjoy the view from here for now.”

Ranger was about to call him a pervert and shut the door, but he suddenly realized that that would be calling the kettle black. After all of the years he’d chased girls just to get laid? 

Okay, we’re both perverts. 

But it hadn’t been girls that had been messing up his mind recently…

Shaking his head, he grabbed the bottle of honey and lavender bubble bath from beneath the sink and poured in a decent amount. Once that was done, he sat on the edge and watched the water fill, contemplating shutting the door or leaving it open. 

By the time the huge tub was full he still hadn’t made up his mind, but his cat had no more patience to wait and quickly made him yank his pants down and climb in. It burned a little once he was settled, but that heat quickly began to sooth his muscles and warm his body. 

This feels so good. 

It took him little time to find a setting on the jets that was comfortable and lean his head back against one of the soft headrests. He then allowed his eyes to close on a content sigh. 

I could totally fall asleep in this. 

There was a muffled quiet from Heian in response, then that static in his mind turned into fleeting words. 

If he falls asleep, would he get mad if I took him out and partially accidentally touched his butt at the same time? 

Ranger blinked one eye open and scowled at the back wall of the large bathroom. He was about to say something negative again, but changed his mind. Instead, he shrugged off his constantly-dismissive attitude as of recently and took a few deep breaths before turning his head to the side on the pillow and closing his eyes again. 

“You can touch it.” 

He couldn’t hear Heian’s reaction to his words over the jets, but he could feel his excitement through their connection. 

“What can I touch?” he heard the man ask, clearly having gotten up so that he could walk closer and be heard over the hot tub without having to yell. 

“My butt,” Ranger mumbled back, not bothering to open his eyes again. 

Before he could even think his words through Ranger jumped and his eyes shot open. Thankfully he didn’t fall out of the tub, because Heian was easily holding him with an arm around his middle… and a firm hand squarely under his bare backside. 

The look on the man’s face told Ranger that he was confused about the reaction, but how could he just walk up and stick his hand in the water and grab his butt like that?

I thought I said that he could grab my butt if I accidentally fell asleep in the water…

Heian’s face tinted pink in the dim light coming from his room. 

“Oh, crap. Sorry, I misinterpreted the context there. I thought you were just giving me general permission, instead of just for when you might have f—” Ranger silenced him with his mouth after grabbing a fistful of silky hair and yanking his head down to his own. 

The hand against his backside squeezed harder, but he’d kind of egged him on this time, so he didn’t mind. Heian’s mouth tasted like fresh peppermint, making him realize that he must have brushed his teeth at some point. Perhaps after helping Nia to bed the first time. 

I wanted to make sure that my breath wasn’t bad just in case you’d let me have a goodnight kiss after I brought you home. 

Ranger felt a toothache coming on at that statement… and then felt his stomach sink a little at the thought that his mouth might taste bad. He considered breaking the kiss, which was getting quite heated, but Heian had clearly thought he might because he carefully placed a hand at the back of his head. It didn’t stop him from moving, at all, and he could still pull away, but since Heian was the one wanting him to stay, he figured that he probably didn’t taste too bad. 

You are absolutely delicious, love. 

Ranger tried to figure out a response to that, but the heat of the water and the heat of their current activity was frying his brain. 

Instead of trying to think any further, Ranger reached up with his free hand and grabbed Heian’s shirt. With a sharp tug on that and his hair, he had the guy fumbling over the edge of the tub and into the water. 

To his surprise, Heian didn’t struggle to regain himself at all. He actually simply slowly rotated his body around, then pushed himself up on his hands and feet, then moved forward to straddle his lap. 

Ranger had nowhere to go as the man settled one hand on his shoulder and the other eagerly sought out, and found, his backside to grip again. Heian didn’t seem to even notice the warm water running down his face or the bubbles in his super long, wet hair. His eyes were glued to Ranger’s, and as he closed the distance between their mouths again, he whispered one simple, yet extremely important, sentence. 

“I’ll stop any single second you want me to… but until that moment, I am going to take your breath away over and over again.”

Bear 27

It’s not supposed to be snowing…

The weather had taken an odd turn, and when Walker awoke the next morning and looked out the window, since a certain human-bear had his arms snuggly wrapped around his middle so that he couldn’t actually get up to look, he realized that he hadn’t added any extra straw or turned on the barn heaters. 

We got them done. 

Hearing Ranger’s thought to him made him give a sigh of relief. He might not have heard from his brother since he’d gone back over to Heian’s, but he knew that the guy would never let him, or their animals, down. 

Thank you. 

He felt his brother about to start a response when it was suddenly cut off. The only time he ever couldn’t speak was if he was caught off guard by a distraction…

I’m fine. Just a lot of mosquitos out here.

Walker furrowed his brows as he glanced back outside at the falling snow. 

Mosquitos? 

He didn’t send the thought to his brother, but he was quite curious as to where he was finding such a thing in the middle of such weather. 

The quiet sound of Marsh opening and closing his mouth drew his attention away from his brother without a second thought. He always did that when he was about ready to wake up. It was especially adorable when in his bear form. 

“Marsh?” he whispered quietly as he reached up to sift his fingers through the guy’s soft hair. 

Marsh gave a quiet grumble, then finally unwound his arms from around Walker’s middle, only to stretch them high above his own head as he gave out an impressive yawn. 

“Good morning to you, too,” Walker said with a grin. 

His words drew Marsh’s attention immediately that time, waking him up the rest of the way. He sat up on Walker’s chest, thankfully wearing his cartoon bear pajama pants. Not that Walker would have minded, too much, if he was naked, but he wasn’t sure if his mind could quite handle that yet. 

It wasn’t that he hadn’t slept with the guy naked before. He had, plenty of times, but things were changing and he was just uneasy about it now. 

“Snow?” 

Hearing Marsh speak, Walker slowly sat up, carefully moving him backward until he was sitting in his lap. The guy didn’t seem to mind, because the moment he was settled he leaned over and stole a quick kiss. 

“A little early for that, isn’t it?” Walker teased. 

He was a bit surprised to see Marsh’s expression turn to one of confusion as he looked down, then back up with a head tilt. 

“Isn’t morning sex normal? Aren’t you sometimes hard early?” 

I should just never try to tease him. I really shouldn’t. 

“Walker, let’s go play in the snow.” 

In the snow? That was an abrupt subject change.

“I suppose we could.” 

Marsh was off of him surprisingly fast, and had tossed his pants and shifted before his feet could even touch the floor. The guy let himself out of the room as Walker hurried to tug on some warmer clothing. 

It took him a few minutes, and by the time he was downstairs and outside Marsh’s bear was butt deep in an impressive mound of snow. 

I’m not sure how that much snow can hold so much bear, but all I see are two stumpy legs and a wiggling stubby tail. 

As he walked closer, he watched Marsh’s bear do some sort of snow acrobatics to rotate itself within the snow mound, then he just turned into a mass of confused fur for a moment before a snow-caked head appeared, flicked one ear, and snorted at him. 

There was no way he couldn’t not smile at that bear. He was just about to join him when he noticed his brother’s smilodon cat pace out of the barn, flicking its head several times as if frustrated by… a mosquito bite on its neck? 

His curiosity quickly turned to humor when he saw a large black stallion prance after him, bobbing its head and darting about Ranger’s cat in excitement. 

I found your mosquito, but I don’t think you really want me to squash it, do you? 

Ranger’s cat paused and glanced around, then flicked an ear when it noticed him standing by the snow pile. It appeared that it was, somehow, actually under his brother’s control at the moment. Walker waved, making the feline draw its lips back and hiss before taking a swat at Heian’s horse as it came a bit too close to its face with its flaring, sniffing nose. 

How do I turn this thing off? Ranger grumbled into his mind, clearly talking about Heian’s romping horse. 

I mean, I have some ideas, but I don’t think you guys are that far along in your relationship…

He earned another hiss for that response, which was a bit uncharacteristic for him to say, but he couldn’t help poking fun at his brother. 

I’m going for a run, was Ranger’s response before his cat suddenly darted off into the surrounding forest. 

Of course, Heian’s horse wasn’t far behind. 

“I think both of them need to burn off some energy.” 

A run honestly sounded great, but…

He looked over toward Marsh, but to his surprise, he had walked over while he’d been distracted and was sitting on his fluffy backside a few feet away, glancing at him off and on as he swatted his massive paw at a fly. 

“Hey Marsh, would you want to go for a run, too?” 

It had been quite a while since he’d stretched his legs, and even with the snow coming down, it was still pleasant with his winter coat and pants on. 

Marsh’s bear paused mid-swipe at the fly and turned its head, looking as if it were volunteering. After a few moments of thought it lowered both of its paws to the ground, then rocked itself forward to stand on all fours. 

Looks like you might need a few runs, too. 

Marsh hobbled over to him, but to Walker’s surprise, he didn’t stop until he had pushed him over with a gentle headbutt. 

“Got it. You’re absolutely perfect. That’s just extra fluff from winter,” he said before he saw Marsh slowly slide his front paws forward in the snow on one side of his waist, and his back paws backwards on the other. 

“Oh no…”

He was soon pancaked beneath a quite heavy brown bear. 

Walker…

Pausing in his pointless fumbling to get Marsh’s bear off of him, Walker let his arms fall to the side in the snow and looked up at the gray sky. 

“Yeah, Marsh?” 

Will Walker marry me one day? I can keep being a good bear… and I can even be a better bear, if you show me how. 

Feeling the left side of his lips tilt up, Walker opened his mouth to respond, but the sound of a truck coming down their driveway took his attention away from the question. Marsh seemed to get distracted by it, too, because he was soon up and off of Walker. Another moment later and he was up on his hind legs, balancing quite well considering his previous issues. 

Practice makes perfect, I suppose. 

He slowly got himself up off the ground, too, then dusted the snow from his pants before looking up to see who was getting out of the truck. 

Wait a minute. That truck actually looks familiar. 

With a hesitant smile, Walker hurried ahead of Marsh and gestured for him to wait. Of course, he clearly didn’t want to, and let it be known with a small roar, but he did drop back down to his front paws and stayed there. 

“Chase? Holy crap man!” Walker yelled as he ran up to the guy. 

He hadn’t seen him since the incident with Marsh in the forest, but they had texted often during the time he’d been recovering. The guy hadn’t really wanted people around him while he’d been in the hospital, and while he’d felt bad about not visiting at all, the smile on his friend’s face made him feel much better about his decision. 

“Hey man. Thanks for not suffocating me like the other guys,” Chase said as he accepted Walker’s hug, then looked over his shoulder with a whistle. 

“You really do have him here. I’m surprised that Brian wasn’t lying just to get me to come out and make you feel guilty about respecting my wishes,” he said with a hint of humor to his words as Walker turned to face Marsh, too. 

“I did feel bad about not coming by, but you did say you wanted time to rest and with the storms and all, I had plenty to keep me busy,” Walker said, then gestured toward Marsh. 

“He also has been keeping me quite busy. Marsh, can you come over here?” he asked, making his bear immediately bound over to them. 

He honestly expected his friend to freak out, or even pull the gun he knew he had concealed beneath the waistband of his pants, but Chase didn’t even flinch as Marsh stopped a few feet away and snorted.

Walker was going to ask Marsh to shift and apologize, but to his surprise, Marsh was already human before he could get the words out. 

“I’m sorry I attacked you… but you smelled delicious.”

That… is an apology, and maybe a compliment?

He looked sideways at his friend, but to his surprise, the guy looked like he was about to crack up. Instead of laughing out loud, which he suspected might still cause him a bit of pain, the guy managed to swallow his laughter and reached out his hand. 

“It’s all good, bud. I was in your territory and my girlfriend had sprayed me with her honeysuckle perfume as a joke before we headed out. I’ll be glad to report back to her that it is quite a great bear attractant,” he said as Marsh observed his hand for a long moment, then awkwardly reached forward and barely tapped it before retracting his arm and shifting back to his bear form. 

“Well, Ranger ran off for a bit but he’ll probably be back a little later, possibly with a friend. Would you like to come in for some early lunch and chat?” Walker asked as he and Chase already started heading for the house. 

“Of course, man. I’d love to hear what you and your brother have been up to. I wonder how many girls he’s had since I last saw him three months ago,” Chase said with a careful chuckle that Walker smirked at. 

“You’ll love the stories,” he said as he let Chase inside, but then hesitated and turned toward Marsh before running back down the stairs to him. 

When he got close enough, he wrapped his arms around his fuzzy neck and whispered in his little stubby ear. 

“You were a great bear. A fantastic bear. Come inside and have some honey berries while I make lunch and talk with a friend?” 

He didn’t have to say anything besides great, fantastic, and honey before Marsh was tromping into the house, ready to continue being a fantastic bear and also add a few more pounds to his winter  fluff.

Bear 28

(Slight content warning) 

Stepping back into the house some three hours later, Ranger felt more than ready for a long nap. He’d run a bit too much, especially after not having done so in so long. Unsurprisingly, Heian looked to be in the same boat. They’d both stopped by the barn to grab their clothing and get dressed, but now that they were inside, the heat from the house was making both of them drowsy. 

“Hey Rane! Long time no see,” Chase called out from the table, making Ranger blink a few times, surprised to see the man sitting there. 

Pushing aside his sleepiness, Ranger hurried over and gave the guy a fist bump, foregoing hugging because he knew he was sweaty as all hell and needed a shower. 

“Hey man. You’re looking great. All healed up?” he asked with an excited smile as he heard Heian walk past them and head up the stairs. 

“Yeah, you look like you’ve been bitten a bit, though… I don’t think it’s the bear this time?” Chase said as he followed Heian’s movements until the man disappeared. 

Ranger immediately felt his face burn, but he put out the fire quickly when he noticed fuzzy, stubby legs stretching out of the kitchen. Raising an eyebrow, he walked a few steps closer to look, and realized right away that he shouldn’t have. 

“I… uh, broke the plastic honey bottle by accident. He got a little too excited for his snack and bumped me when I wasn’t paying attention. I figured I’d just let him clean up the mess,” his brother said from the other side of the table with a sheepish grin and shrug. 

Turning away from the chunky bear cleaning their kitchen floor with its tongue, Ranger stared at his brother and shook his head. 

“Do you know how much sugar your putting into that thing right now? He’s going to be wired for a month.”

Judging from the look on Walker’s face, he knew. 

“Don’t let me hold you up. Your brother has been more than generous sharing the tales of your new man,” Chase said with a wink that made Ranger roll his eyes. He deserved the slight taunt, though. Considering how much he’d chased women, it was only humorous to know that he was now taken by a cocky horse… and a male one, at that. 

“Go shower, bro, you stink,” Walker finally said, making Ranger lift an arm and sniff at his salty skin. 

You have a point. 

He turned and hurried toward the stairs while his friend yelled from behind him, “your man is already using the one upstairs!”

Ranger paused in the middle of the steps, realizing that he should use the downstairs bathroom… but then simply shrugged and finished ascending the stairs. 

As he walked closer to the bathroom he could hear the water being turned on. Right before he could open the door, however, he felt a faint buzzing sensation in his mind, then heard Heian’s soft voice. 

Would you mind bringing some clothing in with you? I don’t believe we should wear our current outfits after washing. 

Oh, right. 

He quickly turned around and headed to his room, grabbing a pair of pajamas for himself, and also taking a set that Heian had left the previous time he’d been over. They’d already been washed, so they were good to go. 

Once he had their two outfits, he returned to the bathroom, but stopped himself right outside the door. For some reason, his heart was beating hard against his chest. 

It’s not like you weren’t with him naked all last night.

That pep talk didn’t help. They had definitely been handsy last night, and when he’d woken up this morning the guy had laid claim to his neck like a frenzied mosquito. He’d thought that Heian’s kink was his hair, yet he was having second thoughts after the amount of marks he’d left on his neck. 

My kink is you, love. 

“Fuck.”

Reaching up, he turned the nob and opened the door, stepping into the warm room before shutting and locking it behind himself. He then set the clothing on the counter before nervously tugging his shirt up and over his head. He then pulled down his pants and underwear, leaving himself completely naked. 

It took him about two whole minutes before he lifted one foot and began stepping forward… only to notice his reflection in the foggy mirror. 

Holy shit. This doesn’t look like mosquito bites, this looks like you chewed on me with your darn horse!

The abrupt burst of laughter that came from behind the shower curtain had a smile somehow still finding its way onto his face. 

“I’m sure he’d love to take a nibble, but I’m not willing to hurt you just because he wants a bite or two,” Heian said with a hint of humor to his words. 

With the tension awkwardly broken, Ranger shook his head and sighed, then walked to the back part of the shower before stepping in. Strong arms were immediately snug around him, pulling him into a tight hug. A warm kiss came seconds afterward, and Ranger gladly melted into it. 

A stray lock of Heian’s wet hair brushed his face and chest, chilled from the cooling water. He was unable to hold back a slight shiver in response, which, in turn, got him spun around so that the warm spray pattered against his back. 

Warming up quickly, he lifted his head to stare into Heian’s beautiful dark eyes. When he didn’t say anything for several moments, however, Heian reached up with one hand and gently ran his thumb along Ranger’s lower lip. 

“Something on your mind, love?” 

Ranger felt his mouth go dry, even as saliva pooled into it and he had to swallow.  

When he didn’t respond again, Heian grinned and tilted his head slightly, then, to Ranger’s surprise, tilted it back, exposing his neck. 

His cat immediately pounced in his mind, boiling his already-hot blood as he hungrily leaned forward and started licking and nipping. He could feel how rough his tongue was against the man’s skin, but Heian didn’t seem to mind in the least. In fact, after a few good licks he began to give out quiet, yet deep, moans. 

He wasn’t exactly sure what he intended to do with their situation, but when he noticed Heian lowering himself to the floor of the shower, he eagerly followed so that he could continue his attentions to the man’s neck. It was already turning red in several places, but that was definitely okay with him. That way no one else would think that they had a chance with him. 

When his knees his the floor a few moments later he eagerly crawled over Heian’s body as the man leaned onto his back, his head just barely out of the way of the spraying water. He knew that they were supposed to be cleaning up from their run, but as his body temperature burned hotter and hotter, Ranger forgot all about getting clean and, instead, his mind went to the furthest point in the opposite direction. 

Would you like to do it to me, love? 

The question took Ranger a moment to understand. His mind just wasn’t able to focus well on anything but his current task of painting Heian’s chest with marks. He’d covered most of his neck and had needed a new blank canvas. 

When he realized what the man said, he leaned back, pushing himself up on his arms as he sat down, straddling Heian’s abdomen. He was panting hard and licking salt from his lips every few moments as his mind went over the question again and again. 

“Yes,” he eventually rasped out after a long internal battle. 

If Heian was a woman, he would have had no trouble saying that he wanted to do it , but after fighting himself so long on what his true sexuality was, he finally realized that it didn’t fucking matter. He liked the soaked, panting, hot man beneath him. Hell, he loved him. 

“Are you clean?” 

Ranger nodded without hesitation. He might have been a man whore, but he took his health very seriously in that aspect. He always wore protection, and after each relationship ended, which never really took long, unfortunately, he got tested. 

“I always use protection and get tested. Last partner was four something month ago and the test afterward was clean,” he said as he leaned over and began nibbling at one of Heian’s nipples. 

Familiar fingers started sifting through his hair, though their gentleness morphed into roughness quite quickly. He didn’t mind, though. He’d never liked it when women pulled his hair, but for some reason, Heian totally had the green light to do it as much as he wished. 

“I have a copy of my own tests on my phone. Shall we share information… then share your bed?” Heian asked, his words rumbling through his chest and vibrating against Ranger’s lips where they were now pressed just below the man’s throat. 

It took a lot of effort to lean away again, but Ranger managed it, barely. He gave an awkward nod, then shakily got to his feet. He was already hard, but there was no way they’d comfortably be able to do anything in the bathtub. At least, not safely. And as much as he wanted to already be busy as he offered Heian a hand up, he knew that it was best to make sure they were both clean. 

Besides, he’d actually made his bed for once, and even though it took a great amount of effort, he was definitely looking forward to messing it up again. He was just turning to step out of the shower when he felt an arm wrap around his waist and tug him back against a firm chest… and another firm item. 

“Let’s wash quickly before we play, hmm? I know we are going to get quite dirty again, but…” Heian whispered, letting his words die off into silence as he firmly wrapped his hand around Ranger’s length. 

He had a feeling that Heian was playing with him a bit more than washing him, since his focus continuously came back to certain places that had been thoroughly  cleaned multiple times already, but he definitely wasn’t minding the attention. However…

“When do I get to clean you?” he rasped after a good ten minutes of allowing Heian to feel him up every which way. 

He expected the guy to say something along the lines of anytime, but was a bit surprised to hear “would it be alright if it were after we love each other?” 

It was a bit odd that he didn’t let them switch roles immediately, considering what he’d seen so far of his personality, but at the same time, he realized that the guy might just be getting more comfortable around him. Heian wanted to touch him right then, a lot, and while he definitely hadn’t said no , he did make a simple request to be allowed this time to explore his body, and would gladly return the favor after they were done getting busy later. 

Grinning, Ranger huffed out a chuckle and leaned his head back against Heian’s shoulder, giving him his neck, which the man greedily leaned down to nibble. 

“Later, then. Even if I wear you out completely in bed, I’m still going to wash you afterward,” he said, making Heian give a quiet laugh of his own. 

“Of course, love. I would not have it any other way.”

Bear 29

“Uh, hey Chase… you wanna go into town?” Walker asked, kind of out of the blue as he packed up what he’d intended to cook to put away. 

He wished that he could turn off his connection with his brother, but unfortunately, that was a no-go. Whenever Ranger got distracted, his thoughts kind of spilled over… and if he didn’t get out of the house soon, Walker was going to need some mind soap. 

Marsh was suddenly next to him in all of his naked glory. Walker felt his face warm as he quickly yanked his shirt off and pulled it down over Marsh’s head. It used to cover him pretty well, but now it just barely hid the important bits. 

“Uh, go upstairs and get some clothing on real quick,” he told him before glancing at Chace. “We’ll take Marsh, too. I don’t think he wants to stay, anyways.” 

Marsh nodded and hurried to get changed. He’d never seen the guy move so fast. He was back downstairs in five minutes and handed Walker his shirt back.  

Chase chuckled and stood, fishing his keys from his back pocket. 

“I’ve got you guys. Let’s go get something to eat?” he said, making Marsh immediately perk up… and also making Walker notice the egregious amount of honey still on the young man’s face. 

Standing up, he grabbed Marsh’s arm and tugged him over to the kitchen sink. There, he wet a few paper towels and began to wipe off the sticky gunk. 

“I was saving it for later…” Marsh mumbled as the paper towel swiped past his lips. 

He had no doubt that the guy wasn’t lying, but he couldn’t bring him into a restaurant covered in honey. 

“I’ll find you more later,” he said absentmindedly. 

He realized his mistake when Marsh put his hands on either side of his face and planted an aggressive, sticky kiss on his mouth. 

Chase is here, Marsh! 

Marsh let out a loud growl in response, but refused to break the kiss, or even slow it down so that Walker could get in more than a few tiny breaths. 

Good. He’ll know you’re mine. 

“I’ll take that as my cue to wait in the car. Don’t suffocate him too badly, Marsh,” Chase said with humor to his words as he walked out the door. 

It took Walker another five minutes before he could break free. At that point, they’d wrestled each other to the floor, and he was on his back, panting hard as he held Marsh just far enough away so that he could breathe. 

What has gotten into you? 

Marsh licked his lips several times as his bear growled from his human mouth. It was clear that he was at least trying to reign himself in, but it wasn’t working all that well. 

Thankfully, though, he managed to calm down after a few moments and sat back on his heels, allowing Walker to sit up. 

“Why did you do that?” he asked aloud, clearly angry. 

He’d been being such a good bear, and then he had to go and do that? 

Marsh looked down at his hands and let his shoulders sag. 

“I’m sorry, Walker.” 

He was still a bit frustrated, but an apology was a big step in general, so Walker made himself sigh out the rest of his anger, then moved to sit beside his bear. 

“Why did you do that so suddenly? Chase has no interest in me,” he said, trying to catch Marsh’s eyes, though the young man kept looking away any time he got close to meeting them. 

He was about to ask again when Marsh jerked his head up and looked him in the eyes with his own wide, watery, brown ones. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be a good bear. Chase… I don’t dislike him, but he was here. And I know this isn’t my den, but my bear side, for the first time… we are seeing things differently. I didn’t want to hurt him… but I really didn’t mean to hurt you, either.” 

Sniffling, Marsh looked down again, but Walker just couldn’t be upset anymore. He’d been the one to bring him home in the first place. Considering how Marsh had lived previously, he was doing amazingly well. With a warming smile, he tugged the guy into his arms and lifted one hand to pat his soft, messy hair. 

“You didn’t hurt me, sweetheart. I’m sorry I got mad. Are you still wanting to come with us? Do you need me to cancel the outing?” Walker asked. 

Marsh quickly shook his head and stood up, then offered Walker a hand. 

“He was fine outside, so I want to come with you guys.”

Walker nodded, taking Marsh’s hand after grabbing his wallet and keys. They quickly put on their jackets, then met Chase at his truck. Marsh climbed into the back before Walker took the passenger side. 

The drive was quiet, with some comfortable small talk to pass the time. Marsh was silent, but Walker could sense him in the back of his mind as if his bear was pacing uncomfortably. 

Thankfully, they pulled up to their destination faster than expected. Walker quickly got out, but Chase had already pulled his own chair forward to let Marsh out. It was relief, too, when Marsh accepted the kind gesture and hopped out from the driver’s side. 

Of course, he quickly ran around to the other side and took Walker’s hand the moment his feet his the ground, though. 

Such a good bear. 

They walked inside, and to his surprise, it was quite busy. Marsh immediately shrunk against his side, and Walker swore he could hear a low growl coming from him. 

Are you alright? We can order to-go if you aren’t comfortable. 

Marsh quickly shook his head as the host walked up to them. 

“Hello there, guys. Three?” she asked with a too-wide smile that spoke of excess caffeine. 

Chase looked back at Marsh with a questioning smile, but Marsh quickly nodded in response. That had his friend replying in agreement. Thankfully, they were lead to the very back corner and seated in a booth. Both him and Chase let Marsh pick where he wanted to sit, but to Walker’s surprise, he gestured for him to scoot in so that he could have the outside. 

I’m not comfortable in here, but I will always protect my husband. 

Feeling his face heat with the awkward statement that was thankfully not said out loud, Walker hurried into the booth, then watched as Marsh sat beside him and Chase sat across from them.

“What kind of food do you like, Marsh? They have great waffles here. Their sausage and wild berry pancakes are also pretty great.”

Walker didn’t even need to look to know that Marsh had perked up at the mention of the pancakes. He felt his excitement in their bond. 

“You can add whatever you want to that, too,” he said, not worried about the cost. The place was cheap, but had great ingredients and never disappointed. He always made sure to tip really well since it was rare to find such a great restaurant. 

When the waiter came by to take their order Chase got himself a huge breakfast platter. Walker mirrored him, and Marsh got himself the pancakes with a side of bacon, sausage, and bread with honey. 

Considering how much honey he’d eaten earlier, Walker was actually surprised that he’d ordered it, but at the same time… bear. 

“What have you been up to? How is Jake and Fen?” Walker asked as he leaned back in the booth, completely full, even though he had left about half of his food. 

Chase chuckled at his question as he swallowed a bit of hash browns. 

“They broke up.” 

Walker sat up straighter at that little bit of information. 

“Really? Your brother had been trying to get him to look at him for months, but then they just break up only a week after getting together?” 

Chase shrugged one shoulder and stabbed a piece of sausage. 

“He said that he was too toxic.”

There seemed to be humor in his words, as if it were more a joke than an actual issue, but Walker just let it slide. 

“That’s a shame. He’d spent so much time on him…”

Chase nodded. 

“He said that the dude was ripped and definitely knew how to use his junk, but was impossible to keep,” he said as he shoved another big bite of food into his mouth. 

Oh… kay. 

With that odd conversation seemingly ended, Walker looked toward Marsh to see that the guy’s plate was empty and he was staring hungrily at his own half-eaten one. 

“Have at it,” he said as he took Marsh’s empty one and exchanged it with his own. 

It didn’t take the guy long before he’d devoured the remaining portion with ease. 

I would say that I’m not sure where he puts it all, but considering the weight his bear has gained… yeah. 

“Hey Marsh? You like honey right?” Chase asked. 

Like is not a strong enough word. 

Marsh nodded quickly. The gesture made Chase signal their waiter. He whispered something to him, and after a five minute wait, a plate with a steaming cinnamon bun was set before Marsh. 

Instead of icing, the restaurant always topped, and even filled, their buns with fresh honey. The look on Marsh’s face made Walker’s heart warm. 

I like this person. We can keep him… in the barn.

The thought had Walker laughing as they both watched Marsh destroy the pastry. By the time they’d gotten the check and left the tip, he was done and, finally, full. 

“I don’t envy your food bill, but I can’t argue that you have one aggressively adorable bear on your hands,” Chase said as he stood from the booth and stretched. 

Walker followed Marsh from their own side, taking his hand as they headed for the doors. The crisp breeze blowing in the parking lot was a life saver to his full stomach. 

When they got back to the truck, he stepped aside to let Marsh in the back, but the guy refused to release his hand, making Walker climb into the cramped space with him. 

There were technically two seats, but Marsh didn’t seem to think so. They also didn’t seem to be made for two adults, anyways, so Walker didn’t complain when Marsh climbed into his lap and immediately went into a food coma. He calmly buckled the guy to his chest, then leaned his head against the back wall with a content sigh. 

“I think that one’s yours,” came Chase’s voice as Walker noticed him looking back at them in the rear-view mirror. 

Looking down at the guy snoring quietly in his arms, Walker leaned his head back and grinned. 

“That obvious, huh?” 

Chase gave a quiet laugh as they turned onto the main highway. 

“Dude, considering that I’ve never even seen you look at someone else for more than a minute if it wasn’t one-hundred percent business related… yeah. You also wouldn’t just stand for someone kissing you out of the blue like that, or in general. Yet you two came out of the house after only a few minutes holding hands. Give it up.”

Walker pursed his lips and looked out the opposite window as the forest around them flew by. 

“I… don’t really know how,” he confessed quietly. 

Chase was one of the few people he trusted with just about anything. Sure, they didn’t talk often, but whenever something happened, they were always there for each other. 

“You love him?” 

To his surprise, Walker replied immediately. 

“Of course I do.” 

Chase nodded, not even trying to slip in any sort of joke or poke fun at him. 

“He like you?” he asked instead as a follow up. 

That had Walker laughing quietly. 

“He’s insane about me. He has been working really hard to become a good bear so that I would choose him instead of a different bear ,” he said, adding a little humor to his own words due to the stress of the situation. “He called me his husband when we went shopping for clothing a while ago.”

The truck slowed to a stop at a red light and Chase looked back at them over his shoulder. 

“Why not give him a shot, then? You both like each other, and the worst that could come out of it is you both going your separate ways… but the best that could come out of it is an adorable wedding with your horny brother and his happy horse, me, and a lot of honey.”

Walker grinned, but then frowned. 

“The separate ways possibility is what bothers me,” he mumbled as he gently stroked Marsh’s hair. 

Chase returned his attention to the road as the light turned green. 

“There’s a much higher possibility of that happening if you choose not to accept him.”

Walker felt his heart sink his chest. He knew that. He just didn’t want to think about it. Thankfully, there was no more talking for the rest of the ride, but when they finally stopped, he lifted his head and looked out the window. 

They were at the entrance to their property… but the road went back a good mile or so before actually getting to the house. 

“I think you guys might want to spend a bit of time together and maybe burn off some of that food?” Chase asked as Marsh began to stir in his arms. 

Seemingly having heard a bit of his question, he squirmed until Walker undid their seatbelt, then climbed into the front seat before opening the door and sliding out. He then turned and pulled the car seat forward after a few failed attempts. 

Smart bear figuring things out fast. 

“I guess this is our stop. Thanks for taking us out, and stop by any time,” Walker said with an honest smile. 

Out of all of his hunting buddies, he really did enjoy being around Chase the most. The guy was so chill and had even forgiven Marsh before even meeting him after the attack. Unlike their other friends, who just kept wanting him gone. 

“I’ll hold you to that. I hear your mom cooks a darn good thanksgiving dinner,” he said with a smirk. 

Note to self. Buy extra for the next holiday. 

“We’ll see you then,” he said with a nod. 

Chase gave a slight wave, but then pointed at Marsh. 

“Take care of your man, bud. Don’t let any other bear steal what’s yours.” 

Before Walker could chastise him for instigating, Chase leaned over and pulled the door shut, then turned his truck around and sped away with a laugh that he could hear even through the closed windows. 

I’m going to eat your portion on thanksgiving…

“Can I eat you on thanksgiving?” Marsh asked, making Walker spin around to see the guy grinning at him. 

At first, he felt his face heat with embarrassment, but as he thought about it, and what Chase had said earlier, he realized that he needed to try and relax a bit more. 

You like him. He likes you. What’s there to be worried about?

A lot of things, according to his mind, but he managed to push those thoughts aside when he felt arms wrap around him. 

“You like him,” Marsh said, repeating the thought he’d clearly overheard. 

He couldn’t argue. 

“I do. I do like this strange, not-so-little anymore bear I found out in the woods,” he said as he mussed up Marsh’s hair. 

The action didn’t bother the guy one bit, and instead, it had him leaning back slightly, then up just enough to steal a kiss. 

“This strange bear loves his husband.” 

Husband. 

Before he could stress about the title, Marsh took his hand and began tugging him down the dirt road. They did have quite a walk, and when there was no more talk about their relationship, he relaxed and started focusing on keeping up. 

Except… it didn’t take long for Marsh to start running. 

Walker tried, but out of him and his brother, Ranger was definitely the more athletic. He could do chores around the farm, of course, but as for endurance and running, especially right after eating a lot? Yeah, nope. His brother always joked that his name was Walker for a reason. 

“I will help!” Marsh said as he promptly sped up, pulling Walker along. 

You’re going to run me ragged! he thought as his mouth worked on trying to take in enough oxygen in order to stay on his feet and not throw up his breakfast. 

After what felt like forever, Marsh allowed them to slow down and finally released Walker’s hand. He immediately put his hands on his knees and sucked in as much air as he could, but after a few moments he had to sit down near a decent sized tree by the side of the road… then flopped over onto his back. 

After calming down for a few minutes, he opened his eyes to see Marsh staring down at him. 

“I’m sorry Walker. I didn’t realize you were so much not good at running.” 

So much not good, huh? 

He gave himself another few seconds to recuperate, then abruptly reached up and shoved Marsh over, then rolled onto him before crossing his arms over the guy’s chest so that he could rest his chin atop them. 

“I don’t usually run races with bears right after eating,” he joked, knowing darn well that they’d barely run as fast as Marsh could have. 

Instead of fighting him over their position, or really saying anything at all, Marsh simply gave him a rare, boyish smile and leaned up. When the guy’s tongue slid along the side of his cheek, Walker blushed and sat up abruptly. Of course, seeing that he had the advantage now, Marsh continued his licking onslaught, catching him several more times on his face, neck, and once even on his nose, before Walker’s hand grabbed the guy’s hair and forced his mouth to his own. 

They broke apart after a minute, both sides panting quietly. 

“You kiss there , you darn bear,” Walker rasped as he wiped off his face with his sleeve. 

When he didn’t get a verbal response from Marsh, he looked up… only to be pushed back down to the ground before lips covered his own again. He thought about pushing him off, but to be honest, he didn’t mind the attention. 

I can kiss a lot of other places, too. 

That had Walker grabbing the guy’s ear and tugging it until he leaned back enough to break the kiss. He was going to reprimand him that little perverted thought, but again, Chase’s words came back to his mind and he bit his tongue on what he’d planned to say. 

Instead, he licked his lips and pushed his heart back down his throat. 

“Oh yeah?” he eventually whispered, making Marsh’s eyes dilate as a cool breeze rustled their hair. 

When the guy started inching one hand beneath his shirt, Walker felt a smile slip onto his face and reached down, grabbing the hem of it and pulling it up over his own head. Taking the obvious hint, Marsh got busy on his chest, nipping and licking as if Walker had just revealed that he was made out of honey. 

You taste so sweet. 

The guy’s words had his heartbeat, which was already going crazy, straight-up try to beat out of his chest. He was just about to stop him as he finished his fifth hickey just below his throat, but caught himself at the last moment. 

To his surprise, however, Marsh leaned away just enough to sit up on his abdomen. 

“Is Walker okay with this? I want my Walker to be happy.” 

Blinking up at him, Walker took in and blew out a few calming breaths, then reached down and slowly undid the button for his jeans. 

Of course, Marsh’s eyes were glued to that area, and he even backed up a little so that he could watch better. He might have also been drooling slightly, but that just added to the cuteness… right? 

“Where else would you like to kiss?” Walker asked as his voice deepened. 

Marsh reached forward and carefully, gently, gripped the zipper and slid it down. 

“Here,” he rasped as he began to lean down. 

“I want to kiss here.” 

When Marsh’s hands moved to either side of his of his waist to grip Walker’s jeans, he carefully lifted his hips just enough to allow his pants to be slid down. Thankfully, he didn’t try to remove his boxers, because wearing them while sleeping was one thing… but this was an invitation to do more. He wasn’t ready for that kind of more , but it seemed like Marsh was more than happy with what he was getting, because he immediately got busy pressing kisses to just about everywhere he could reach. 

He also might have snuck a hand beneath one unfortunately loose side of Walker’s boxers, but he was too busy trying to keep his breathing manageable to bother realizing where the guy’s hand was touching. 

“Is it okay?” 

It took him a bit to realize that Marsh had asked him something, then another minute before he could figure out what it was. He considered replying with words, but there really was no need. Instead, he reached down and grabbed the guy by the hair, then pulled him up until their mouths met. 

He wanted to get used to letting someone love him. It might still take a bit more time, but while he was definitely out of his comfort zone right then, he was honestly enjoying the attention from his…

Husband , Marsh filled in through their bond, making Walker grin against the young man’s lips. 

Alright, husband.

Bear 30

(Quick chapter before sleep)

He’d overdone it a bit.

It had been quite a while since he’d gotten any, and after the man offered himself up on a golden, naked platter? There’d been no holding back. They’d managed three rounds before they both ran out of energy, but that’s when Ranger’s feline habit kicked in badly.

Leaning away a little, he looked down at Heian, who had his eyes closed and was looking far more relaxed than Ranger thought possible after their previous exertion. His body had been nearly spotless before they’d gotten in the shower. Now, after three rounds of sex in his newly messy bed, he couldn’t help but feel a little bad. His neck, chest, and even part of his left thigh had nips on them, not to mention that he’d used his sandpaper-like tongue just about everywhere he could reach in between rounds.

When the man slowly opened his eyes, Ranger felt his already-rapid heartbeat pound against his ribs. He couldn’t help himself as he leaned back over and pressed a kiss to Heian’s lips.

He’d never intended to shack up with a guy, but now that he had…

“Fuck,” he whispered as he finally released the man’s mouth and forced himself to sit back up.

He’s too addicting.

“As are you,” Heian said, clearly having heard his thought as he pushed himself up.

Ranger noticed him wincing a few times, but the man didn’t seem worried about it at all. In fact, he was smiling as he reached over and pulled him into his lap so that he could work on a new hickey, though he had no idea where he was going to find the space to do so.

Even though he’d been the one to mark most of Heian’s body, the other guy had worked hard to sneak in his own. He was also sneaking a certain hand over his left thigh, and when Ranger didn’t make a single sound of disagreement, Heian wrapped his fingers around his length, splitting his attention rather masterfully between the two tasks he was working on.

Ranger didn’t bother trying to hold himself back, either. There was really no point after already going at each other for hours. He greedily let himself orgasm again as he panted into his lover’s ear. He expected Heian to get hard again, too, but the man, he’d learned, had excellent control over his body.

Hell, judging from everything he knew about him already, the guy was a master at making sure that everything about his life was flowing as smoothly as possible.

“I love it when you think about me,” Heian whispered as he lifted his head enough to press a kiss to Ranger’s slightly parted lips.

Feeling a little nervous as he finally began to calm down again, Ranger tried to scoot out of Heian’s lap. Having clearly gotten the memo, Heian helped him, then stood from the bed and looked at the change of clothing he often left at their home after he’d helped them outside a few times.

He seemed to consider it, but almost at the same time, he grinned and looked over his shoulder at him.

“Yeah, we both smell exactly like what we’ve been doing. Go shower again,” Ranger said with a chuckle.

He paused in his slight laughter when Heian gave him a pouting look.

You are terrible.

“You know that we won’t be able to keep our hands to ourselves if we go in there together again.”

The man before him changed his expression quite quickly. Now he was smirking like a devil, and the little bits and pieces of thoughts he could catch from his mind would definitely send some people to hell.

“Behave and go clean up,” he eventually said, refusing to give in.

Knowing that he’d lost, and not one to argue, Heian grabbed his spare set of clothing and, after glancing out the bedroom door and not seeing anyone, hurried to the bathroom.

As soon as the shower turned on Ranger fell back onto his bed with a groan. He was surprisingly sore, but damn did he feel good.

I’m glad that I could help you relax, came Heian’s soothing response.

He really would have loved to join him, but he needed to gather his thoughts. Sure, he’d been a man whore for most of his life, but that didn’t meant that he hadn’t wanted to settle down with any of the women he’d tried to win over, either. He really had liked many of them, but his mind was beginning to change, and it kind of freaked him out.

He used to love watching all the hot women on television, and would even tune in to some shows specifically for that reason, but now? Not only did he not like the women, but he also still didn’t give a crap about the men, too.

I seriously only like him.

It was freaky.

Is it really so strange?

He waited impatiently as Heian washed himself, hoping that he’d heard that specific thought. When his response came a minute later, it made Ranger push himself back up and look toward the bathroom.

I see nothing wrong with you liking only me. In fact, I am extremely happy that no other person, male or female, has your interest.

Wringing his hands in his lap, Ranger thought through the man’s words with a blush on his cheeks. He really did love him, but there was still one thing that just made him super nervous.

Tell me. I never want you to worry about hiding things from me. Whatever it is, we can figure it out together.

Ranger’s nerves were beginning to make him shiver as the temperature in the room somehow dropped a good ten degrees, but he refused to ignore the man’s request.

I’ve never really thought about being gay… or, really, about being on bottom, even as a joke.

Heian was quiet for a few moments as he mulled over his words, then answered with a calm yet relaxed tone.

It was not something I had ever thought about, either, but I knew that it was something I would be willing to do for you.

He didn’t wait long before he continued.

And do not think that because I am willing, that I expect you to be. A relationship is a trade-off of many things, but anything that makes you uncomfortable is not something that I want.

“Fuck. How did I get someone like you?”

Standing up finally, he grabbed his own change of clothing and opened his door… then paused with his lips slightly parted as his eyes wandered from a well-muscled, toweled waist excruciatingly slowly upward until they stopped on his lover’s slightly flushed, grinning face.

It didn’t help his heart that Heian was leaning against the doorjamb with one arm up, looking hot as fuck in both meanings of the word. Instead of addressing the obvious meaning, he forced his eyes to look away as he rubbed at the back of his neck.

“Cooked yourself in there, huh?” he mumbled instead, feeling his own body heat rise at the thought of Heian just pushing him back into his bed and them going another round or twenty.

“As much as I’d like to ravish you again, I think that your brother is finally home,” Heian said as he gently guided Ranger to the side, then nudged him out the door.

“Best go scrub yourself, love. I’ll make you some hot chocolate for when you come downstairs,” he said as he dropped his towel and began pulling on his spare pair of pants.

Ranger stared until he had them settled on his hips, then licked his lips, swallowed hard, and ran for the bathroom.

Bear 31

If embarrassment had a name, he was pretty sure that it would be his right then. Stepping back into the house he shared with his brother, covered in hickeys and with dirty boxers beneath his pants… it was so damn awkward.

He’d asked Marsh to hang out outside for a bit while he calmed down, because both of them had gotten way too heated. Thankfully, the guy stopped the second he’d said he wasn’t comfortable doing anymore, but they had definitely done enough for him to feel like he really was his husband.

Christ.

Hearing someone beginning to come down the stairs had him darting into the guest bathroom and slamming the door shut. The person on the steps paused in response, probably surprised or startled, but soon finished descending, then hurried toward where he stood against the back of the door.

Thinking quickly, he locked the door and backed away as he yanked his dirty shirt off and turned to look at himself in the mirror. His heart hammered to the beat of his brother’s knocks on the door.

“Walker?” Ranger called from the other side, clearly nervous and confused about his odd behavior.

I’m fine. Just need to process some things… alone.

He could feel his brother’s hesitation through his bond, but thankfully he didn’t push the issue. Once he was sure his brother had walked away, Walker focused his attention on the man staring back at him in the mirror.

It was a bit of a shock, seeing himself covered in love marks with his lips still slightly swollen and his hair completely disheveled and dirty. He didn’t know such a side of him could ever exist. He really wasn’t a person who liked physical attention, or other people in his personal space.

Lifting one hand, he traced the outline of a row of hickeys across the left side of his chest, then let his hand slowly drift downward until it settled on the waistband of his pants.

He’d even let Marsh there . Just the thought of doing perverted things, even to himself, made him incredibly uncomfortable, yet he’d let his walls crack with that man again and again.

Swallowing his growing nerves, Walker took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“You’re okay. Everything that happens between the two of us is what I want to happen. You don’t have to do everything, and you don’t have to hide behind your fears if you want to try and let him get a little closer… slowly.”

He looked away for a moment as he lifted his hand to rub at the back of his neck.

“Extremely slowly,” he mumbled before walking over to the shower as the scent of sex drifted to his nose.

As he got the water going, a new thought made his nerves buzz in his mind.

They were taking things very slowly. He knew that, somehow, he drove Marsh crazy. The man seemed infatuated, but he just… didn’t. He was definitely beginning to like him more than most, but he wasn’t head over heels.

I feel bad about it…

A nudge in the back of his mind told him that Marsh wanted his attention. He’d begun doing that, too. He would kind-of knock when he was feeling stressed instead of just start talking into his mind.

Of course, their bond still wasn’t solid, so there was always the possibility of not hearing the other, or a static in the background that made the other hard to hear, but they made it work well enough.

It’s okay, Marsh.

With the go-ahead, Marsh comfortably slid into Walker’s mind. He could feel the young man’s excitement as a hum inside his head, but when he spoke, he was all serious.

I’m not waiting for you to want to have sex with me, Walker.

Walker’s hand paused as he was adjusting the temperature of the shower, surprised.

You… aren’t?

He was at a complete loss now and the confusion was turning into uncertainty and worry.

I love Walker and want him with me, always. I would love to mate with you one day, but as I got to know you, I realized that you don’t like me always right in front of you.

Walker wanted to correct him. To tell him that he really didn’t mind, but he bit his tongue. It would have been a lie. He was definitely growing more fond of his possessive bear, but he had never been someone who wanted to be the focus of anyone’s attention. It was a lot to get used to.

I found some honey… I can bring you back some if you’d like?

A smile immediately took over his frowning lips as Walker let a quiet chuckle slip free.

I would love that. Enjoy, then bring me some leftovers, he thought back before stepping into the shower.

He scrubbed himself until he smelled like the honey and citrus body wash they left in the guest bathroom, then quickly washed the dirt from his hair before stepping out and drying off.

He stepped back in front of the mirror then, reassessing all the marks on his body.

You would think that I taste like a jar of honey after looking at all of these marks.

Walker tastes better! Came Marsh’s enthusiastic reply.

That was hard to believe, but he wasn’t going to argue. He didn’t understand anything about love, or really how people tasted… since he didn’t tend to go around licking or sucking on anyone.

He could sense Marsh wanting to say something in response, but the guy was holding himself back, just barely. It was appreciated. He was already at his maximum perversion emersion for the week.

Finishing drying off, Walker tugged on the spare set of pajamas he left under the sink, then stepped out of the room after tossing his clothing in the small laundry basket in the corner.

“Oh boy.”

Marsh stood in the kitchen, naked and covered in honey from his, well, honestly from his head to toe… but more face than anything.

“I brought extra, Walker!” he said with so much enthusiasm that Walker just had to smile.

You’re such a bear.

Walking forward, he reached up and settled his finger beneath Marsh’s chin, tilting it up just slightly. He had finally stopped with his odd little growth spurts, putting him just about three inches shorter than him.

“I’m not sure I can eat all of that extra, Marsh,” he said as he considered leaning in and at least taking a taste.

Except, he’d already pushed himself pretty far earlier, and he could feel his stomach begin to shiver at the thought of starting something else so soon.

A sticky finger pressed against his bottom lip, drawing his attention out of his thoughts as his tongue darted out to meet it without consent from his mind.

Sweet.

“Not as sweet as my husband,” Marsh replied as he withdrew his finger and pressed it between his own lips to begin sucking.

Pretty soon the guy was going to town on his whole left hand, truly making himself look adorable.

“Once you’re done with your snack, how about I help you wash the extra off?” he offered, wanting to try and get a little closer, even though he was still unsure.

Marsh perked up immediately, but then seemed to calm himself down before doing something Walker never thought possible. He shook his head, declining his offer.

“Walker has already given me so much today. I want him to relax,” he said at the same time Ranger came back downstairs. He looked freshly showered with a pair of loose jeans and a dark sweater on.

Heian appeared moments later, but took his time descending.

His brother actually looked a little nervous, himself, but considering he didn’t poke at him or ask about his odd entrance earlier, he let it slide, too. They were both walking on uneven ground recently.

“I will go wash up, then maybe, would you might want to watch a show with me?”

Ah, yes. I know what you want to see.

“The video about the bears and the salmon migration?” he said, remembering when Marsh had seen the advertisement for the new movie on one of their streaming services.

He had gotten so excited.

When he nodded, Walker returned the gesture with one of his own.

“That sounds like a plan. I’ll get us a small bowl of berries to share while we watch,” he said, earning an excited cheer from his bear before the guy ran past him to head upstairs.

With him finally gone for the moment, Ranger walked over and draped an arm over his shoulder.

“I’m hearing wedding bells,” he said with a wink as Walker shrugged him off and stuck out his tongue.

Heian came up behind Ranger at that point and wrapped his arms over his shoulders, tugging him into a backwards hug as he settled his chin atop his left shoulder. The blush that colored his brother’s face was a work of art.

“Am I missing something?” he asked as a smirk began to slip onto his lips.

Sure, they were taking it easy on each other, but they could joke a bit since Marsh was upstairs. It was hard to joke around a serious bear… although, he was getting much calmer.

I’m a good bear now!

The excited response from his bear upstairs made Walker smile and shake his head as he moved to get some berries from the fridge.

“Enjoying that bond, little brother?” Ranger said with a smirk that quickly disappeared when Heian leaned to the side and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Walker bit back a laugh as he emptied the little container in his hand into a bowl, then headed for the stairs. He patted his brother’s shoulder on his way.

“Just remember, Rane, chocolate cake at your wedding ceremony, like we promised each other when we were kids,” he taunted lightly.

He’d intended to watch the nature documentary on the big TV downstairs, but as he got to the top of the steps, he knew that he’d made the right decision.

Marsh was just stepping out of his room with soaking wet hair and a pair of loose pajama pants that were definitely not his.

Darn adorable bear.

Walking forward, he noticed Marsh’s slightly confused expression. Taking him by the hand, he brought him back to the bathroom and quickly but gently finished drying most of his hair, then tugged him back to their room and shut the door.

“We’re going to watch it up here, if you don’t mind?” he said as he climbed into their bed and got comfortable.

Right as he finished getting settled Marsh was in his arms.

“Anything with Walker, anywhere, is something I would never say no to,” he said as he snuggled in.

Pulling up a blanket, Walker finished settling in and got the show started as he handed Marsh his small bowl of berries. He thought that the show might make him drowsy after their already-busy day, but the enthusiasm Marsh had for each catch the bears made as they fished for their dinner had Walker eventually joining in.

I need to pick up some salmon next time we go to the store.

Realizing that Marsh’s head was now blocking most of the screen from his vision, Walker blinked out of his thoughts with a curious smile.

Marsh looked very happy. He soon found out why.

“Walker is going to get a fish for me!”

This guy…

Reaching up, Walker dug his fingers into Marsh’s damp hair and pulled him down for a gentle kiss. Marsh broke it after a few moments and snuggled back down to finish watching the show, but Walker could still feel his buzzing excitement within their bond.

I guess I’m going to be proposing with a whole salmon when the time comes…

Feeling eyes on him again, Walker glanced down to see Marsh looking up at him with wide eyes and pursed lips that made the dimples in his cheeks show.

Grinning at the whole situation, Walker set the now-empty bowl of berries aside and rolled Marsh onto his side with a quiet laugh. He could tell that he wanted to say a billion things now, but instead of speaking, Marsh simply scooted forward and snuggled in as close as he could get, the show they were watching completely forgotten.

Neither of them were really tired yet, though, but Walker didn’t mind. In fact, he was enjoying just having the man with him quietly, doing absolutely nothing but enjoying each other’s company.

He realized then that he could get used to it. The odd love they had for each other, and the perverted parts of it, too, as long as there were plenty of relaxing, snuggling parts in between.

Marsh just might have been exactly what he needed to really want to give relationships a try.

Bear 32

(Quick chapter before sleeps) 

Are you okay with doing the chores for the day? Heian invited me out on a trip. 

He waited uneasily until his brother replied a few minutes later. 

Sure, Marsh and I can handle things here. Go have a good time. 

Ranger let out a stressed breath, relieved that he wasn’t needed for the day, but also that his brother was secure enough with whatever had happened with Marsh that he didn’t feel the need to confide in him. Of course, if Walker really did need his help, he would definitely be there for him, no matter what, but even just sensing him through their bond, he was clearly relaxed now. 

He stepped outside after tugging on an extra light coat and his worn boots, and was a bit surprised to see the pile of spare clothing Heian had been wearing folded up on the swinging chair to his right. 

Grinning, he walked over and retrieved it, but instead of heading down the steps, he turned and brought it back inside the house, then exited again. His reappearance was greeted with a snort as Heian’s beautiful stallion walked up to the steps, tossing its head a few times. It was a gesture that he had grown familiar with over his time around the man. He wanted him to climb onto his back. 

I guess I can finally accept a ride from him…

He was suddenly nervous as he walked down the steps. Heian’s horse met him at the bottom and immediately nudged its nose into his rising hand. It snorted with excitement before spinning in a quick circle. When it came to a stop again, its large chocolate brown eyes settled on his own. 

“Alright, I’m coming, I’m coming,” he said with a hint of laughter to his words as he reached up and tried to get a decent hold on his shoulder. 

“You’re making me feel short,” he mumbled as he tried to climb up, but failed miserably, barely managing to land on his feet as he slid from the massive animal’s back. 

Hang on, came Heian’s voice in his mind as his horse hurried over to stand on the opposite side of the railing that wrapped around most of the porch. 

“Oh… that might just work,” Ranger said as he hurried up the stairs, then carefully climbed over the edge of the old railing. It creaked from his weight, but held steady. 

Once he was on the other side, he waited for Heian to move a little closer, then leaped. 

Perfect!

He was actually pretty proud of himself for not falling off the other side. It wasn’t that he hadn’t ridden a horse much, he rode his daily, but he was just super nervous finally being on top of Heian’s giant stallion… and without a saddle, reigns, or really anything that could help him be more comfortable. 

I’ll gladly let you saddle me if you wish. 

Ranger’s face burned as he quickly reached forward to grab fistfuls of Heian’s mane as the horse began moving. 

“I’m a pervert,” he muttered to himself, earning a snort from the horse beneath him as it began to trot. 

You are my pervert and I love it. I love all of you. 

“You are far too forward,” Ranger replied out loud as Heian jumped one of their lower fences. 

Ranger braced himself correctly, but without a saddle, he slid a bit before righting himself. 

Would you like me to stop some of the things that I say? 

Shaking his head, Ranger leaned forward and wrapped his arms most of the way around Heian’s horse’s neck. 

“No, I don’t want you to stop. What you say is who you are. I’m not going to censor you just because it makes me a little uncomfortable. No situation is ever going to be perfect,” he said, hoping that he’d used the right words. 

Heian took some time to reply, but Ranger made himself relax and sit back up so that they could make two more jumps, putting them on Heian’s property. The horse beneath him slowed at that point, but was still moving at a reasonable, yet comfortable, pace. 

I appreciate your honesty. I am not used to holding back my words, but I am also not used to having many people to say them to, either. It has just been Nia and I for so many years. 

Ranger reached down and ran his hand along Heian’s soft coat. 

Huh?

“Your coat feels like soft velvet.”

He wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn that it hadn’t felt as nice the last time he’d pet his horse. Of course, his horse’s coat had always felt nice, but it was surprisingly soft this time. 

Nia wanted to try grooming. 

Ranger’s eyes widened as Heian’s horse slowed to a walk as it stepped out of the forested area and into a quiet meadow. 

“She did this?” he asked in wonder as he gently ran his hand over Heian’s horse’s coat again, impressed. 

She did. She had wanted to try for a while, but I doubted that any of my horses would have wanted to lie down for so long, and shift positions multiple times so that she could work safely… so, I volunteered. 

Damn, the guy really was a blessing to the world. His shift, too. It wasn’t abnormal for horse shifters to not completely agree with their animals… especially stallions. They could be as hard to handle as their wild counterparts. 

“Hey Heian?” 

Yes? 

Ranger sifted his fingers through a few lengths of the horse’s mane, noting that it, too, felt much softer. Almost like silk. 

“Have you ever not agreed with your shift?” 

The question was a little far away from his comfort zone, but considering how bad his shift had been before he’d met Heian, he was really curious about how the man interacted with his own inner animal. 

We have disagreed many times in the past. It was especially hard when I lived with my ex wife. 

“Oh?” Ranger said quietly, wanting to know more. 

Things were extremely stressful before she left. She… honestly wanted me to give Nia up for adoption so that me and her could start over and still make our dreamed-of happy family. 

“Damn…” 

I could tell that raising such a special needs child was wearing her down and that it was not something she could mentally handle, but I loved her. I became greedy. I wanted her to stay more than almost anything. 

“But not if it cost you your daughter,” Ranger said, earning a snort of agreement from Heian’s stallion before it easily jumped over a portion of fencing. 

My horse didn’t understand at the time. It’s mind was simple and we were both young. If its mate didn’t want the offspring they produced, then they would just make another. 

After watching so many nature documentaries, Ranger couldn’t be mad at Heian’s horse for thinking such things. It had been a young male stallion in its prime. Hell, it was still in its prime, but back then, it seemed like it was a novice to understanding actual relationships between its human counterpart. 

Exactly. He didn’t hate Nia, at all, but the rules of nature are cruel. We fought internally everyday after I took care of Nia, the farm, then tried to calm my wife’s growing frustration. I am not sure how I managed to eventually convince him that the little girl relying on us was more important then our mate but I feel like Nia had been the one to truly win him over, though. I could argue with him all day long, but in the end, every time Nia wrapped her arms around his muzzle or kissed him on his nose… she built herself a home in his heart. 

“Hey Heian?” 

The man’s horse slowed to a stop and looked over its shoulder, its large brown eye catching the moonlight perfectly. Ranger smiled at it before carefully slipping from its back and reaching forward to accept the familiar nuzzle from its warm nose. 

“Can you shift back please?” 

He could sense Heian’s confusion, especially considering that they were just standing in an open pasture a mile or so from his house, but he complied after only a few moments. As soon as he was back in his human form Ranger launched himself at him, taking him by surprise and knocking him down into the damp grass. 

His arms were soon wrapped around the guy’s head in a gentle but strong hug, while Heian’s arms found their way around Ranger’s middle. 

He wanted to tell him that he was sorry about everything that he’d had to go through alone, but he knew that such words weren’t always welcome. Of course, he doubted that Heian would ever be upset with whatever he said, as long as he was being honest, but he’d learned long ago that honesty could hurt just as much as dishonesty if it was spoken at the wrong time. So instead, he simply pushed himself up on his elbows and smiled down at the man looking up at him with curious, tired, hopeful eyes. 

I hope you don’t mind if I kiss you until you can’t breathe,“ he whispered as he leaned closer, but not quite far enough to actually press their lips together. 

He might just have to run his fingers through that damned soft hair as he did it, too. 

Heian’s unsure expression changed steadily until he was smiling warmly up at him. One of his hands was already sifting through Ranger’s own shorter hair before he settled that hand at the back of his head and guided him downward. 

“I would never mind such a thing from you, love,” Heian whispered as the cicadas and crickets chorused around them.

Bear 33

Hearing Heian’s phone chiming with a familiar alarm, Ranger slowly sat up on the man’s abdomen and fished the phone from his own back pocket. It had been sitting on top of the stack of clothing Heian had left, so he’d brought it with him. 

Glad I did. 

Heian was still a little out of it as he tried to catch his breath in the grass, but he came around quickly as the alarm reverberated around them in the darkness. After only a few moments the guy sat up, making Ranger slide down a little until he was sitting in his naked lap. 

“Thank you,” he rasped as he took his phone and scanned his fingerprint to turn on the screen. 

Ranger didn’t bother trying to look, as it wasn’t really necessary. He knew what the alarm was for and it was just rude to look at someone else’s phone in most situations. 

“Nia looks startled by something,” Heian said as he turned the screen to face him. 

Oh, she really does look stressed out. 

“Let’s go,” Ranger said as he hurried to his feet, then offered Heian a hand up. 

As soon as he was standing, Heian shifted back to his animal form and hurried to the nearest tree so that Ranger could climb it and hop onto his back. 

“All set, let’s ride!” 

The horse beneath him snorted and reared up a little, but Ranger had been ready and wrapped his arms around its neck just in time. They ran at a full gallop, jumping several fences before finally arriving in the field by Heian’s house. 

Ranger slid off as the horse slowed down, stumbling a bit but managing to stay upright before he ran toward where Nia’s large horse danced about on the front porch. 

She hadn’t shifted… maybe something is wrong with the herd? 

Heian’s own horse ran right up onto the porch before he shifted and yanked on a pair of shorts he left there for such a purpose. As soon as they were mostly on his hips he ran forward and gently grasped his daughter’s snout. 

“What’s wrong, Nia?” 

His daughter didn’t hesitate to jerk her head backward with a loud whinny, then abruptly dart past her father and off the porch. Ranger had to quickly duck to the side to avoid being hit, but he didn’t mind. A spooked horse was not something to get in front of. Shifter or not. 

They both hurried after her, but to their surprise, she wasn’t running toward the pasture like they’d thought she would. Instead, she took an immediately turn and headed toward the road that lead out of Heian’s property. 

Ranger’s lungs were burning badly by the time they managed to catch up to Nia’s horse. She was dancing around something in the tall grass off to the side of the road, and while he needed to stop and focus on catching his breath, he watched Heian cautiously walk closer. 

He soon realized that he didn’t need to move forward to know that something was wrong. He could feel Heian’s emotions begin to shiver and fracture through their bond. 

Heian? 

Taking a few more desperately needed breaths, Ranger finally straightened and walked forward as Heian knelt down and began carefully brushing the tall grass aside so that he could get something large into his arms. 

Is that…? 

He was going to move closer, but he felt his cat suddenly claw its way to the front of his mind, nearly taking over before Ranger could even sense its presence! While he really didn’t want to, he had to retreat back a good distance. Whatever Heian was working on picking up smelled like a prey animal, and his cat was conflicted about whether it was friend or food. It wanted to kill it for its mate and provide food, but it also wasn’t sure if its mate would be comfortable eating something he was clearly trying to help. 

Let’s just wait and see what he does? I’m sure he’ll let you know if he’d like to eat it, Ranger thought to it, trying to reason with his cat’s way of thinking. 

It thankfully seemed to work, because it settled down after a few more grumbles and waited. 

They stood there for a few more minutes before Heian finally stood up, then turned. 

Holy… a young foal? All the way out here? 

He hadn’t remembered Heian saying that he’d sent out any of his females to breed, and a foal definitely wouldn’t just run away from its herd. 

On the other hand, the gate to his property wasn’t far away. Someone could have easily ducked through it and dropped off the tiny horse. Judging from the growing dread he could sense through his bond with the other man, however, he could tell that there was something more to it. 

His cat confirmed his suspicion, too. As Heian slowly walked past them with the foal, it could smell something slightly familiar, but also foreign. It took every ounce of determination within himself to keep his feline sealed up as he followed Heian at a distance. The thing that really kept his cat from trying to push harder to get out was the much larger horse darting around its father and half brother. 

A kick to the face was a great deterrent, and considering how uneasy Nia seemed, there was no way that she would hesitate in delivering such a blow. 

Thus, they stayed back until Heian got back to the house, then took the little foal inside. To his surprise, Nia shifted the second her father went inside but she hadn’t given herself time to adjust to her two legs yet. Ranger ran forward at that moment, his attention immediately shifting to catch her little body. 

“Gotcha,” he said, more to himself than to her before carefully lifting her up into his arms. 

He didn’t even think about the spare blankets off to the side because it was already chilly out and his cat was still pushing him to keep an eye on the new arrival. Once inside, he did set Nia down on the couch next to where her father was making a nest of blankets for the foal he’d brought in. He then ran upstairs and got her a heavier blanket from her bed. As soon as she was comfortably tucked in on the couch he turned his attention to Heian, kneeling down beside him but trying to keep his eyes from the clearly-exhausted creature in front of them. 

“What can I do?” he asked, needing to be busy. 

Heian was just finishing wrapping up the shivering foal and looked up after he tucked a small throw pillow under its head. 

“Can you get one of Nia’s cups and fill it with warm water, then snap on one of the sipping lids that are in the drawer next to the stove please?” Heian replied. 

Ranger did as told immediately, returning as soon as possible. He handed off the little cup to Heian as the guy gently helped lift the sleepy foals head so that he could try and get it to drink a little. Thankfully, it seemed to come around faster than Ranger thought it would and even opened its eyes a little once Heian let a couple droplets of water run down its lips. 

It gave out a tiny, adorable snort before trying to lean closer to the little cup in front of it. 

“Well hello there, little one,” Heian said as he gently guided the cup back to the horse’s lips and let a few more droplets drip from the tip. 

The foal’s tongue quickly slipped out and swiped at the liquid, making Heian move the cup a little closer and tilt it farther. Soon, water was dripping at a slow but steady pace and the little horse was greedily lapping it up. It emptied the cup in no time, and Ranger was quick to have a new one already prepared so that it could continue drinking. Heian gave him a nod of thanks as they traded off cups, then continued to help the foal drink until it finally seemed sated after downing most of the second cup. 

Pretty soon, it was out cold and Heian helped it settle its head back down on the pillow. Once that was done, he finally stood up and immediately went to his daughter who had been watching it all from the couch. As soon as he sat down beside her she sleepily hurried into his lap. 

“You are a blessing, my Nia. Thank you so much for getting my attention for him.” 

Ranger stayed sitting beside the sleeping foal as he watched the two interact. It was honestly the sweetest thing seeing how much Heian loved his daughter. She couldn’t say the actual words back, but she showed it very clearly in her eyes and her everyday actions. 

Such a young girl, and yet she realized that something was wrong and took it upon herself to get help. 

“That’s because she’s brilliant and the best daughter ever,” Heian said proudly as he gently but tightly hugged Nia in his arms. 

The smile on her face couldn’t be mistaken for anything but pure joy at her father’s words. She had done a great, heroic thing. 

Do you know what you want to do about this situation? Ranger asked once the two had calmed down and Nia was drifting off in her father’s arms. 

There’s no mistaking that he’s my wife’s son… but there’s no way that he was born after she had left. He’s too old. 

His cat was quickly becoming worked up again. It wanted to kill the foal, but now the main reason was because his mate’s previous mate had cheated on him while he’d been trying to keep the family from being torn apart on top of working the farm. 

Heian noticed that he was having trouble and carefully got up from the couch, carrying his daughter easily in his arms. 

“I’m going to go put Nia to bed, then I’ll be back down. Are you going to be okay?”

Ranger wanted to say that he would be fine. That he could control himself, but even if that were true… he was wearing himself out dangerously fast trying to hold back his cat. 

He gave a brisk shake of his head as he yanked off his shirt, then kicked off his remaining clothing as his shift took over, sprouting fur and feline features starting from his head, then flowing all the way down to his toes. Thankfully, his abrupt allowance of the shift confused his cat just long enough for him to move to the door. 

Heian caught the gist of what he intended to do because he hurried over and opened it, allowing him outside before shutting and locking it behind him. 

Ranger took the time he was outside to cool his head as he let his cat pace in circles around the property. It incessantly sniffed the area, worried that there were more intruders. Of course, there were none, but telling that to a stressed out smilodon wasn’t going to help. It was best to just let it exhaust itself. 

He kept tabs on Heian as he sensed him moving about the house, but he didn’t dare come back up to the door until he was sure that his cat was about ready to pass out. 

The scent of the little foal as he stepped up onto the porch renewed its vigor for a few more moments before he was finally able to gain full control and shift back. 

To his surprise, the door swung open the moment he was back in his human form. Another second later and strong arms were pulling him up and into a warm, familiar, firm chest. 

Heian buried his face in Ranger’s shoulder as he wrapped his own arms around the man. It was clear what he was doing, and he couldn’t blame him. His ex wife had not only cheated on him before they were divorced, but she’d had another child… and abandoned him on Heian again, and in such a terrible way. 

He could hear the man’s thoughts going wild even as they stood there in near-silence. The only sound besides the evening insects humming in the trees were the constant sniffles from the overwhelmed person holding onto him for dear life. 

Ranger managed to catch a word here or there as he tried to focus on what was overflowing from Heian’s mind, but as he began putting them together into actual sentences, he felt his heart break all over again. 

Heian was trying to figure out a way to tell him that he didn’t have to stay anymore. He would have to call the police, of course, but Ranger already knew that Heian wasn’t the type of person to just abandon something that needed his help… even if it wasn’t his child. He had already been so nervous about how he would react to him having a special needs daughter… now that he might end up with a son, too? 

Heian was trying to think of a way to give Ranger an out of the relationship without making him feel bad.

Bear 34

(Pepperjack always looks so judgmental.)

Ranger stayed still for however long it took Heian to find himself again. When that time finally came, he watched silently as the man pulled away slowly, straightened his stature and forced an exhausted, fake smile. 

This definitely hadn’t been how he’d thought their night would go, but he could tell that it was about to get much worse if he didn’t try to pull Heian out of his own head for a little while. 

“Hey love?” 

The word felt awkward on his tongue, especially since it was Heian’s pet name for him , but he felt like it needed to be said right then, so he just let it happen. Thankfully, it seemed to work, because he felt the static in Heian’s mind quiet a little as he blinked away the last of the water trying to escape his reddened eyes. 

“Both of the kids are asleep,” Ranger said slowly, trying to plan his words as carefully as possible. He was just opening his mouth to speak again when his stomach growled loud enough to wake the dead. 

Oops…

His cat had evidently drained him of both energy and sustenance. He thought that he’d just ruined the situation by being hungry, but when he saw Heian’s eyes squint as he gave out a quiet, tired laugh, he halted his oncoming awkward apology. 

“I butchered a few chickens the other day… how does chicken noodle soup and garlic bread sound?” Heian asked with a slight head tilt that allowed a few lengths of his long, soft hair to drift in front of his eyes before he brushed it back behind his ear. 

Fuck, I think that sentence just got me partially hard. 

Ranger yelped abruptly when Heian yanked him into another, much stronger hug. He also buried his face back into Ranger’s shoulder, but this time it was to try and stifle his loud laughter. 

“You are a treasure, love,” Heian whispered against his neck as he kissed it. 

Ranger was about to think something along the lines of not truly deserving such praise, because he was still very uncertain about the new child that would surely be a part of his life if he remained with Heian, but before he could even process the words, he was being lifted up into Heian’s arms like a child. 

Damn, I could have sworn that we were close to the same size. 

“Happiness can make people a tad stronger than they usually are… and I just wanted to hold you,” Heian said as he turned and carried him back inside, nudging the door shut with his foot. 

Ranger reached over and turned the lock, but he fidgeted a few times while doing so because someone was taking full advantage of him still being naked and squeezing his backside a bit much. 

When he turned his body back to face Heian and met the man’s dark eyes, he easily saw the mischief trying, but failing, to hide behind his pupils. 

“I feel like you should have been a fox shifter instead of a horse,” Ranger grumbled out as he tried to hide his own growing smile. 

Heian let it slide with a wink before carrying Ranger all the way up the stairs to their room. 

“Is your cat okay for a while?” Heian asked after setting Ranger down, before finding him some of the clothing he’d left there last time. 

Nodding, Ranger accepted the items and quickly got dressed. 

“I should be good.” 

He wanted to say why his cat had reacted the way it had, but he didn’t want to bring up the whole situation again. They could discuss it another time. His feline had gotten quite possessive. 

“Good. I’m going to give the police a call and just let them know what happened. I’m sure they’ll be out here either tonight or tomorrow,” Heian said as he sat down on the edge of the bed, surprising him. 

Of course, they did need to be contacted, but he was surprised that he was willing to do it right after having broken down. 

He watched as the man steeled himself and dialed the phone for the local non-emergency police department. Instead of wandering around or going downstairs, Ranger walked over to him and sat down right up against his side. 

He got a confused look for the action, but when he leaned his head against the man’s shoulder and closed his eyes, he felt Heian take in a deep breath, then blow it out in relief before someone picked up the phone on the other end of the call. 

The conversation got tense quickly when the dispatcher began getting the worst parts of the story. She said that she would be sending out officers for a wellness check and to possibly take the child, but Heian was adamant, without being rude, that he would like it to stay with him if possible, after any possible necessary medical treatment the foal might need, because he was the father of the child’s half sister. 

The woman said that she would pass along the information to the officers coming out, but she couldn’t make any kind of promises on how the situation would be handled. 

He acknowledged that he understood and gave her his address, then they both hung up. 

“They’ll be here in about an hour or so, I’d bet,” he said as he turned. 

Feeling the motion against his cheek where it rested against Heian’s shoulder drew Ranger out of his accidental doze. 

Oops, again. 

He slowly lifted his head to look at Heian, but the other man was already reaching toward his chin. When his fingers got there, he tilted it up just a tiny bit more before leaning forward to seal his lips over his. 

They kissed for quite a while before he felt gentle pressure against his shoulder, guiding him backwards until he felt the soft blankets of the bed against his back. 

He’d had a feeling that Heian might want some stress relief after that phone call, so Ranger wasn’t too surprised when the man’s hands began to wander. 

Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten dressed yet, he thought as he felt Heian’s mouth begin to suck at his neck and just barely managed to hold back a moan. 

If you hadn’t gotten dressed, I might not have gotten to that phone call until much later. 

Ranger was going to mumble something verbally in response, but a moan slipped out instead, making his face heat even worse as Heian pushed his shirt up and began kissing down his chest. 

He wasn’t sure why the guy was doing such things to him when, if it were him in the same situation, he’d want to have it done to himself. 

“Everyone is different, love,” Heian whispered against the spot right above his bellybutton. 

He couldn’t argue that… and he’d just found out a new way he was different, too. 

“Hmm?” 

Ranger turned his head away against the blankets as his face burned hotter. 

“You like this spot?” Heian questioned with a hint of mischief to his voice. 

After he spoke he tilted his head down and licked the length of warm skin from the top of Ranger’s bellybutton up through his torso. 

Ranger couldn’t help but clench the muscles there and shiver as Heian’s tongue passed over them, making his stomach feel strange. Worried that his voice would fail him again, he decided to put their bond to use. 

I don’t know. It feels strange but good…

That seemed to be all the motivation Heian needed. He quickly began licking and nipping at the area, making Ranger squirm more and more as he went. 

You’re having too much fun torturing me, he thought to the man through his blurring mind. 

He could feel exactly how much delight his little sensitive spot was really bringing the guy because Heian’s mind had cleared away all of its previous negativity and was just humming with curious excitement. 

“I am enjoying finding new things to love about you,” Heian said before lifting his lips to one of Ranger’s nipples. 

Moaning again, Ranger tilted his head back and blinked open his eyes the slightest amount as he worked on trying to keep his breathing even. 

Wait a second. 

Heian stopped his attentions immediately and lifted his head. 

“What is wrong?” 

“Door…” Ranger rasped, proud that the word sounded somewhat intelligible. 

Heian followed his line of sight and pursed his lips. 

“Don’t wanna get up,” he mumbled like a scolded child that wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning. 

Honestly, he didn’t want to, either, but being caught by your boyfriend’s kid while doing naughty things? Definitely not an embarrassment he thought he could live through. 

“I can sense when Nia is up and about, and I can hear pretty well too if that foal decides to start heading up the stairs,” Heian said with a sheepish look that made Ranger slowly sit up, making the man slide down to sit on his abdomen. 

“We still  need to get downstairs for the officers. We also might want to wake up that foal and see if he can shift or not,” Ranger said, making himself be the voice of reason… even though he had no doubt that Heian could feel himself being poked by something where he sat. 

He could see the guy struggling with his decision, but he knew that it was more for show than anything. Heian was a top notch father and wouldn’t risk making any mistakes just for a little sex. No matter how amazing it had been…

Dammit. What happened to me always trying to do it as much as possible? 

One hour would have been more than enough for a good round. 

Heian didn’t say it outright, but he could still hear the man’s thoughts bounce back and forth about maturity and slight obsession. That pretty much summed up their current relationship, oddly enough. 

Reaching up, Ranger poked the side of Heian’s lips and gave him a small grin. 

“Later, in your hot tub?” he asked, raising his eyebrows the slightest amount. 

When Heian slid his tongue along his bottom lip, Ranger felt like he’d just promised himself to more than just some sex in a hot tub. 

Oh, it will be much more, came Heian’s response as he leaned forward one last time to steal a kiss, then rolled off the bed and ran downstairs, leaving Ranger staring out the door, confused where the guy had gotten his sudden burst of energy and excited attitude from. 

Slowly, Ranger got up from the bed and headed downstairs, but what he saw when he stepped halfway down the flight had him pausing where he stood. 

He’d shifted. 

The little boy looked quite similar to his half sister, with dark hair and soft eyes. Heian currently had him in his arms after having wrapped one of the smaller blankets around his lower half, allowing the boy to look over his shoulder at him with hesitant curiosity. 

He looked like he was around four or so, and as Ranger focused a little more on his face as he hunched closer against Heian, he realized something. 

He’s blind. 

Heian turned and looked at him over his shoulder, a sad but caring expression in his eyes as they heard a knock sound at the front door. 

They’re early…

Best to get this figured out now, came Heian’s response as he put on a small smile and turned to carry the boy to the door. 

By the way. His name is Toshi, and it seems like he can speak a little. He’s just extremely shy and confused right now, so I didn’t want to push him at all. 

He could totally understand that. 

Steeling his own nerves, Ranger finished descending the stairs and walked over, standing just the slightest bit behind Heian so that he was out of the way, but still very much present for support.

Bear 35

The meeting went a little better than either of them thought it would. Ranger kept quiet, eventually taking Toshi from Heian so that he could focus more on the discussion with the two officers that had come. While they spoke at the dinner table, Ranger followed the kids around the house. 

It seemed like Nia was giving Toshi a tour of each area. It was honestly adorable and insightful, because when most people show someone else their house, they focus on the large areas in the room or the furniture, but Nia was gently tugging Toshi around to odd little areas with one hand in his and the other holding herself up surprisingly well with her little walker. 

She showed him a small corner in the living room where the light came in from the blinds just enough to allow you to see little bits of dust dancing in the air. It was also a little warmer since the sun shone there. 

When they moved on to the kitchen she ignored the obvious basic things like the fridge and oven and instead went over to the stool her father always left in the corner for when she wanted to have him pull it out so she could help him cook. 

Toshi nodded every once in a while, making Ranger a bit nervous. It was almost as if they had a bond and could communicate through their thoughts. 

He brushed aside the unlikely connection and continued following them closely. Thankfully, he was completely focused on them, because Nia tripped over by the stairs but Ranger was able to easily catch her before she hit the floor. He then helped her straighten back up. 

Honestly, he wanted to tell her that she needed to hold onto her walker with both hands and that he could lead Toshi, but the words got stuck on his tongue. 

She’s having too much fun, and what’s one little fall? She’s the matriarch of an entire herd, she’ll laugh it off, I’m sure. 

Not that he would intentionally let her fall, but he didn’t feel like the reprimand to hold her walker better was worth possibly ruining the moment. 

“Up?” 

Blinking, Ranger looked down toward Toshi, surprised to hear his quiet, hesitant voice. 

“Oh, sure,” he said as he gently helped Nia into his arms so that he could carry her up the stairs. 

Once at the top he set her down, then hurried back down the steps to take Toshi’s hand and grab Nia’s walker with his other. He then guided the little boy upstairs. 

He set the walker down and helped Nia get settled with it once there, then quickly fixed the little blanket wrapped around Toshi’s waist before continuing to follow them around. They went to her room first, and she proudly let him hold all of her little horse dolls, as well as a few of her GI Joe ones before showing him to the bathroom. He seemed fixated on returning to the toys, but as soon as he realized that they were in the bathroom he ran inside.

He quickly found the toilet after only a brief search with his hands. Ranger shut the door most of the way so that Nia couldn’t see, then waited until he heard the water at the sink turning on. There was a tiny step stool partially beneath the cabinet that let Toshi easily reach the handles to wash his hands. 

Glad he has good hygiene, too.

“Good job, Toshi,” he said as the little boy carefully felt around the stool with one foot, then stepped down before reaching forward. 

Ranger took his proffered hand with a smile, then turned as he heard Nia begin to walk away. 

I’ve never seen her so active. 

They stopped at her father’s room next, but when she went over to the bathroom area, she stopped at the threshold and looked toward Toshi. 

“Why?” the little boy asked out loud, clearly answering a question that Ranger couldn’t hear. 

Toshi was quiet for a few moments before nodding. 

“Not allowed there. Tub is dangerous.” 

Oh? 

Ranger looked in the room, eying the large bathtub. 

Oh, yeah. Smart kid. The tub itself is really deep and if they filled it with water it could definitely be a drowning hazard. 

Just the thought of them doing that made him uncomfortable… and if they somehow managed to turn the jet functions on? 

“Yeah, you guys definitely don’t want to go in there. It’s not safe, but you guys have your own shower and bathtub, though I’m sure your dad is with you when you use it,” Ranger said, earning a nod from Nia, but Toshi just looked away and hunched his shoulders. 

Oh crap, I didn’t mean to say it that way. 

“Hey Nia, I heard your dad has got some cookie dough stashed in the fridge. Would you two like to help me make it?” Ranger asked, drawing both the kid’s attention. 

He noticed a stray tear running down Toshi’s cheek, but decided to ignore it when the boy looked down at his hands and mumbled, “I can’t see. Mom said not to ever try to help anyone.” 

Damn, kid. It seems like you definitely needed Heian…

“That doesn’t matter at all. You can still totally help us. There is plenty that you can do,” Ranger said enthusiastically, making Toshi look up in confusion. 

“But m—” he paused for a moment, then sniffed a few times before finishing speaking. “Mom never lets me near the kitchen if I shift to my human self and have to come in the house. She said I have to stay out and not touch anything until I can go back to my horse.” 

  Don’t touch anything? And have to come in the house? Did she leave him outside as much as possible? 

Fighting back his frustration, Ranger took the boy’s hand and began to follow Nia out of the room. Her enthusiasm quickly washed away his upset as he had Toshi wait at the top of the stairs, then carried Nia down. He had her sit on the bottom step before running back up for the little boy and her walker. 

In no time at all both kids were busy in the kitchen. Nia was sorting the sprinkle colors she wanted, which was evidently very important, while Toshi, with Ranger’s help, was kneading the dough. 

After just a few moments of coaching Toshi was actually doing really well. He didn’t even need help forming the little balls that he would hand off to Nia, who, in turn, set them on the baking sheet before adding the appropriate number of sprinkles. She was very precise in her work, and as he glanced between the two, he realized that Toshi was exactly the same way. They were both very particular about doing things correctly, but with their own little twists. 

He had the oven preheated by the time the kids were done and carefully placed the tray on the middle rack to start cooking. 

“Hey Ranger?” 

Hearing Heian call him, Ranger shut the oven, set the timer, then helped Nia down from her stool before walking over to the table. 

“How have the kids been doing?” he asked, the question bringing everyone’s attention to him. 

Ranger considered how much to say about their evident bond, but he quickly pushed aside his hesitancy. It was clear that Toshi could hear Nia. Why bother hiding it? 

“Toshi can hear Nia’s thoughts. He’s been speaking with her every once in a while as she’s showed him around the house,” Ranger said, watching as the three pairs of eyes in front of him widened. 

“They have a bond… already?” Heian asked, clearly surprised. 

He could also sense the man’s stress ratcheting up, but he knew that it wasn’t something the guy would have wanted him to hide. The kids also didn’t seem to think it was worth hiding, either, because Toshi walked forward and, after feeling around for a moment, found Ranger’s hand. 

“I can hear her. She likes her herd, her house, and her daddy.” 

Heian softened his expression as Nia made her way over to him. He gladly tugged her up into his lap, then wrapped his arms around her little waist before returning his attention to the group. 

“Well, that’s great then. They are siblings, after all,” he said, hiding his nerves behind a warm, honest smile. 

It’s okay to be worried but happy. Some of the best things we obtain in life make us uncomfortable, yet we grow to love them. 

Ranger felt Heian chuckle in his mind. 

I do not think Toshi will need much time to grow on me. He seems like a sweetheart and if Nia already likes him, then my hands are tied, anyways. 

Ranger grinned before they both focused their attention on the police officers. He felt like Heian had wanted to say more, but there was no reason to push it since he had decided not to. 

“It seems like the children are getting along well enough. Since she is his half sister and you already gave us your information and cleared a background check, we feel comfortable enough to leave him here for the time being. He will need to go to the doctor’s appointment we scheduled tomorrow, and until we get ahold of his parents and investigate this thoroughly, you will be responsible for keeping in contact with us daily,” one of the officers said, earning a nod from both him and Heian. 

“He also is not permitted to return to his parents until the investigation has been completed and a decision has been made. If either of them show up here, you are to contact us immediately and do not confront them.” 

Heian nodded again. 

“Not a problem. I will keep you both up to date each day and will take care of him as if he were my own.” 

They talked for a little while longer, making sure that Heian would be okay with handling two special needs kids. They then turned to Ranger and requested background information, since when they asked what his relationship was with the situation, he stated that he was Heian’s boyfriend. 

Thankfully, neither of them seemed bothered by the idea of a same sex couple taking care of the kids, and simply ran his background information. It came back clear, of course, but there had been a notice on the record about a volatile shift. 

His family always alerted the local law enforcement when the shift was passed down, just in case that individual got into a situation with them. 

“Is your shift well under your control?” one of the officers asked as they eyed him carefully. 

Ranger felt his face warm slightly, but Heian actually answered for him. 

“His shift has been wonderful. It doesn’t dare challenge Nia, and I’m sure that it will fall in love with Toshi soon, too. Either way, both Nia and I will be around Toshi whenever Ranger is here, so if there ever is an issue, our horses can easily handle his cat.” 

The officers looked at each other for a long moment, seemingly contemplating what to do. Eventually, they both nodded. 

“Alright, we will give it a try. If anything happens with his shift, or if Toshi starts feeling uncomfortable, please call us immediately.”

Ranger and Heian nodded in unison as Heian and the officers stood. 

“Thank you for coming out, and for taking this so seriously. We’ll take good care of Toshi and wait for your instructions.” 

As soon as they saw the two officers out and got the door closed the timer on the over started beeping. Ranger hurried over while Heian got the kids settled in the living room. 

By the time he walked into the kitchen Ranger had the kid’s plates already set with two big cookies each, as well as two sippy cups of milk. He received a quick kiss for his efforts before Heian took the items and delivered them to their little makers. 

Both kids were delighted and happily munched on their treats as Nia watched TV and Toshi commented every few moments, clearly speaking to each other about the show, even though Toshi couldn’t see what was going on. 

Ranger had no doubt that Nia was filling him in on everything, especially considering the looks that Toshi didn’t seem to realize he was giving off. 

Had no one ever helped him understand a cartoon before? 

Ranger was just about to go sit down with them when he felt a certain someone’s hand slip beneath the waistband of his pants from behind. Thank god the counter was in front of them.

Hello to you, too, he thought to Heian as the man leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek before turning his attention to the kids. 

I love you, Heian replied back as a smile stretched his lips. 

“Nia says to tell Daddy to behave,” came Toshi’s quiet, nervous voice as the boy glanced at them for the briefest second before returning his attention to the television. 

Bad daddy, Ranger joked as he tugged Heian’s hand from his pants and hurried over to sit with the kids. 

Heian grumbled into his mind but there was no hiding the smile on his face as he quickly washed and dried his hands, then grabbed a couple warm cookies. 

The rest of the day was spent watching different cartoon movies and eating far too many cookies than they should have. Eventually, Ranger did have to head back, but he made sure to sneak in a few more kisses when the kids weren’t paying attention, then promised to come back for Toshi’s doctor’s appointment the next morning. 

Oddly enough, as he began his trek back to his own property, he felt a little torn. Sure, he needed to go home and relax for a bit, but he also wanted to turn around and, after tucking the kids in for the night, do quite a few things to Heian. 

Next time, love. Get some rest and I will be waiting for your return tomorrow morning. 

Grinning, Ranger looked over his shoulder, but of course, Heian was still inside taking care of the kids. 

Tomorrow, then.

Bear 36

The cat is back. 

His husband looked up from where he’d been focusing on chopping onions. He looked nervous, and of course, Marsh knew why. He watched Walker pulling up his turtleneck a little more. He didn’t like him hiding the kiss marks he gave him, but it was his choice. He was just glad to have been allowed to apply them in the first place. 

When Ranger finally came into view he looked… different. 

He smells different, too. 

He had been around more people than just his horse.

“Hey Rane, how was your evening?” Walker asked with a curious smile. 

Ranger returned it, but his was a bit more nervous as he dropped down onto the couch with a yawn. 

“It was definitely something,” he said as he nudged off his shoes and kicked up his feet on the footrest. 

Walker finished up the onion he was working on before tossing it into a large pan that already had several other vegetables starting to cook. He then checked on the eight slices of bass in the oven before closing it and walking over to his brother. 

Marsh fought his nose to move away from the oven, but eventually won the battle. He followed his man, but didn’t crowd him. In fact, he even took a few steps backward and sat himself down at the table. 

They had cuddled a lot earlier, and done other things even earlier than that. He didn’t want to push him. 

I hope I am doing this right… 

He felt a soft chuckle in the back of his mind and glanced up after having evidently glanced down at his hands in his lap. 

You are acting very mature and I appreciate it, my little bear. 

Marsh tilted his head, proud but confused. He certainly wasn’t a little bear. Walker’s small smile widened before he turned away to drop down beside his brother, though, so he bit back his curiosity. He honestly didn’t mind being called anything as long as it was his Walker saying it. 

“Another kid? Is he really serious about that? It’s a huge responsibility, and for it to be his ex wife’s? I don’t think I’d be able to do it,” Walker said. 

The horse has another child? 

He hadn’t really been paying attention, but now his curiosity was piqued. 

“That’s how I felt at first. That he wasn’t his responsibility, but man… Nia had a connection with him immediately. She can’t speak, but boy did she talk to him the entire time they were together.”

Marsh frowned at that. The horse somehow came across a child that was not his, but was related to his own through his mate that had left. Then those two children formed a bond…

“He can’t split them up,” he said abruptly, surprising even himself. 

Both brother’s had their eyes on him immediately, clearly surprised by his words, too. He hunched a little and looked down at his hands twisting their fingers in his lap. 

“I just wouldn’t ever want someone to take Walker away from me. He’s the only person I’ve ever had a bond with, and even if we don’t end up as mates, I still want to stay by his side…” 

Walker hopped up as a timer he’d set earlier chimed at that moment, but he made sure to stop in front of him and lean over for a quick kiss to the top of Marsh’s hair before hurrying to the kitchen with a red tint to his cheeks. 

“That’s honestly what he thought, too. Bonds are not common and even amongst family, you aren’t guaranteed a connection with anyone,” Ranger said as he tilted his head on the couch so that he could see them both. “And honestly, the guy’s heart is so damn soft. He wouldn’t have turned that boy away for anything.” 

Walker pulled the bass out of the oven, making Marsh’s eyes glue to the tray as he then moved to stir the veggies as he responded. 

“And you’re beyond smitten with Heian… and I can even feel your growing love for both of those kids,” he said with a raised-eyebrow glance over his shoulder. 

He heard Ranger groan and flop over on the couch, but didn’t bother looking at the man. His man was in the kitchen wearing a little apron with cartoon bears on it, cooking him his favorite foods. There was no reason to look anywhere else. 

It was actually even better than that because he’d gone and caught the fish a few miles north earlier. He’d come back soaking and freezing, but he’d caught his husband dinner. It made him feel like he really could be worth something in this strange human world. He could provide for his human. 

Yes, you can. 

That praise made Marsh’s lips curve into a toothy smile. 

“Hey Marsh? How has your eyesight been?” he asked out loud as he plated up four pieces fish, then added a good scoop of vegetables to a plate before bringing it over to him with a fork. 

Marsh took the food gratefully but set it on the table as Walker returned to the kitchen. 

“I can see some. It’s a little hard sometimes, and at night both eyes aren’t that great,” he said, making Walker nod as he carried over a plate of food to his brother. 

He dramatically accepted it, refusing to actually sit up as he took the plate and set it on his chest. 

Marsh watched as Walker returned to the kitchen and made himself a plate with the remaining two pieces before bringing it over to the spot beside where he sat. He returned one more time and filled three cups with water. After delivering his brother’s, he set the last two on the table and sat down. 

“How would you like to go to the optometrist tomorrow?” Walker asked, making Marsh frown. 

“That’s a big word,” he said, not sure what it had to do with him. 

Walker chuckled, his eyes squinting adorably. 

“It’s a doctor that can possibly help you see better.” 

I can just magically see better? 

Walker took a sip of his water before continuing. 

“You’ve seen me with my glasses, right?” he asked, getting a nod from Marsh. 

Oh, right. Glasses help humans see better. 

“Can my bear wear them?” he asked, his delicious-smelling dinner forgotten as he focused on their conversation. He didn’t want to seem rude by eating when his Walker was having an important talk with him. 

Walker hesitated in his response, but then chuckled. 

“I’m sure we can figure something out for him,” he said. 

Thinking it over for a few moments, Marsh shrugged one shoulder and nodded. 

“If you think I should go talk to the long-word doctor, I will go.” 

Walker gave a quiet chuckle. 

“Then it’s settled. We’ll go see them tomorrow.”

He then turned and began working on his plate of food. 

Since he figured that the discussion was now over, Marsh turned in his chair and slowly began eating his dinner. His bear, of course, wanted to just inhale the entire plate, but he’d been working hard to seem a little more human. Of course, he knew that Walker didn’t like him just because he did or didn’t act a certain way, but when his husband left the house, as all humans did eventually, he wanted him to be more comfortable offering to bring him. 

Like the eye doctor. He doubted that he’d have been asked to go to such a place the first few weeks he’d been living with him. Yet now, he was able to control himself a lot better, though it took quite a bit of effort still. That effort, however, had clearly paid off. Walker had asked him to go somewhere with him that humans normally go. He trusted him enough to behave around others besides during simple trips to the grocery store. 

“What’s got you so excited, Marsh? I can feel you practically wiggling at the edge of my mind,” Walker said with an intrigued look that made Marsh slightly embarrassed, but more than that, proud. Their bond was also developing well. 

“I am happy Walker found me and brought me home.” 

Walker hesitated on cutting another piece of fish to eat. 

“I’m glad that I brought you home, too,” he said before cutting up a big piece of fish and after getting it onto his fork, offering it to Marsh. 

“I never intended to meet my significant other deep in the woods trying to prey upon my ex-friends, but now that I have you, I hope that you are always happy and comfortable here.” 

Marsh happily took the proffered bite of food, then chewed and swallowed quickly. He was then about to say something in response when they both looked toward the couch at the sound of an extended, overly-dramatic groan from Ranger. 

“I would say get a room, but I know you two are already sharing one.” 

Turning, Marsh noticed that Walker’s face was turning red from embarrassment. He wanted to growl at the man’s brother for making him feel awkward, but he was beginning to understand that brothers sometimes messed with each other like that. Of course, in this household it was mostly Ranger picking on Walker, but his husband had gotten him back quite a few times. 

“He’s right. Let’s go have dinner in our room,” he eventually said as he stood and picked up his plate and drink. 

He could sense Walker’s nervousness grow slightly and quickly moved to tamp it down. 

“I want to watch that new movie that just came out. The one you said would be pretty cool.”

That caught his husband’s attention immediately, bringing him to his feet as he grabbed his plate and cup. 

“You’re right, I’ve really been wanting to see that. Thanks for reminding me,” he said, his nerves completely vanquished by the excitement of finally finding some time to watch the movie he’d wanted to see. 

They ignored Ranger’s quiet chuckling as they both headed upstairs. Marsh got to the top a few seconds faster, but Walker hurried to catch up. They stepped inside their room almost at the same time, then quickly but carefully got into bed with their plates after setting their drinks on the  nightstand. 

Once they were settled, with Marsh tucked beneath Walker’s arm and their plates both on their laps, they got the show started up. 

“If you have any questions about seeing the doctor tomorrow, don’t hesitate to ask. I want you to feel comfortable,” Walker said as the movie began to play. 

Marsh snuggled in, not too interested in what was on the screen, but allowing it to take most of his focus since he knew that it was important to his human. 

“I will ask if anything worries me,” he responded, earning a one-armed hug closer against Walker’s side. 

“Good, I—” 

“Hey bro, get your butt down here!” 

Marsh blinked and sat up as Walker slowly slid out of bed, confused about what his brother could suddenly want with him. They both left their plates on the nightstand before heading back downstairs. 

“What’s wrong?” Walker asked as he went over to where his brother was looking out of one of the windows leading toward the barn. 

When they stopped to see what was going on, Marsh felt his eyes widen slightly. Before them stood a small black bear that was more skin and bones than fat and fur. It was trying to catch one of their chickens, but was clearly having no luck. 

He recognized it, though. 

“That’s Nokosi. He’s a shifter that prefers his animal form, like me, but he was never very good at hunting. I shared a kill with him once in a while if I didn’t need what remained, but I suppose with me gone and after the harsh winter, he’d had to wander to find things to eat.” 

Ranger glanced toward Marsh, raising an eyebrow. 

“He’s a shifter? He doesn’t look that old…”

Marsh shrugged, not one to really focus on numbers. 

“If I had to guess, he’s probably around twelve now.” 

Walker turned, his face turning as white as his brother’s was as they both replied with shocked horror. 

“He’s only twelve? “

Bear 37

Walker and Ranger both hurried to the door after slipping on their shoes and coats, then stepped outside onto the front porch. He’d planned to get a good bit closer to the bear so that he could talk to it, but when Marsh suddenly ran in front of him, holding his arms out to either side in an effort to block his movement, Walker hesitated. 

He stopped mainly because of Marsh becoming a physical barrier, but also because the guy seemed quite angry all of a sudden. 

“What’s wrong, Marsh?” 

Marsh let out a quiet grumble before crossing his arms over his chest. 

“You don’t know that bear. Why would you run up to him?” 

Oh, I guess you have a point. 

He watched as Marsh lifted a finger and pointed at him. 

“Walker stays here. I will go talk to Nekosi,” he said, making Walker hesitate for only a moment before nodding. 

He didn’t want to let Marsh risk getting hurt, but he knew that he had a much stronger bear hidden beneath his adorable exterior. 

I wonder if it bothers him that I think he’s really cute. 

Marsh replied immediately through their thoughts as he headed down the steps and began walking toward the barn and chicken coops. 

I don’t care what Walker calls me, as long as I can call him mine. 

Walker felt his face warm as he looked away from his brother, even though Ranger wasn’t even focused on him in the least. It was a habit to not show any nervousness or weakness in front of the guy. He loved to pick at it. 

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Walker took a step closer to the stairs as Marsh removed his clothing and shifted near the first fence. The bear closer to the barn seemed to smell him at that point and turned with a flailing chicken between its jaws. 

Oh no, he’s got Hena. 

Walker watched with baited breath as Marsh calmly waddled closer. The other bear was already up on its hind legs, growling in warning. 

Marsh stopped about ten yards away, then flicked an ear and looked away, trying to be as unimposing as possible. 

Ranger put his hand up on one of the support beams, clearly keeping himself in check as his animal nudged at the surface. It had never been a fan of trespassers, but thankfully he had decent-enough to control so that it never got out of hand. 

They waited silently until, finally, Nekosi slowly lowered himself to the ground. He didn’t spit out the chicken, but he at least didn’t kill it, either. 

When the situation seemed under control enough, Marsh allowed himself to shift back to his human form. Nekosi seemed quite confused, but after a few moments of hesitation he, too, shifted after releasing the hen. 

Oh wow, definitely not in the best shape. 

The kid was skin and bones, but had a toughness to him that went far beyond his age. He couldn’t hear what the two began discussing, but it didn’t seem to take long before the younger shifter allowed Marsh to finish approaching him. 

They stood face to face for several more moments, then, slowly, Nikosi nervously lowered his head, allowing Marsh to lift his hand to settle it atop his dirty hair. He then began to rub at it a bit forcefully, making the younger guy swat his hand away. 

“Looks like they’re going to be fine,” Ranger said as he finally glanced sideways at him. 

He could see the grin on the guy’s face, making him nervous but also cautiously optimistic. When he looked back toward the two bear shifters, he was surprised to see Marsh heading back toward them already. He didn’t bother picking up his clothing on the way, so Walker figured that he intended to go back to Nekosi soon. 

May I feed him? I forgot to ask, but he is very hungry. 

Walker smiled at the request.

Of course. I was actually thawing some things for dinner later, but I can easily pull out more. Go ahead and take what is in the fridge. 

Marsh nodded in response as he hurried up the stairs. Walker stepped aside to get out of his way, but when Marsh stopped before him and reached up, pulling him down into a quick, yet possessive kiss, his eyes widened. 

When he pulled away, Walker was left more than a bit confused with a bright red blush on his face. 

“He stays in the barn,” was Marsh’s response to his odd behavior, making Ranger burst out laughing. 

Wait, are you actually jealous? Walker asked, surprised, and likely voicing the question his brother planned to ask once he managed to catch his breath. 

There was no way he’d ever look at a kid in such a way. Hell, he barely managed to look at Marsh that way sometimes, and he honestly felt terrible about it. 

I love my Walker. You don’t need to change. 

His fading blush returned in full force as he awkwardly walked to the door just in time to have to step out of the way again as Marsh hurried out it. Instead of waiting on the porch this time, however, he followed him down the steps and partially across the yard. He did stop at the first fence, though, not wanting to push his luck. 

Nekosi watched him carefully until Marsh returned carrying something much more interesting. To his surprise, the younger shifter didn’t dare reach forward or even flare his nostrils more than twice. 

Marsh is the dominant bear. He’s in control of the food. 

I am. Nekosi knows that he can’t win against me. If he thought that he could, though, he wouldn’t hesitate to attack. 

Walker fidgeted, knowing that he’d have likely not faired nearly as well as Marsh if he’d tried to help the boy. 

Thank you for staying away from him. He is a good bear, but he is a bear. There is very little human left in him. 

Not wanting to make the boy wait any longer, Marsh calmly sat down in the grass, making Nekosi immediately mirror him. Walker moved a little to the side, making him realize that Marsh hadn’t gotten much of the meat from the fridge at all. 

He wouldn’t be able to stomach much. I wasn’t as skinny when you first found me, but it still hurt my stomach to eat much. Considering how thin he is, it would be a waste of food to feed him too much. 

Well, that made sense. 

My husband is thinking like a bear, he thought with a bit of humor to his words. 

I am also thinking like a provider. I will not waste food that I can feed to my Walker. 

He wasn’t sure that he could ever get used to Marsh’s bluntness, but at the same time, he kind of felt special that someone loved him enough to worry about him having enough to eat. 

I want you to have more than enough to eat. I want my husband to get fat. 

Marsh’s words had Walker snorting out a laugh. 

Well, fat is a bit too much, but I do really enjoy the food you catch for me. 

Marsh glanced over his shoulder at him, smirking, then returned his attention to the boy in front of him and offered him the two pork chops he’d brought. It was no surprise to either of them when he began tearing into the raw meat hungrily, barely allowing himself time to breathe in between mouthfuls. 

He finished both items in less than five minutes, then took a few more to catch his breath as he licked his lips constantly, savoring the taste left on them. 

When he’d finally relaxed a little, he noticed a sense of calm begin to settle over the boy. 

He really had been starving. 

Marsh replied as he split his focus easily between the two of them. 

He still is, but he knows that I’m the one who allowed him to eat. I could have easily attacked him for trying to take my husband’s chicken, but instead, I took food from my own den and offered it to him. 

I see, Walker replied as he leaned against the fence. 

He says that he will move on from here right away, and leave your animals alone. 

Walker blinked in surprise as he got to his feet. 

He doesn’t have to go. We aren’t mad that he tried to eat our chicken. 

Marsh glanced over his shoulder at him, seemingly considering his words. He could tell that he wasn’t too sure about another bear in his territory, and he couldn’t blame him. He’d come to their home in bad shape, too. 

We still need to go to the eye doctor. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind settling in the barn tonight and we can talk more later? 

He watched his bear consider his words as Nekosi slowly lied down on the ground near Marsh’s folded legs. It might have looked cute to some people… perhaps if they were wearing clothing, but Walker knew that the kid was submitting to Marsh. 

Okay, Walker. I will tell him that he can stay in the barn for the night if he’d like. 

He waited calmly, eventually getting his response. 

He will stay for the night and not cause any trouble. 

That was a relief. When Marsh stood up and began walking back toward him, Walker saw Nekosi slowly get back to his own feet, then wandered into the barn after a few hungry glances toward the nervous chickens. 

As soon as Marsh was close enough, Walker pulled him into a tight hug, then added a quick kiss before leaning back down to pick up his clothing. Marsh reached out for the bundle, but when Walker simply took his hand and began tugging him toward the house, he seemed a bit confused. 

“I… don’t really mind you being naked,” he said, making himself blush as they headed up the stairs that his brother had thankfully vacated some time previously. 

In fact, he didn’t sense his brother around at all anymore. The thought brought a grin to his face as he shook his head and tugged his bear inside. 

He went back to Heian’s. 

That meant that he would just be cooking for the two of them, and perhaps a little more for Nekosi if his stomach handled the previous food well enough. 

“I’m okay with that. The horse can feed the cat,” Marsh said, replying to Walker’s thought out loud. 

Shaking his head, Walker released Marsh’s hand and made his way back downstairs to add a few more pieces of meat to their defrosting drawer in the fridge. Once that was done, he grabbed his keys and swung them around his finger with a smile. 

“I suppose you do have to get dressed now,” he said, earning a half shrug from Marsh as the guy took the clothing Walker had set on the counter a few minutes ago. He got dressed quickly, but after a glance at the clock, seemed to realize something. 

“Something wrong?” Walker asked as Marsh slowly walked over to him. 

When the guy’s hands slowly wound around his waist and he leaned up, Walker realized what he intended to do. For once, he was more than happy to oblige and quickly wrapped his own arms around Marsh. He hadn’t intended for the kiss to be very long, or include tongues, but as Marsh took careful control of the situation, Walker found himself just letting things happen. 

Well, that was until they somehow found their way to the couch. And he’d somehow gotten onto his back with a certain bear shifter leaning over him, reaching one sneaky hand down his pants. 

It wasn’t that he didn’t like it, but they did have an appointment at the optometrist to keep. He got terribly nervous whenever he was late to something. 

“Okay, we can go now,” Marsh said abruptly as he got off of him, then reached out to take his hand. 

“I don’t want to make us late for something Walker did just for me.” 

Too cute…

Marsh ran his tongue along his lower lip in response to those two words, making Walker hurriedly take his proffered hand and get up from the couch. 

“Right, we should go. We can always do stuff later,” he said as he headed for the door, tugging Marsh along. 

He was already down the front porch steps and halfway to his SUV when he realized what he’d said. His eyes slowly glanced to the side, but Marsh was just out of view, walking the slightest bit behind him. 

I don’t want to know what expression he has on his face right now. 

There was an awkward silence as he they finished their short walk to his vehicle. When he pressed the button to unlock it, Marsh, who had already gone around to the other side, responded through his thoughts. 

The happiest face a bear can make.

Bear 38

(Trying to write on the couch with dogs be like… Also, slight content warning)

He just couldn’t stop himself. As soon as he was sure that his brother would be fine with his guardian bear and their new uninvited guest, he’d booked it back over to Heian’s house. Thankfully, the kids were playing outside in their shift forms, with Nia leading Toshi’s little foal around by the halter that had been placed over his head. 

It actually seemed like he could see a tiny bit in his horse form, but he definitely wasn’t fighting the help she was offering. In fact, he was practically glued to her side. 

I bet one of the first thing Heian’s going to do as his father is take Toshi to an eye doctor. If there’s any hope that he can see even a little bit as a horse, he’d definitely want to try and help him get his eyesight better. 

His thoughts brought a big smile to his face as he hopped the nearby fence. Nia immediately took notice, drawing Toshi’s little foal’s attention in his direction, too, but it didn’t seem like the boy could see him at all from where they stood. 

“Just visiting again, sweetheart,” he said, making her horse’s ears twitch a little. 

She seemed to be contemplating jump the fence and running over to him, but almost as fast as the thoughts welled up, she quelled them with one look down at her little half brother. 

No running around with him quite yet. You’re a good big sister already. 

She snorted, as if hearing his praise and accepting it with gratitude. 

“Enjoy yourselves but be careful with him, Nia,” Ranger said with a smile and a nod before heading toward the house. 

To his surprise, someone was waiting for him, standing just outside of the open front door. The moment he saw him Ranger’s heart sped up in his chest, making his legs do the same. He easily covered the last bit of pasture before hopping the final fence. When he got to the over side, strong arms were already there, waiting to pull him into a suffocatingly-strong, yet warm hug. 

Why does it feel so good to just be here with him? 

Heian’s arms loosened around him, but he could tell that the man wanted to do the exact opposite. 

“We have an audience,” Heian whispered against his ear, drawing Ranger’s attention toward the fence. 

Nia was watching them pointedly, but Toshi was clearly unable to see them at all and was simply sniffing at the wooden fence they were standing behind. 

Inside? 

The simple, one-worded question was an invitation Ranger couldn’t refuse. He did hesitate for a moment, however, glancing back at the kids by the fence. 

Nia is more than capable of watching out for him in her horse form, and she also is able to get my attention in seconds if anything should go wrong. 

He had a point. The man was even wearing an extra alarm necklace, and after one final glance back at the kids, he noticed one looped around Toshi’s little neck now. 

I think he could seriously be in the running for worlds best dad.

Ranger’s thoughts were blurred when he was suddenly pulled quickly toward the house, dispersing his previous musings as he focused on matching Heian’s hurried pace. 

“Everything okay?” he asked, a little confused at the man’s sudden change of pace. 

His question was answered the moment they got inside, however, because he was quickly shoved up against the wall right next to the door and kissed to the point of being breathless. In fact, by the time he’d managed to catch his breath and blink away the blurriness their abrupt activity had caused in his vision, he realized that he had slid down the wall at some point and was mysteriously missing his shirt. 

There were also quite a few hickeys around his neck, upper torso, and even one near his belly button that hadn’t been there previously. 

This house has some very hungry mosquitoes…

Heian knelt between his spread legs, his hand nonchalantly settled beneath the waistband of Ranger’s askew pants. The button was also undone, as well as the zipper. 

“This mosquito doesn’t want to share with any other ones, ever,” Heian said before leaning back down and sealing his mouth back over Ranger’s. 

The man’s hand worked relentlessly, making Ranger squirm and groan beneath him until he released for a second time in ten minutes. 

So embarrassing…

Heian’s arms suddenly tugged him into his lap and against his chest. The action took Ranger by surprise. Something quite large was also poking him, but he did his best to ignore it as Heian tilted his chin on for a soft, quick kiss. 

“Ranger is a beautiful person and I love every single thing about him,” he said, making Ranger’s face burn. 

He managed to keep his eyes on the guy for another couple of seconds before his nerves got the better of him and he looked down and away at the floor. Gods, his heart was going to beat out of his chest and Heian didn’t even have his shirt off yet. 

“Mm, yet?” Heian asked with a hint of mischief to his words that Ranger was getting used to hearing. 

The guy was an absolute gentleman in public, but in private… he was more of a pervert than even he, himself, was. 

“Only for the man I love,” Heian said, making Ranger awkwardly glance back up at him, catching his lover’s wide, happy smile. 

Damn he’s hot. How did I ever get someone like him? 

He felt Heian chuckle slightly before easily standing, lifting him up with him. Ranger wiggled upward a little after wrapping his legs around Heian’s waist, wary of being poked again. 

They headed upstairs silently after nudging the door closed, which was probably a good idea since they’d nearly gotten down and very dirty right next to the open door. Granted, they’d have definitely heard two horses coming up onto the porch, but at the same time… they might not have. 

“What’s wrong, love? You seem nervous,” Heian said as he gently let Ranger back down to his feet outside of his open bedroom door.

Feeling his mouth suddenly go dry, Ranger rubbed at the back of his neck and looked down at his socked feet. 

Oh, I guess I kicked off my shoes while we were fooling around downstairs…

A warm hand sliding against his cheek drew his attention back up to the other man and made him blush hard. 

Right, he asked a question…

His nerves began making him feel unusually cold as he tried to hide his worry with a fake, quiet laugh. 

How do I tell him that I’m terrified of bottoming? 

Another hand settled on the opposite side of his face, then soft lips covered his own for the briefest kiss before Heian leaned away again. 

“Just like that. Why are you worried about such a thing, love? I will never force you to do something you don’t want to,” he said, making Ranger feel even worse. 

He opened his mouth a few times to argue, but couldn’t find words for several moments. When he did figure out something to say, he wasn’t sure that it was the right thing. 

“Things should be even. It’s not fair that I keep topping you…” he mumbled, feeling incredibly awkward about the conversation. 

Feeling Heian take his hand and tug him forward, Ranger let himself be lead over to the man’s large bed. When Heian took a seat, he slowly sat down beside him. It took a tense minute before he was actually able to look back up at him, though. 

“I do not believe those kinds of rules should make up our relationship,” Heian said calmly, not hesitating to meet Ranger’s worried gaze. 

Blinking away some of his nerves, Ranger licked his dry lips and swallowed down some more hesitation. 

“But I shouldn’t be the only one doing it ,” he said awkwardly. 

Heian was silent for several long moments before he scooted away the slightest amount, then lifted one leg up to rest on its side on the bed. The action made a certain raised portion much more obvious, drawing a renewed rush of red to Ranger’s face as he tried to ignore it and keep his eyes higher. The guy was probably just trying to get more comfortable.

“I see no problem with you being the one doing it ,” Heian said honestly, his gaze never wavering… as Ranger’s wanted to be anywhere but on the man’s face, or crotch. 

I’m so terrible at this kind of thing. This is so horrifyingly awkward. I shouldn’t have come back today. I shouldn’t have come back until I was ready to let him do i —Lips pressed against his forehead, effectively stopping his internal rant in its tracks. 

“Love, You have done more than I could have ever hoped you would for me. You’ve come to love me enough to want to run to me when you’re nervous, stressed, or just want to be loved. You also love my daughter as your own, and she loves you, too,” Heian whispered against his forehead before leaning back a little.

“I love you for exactly who you are. I don’t need to top you, or be dominant, or really control any aspect of our situation. I just want to make you happy so that you’ll come back to me again, like you did today, every day.” 

This man wants me to be here everyday…

He hesitantly lifted his eyes back to Heian’s. 

They’re so soft and open. 

He could never understand how someone could literally wear their feelings on their sleeve, but after getting to know Heian, he could actually believe that statement. Because whenever he looked into the man’s eyes, he saw so many different emotions. He hid absolutely nothing. 

“H… how did you get used to me… doing it, to you?” he asked suddenly, forcing the words out before he could bite them back. 

The question brought a bright smile to Heian’s face, surprising Ranger into more embarrassment. His ears were probably even turning red by now. 

“Honestly, I’d wanted to have you long before we actually met face to face that first time. I knew that you really liked sex… since I could already read your mind pretty well by then. So, I got some items  that would help me get used to something inside of me since I never wanted to pressure you into letting me do it to you,” Heian said, being completely honest with a straight face and warm smile. 

This guy… how has he been single for so long? 

Evidently, Heian found his little thought funny, because the guy chuckled a bit before reaching forward and mussing up some of Ranger’s hair before his hand was swatted away… as a small smile found its way onto Ranger’s face. 

“You really are incredible, you know that, right?” Ranger said, making Heian’s smile slip for a second before he actually saw a blush creep onto the man’s cheeks. 

Oh?

Grinning, Ranger leaned forward, putting his hands dangerously close to the rise in Heian’s pants. He didn’t mind it so much now, though, as he leaned closer to the man while Heian nervously leaned away. 

“Do you know, Heian, that you are an amazing person, a damn good dad, and the sweetest man I’ve ever known?” 

Seemingly not used to such open compliments directed at him, Heian’s face burned even brighter but he only glanced away once for the shortest fraction of a second. 

He’s so strong. I want to build up even half of the strength he’s shown me. I can be everything he needs, too… and I can give him what I want to give him, too… as long as I’m careful about it. 

“You really don’t have to, I—” Ranger silenced his words with a kiss before leaning away. 

He began reaching behind his head to rub at his neck again but caught himself and lowered his hand to his lap, then leveled his gaze on Heian’s. 

“I understand that you don’t expect it of me… but I want to try and let you have me that  way,” he said, his words quieting as he got to the end of his sentence. 

He wanted to be able to give Heian everything… he just needed to get over his fear of being hurt. Heian had managed to train his body so that it wasn’t bad. 

“Wait a second,” Ranger said abruptly, making Heian tilt his head and raise an eyebrow. 

“Do you still have the stuff you used…? To get ready for when I would, um, do things to you there?” he asked, suddenly much more nervous now that he was actually talking about letting Heian do him. It was actually even worse, because he was asking him if he still had the sex toys he’d used to get ready for him! 

I’m going to die of embarrassment. 

Heian’s soft dark eyes lit up with amusement as he slid from the bed onto his knees. Ranger slowly followed him, a bit surprised when the guy pulled out a long box from beneath it. 

When Heian lifted the lid, Ranger felt as if he might pass out from all the blood in his body rushing to his burning face. 

I… wonder what weighs more. Me, or that box of stuff. 

Without skipping a beat, Heian replied with an excited smile. 

“The box.”

Bear 39

Walker winced slightly as he felt his brother’s sudden pain through their bond, making him turn to look toward Heian’s farm. 

That didn’t seem like it was pleasant. 

Of course, he knew that his brother would be fine, either way. Heian would take good care of him, even if he did something stupid, as per usual, and hurt himself. 

I should start cooking dinner. 

Marsh had helped him with his work around the farm for most of the day, then went to check on Nekosi and do a perimeter check. Since he hadn’t come back yet, Walker thought that he might surprise him with something yummy when he does return. 

Maybe Nekosi will have calmed down enough to join us, too. 

It was wishful thinking. He knew that the bear was too aggressive to trust yet, but he could still hope. With a small smile on his face, Walker got busy washing, then cutting up vegetables. Since they’d eaten meat almost everyday that week, he decided to do something a little more simple with stir fried vegetables and garlic bread. It didn’t exactly go together, but he doubted that either bear would mind. 

After about an hour of work he had everything cooking and all the timers set. It was good timing, because he heard a hesitant knock at the door a few moments after he hung up his apron. 

“Coming!” he yelled as he hurried toward it, having a feeling that it was Nekosi. He checked the peephole first, remembering not to just trust the bear, even if he was still a young kid. 

To his surprise, the guy was in his human form. 

Still need to be careful, but I’m going to see what he needs. 

Walker slowly opened the door, feeling a little better about the kid on the other side since he hadn’t even tried to come in when it had been unlocked. 

“Hey there, Nekosi, what’s up?” he asked with a warm smile as he held the door open. 

The guy looked extremely nervous, but thankfully not aggressive. He also looked… like he was covered in honey. 

Oh no. He’d found Heian’s hives. 

“Um… they hurt,” Nekosi mumbled, confusing Walker for a moment before he noticed the little dots crawling all over the boy’s body. 

Oh shit, fire ants. 

Without thinking, Walker grabbed the boy’s sticky wrist and quickly tugged him toward the downstairs bathroom. Nekosi let out a startled grumble in response, but thankfully didn’t shift or try and attack him. 

“Here, get in the tub,” Walker said as he helped Nekosi over the edge, careful to make sure he didn’t trip.

He could already feel a few of the ants that had traveled to his own body beginning to bite, but he did his best to ignore the pain as he took the sprayer head off its holder and began rinsing off the boy. He was whimpering by that time, trying to brush the ants off, but he’d gotten so much honey on himself that it really just smashed some and pissed off others. 

“It’ll be okay. Lift your arms for me, please,” Walker said as he worked as quickly as he could. 

The poor kid even had the biting bugs mixed into his hair. 

“Here, sit down for me please,” Walker said as he stepped right into the shower with him, ignoring the fact that he was now soaking his pants and stepping on squirming ants. 

When Nekosi slowly sank to his knees Walker quickly rinsed his hair out, making sure to spray all the way down his back to remove the ants that were being washed out of the strands. Thankfully, as time went on he saw less and less of the demonic creatures, but there was no doubt in his mind that the kid was going to have quite a few red marks from all of his bites that were going to itch for a while. 

Walker? Why is Nekosi in the house? 

Holding back a fidget, Walker glanced toward the open bathroom door. Marsh was walking toward them from the living room, a rare scowl on his face that, somehow, seemed scarier than any face his bear had ever made. 

Nekosi seemed to sense him, too, because he quickly looked up, then curled up against the farther corner he could reach near the spigot and averted his eyes. Walker wanted to tell Marsh to wait at the entrance to the bathroom and that they could talk after he finished helping Nekois, but he could tell that Marsh wasn’t interested in talking. As soon as he stepped inside the small room he let out a surprisingly loud growl. The sound made Nekosi hunch into a shaking ball on the porcelain floor of the tub. 

“Why are you in my den, boy?” Marsh snarled, just barely holding back his animal as it flared in his narrowed eyes. 

Walker knew that Marsh wanted a response from Nekosi only, but this den didn’t just belong to him. 

“Marsh, stop it.”

Marsh’s eyes widened abruptly at the command, then turned to him. He didn’t really feel comfortable commanding situations, but there was a line that he wasn’t going to allow either of them to cross if he could help it. 

“He didn’t come in here on his own. All he did was knock on the door and tell me that he was hurting,” Walker said as he returned part of his attention to rinsing off the last few remaining ants from the shaking boy’s reddening skin. 

“If you can behave, you can stay, but he’s not doing anything bad so you need to stop scaring him,” he said, sending a pointed look to Marsh over his shoulder before turning back to Nekosi. 

I don’t like him here. He’s dangerous. 

Walker pursed his lips and sat back on his heels, lowering the shower sprayer. 

“Sit up for me, please,” he told the boy. 

You were dangerous, too. He can go back outside after he’s feeling better, but he’s going to need to have his bites treated first. 

He could feel Marsh’s frustration growing, but to his surprise, he then felt it slowly dissipate as he took a step closer and knelt down next to the bathtub. 

“Nekosi, sit up,” he ordered. 

The boy, who had previous ignored Walker’s request, likely because he was afraid of Marsh, quickly sat up but kept his head and eyes downcast. 

Come to think of it, a lot of dirt came off of him while I was cleaning off the ants…

Marsh seemed to catch onto his thought, because he reached in and grabbed Walker’s arm, guiding him to his feet, then out of the tub before turning back to Nekosi.

“You remember how to take a shower, Nekosi?” 

The boy quickly nodded. 

“Wash yourself, then come out after drying off and wait,” Marsh said before tugging Walker from the room and shutting the door a little louder than necessary. 

Knowing that Marsh was still upset, Walker allowed him to guide him up the stairs after he quickly turned off the oven and stove. They ended up in their room before he opened his mouth to try and speak. Except, he wasn’t given the time to get a single word out because Marsh had grabbed his hair and tugged him down for a kiss. 

The kiss itself had been somewhat expected, but when he felt Marsh’s lower lip quivering against his own, Walker gently reached up and grasped either side of his face. He then guided Marsh’s head backwards just enough to be able to see his moistening eyes. 

“Marsh…” 

His little bear was so horribly stressed by what he’d done that he was crying in front of him. 

“I’m sorry, my bear. I should have gotten a hold of you before opening the door for him,” Walker said as he lifted his thumbs to softly brush away the tears still coming from Marsh’s watery eyes. 

He wanted to promise that he’d be more careful, and he really would try, but if such a situation happened again, he couldn’t see it playing out any differently. Those ants were no joke, and considering how many had been on the boy? He wouldn’t have waited. No matter the amount of time. 

A faint chuckle from Marsh drew Walker out of his nervous thoughts. 

“My Walker is a beautiful human.” 

Huh? 

Before he could figure out what Marsh meant Walker was on his back on the bed with his bent legs hanging over the edge. 

Marsh…? 

“I can’t make Walker do what I want him to,” he said quietly, his voice still the slightest bit off due to his drying tears. 

Walker considered speaking, but he couldn’t find any words to say right then, so he decided to remain silent as Marsh reached forward with one hand and gently settled it against his cheek. It only remained there for a brief moment, however, before it slowly slid backwards into his hair. 

“I’m glad that I can’t, because I don’t ever want to force you to do anything,” Marsh said as he leaned down and just-barely pressed his lips to the edge of Walker’s lips. 

“But I’m mad that you risked yourself for someone else. For anyone else,” he said as he leaned away just enough to move his head a little to the side, then lean back down, pressing his forehead and nose against Walker’s. 

Walker, in response, reached up and slowly wrapped his arms around Marsh’s bare middle. 

“You weren’t wearing clothing outside again…” Walker whispered as he fought with himself about his wandering hands. One wanted to go south, while the other wanted to take the safer route north. 

Honestly, he was still not a fan of touching, but he also didn’t want to fight himself about it. It was such an odd feeling to stare up at someone leaning over you on the bed you’ve shared with them for months, clearly wanting to love you, but still having that little voice in the back of your mind and that feeling just beneath your skin telling you that it just didn’t feel the way everyone told you that it should. 

“Does it bother my husband that I don’t wear clothing sometimes?” Marsh asked as his lips curved up into a smile that Walker couldn’t help but tilt his head up to connect his own lips with. 

“Outside,” he rasped in response, a bit surprised by how scratchy his voice had suddenly become. 

Marsh deepened the kiss but seemed like he was being more playful than serious as he gave a few quiet giggles that made Walker unable to hold back his own smile even as they continued to explore each other’s mouths. 

He was so focused on just trying to nip at Marsh’s darting tongue that he didn’t pay much attention to where his hands were going as they got a better grip on the frustrating man settled overtop him. He was even still wearing his damp pants but at some point, Marsh had somehow gotten his shirt off. 

My hand…

It was happily settled on Marsh’s warm backside, gripping the soft skin their firmly. 

“I-I’m sorry, I—” his words, and the action of moving his hand off of Marsh’s backside were both halted abruptly when his mouth was sealed. 

I’m not upset about where your hand is, but is Walker alright with this? Marsh asked through their bond as he carefully deepened their kiss. It was much slower than their previous ones, but there was absolutely no playfulness to it this time.   

He found that he really didn’t mind the attention. At least, not from Marsh. 

He suddenly remembered that Nekosi was waiting for them downstairs right then, but his worry was erased the moment Marsh’s lips began to travel downward, taking his time nipping his skin every few inches.

He will wait, Marsh thought to him as he continued his journey farther south. By the time he got close to the waistband of his pants Walker had lifted his own hands up to grip Marsh’s messy, soft hair in tight fistfuls.  

May I taste my husband… below the waist? 

Marsh’s words immediately made Walker press one of his arms over his eyes as his face burned. He didn’t even want to answer such a perverted question. It made him feel dirty, but Marsh was being so careful, gentle, and understanding. He always had. 

Licking his lips nervously, Walker took a few careful, deep breaths, then replied just loud enough to be sure that he was heard. 

“Y-yes.”

Bear 40

He’d been trying to keep his thoughts from spilling over to Heian, but…

Sighing, Ranger nuzzled his face into one of the man’s soft, cool pillows. He’d come over there with the intention of being able to give himself to Heian the way the guy had done for him several times already. He hadn’t thought much on what it would take, though. His stamina, which was normally endless, was completely drained after only thirty minutes. 

He tried to move onto his stomach to get a little more comfortable, but a jolt of pain from his backside quickly had him rethinking his life choices. 

Of all the things that would cripple me. I’ve broken so many bones, jumped out of trees and houses…

Groaning, he bit his mental tongue, praying that Heian hadn’t heard him complaining. He didn’t want to sound whiny, especially after the guy had gone through so much work and pain to be able to bottom for him. 

I can work on it more tomorrow. I should be healed by then. 

Hearing footsteps, Ranger glanced toward the door but didn’t move in any other way, fearing more pain. 

“I’ve finished cleaning up what we used… and put them away,” Heian said as he sat on the edge of the bed next to him and reached out to gently sift his fingers through his hair. 

I didn’t hear you slide them back under the bed, though. 

“That is because I didn’t. They are put away somewhere else, because we won’t be using them again,” Heian said, making Ranger open his eyes abruptly, not having realized he’d let them drift closed with the attention. 

He forced himself up onto his elbow, ready to argue, but couldn’t make it any higher as he quickly hunched over and tried, but failed, to blink back a few tears. 

Heian’s hands quickly found their way to Ranger’s shoulders, then gently coaxed him back down until he was lying on his belly. 

I can still do it. It’ll just take a while to get used to, Ranger thought to him as he felt Heian gently press something cold between the crease of his backside. Pain immediately shot up his spine, making him tense and give out an absolutely pathetic whine. 

“No,” was the man’s firm response as he carefully rubbed numbing cream against his torn skin. 

Ranger fought himself not to flinch at all, but it did seriously hurt. 

“I will be the bottom from here on out. I don’t want you trying anything else here,” he said as he tapped Ranger’s hole softly. 

You can’t stop me if I want to…

“No, I can’t. I don’t want to stop you from what you want to do, Ranger. But if what you want to do is hurt yourself for me, for something you think I need to have, then you will force my hand to punish you,” Heian said, making Ranger turn his head on the pillow so that he could see him better. 

He couldn’t think of a way the man could really punish him for trying to get his body used to bottoming. 

“I can punish you, by saying that I will never , for as long as we are together, allow you to bottom for me,” Heian said sternly, drawing a frown to Ranger’s lips and a crease to his brow. 

His stubborn side was livid, but his backside was relieved. 

Feeling Heian remove his fingers from his private area and get up to wash them, Ranger turned his head and sulked into the pillow. The embarrassment was beginning to sink in at that point. His boyfriend, the one he thought he’d never even have since he’d never even liked guys, told him that he would never let him bottom for him. He knew that he’d rushed into the situation super fast and hadn’t listened to Heian when he’d said to start very small… but still.  

He was just about to start berating himself for his inability to handle a few simple sex toys without bleeding badly when he felt the bed depress again beside him, then Heian climb in. 

Go away. 

He didn’t have anymore energy to turn away from the man, but he did tuck his chin against his chest and glare at the blanket he was lying on top of. Unfortunately, that left a very nice six pack just at the edge of his view. 

“It does belong to you, you know,” came Heian’s response to Ranger trying to avoid looking at the other man’s muscles. 

Don’t want it , he grumbled back in his mind. 

Heian gave a quiet chuckle and lied down on his back, then lifted his left arm above his head to rest on. 

“Well, it will always be here if you’d like to do anything with it… or me,” he said, trying to break the tension Ranger knew he was creating. 

He sulked for a little while longer before nudging himself just close enough to feel Heian’s body heat against his side. 

“I was trying to do something with

you,“ he said, putting on his full pout as he pressed his forehead against Heian’s upper torso. 

He felt the man’s arm wrap around him and let his feline slip out for a warning growl, except… it was more than happy with the attention and made him give a content rumble instead. 

“You are too cute sometimes, even when you don’t mean to be,” Heian said, clearly trying to hold back the humor in his voice and failing. 

“I’m not cute,” Ranger hissed back, finally get his cat in line. 

Heian carefully but firmly rolled Ranger onto his back, pinning him there with just a simple hand against his shoulder. Thankfully, the numbing medication he’d used on him was working wonders, or he probably would have been bawling by then. 

“You, are, fucking, adorable,” Heian said as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to the edge of Ranger’s lips. 

Ranger turned his head away, but he couldn’t quite keep his scowl. 

“You’re also handsome, manly, strong, and I fucking love you, Ranger.” 

He kept his eyes averted as he felt the man settle his chin on his chest. No doubt he’d be smiling right then. Even when shit was super stressful and nothing was going right, he would still smile at him. 

“Finally having you to myself makes everything else worth it,” Heian said without hesitation as he scooted up a bit, then settled in against Ranger’s side with his left arm draped over his chest. 

He still didn’t understand what was so good about himself, but he knew better than to ask. Heian had quite a list of things he’d gladly share in an instant if Ranger even dared think less of himself. 

“I might have added to that list, too,” Heian said as Ranger finally turned his head to look at the man. 

That dopey smile looks so dumb…

Heian stuck his tongue out at that, earning a roll of Ranger’s eyes, but also a stifled smidgen of a chuckle. 

“I have child protective services coming out tomorrow to check on Toshi, but the kids wanted to have a picnic lunch out in one of the empty fields before they get here. Would you want to stay for that?” 

Ranger could sense the excitement in the man’s thoughts as he let slip that Nia would definitely love it if he came. 

Dork. 

“Of course I’ll stay for it.”

They both quieted for a short while as Ranger began to drift off, but then his eyes slowly opened and when he realized something. 

“Uh, hey Heian?” 

The man gave a sleepy mumble in response. 

“I know that you just recently rebuilt your beehives after Marsh got into them… but uh, my brother has a new smaller bear around for a bit and, well, he texted me earlier saying that the kid had knocked on the door covered in honey…” 

He expected the guy to at least be annoyed that he now had to go back and fix his hives, again, but when Heian just hugged him tighter against him and gave out a few quiet chuckled, Ranger glanced up. 

“I have several more hives on my property that are quite a distance from those. If it pleases them so much to raid them, they may do as they wish. I will fix them tomorrow morning and perhaps put a little sign that reads something along the lines of use a spoon, not a claw .” 

Okay, he couldn’t help it, Ranger burst out laughing. 

So cute. 

When he couldn’t seem to calm himself down, Heian leaned up on his right elbow and leaned over him. A moment later and his lips sealed over his own, silencing his laughter immediately. It also helped that his left hand had wandered quite a ways south and was gripping something inappropriate. 

Is it not appropriate? We are in bed, and you are naked, and I am horny, and— Ranger bit Heian’s lower lip just hard enough to make him break the kiss. 

“There’s a problem, though,” Ranger grumbled, his voice already getting raspy. 

Heian tilted his head and let his hand squeeze gently. 

“It’s working quite well.” 

Ranger narrowed his eyes on the man and huffed. 

“You, good sir, are wearing pajama pants.” 

Heian looked down at his clothing, seemingly surprised about it even being there. 

“My bad,” he said as he nonchalantly chucked the item, then returned his attention to Ranger. 

How did he get those off so quickly and easily without letting go of my junk?

“I can teach you, afterward,” Heian said with a mischievous grin that told Ranger he was in for quite a night, even if it didn’t involve a certain man putting items into his backside like he’d originally planned. 

Heian gave him a deep chuckle as he moved over him on his hands and knees. 

“Correct, nothing is going there , but I’m sure there’s another place I can put something… if you’d like to try?” 

He was going to combust from embarrassment, but that didn’t stop Ranger from whispering after an awkward half shrug, “I-I’ll try it.”

Bear 41

He… didn’t know that he could sleep for fourteen hours straight. Marsh had totally wound him around his finger, and wrapped his lips around another certain object.

I didn’t know someone sucking on you could feel so good, but also make you completely exhausted.

Walker looked across the bed at Marsh. He’d felt terrible about it, but once they’d stopped last night he’d asked Marsh to not touch him while sleeping. He’d gone a lot further than he’d ever done before, but that didn’t get rid of his overall anxiety about being touched.

Thankfully, Marsh didn’t argue at all. Well, he never did during important situations, and he’d also made himself pretty tired, because he was snoring before Walker had even drifted off.

Stretching, Walker felt his back pop a bit before leaning his head back and yawning. Once done, he slowly pushed himself up, only to feel eyes on him, drawing his attention over to Marsh again. The guy was definitely awake now, and grinning with a bright red blush on his face.

Damn, he’s always so cute, even though he’s so dominant.

He was about to say something when he heard his phone ring on the nightstand. Since they hadn’t really been in the middle of anything, he swung his bare legs over the edge and reached for it, answering after the third ring.

“Hey Walker, would you guys want to come over to Heian’s for a picnic? Nia actually asked about you, since she hasn’t been over to our property in a while…” Ranger said.

A picnic?

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Marsh tilt his head.

“I’m a good bear. I can behave,” he said, making Walker grin as he turned back around.

“Is it okay if Marsh comes, too? He’ll behave,” Walker said, unable to hide the smile that likely leaked into his words.

Ranger was silent for a few moments, likely asking Heian. When he returned to the call he said that it was perfectly fine. They set a time, which was actually quite soon, and then hung up. Since they were short on time already, Walker hurried to his feet and headed for the shower, doing his best to act normally, even though he still wasn’t the most comfortable being naked in front of Marsh. He usually, at least, had boxers on.

He was just beginning to feel his nerves start to fray when he saw Marsh run past him, giving the most childish, yet adorable roar as he held his arms out to the side and laughed. Walker stood there for a few moments after his streaking bear-man had disappeared into the bathroom, before he suddenly burst out laughing.

What in the world, Marsh!

The guy was quiet for a few seconds as Walker moved closer, hearing the other man turn the water on for the shower before he stepped inside the room. Since he was already there, Marsh straightened and turned to speak, instead of talking into his mind.

“Walker is my world. I made my world happy.”

Walker felt his face heat and quickly lifted a hand to sift fingers through his messy hair. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he just didn’t have the words, or guts, to say them.

“We’re going to be late, I think?” Marsh finally said, snapping Walker out of his thoughts.

Making himself clear his mind, Walker hurried into the shower… and then he realized that they’d never actually showered together. Of course, he’d washed Marsh before, when he had just come there and didn’t really care for getting clean. Granted, he still didn’t, but he didn’t complain and took showers most nights or mornings, especially if he’d recently gotten dirty outside.

Marsh was already there facing him, waiting with Walker’s bottle of shampoo in his hands. Instead of taking it, Walker held his hand out, palm up. His husband gladly filled it with the bottle, a bit too much, before taking some for himself and quickly scratching it through his wet hair.

Cute…

Without really thinking, Walker reached over and gently settled his hands against Marsh’s head. The guy responded by immediately stepping forward and pressing his forehead against Walker’s chest.

Considering that an invitation to do as he wanted, Walker carefully began massaging the shampoo that was already in Marsh’s hair down into his scalp. He honestly expected his bear’s hands to begin wandering, but Marsh kept them comfortably tucked between their upper bodies as he happily stood against him.

He hadn’t even realized how relaxing it could be to just stand there, working his fingers through someone else’s hair, but after a while, the water began to get cold.

Oops.

Walker quickly helped Marsh rinse his hair, then added a little conditioner to make it easy to brush… though he knew the guy wouldn’t bother. Once that was done, he stepped aside and let Marsh rinse his hair while he quickly got his own done. They both scrubbed their bodies at the same time, but he could tell that Marsh’s attention definitely wasn’t on his own while they were doing that little task.

Still being a good bear. Albeit a perverted one.

They stepped out once they were clean, then each grabbed a towel and dried off before Walker wrapped his around his waist and Marsh ran out of the room toward their bedroom with his waving over his head like a battle flag.

You’re such a strange bear sometimes.

By the time he got to their room, Marsh already had on a pair of loose shorts and a shirt. He shook his head at the guy and picked his discarded towel up off the floor.

“Come here, you,” he said, his words bringing Marsh front and center immediately.

He quickly dried his hair, then got himself dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a blue T-shirt. They then headed downstairs after he grabbed his phone and let his brother know that they were on their way.

Walker was surprised, however, when they got to the bottom of the stairs and noticed Nekosi still sitting on the couch.

Had he been there all night?

“I’d told him to wait, so he did,” Marsh said as he walked over to the boy and patted his head.

“We are going out. Be good and stay outside,” he said before walking over to the fridge and taking out a small piece of meat from the bin they’d started keeping for him.

Nekosi was already out the door by the time Marsh followed him with the food. The boy gladly accepted it, then hurried off toward the barn.

Walker watched him leave, sighing. He didn’t like that the boy was so wild, but he couldn’t do much about it.

I’ll just be grateful that he gets along well enough with Marsh and behaves enough for us to feed him.

“That is all that we can hope for with him. He will slowly gain weight and get bigger… at that time, I’ll have to chase him away,” Marsh said, making Walker’s heart squeeze tightly in his chest as he closed and locked the door.

They started down the stairs, intent on walking to Heian’s property.

“I wish I could do more…” he mumbled, mainly to himself as he watched Nekosi disappear into the barn in the distance.

Feeling a hand slide into his own, he gently squeezed it and let out another stressed breath.

“I suppose I’ll just have to accept whatever happens. I’ll try my best to help him, but I won’t put myself, or you, or anyone else, in danger just to try and keep him with us,” Walker said, earning a nod from Marsh as they easily got over the first fence.

Their horses hurried to them, though stopped a few feet short because of Marsh. They were getting better with him, and he them, but there was only so much trust to be had between a horse and a bear.

The horses followed them at a safe distance until they hopped another fence, then disappeared from view. The crisp morning air felt amazing and Walker found himself quite enjoying the walk.

“Hey, Walker?”

Looking slightly down, Walker tilted his head with a smile.

“Hmm?”

Marsh released his hand and ran ahead a little ways before turning to glance over his shoulder.

“I forgot something. I’ll meet you at the Ranger’s horse’s field, okay?”

Forgot something?

He didn’t think Marsh even had a thing to forget, but Walker simply shrugged and smiled.

“Alright, don’t take too long,” he said, earning a nod from a stripping Marsh.

Before Walker could question him further, the guy was a big fluffy bear adjusting the glasses he’d gotten a bit ago onto his long snout with even longer claws. He had no idea how they even fit there without falling off, but he wasn’t going to question it… mainly because his bear was gone a few moments later, having run off into the forest. 

He continued on his way after picking up Marsh’s discarded clothing, taking his time but making sure that he wasn’t late, either. By the time he was out of the forest and could see Heian and his brother, as well as their two kids sitting in the field beneath a large apple tree, he figured that Marsh would be a bit late.

To his surprise, however, he heard something fumbling toward him at that moment, drawing his attention over his shoulder as his large, plump, fuzzy bear came barreling toward him with something in its mouth.

Huh?

As the bear got closer, Walker felt his face warm slightly. His husband had brought him a piece of Heian’s bee hives. Marsh skidded to a stop in front of him, his tongue lolling out of his mouth behind the chunk of hive.

Walker was just about to chastise him, the slightest amount, for digging into the poor guy’s hives again, when they both noticed a remaining bee buzzing up at Marsh’s bear’s nose. He watched him lift a paw to smash it, but quickly leaned forward to grab the paw, then gently shoo the poor bee on his way.

“They’re important. Don’t want to kill him for no reason,” he said as Marsh slowly sat down on his fuzzy backside, then grunted around the beehive in his mouth.

They stung me.

Walker raised an eyebrow at that.

“You did just take a huge bite out of their home…”

Marsh’s bear glanced away for a moment, then back at him. He repeated that action several times before grunting again.

I don’t like logic.

Walker chuckled at that as he reached forward and took the hive from his bear.

“Thank you for this, my sweet bear,” he said as he turned and began walking as soon as Marsh was up and beside him, still choosing to remain in his bear form.

He didn’t mind. In fact, he was happy that Marsh didn’t feel obligated to shift.

I love my husband, Marsh thought to him happily.

Walker grinned sideways at him, receiving a snort and a toothy grin in response that was probably supposed to be something close to a smile.

“And I love my bear,” he replied right before getting to the group waiting for them.

Heian had taken a seat, and to Walker’s surprise, Toshi was in his lap, not Nia.

“Hey guys, thanks for the invite,” Walker said as Marsh settled down in the grass and got busy cleaning honey from his lips and claws with an eager tongue.

“How have things been going with you guys? I see that you have a new addition,” Walker said as he sat down next to Heian, a warm smile on his face, even though he knew Toshi couldn’t see it.

“Hello, Toshi, my name is Walker. I’ve heard quite a bit about you, so it’s nice to finally meet you,” he said cheerfully.

The boy hunched a little closer to Heian, but he also reached out a hesitant hand toward him.

So sweet.

Walker gently took it, shaking a little bit before the boy pulled it away.

“Things have been great. There are some officers coming later to check on things. During that meeting I’m going to request temporary custody so that I can take him to the doctor and make sure I can do whatever I need to in order to make him happy here,” Heian said with a glow to his expression that warmed Walker’s heart.

You got a good guy, bro.

Speaking of his brother, though, Walker looked around the area. 

Where did he go? 

Then he noticed a familiar gorgeous horse thundering toward them as a smilodon cat pushed itself to keep up.

Nia did a few laps of their little group when they got to them, but Ranger’s cat collapsed onto one of the blankets that was spread out and groaned. Heian didn’t hesitate to reach over and pet his head a few times with a chuckle as he watched his daughter’s horse bolt around them in excitement.

Marsh behaved and didn’t try to chase her, or even growl, but he did inch a little closer to him, clearly a little nervous with the larger animal coming so close while running.

He wanted to tell Marsh that he didn’t have to worry about her accidentally stepping on him, but he knew that he didn’t have to. Marsh was being a very good bear, and a very good, protectively-cautious husband.

Nia did a few more laps before she finally shifted right beside Walker. There were some clothes on the blankets in front of them so Walker helped her into them, then was surprised when she crawled up into his lap and settled in.

“She missed seeing you. She loves Ranger, but you were always really sweet, too,” Toshi said, drawing Walker’s attention over to him again.

Oh right, they have a bond.

Walker hugged her gently.

“I missed you too, sweetheart. You and Toshi are welcome to come visit anytime,” he said happily.

Are you okay, Ranger? He asked, checking on his exhausted brother as he laid there in his shift form that he’d been terrified to let out most of his entire life.

You’ve come so far in such a short time.

Ranger slowly lifted his feline’s head, then immediately let it drop to Heian’s leg with a grumbling hum.

I’m still not great with Toshi, but as long as Heian or Nia are around, I’m okay.

Walker started taking some food out of the baskets that were brought for their lunch, making sure that the two kids had their sandwiches first before taking a few grapes for himself and his bear.

I’m sure they won’t let you do anything to him, and heck, soon he’ll be just as special to you as Nia has become.

Ranger flicked an ear as a little hand hesitantly brushed it before hurriedly withdrawing. He wanted to give a warning growl not to touch him, but he also knew that the boy was just that, a little boy. He was curious and scared, abandoned by his parents and forced to live in a new, strange place.

“Good boy,” Heian praised, though Walker wasn’t sure who, exactly, he was praising.

Both of them, came Marsh’s response through their connection.

That actually made sense. His brother was awesome, but it took a lot of effort to control his cat while it was out. Having someone praise his animal’s behavior was not something that happened often… if ever.

Good boy , he added, earning a quiet hiss in response before Ranger began digging into one of the baskets he easily knocked over with a massive paw. 

Ah, steaks. Heian came prepared. 

“So Walker, what are your plans?” Heian asked, drawing Marsh’s attention up to Walker as he slowly chomped on grapes. 

Your glasses are crooked…

He reached forward and easily corrected them before returning his attention to Heian. He wasn’t really sure how to answer that question, since he doubted that it actually had anything to do with their farm work. 

Returning his attention to Marsh, he let an abrupt bit of laughter slip out as he noticed his own grapes mysteriously missing and his bear’s mouth awkwardly full, stems and all. 

“I think I have some important life decisions to make… but at the same time, I feel as if they’re already made, and I’m just hesitating a bit too much,” he said, a faint blush finding its way to his face as Marsh’s bear tilted its head. 

That bear has been yours from the moment you saw him, bro. 

Walker’s face warmed a little further as he reached forward and took a few more grapes, if only to have something to fill his mouth to keep him from having to talk anymore. 

I have some other suggestions on that… Came his brother’s unhelpful response that nearly made him choke. 

Oh yeah? It looks like you have yourself a husband, too, you know…  Walker quipped back. 

Ranger’s cat stopped gnawing at a large bone and looked up at Heian and Toshi. 

I do… and two sweet kids, too. 

His brother’s words actually surprised him. 

I was surprised, too, by how much the thought of not having them terrified me.  

Walker looked down at his bear again and was surprised to see Nia offering him a grape from her own bit of fruit. Marsh was being the best bear in the world as he took the tiny fruit super gently with his lips. She gave him two more before Marsh settled his chin on her knee, allowing her to reach over and pat his head. 

I don’t ever want to lose my bear, either. Our relationship definitely isn’t perfect, but I love it the way it is.

There was a comfortable silence between everyone as they ate for a while, then his brother’s cat gave a huge yawn and licked a paw. 

I suppose we have weddings to plan. 

Before Walker could choke on his last bite of sandwich his brother’s cat was being pulled into a super tight hug from Heian. He squirmed a bit, but eventually settled down, even closing his eyes as Toshi nervously reached forward and touched one of his long canine teeth. 

Walker looked back down at his own bear, large teeth, giant claws, glasses and all, allowing Nia to gently pet his ears and muzzle. 

“I think we’ve got a bit of an extended family now,” he said, meaning for it to be a thought to his brother, but not minding at all that it was spoken out loud. 

Heian chuckled at his words as he handed Toshi a big piece of watermelon, much to the boy’s delight. 

“I believe you’re right,” he said, then looked over at him with a warm, knowing smile. 

“Would you change it?” 

Walker didn’t hesitate to shake his head as he hugged Marsh’s fluffy head to his side and pressed a kiss to the top of Nia’s soft hair, who, in response, stuck her tongue out at him. 

“Not for anything.” 

-End 

There will be a big epilogue when I get to it, thank you for reading :)

Epilogue

(I feel like Snowman is the dog to end this story. He was the one who helped me start most of them, and even though he’s gone now, I’m still finding his fur in random places years later…)

“I can’t find my bow tie,” Marsh mumbled as he stood in the doorway in a disheveled, matching tan suit.

His hair had been styled earlier, but no amount of gel had been able to keep it from looking as wild as he was.

So handsome.

Marsh’s cheeks tinted pink at his thought, making Walker smile softly as he walked over and pulled him into his arms for a quick hug.

“That’s fine. You look perfect as you are,” he said before taking Marsh’s hand and walking out of their room.

They stopped at the top of the stairs, the scent of his mother’s cooking making both their stomach’s grumble in anticipation. She had come for the ceremony, of course, as well as Chase and a few of Heian’s good friends he knows from his farming business.

“Marshall? Come on down here and taste these dishes for me, please?” his mom called up with a beaming smile.

She knew that her dishes were all delicious, but there was no stopping her doting on Marsh, and of course, getting compliments.

“Go ahead,” Walker said as he nudged Marsh, then pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

There was no need to say anything else. Marsh was down the stairs, after returning the kiss with one of his own to Walker’s cheek, and in the kitchen with a handful of forks.

Chuckling beneath his breath, Walker headed downstairs, too, but instead of going to the kitchen, he continued straight and walked out the door after slipping on his shoes. It was no surprise seeing two beautiful horses bounding around in front of the house as he stepped out onto the porch. The smaller one, Toshi, was being chased by Nia, but her larger horse was going much slower than it actually could, and was also being very careful whenever she did get close.

Such a good older sister.

“Hey bro!” his brother yelled, directing Walker’s attention to his right.

I can see that someone is overjoyed today…

“Hell yeah!” his brother replied, even though Walker had been actually thinking about Heian and his horse, not their rider. The man’s horse looked as if it could barely contain its excitement to finally have Ranger so relaxed on his back. Its head was bobbing and swinging every few moments as it snorted, clearly eager to show his mate how fast he could carry him across the fields.

Heian’s stallion stopped at the bottom of the steps and bowed its head toward him slightly.

“Hey, where is your bear? We’re about to start, aren’t we?” Ranger asked, making Walker grin as he glanced back through the open front door.

“He’ll be here in a minute. He’s been given a beary important job,” he said, trying his best to hold back his laughter as his brother groaned.

“Mom really needs to stop feeding him so much. I know his human side somehow isn’t gaining weight, but his bear has got some serious thickness going on,” Ranger said, joking… for the most part.

Marsh’s bear has definitely gained the pounds his human side should have, but it was actually quite adorable. He would, of course, make sure that it didn’t get out of hand, but for now he was perfectly content with his chubby bear.

“Marsh’s bear is here,” came a voice to his right as soon as he’d returned his attention to his brother, drawing his eyes back to the open doorway that now held his husband.

“Dang, he cleans up nice,” Ranger said in surprise, earning a snort from his own man’s shift as Heian’s stallion quickly turned and began nonchalantly walking away, making Ranger confused.

So cute.

He could sense his brother’s confusion through their bond, but he didn’t question him about his husband’s reaction to him complimenting Marsh.

“We finally see the jealous side of Heian, hmm?” Walker said as he felt an arm wrap around his own middle as Marsh hugged him tightly.

“He can keep the cat at his house now, right?” he asked, making Walker give him a look before realizing that Marsh was actually joking with him.

It… was so odd, but there was no mistaking that cheeky grin on his husband’s face.

“I actually don’t mind your brother anymore. He isn’t a bad person, and his horse is nice, too. His kids behave well, too, but my bear still wants to chew on the smaller one. He knows better, though, because he’d get kicked in the face if he tried to chase him… again.”

That wasn’t exactly why the bear should know better, but it was good enough for him as long as it kept the chunky predator away from the horses. It had been nearly two weeks since Marsh’s bear had tried its luck when Toshi and Nia visited without Heian. Thankfully Nia was on guard and easily disabled Marsh’s chubby bear. It had actually been a pretty easy target since he’d yelled at Marsh’s bear to stop as soon as it had begun its chase. He honestly didn’t think he would have hurt the horse, either. His bear had been barely moving to begin with and didn’t hesitate to slow the moment he was called.

“The more important the lesson, the more it hurts, it seems,” Marsh said before taking Walker’s hand and tugging him down the steps and toward the back of the house where guests were milling about with drinks in their hands.

It wasn’t exactly a fancy set up, but it was perfect for him and his brother. He knew that Marsh wasn’t very comfortable around people, either, so they hadn’t invited too many. Besides, they had their close friends and family there, so that was fine.

“We’re actually about ready to start. Have you seen Nekosi?” he asked, drawing his husband’s eyes over toward the barn.

They’d invited him, of course, but he hadn’t really answered them, and he definitely didn’t want Marsh to force him to come. When Marsh looked up at him, silently asking if he should go bring him over, Walker smiled and shook his head.

“We’ll save him some food and cake. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable,” he said as they got called over to the reception.

His brother and his horse, now in his human form and dressed in a pitch black tuxedo and dark green tie, showed up a few minutes later. Heian’s hair was braided in several random places, making Walker grin. Nia had done a perfect job for her father’s wedding.

Her and Toshi joined them once they’d both run off their extra energy, and Walker quickly noticed that Toshi’s mane was actually braided all the way through.

Heian and I helped her braid it last night after getting Toshi’s permission.

Walker couldn’t hold back his widening smile.

You’re going to make a fantastic father to those kids.

He felt his brother grumble a little, but he couldn’t hide the pride that exuded from him when he’d told him that.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road!” yelled Chase, who also happened to not be a person who could legally marry two people. They’d just planned to go to the government office and get the paperwork done another time, but as far as the ceremony went, Chase was more than capable of being the one to do it.

Walker allowed his bear to lead him forward until they stopped in front of their friend. The guy greeted them with a nod before looking up. All eyes followed his as Heian lead Ranger forward.

Breathe, Rane.

His brother looked so nervous and was beginning to get quite pale.

Heian, thankfully, seemed to notice because he gestured for them to wait a moment as he tugged Ranger over to sit down in one of the decorated white lawn chairs lining either side of the grassy aisle. Walker watched them as the rest of the people present returned their attention to the front as to not be rude. He’d thought about doing that, too, but Ranger was his brother. He wouldn’t intervene, but he’d never seen him so nervous, so he just wanted to make sure that he was going to be okay.

He sat hunched over in his light gray suit, his fingers mussing up his previously-styled hair. The waves of stress he felt coming from him nearly had Walker heading his way, but he stopped himself when he saw Heian carefully kneel in front of his brother in the grass.

His action drew his brother’s attention after a few tense moments, making him lift curious, stressed eyes up to meet his own. That’s when Heian reaching into his tux’s pocket and produced the case that held the ring he’d bought for him.

Walker’s heart sped up just watching the man carefully open the lid and show the beautiful ring to Ranger as he leaned forward and up, turning his head just enough to whisper something into his brother’s ear. He hadn’t heard him with his own ears, but he could tell exactly what words came out of his mouth as he felt his bond between his brother and himself explode with excitement and happiness, the two emotions quickly pushing away the stress and nervousness that had previously overcome Ranger.

When his brother nodded with tears in his eyes, Walker bit back his own waterworks.

You got a good one there.

He felt his brother’s jumbled mind try to form some sort of response, but he eventually gave up as he grabbed either side of his husband’s face and kissed him, hard. They thankfully kept that part short, since Heian’s kids were there and the ceremony technically hadn’t even started yet.

The two soon joined them in front of Chase. Ranger wiped away the few straggling tears running down his face with a left hand that had a brand new ring on its fourth finger. Seeing the item there made Walker more than ready for his own happy ending.

He quickly returned his attention to the man before him. Marsh stood tall before him, a little case in his right hand that Walker hadn’t noticed previously.

Where did he get that?

Before his thoughts could wander any further Chase began the ceremony. It was short and to the point, but also pretty funny when he mentioned how both pairs had first met face to face, one during a hunting trip that landed him in the hospital while the other got a surprise when he lead a horse into their barn to return to a neighbor… only to find out that the owner had actually been that

horse.

When it came time to present the rings, Heian reached forward and took Ranger’s left hand, then lifted it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the ring he had previously slipped onto it. Ranger did allow himself to cry in front of their guests at that point as he shakily slipped the ring he’d purchased for Heian onto the man’s finger. Walker quickly joined in the waterworks when Marsh reached forward and took his own left hand, drawing his attention immediately.

“Walker, I’m sorry I lost control of my bear with Toshi before. I told him that he’d been bad to try and catch the little horse and he got really sad. I mean, we are both him, so it was my fault, too. I mean, I—” Marsh’s words were silenced when Walker leaned forward and pressed their lips together.

His husband remained quiet as he leaned back again, smiling warmly.

“Marsh, I’m not mad at you for that anymore. Yes, I was upset that you had chased Toshi, but we all understand that you are a bear, and you always will be. Nia is more than capable of protecting her little brother or Heian wouldn’t have allowed them to come over by themselves.”

When Marsh slowly nodded but wouldn’t meet his eyes, Walker knelt down in the grass until he could see his husband’s worried eyes staring back at him.

“Marsh, when you are married to someone there are times where you are mad at each other. There are stressful times, and times when you aren’t sure if you made the right decision…”

Marsh swallowed hard, trying to keep his blinking eyes from allowing the water within them to fall.

“But there are also times when you are so happy that you swear you could dance. When you wake up in the morning and see the person sleeping next to you and think wow, this person is really mine. “

Walker slowly stood up, still holding hands with his husband. As he moved, Marsh’s eyes followed his and allowed his head to rise until they were both standing straight again.

“Marsh, I love everything about you. You have grown so much in such a short time, and I’ve loved watching you learn new things, but also still be yourself. You have proved time and again that you can provide for the both of us in your own ways. You are the one I want to stand beside me on my journey in life. You are the best, and only bear that I’d like to ask… will you marry me?”

His husband’s eyes were waterfalls as he quickly nodded like a bobble-head, refusing to stop until Walker had slipped a carved silver ring onto his finger with a dark green emerald embedded within its center. It was specially made to shrink or expend to accommodate shapeshifting, just like the ones his brother had received.

As soon as his ring was on Marsh hurried to scramble with the box in his own hand. When he opened the lid, Walker couldn’t believe his eyes.

Wow, that’s beautiful…

“I found this stone in the river while I was fishing for our dinner a few days ago,” Marsh said, his words just-barely audible through his tearful sniffling.

“The cat helped me pick out a design for a woodworker at a carving store.”

Walker looked at his brother with a warm smile that his Ranger returned with a big one of his own as he grabbed him in a tight hug, then mussed up his hair before releasing him.

“I think the forest carved into it fits you well,” he said, making Walker blink back his own tears as he watched Marsh nervously slide the ring onto his finger.

There was a loud round of applause as the two pairs faced Chase again.

“I actually forgot to read what I was supposed to do after this part, but I’m pretty sure I can just say I now pronounce you …” he paused for a moment as he looked between the two couples, then continued. “Bear and human, and horse and cat.”

Ranger burst out laughing first as Heian tried, but failed, to bite back his own chuckles as he shook his head.

Hearing the man say words that were close enough to what Walker had told Marsh he needed to wait for before kissing him, Walker was suddenly jumped and fell over into the grass with Marsh leaning over him, pressing their lips together happily.

“Having fun, bro?” Ranger said, teasing him until Walker saw him suddenly get grabbed by Heian and kissed hard. The man even leaned him over until his brother had to rely on his husband to support his weight.

Having fun, bro? Walked teased right back as Marsh finally release his lips and sat back on his chest with a smile a mile wide.

Fuck yes! his brother replied right before Marsh spoke.

“Walker is finally officially mine!”

Walker nodded his head against the grass before Ranger appeared behind his husband and lifted Marsh up off of him.

“It’s food time,” Ranger said when Marsh scowled at him. “You can eat him later.”

Those words changed his bear’s expression immediately as he reached down and helped Walker to his feet, then practically ran toward the buffet table. Walker ran with him, of course, because why not? He gladly followed his bear around the table as they piled up their plates, then sat down and talked with their friends and family as they ate all sorts of delicious dishes, then finished off the feast with massive slices of cake that Heian had made together with Ranger, Nia, and Toshi. He would never tell his mother, but that cake was absolutely the best tasting thing there, and that was impressive considering that his mother was an amazing cook.

“Hey Walker?” Marsh asked as he nervously poked his leg beneath the table to get his attention.

Walker turned his attention to his husband, then smiled and leaned closer as Marsh leaned toward him.

“Walker, I dug you a present for the honey time,” he said, making Walker tilt his head in confusion for a moment before he realized that Marsh meant honeymoon.

“Oh?” he asked, wanting a bit more elaboration.

Marsh glanced down at his nervously-twisting hands in his lap before looking back up and leaning closer.

“I made a super big den and brought some blankets and pillows and I even remembered a flashlight, since my husband can’t see the best in the dark…”

Oh my god, so sweet… and no wonder he’s been returning home each night so dirty.

“Will Walker spend the night with me in in my den… please?”

There was nothing that would have made him happier.

“Absolutely, my husband,” Walker agreed, then added, “how about we bring some snacks, too? Maybe some honey?”

The light that flared to life in his bear’s eyes had Walker the slightest bit nervous, but he quickly and easily nudged the feeling aside.

Can I lick it off of you?

The sheer excitement and hopefulness that thought held was impressive. Walker leaned a little closer and pressed his lips right up against Marsh’s ear as he replied in a whisper.

“I haven’t gotten you a wedding present yet… is that what you’d like, love?”

The look on his husband’s bright red face was the best thing he’d ever seen. When he eventually remembered to nod in response, Walker tilted his head and leaned in for a gentle kiss.

“Then we have a date once everyone leaves this evening.”

Marsh didn’t miss a beat when he looked him in the eyes and thought, my bear wants to chase them all out now, but I’m being good.

Unable to help himself, Walker let a bit of laughter slip from between his lips before he reached over and mussed up Marsh’s hair.

“Thank you, sweetheart, for always being the best bear. And now, thank you for being my bear.”

(Thank you guys for coming along on this odd little journey. I know there are some questions about Nekosi, and while I did add him to be part of their family, I don’t force my characters into situations they don’t want, so I think he might find himself in a spinoff in the near future instead of staying with our boys. We shall see. Until then, feel free to check out Snake, which is also a spinoff from Fox, or one of my other currently-updating stories (Silent Guard, Pirate, and soon, Bleeding Heart) or older ones. :))

Bonus Chapter

Marsh and Walker :) 

His heart has been racing ever since the wedding. Even through the after party and dinner, Walker couldn’t manage to calm himself down. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, he ran his shaking hands through his hair and sighed. He was stressed. So unbelievably stressed, and it was honestly all his fault, too. 

He’d agreed to spend the night in Marsh’s den. The one the man had spent days  making for them, but now…

You need to calm down. He hasn’t changed. He’s still a good bear. You’re still okay with him touching you. It will just be a little more. 

He couldn’t lie to himself. It was going to be a lot  more. 

Grabbing his hair tightly, Walker shook his head as he groaned quietly. 

You just need to walk out of here and go do it. No more procrastinating and panicking. 

He shoved all of his insecurities and overactive emotions down into the pit of his thankfully-empty stomach and turned toward the door. 

You can do this. It’s just physical contact. Just touching. You’re still going to be the same person afterward. 

Clenching his jaw to try and distract his already-wandering mind, Walker grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, nearly making it slam against the other wall before he caught it at the last moment. 

Sighing, he let go of the door and looked out into the hallway. Of course, no one was there and the house was completely quiet. Only a small hall light was plugged in near the far end, providing just enough light for him to walk around without having to worry about tripping on his own feet. 

Marsh had said that he was going to get changed in their room a while ago, so, not wanting to waste anymore time, Walker headed there. Thankfully, a faint light glowed and flickered from beneath the door, allowing him to calm down a tiny bit. It was likely that Marsh had left the TV on. He wouldn’t be walking into complete darkness on such a stressful night. 

He shakily grabbed the door handle and turned it, then made himself push forward before he could hesitate. What he saw in the room made him pause for a moment and furrow his brow in confusion. Marsh was there, of course, but the guy had actually fallen asleep curled up in the middle of the bed… with his suit coat, pants, and shoes still on. 

Why do I smell something sweet, too? 

With a little more resolve since his husband was currently asleep, Walker stepped inside, but left the door wide open. His brother wasn’t home, and likely wouldn’t be for quite a few days, at least, so he wasn’t worried about anyone else. The TV flickered some random rerun of some older show on mute, its light flashing periodically around the room, casting Marsh in a different, ever-changing rotation of lights. 

Walker stopped a few feet away from the bed and simply watched as his love slept. It was an odd feeling being so connected to someone else. He’d honestly never though about getting married, let alone having a family, and while he still wasn’t sure if they’d ever adopt, or if Nekosi would possibly be interested in living with them, he couldn’t help but feel a little relieved to have found someone like Marsh. 

He wasn’t a normal person, obviously, but that just made it that much easier to be around him. Walker wasn’t blind to how things normally worked in most relationships. His brother was a rather good example of how at least a majority of the male populace chose to find a mate. 

Sex now, love later. 

I still can’t believe Heian managed to get him to settle down. 

It was a wonder all in its own. 

“Mm, husband?” 

Snapping out of his thoughts, Walker jumped at the sound of Marsh’s suddenly-loud voice in the otherwise quiet room. Thankfully, he didn’t seem fully awake yet, and in fact…

“Marsh, did you get into the honey again?” Walker asked as he finally walked over to the edge of the bed the guy was closest to. 

Marsh hiccupped once as he pushed himself up. 

Oh boy. 

“You have honey in your hair, honey,” Walker said with a grin at his own bad joke. 

Marsh smacked his lips together a few times as he finished waking up, mimicking his bear with the gesture. When he finally seemed ready to function, he looked up at Walker and gave him the sweetest, most adorable smile, squinty eyes and all. 

“I’m sorry I ate it all, then fell asleep,” he said as his smile changed to a frown and he looked down at his lap. 

He knew that he wasn’t supposed to eat too much honey, and especially not the stuff that they had to buy, but Walker realized pretty quickly that he  was the reason why Marsh had gone on a honey binge. 

His stomach twisted back into knots after finally having eased slightly from his partial breakdown in the bathroom, but Marsh could evidently feel his growing stress, because he quickly looked back up with a worried smile as he lifted his hand to rub at the back of his head. Except, said hand immediately paused as it got partially stuck. 

“You… how did you get honey behind  your head? Your mouth is in front,” Walker said in disbelief as he carefully put a knee up on the bed and leaned forward. 

“Come on, let’s get this suit off. It’s going to get ruined if we don’t wash it quickly,” he said, knowing that they really shouldn’t go in the washing machine, but as he helped Marsh out of the sticky clothing, he knew that it would be a lost cause if they waited to take it into town to be cleaned. 

I’ll just put it in a delicates bag on cold and hope for the best.

Once Marsh was minus his suit and pants, Walker hurried from the room and headed downstairs. He got the laundry going, then stared at the machine for a few tense minutes. He was going to try and give himself another poor pep talk, but when he heard Marsh quietly come downstairs, he froze. 

Except, this time, he managed to thaw himself out before he could truly begin to panic. He didn’t even allow his mind to begin spiraling and, instead, immediately turned and walked out of the laundry room to greet his sticky husband at the bottom of the stairs.

He… hadn’t put any clothes on. 

Walker forced himself to ignore that little fact, because honestly, the man was  still more bear than human most times. The fact that he wore clothing quite often now was already a pretty big victory. 

Heading over to the kitchen, Walker turned on the light, then turned around and felt his jaw drop open. 

We… need to do something about that hair. 

“Marsh, can I wash your hair in the sink?” 

He knew that he should have just taken him to the bathroom, but he just couldn’t. Thankfully, his husband didn’t seem to mind the sink at all and walked over with a curious smile on his face. 

Walker gently guided him to lean over so that he could dampen his hair beneath the warm water, then used the dish soap to scrub out the stubborn sticky goo. He had started out washing his hair from the side, conscious about not touching him too much besides his hair, but as he got more uncomfortable at the odd angle, and with quite a bit more to wash out even after working for a bit, Walker found himself moving partially behind his husband so that he could work better. 

He was so focused on making sure he got every last bit of honey out of Marsh’s hair that he didn’t even realize that he was leaning against the man’s back and side until he was finally finished and moving away to grab one of the clean hand towels hanging on the stove door. 

The sudden loss of contact gave him pause, but since he was already no longer touching Marsh, Walker’s mind didn’t bother reacting negatively. As he handed his husband the towel to dry his hair, he continued to go through the previous situation, honestly taken aback by the fact that he didn’t mind that the contact had  happened. It was in the past, and he hadn’t been bothered by it while it was occurring because he had something else to occupy his mind. 

Wait a second…

Looking at the towel Marsh was currently using to wipe his face, Walker licked his lips and quickly reached out to take it before he could stop himself. 

The look on the other man’s face was a bit surprised, but the curiosity from before was also still there. Walker was about to give himself another pep talk, again, but pushed himself past it as he reached forward to begin drying Marsh’s hair for him. 

It’s really matted. 

That wasn’t too surprising considering he’d practically used honey as a shampoo earlier. 

I’m going to need to comb through this mess while it’s still a bit damp or it’s going to be a nightmare. 

The thought actually brought a smile to his lips as he calmly took his time ruffling Marsh’s hair with the little towel. He definitely wasn’t minding touching his husband’s hair with the towel, in the least, and they were honestly right in front of each other. Closer than he was usually comfortable with when concerning the distance he preferred to keep with most people. 

 Of course, his bear wasn’t most people . 

His smile widened a bit as he focused inwardly and sent a thought to Marsh. 

Touch my shirt. 

He knew that it was an odd request, but in true Marsh style, the man didn’t mind doing as told in the least. He also did it with such respect and gentleness that Walker barely even felt his fingers as they played with the hem of his T-shirt. 

His belly quivered the two brief times it was lightly brushed, but after the second time he was able to disregard the faint pressure since it neither grew in frequency, nor stopped occurring.  

By the time Marsh’s hair was reasonably dry, Walker was actually still doing fine. Sure, he had a few nerves still bouncing around in his stomach, but compared to the circus of stressed terror from earlier, it was nothing. 

Of course, he knew that he shouldn’t even be having such issues because he’d managed to kiss Marsh plenty of times, but his mind didn’t want to hear logic. 

“Husband, my hair is really tangled,” Marsh said, snapping Walker out of his thoughts. 

“Yeah, it is. Go sit on the couch for a moment. I’ll go grab a comb,” Walker said as he hurried off to the bathroom. 

The tips of his fingers were prickling a bit, as if they were threatening to fall asleep, but he ignored the pins and needles as he grabbed a comb and a little bottle of detangler. He didn’t even look in the mirror once before heading back into the living room. 

Marsh was sitting cross-legged on the couch with his back to him. Walker calmly sat behind him with one leg tucked beneath him and the other hanging over the edge of the sofa. 

“This might hurt a little bit, but I’ll try to be as gentle as I can,” he said as he began to pick at the knots with his comb. 

He heard Marsh giggling nearly right from the beginning, but as he worked on his hair, Walker couldn’t figure out what might be funny. Eventually, he leaned away and grabbed Marsh’s arm, tugging gently until the guy turned around to face him. 

His face is so red…

“Okay, what is it? What did I do?” he asked, a little worried that he’d made a fool out of himself simply by brushing out his husband’s hair. 

Marsh looked away, clearly contemplating if he should answer or not, but of course, the guy returned his attention to Walker almost immediately. He never kept anything from him. No matter what it was. 

“You just said something funny,” he said, making Walker furrow his brow and think back to their minimal conversations recently. 

It took him nearly two minutes of soul searching before his face began to warm. 

This might hurt a bit… 

Walker groaned as he pressed a hand to his forehead. Instead of frowning or being upset about his awkward mishap, however, he couldn’t help but grin, then give a quiet chuckle, too. 

“Would you believe me if I said that I’m secretly a huge pervert and that was totally planned?” he asked as he lowered his hand. 

He wasn’t really sure what expression he was giving his husband, because he honestly felt a bit goofy for joking around about something that really did stress him out, but really just felt like playing around a bit. 

Marsh, being the best bear he could be, took his joke seriously as he looked over his shoulder with a contemplative expression, then slowly turned to face him with even more thoughts running around in his dark eyes. When he finally decided on a response, Walker was practically sitting on pins and needles… though he wasn’t sure why. It was just a childish joke he’d felt like saying spur of the moment, but for some reason he felt like he needed to hear Marsh’s honest response.  

“I would absolutely not believe you,” he said honestly, making Walker crack up a bit as he reached up with the comb and began working on Marsh’s tangled hair. 

They both remained silent as he got through it at a reasonable pace, but about halfway through Marsh licked his lips and glanced up at him through his bangs. 

“Can I still touch your shirt?” 

Walker immediately froze at his husband’s question, but before he could work himself up, he nodded and got back to work so that he had something to focus on and distract himself a bit. 

“You can,” he said as he worked. 

Marsh wasted no time in doing as he’d requested. It tickled a bit whenever he felt the man’s fingers brush against his belly or abs through his shirt, but he didn’t mind. Heck, he honestly didn’t mind the man touching him once in a while when his shirt was off, but tonight was such a different situation…

“It doesn’t have to be different,” Marsh said quietly as he looked up to meet Walker’s eyes as they lowered to his. 

He was technically right. Even if it was there wedding night, it didn’t have  to be different. 

“But it does, Marsh,” he whispered as he stopped combing his husband’s hair and honestly looked him in the eyes. 

“I want this night to be special, Marsh. You’re my husband and you even dug us a den for our honeymoon,” he stated sternly but gently, finally showing his upset at his own internal struggles. 

The man sitting in front of him mulled over his words for only a moment before giving him a surprisingly-bright smile. 

“This day is about both of us, Walker. I married you because I really like you and I want you to be happy. Yes, I would love to lick honey off of your body from head to toe, among other things, but if you’re not comfortable with those situations, then I’m not comfortable asking for them from you. I haven’t been around humans much in my life, but I know that if you don’t want something done to you, then I don’t want to do that thing to you.” 

Wait a minute…

Going back over his thoughts in his mind carefully, Walker realized something that might  actually help him get through at least a little bit of his current problem. 

“Hey Marsh? What do you think about me touching you?” 

His husband didn’t hesitate for even a second before he spoke up. 

“I love it! Anything Walker wants to do with me is always okay,” he said with excess enthusiasm. 

It honestly made him feel a bit jealous that the guy was so okay with being touched, but he knew that it wasn’t really that simple. Marsh was a good bear, sure, but a nice bear? Not really. 

Not unless you’re me. 

The adorable, yet handsome, cute, and beautiful guy sitting right in front of him, wiggling here and there out of excitement for possible attention, was his bear.

 With a nervous yet curious smile, Walker set the comb in his hand aside and then reached back up to settle his hand on top of Marsh’s damp hair. 

Marsh looked absolutely ecstatic for the simple head pat, making a mix of emotions well up in Walker’s chest. Some were bad and chastised him for waiting so long to touch his husband after their nuptials, while others were just excited to not be super stressed about basic contact… at least, when he still intended to move things further than normal. 

I need to ask him to do something that he might not want to, though. 

“Ask. I’ll do anything my husband wants me to,” Marsh said without hesitation after having caught his thought, his smile never leaving his face as he spoke. 

Not wanting to chicken out, because he really did think he actually had  something going right then, Walker quickly replied. 

“Could you please not touch me until I say it’s okay?” 

He knew that it sounded pretty rude considering they were literally married now, but Marsh didn’t hesitate a second before he responded with a nod and an excited “okay!” 

Walker couldn’t help but return his energetic smile as he gave his husband’s head a few more pats before quickly lowering his hand to settle against the man’s cheek. He felt Marsh nuzzle into it immediately, but he was gentle and was being careful not to push against his palm much at all. 

So cute…

When Marsh allowed his eyes to close after a minute of nuzzling, Walker felt an odd shiver in his chest that spurred him to do something he normally wouldn’t without a little coaxing. He leaned forward and pressed the faintest kiss to Marsh’s cheek.  

His mind immediately tried to begin walking him through what else he would be okay with and what he should avoid, but instead of trying to talk himself through things, he, instead, gently nudged that voice aside. 

Just once, I want to act and not think. 

Marsh said that he wouldn’t touch him. He trusted his bear. His husband. This was his chance to do everything he’d always thought that he couldn’t do because he hated being touched so much. 

I can kiss him. 

He did so again, leaving his lips against Marsh’s warm skin as he focused on steadying his nervous breathing. His mind was being manageable, but he couldn’t stop his body from responding the way it was used to. 

Thankfully, to his surprise, his hand, which had been a bit shaky when he’d first touched Marsh, had calmed. He didn’t dwell on it much, though, because he didn’t want to get distracted. 

I want to kiss him. 

Walker nuzzled his nose gently against Marsh’s skin, then pressed his lips to it again before slowly moving downward to kiss along his jaw. 

His bear smelled like the woods and, of course, honey. There was also a faint musk that was mostly hidden until he got very close. It was probably just a scent that bear shifters had. And honestly… he kind of liked it right then. 

“You smell good,” Walker whispered as he pressed his lips to the side of Marsh’s neck. 

He wanted to press on into the crook of his neck like he’d seen done in movies because it had looked so sweet, but his mind immediately flared with stress, so he took a moment to regroup himself and accept that such a thing would have to wait, and moved on with what he was comfortable with. 

He pressed a few more kisses to Marsh’s neck before gently guiding his head back upright, then slowly allowing his hand to lower until it rested against his husband’s bare shoulder. 

Walker noticed that Marsh had filled out even more as his hand settled, and without really thinking about it too much, since that seemed like the way to go right then, he gently squeezed the man’s shoulder.

My healthy bear. 

He wanted to ask if what he was doing was okay, but Marsh had  said that anything he wanted to do was okay with a huge smile on his face, so he pushed away his self doubt and finally moved his mouth over his husband’s. 

Oh god. He still tastes like honey. 

It was the sweetest kiss he’d ever had!

The overly-sweet flavor still on his lips was actually making his stomach turn a bit more and, after a moment, he decided that maybe Marsh wouldn’t mind if they didn’t kiss too much during this whole situation.

Okay, moving on. 

Except, he wasn’t really sure where  he wanted to move onto. Of course, he could go lower with his mouth, but he didn’t want to. His hand, however, wasn’t really bothered by being on Marsh’s shoulder. 

Let’s see…

He reached up with his left hand and wrapped his arm around Marsh’s shoulders before leaning closer. Their bodies pressed together slowly as his other hand carefully lowered, his fingertips running down along Marsh’s warm chest until they got to his waist and meandered behind his back to finally hold him in a careful hug. 

Walker took that moment to settle his chin on Marsh’s bare shoulder and heave out a long, stressed sigh. His body relaxed bit by bit until, finally, he spoke in the mostly-dark room. 

“Can you hug me back?” 

He knew that the question was a bit stupid, because obviously, he could, but he’d previously asked Marsh not to touch him. Now, however, he had calmed down a bit and honestly wanted a hug. He thought that he’d earned it, and that he could handle it, so he asked for it. 

Of course, his husband didn’t hesitate at all, but he did  move slowly and didn’t hug him as tightly as he normally would. 

“Anything for my husband,” was his response once his arms had settled around Walker’s back comfortably. 

Once he was sure that Marsh was content with the situation, Walker slowly began guiding him backwards. He removed one of his hands to help steady himself as he worked on completing the action, then settled it next to where Marsh’s head ended up resting against the couch cushion. 

Walker pressed his forehead against the man’s collar-bone for nearly a minute once they’d gotten situated to calm himself down a bit, but something just wasn’t sitting right with him. 

He didn’t really mind feeling the other man’s body beneath his, pressed closely against his own in several places, as much as he thought he would… but still. Something didn’t feel quite right. 

“Husband?” 

Leaning up on his arms, Walker looked down at Marsh as the silent television flashed flecks of light against the right side of his gently smiling face. 

“Yes, Marsh?” he asked, a little nervous that he might be doing something wrong. He wasn’t exactly one to watch perverted things, nor had he even thought about looking up some information before attempting this situation. 

Of course, he knew the absolute basics, but he’d never cared to investigate further upon them. 

“Would you be okay with switching our positions for a few minutes?”

  Switching? 

He… was confused. 

“You said you were okay with not touching me,” Walker said quietly, beginning to feel guilty that he’d set such an unfair stipulation. 

Marsh didn’t seem upset, though. He was still smiling when he replied. 

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. I promised that right off the bat. I just think that you might be more comfortable if we switched, but I still love everything you’re doing and am willing to keep things the way they are if you’re more comfortable,” he said honestly. 

Furrowing his brow, Walker considered thinking it over seriously, but before he could go down that rabbit hole, because he knew he might not be able to crawl out of it well enough to continue what they were doing, he carefully moved off of Marsh. 

As he settled onto his side, his husband pushed himself up and then moved onto his knees so that Walker could take his place. It was a bit embarrassing how long it was taking him to just make his body move into the position Marsh had been in, but, much to his relief, he managed it after only a little internal struggling. 

Instead of moving overtop of him immediately, Marsh offered him another warm smile that crinkled the edges of his beautiful eyes, then spoke. 

“Can I pat my beautiful husband’s hair?” 

My hair? 

He… didn’t really mind that. It wasn’t touching any of his more triggering areas. 

“Yeah, okay,” Walker replied. 

He watched as his husband slowly lowered himself until his lighter body was comfortably settled over his own. When Walker didn’t say anything or withdraw his agreement for Marsh to touch his hair, his husband propped himself up with a bent arm on his chest, then reached around the side of Walker’s face to settle his hand against his soft hair. 

“Is this okay?” Marsh asked after a few minutes of calm, quiet attention. 

 Walker was grateful for those few minutes. They allowed him to calm his rapidly beating heart and steady his breathing. They also allowed him to realize something that he hadn’t thought about previously. 

Yes, he’d cuddled with Marsh before, but never like this . 

The man had fallen asleep on his chest several times since they’d known each other… but like this? 

Walker swallowed and lifted his gaze to meet Marsh’s. He could feel the man breathing against him. Feel the heat of his body through his clothing where they were pressed together in more than just a few places. It wasn’t just his chest or a leg that had some added weight on it. 

Feeling his face warm, Walker swallowed again and nervously lowered his eyes a little. 

“It’s okay.” 

He wasn’t sure what Marsh thought of his quiet answer, but the man didn’t seem to mind him averting his eyes or taking a bit to respond. Instead, he calmly began running his fingers through Walker’s soft hair. Taking his time and enjoying giving the attention as their bodies simply breathed against each other and shared warmth. 

It was actually really, really nice. The only hand that was doing any touching was Marsh simply sifting his fingers through his hair slowly. 

There are no other hands touching. 

His eyes widened as he finally began putting the pieces of his internal puzzle together. 

I’m okay with him lying on me. It’s rarely been an issue after first couple times. 

“Hey Marsh? Can you, um, press your hips down?” he asked, going straight for the more personal problems he had. 

He needed to know if what he was thinking was actually correct. 

The expression on his husband’s face was definitely surprise, but the man didn’t hesitate to do as told. The action sent a wave of butterflies through Walker’s system, but that was it. 

There was no shivers from stress. Nor were there any thoughts about dreading the action or the what-ifs that would clearly come after such a thing. 

Nothing. 

With a cautious but hopeful smile, Walker reached up and gently settled his left hand beneath Marsh’s shoulder-blades. 

Nothing negative. Just more butterflies.

“Again,” he whispered as he hugged his husband closer pressed his nose against his shoulder to nuzzle the spot.

Marsh obliged without a word. 

More butterflies. 

He also felt a tiny hint of something else as his heart sped up, but not in a stressful way, for once. It matched the pace he felt from Marsh’s. An excited, yet careful, hum. 

“Again, please,” Walker said as he wrapped his right arm around Marsh’s lower body, grasping his warm skin at the same time the man pressed down again with his hips. 

This time, however, Walker was determined to meet him halfway, except, his timing left something to be desired. It… was pretty embarrassing. To be honest, though, he hadn’t thought that he could even get this far, and he definitely hadn’t thought that he’d be beneath Marsh and trying to push upward. 

“If my Walker would like, you can set a pace that you like and I could match it?” Marsh suggested, making Walker lean his head back to the cushions in order to look up at his man. 

He couldn’t really think of a reason to say no, because he was honestly still quite comfortable, so he licked his lips and gave a slight nod. 

“Alright, I’ll try,” he said before nervously beginning to move his hips against his husband’s. 

He really did feel like a bit of a joke, because he couldn’t even get into a tempo without beginning to already pant, but the only thing Marsh said as he began to match him as best he could, were little whispers of encouragement and compliments about how amazing his husband was. 

Walker actually got really into their sloppy rhythm as time went on, finding that he didn’t mind the growing feelings they were creating between themselves. The entire time, though, Marsh seemed affected but also determined to stay leaning on his left arm to keep at least a tiny fraction of his weight off of Walker’s chest as his hand remained tangled in his hair. 

His forehead was resting against his collar-bone and little puffs of breath warmed Walker’s skin every few moments as they worked each other up until, finally Walker felt his muscles tense and he unintentionally wrapped his legs around Marsh’s waist as he groaned and felt himself release. 

His orgasm was extended a few moments longer as Marsh continued gently thrusting against him, only slowing when Walker’s legs loosened and fell from around his waist. 

“My husband is so beautiful.” 

Blinking out of his daze, Walker slowly looked up at Marsh pushed himself up farther onto his arms since he’d been released from Walker’s hug once he’d climaxed. 

The extra space was appreciated. It allowed Walker to assess the situation, but not overthink it. His body was humming with contentment, but he knew that his husband hadn’t gotten the same affect. At least, not yet. He could definitely feel the man’s hard length still pressing against him, but it didn’t bother him at all. 

He wants you. 

Walker considered how he wanted to go about relieving his husband, but in the end, there was still only one thing he wanted to do. It was his wedding night. It was their  wedding night. 

I want to try it. I really, really do. 

“Marsh, could you lift yourself off of me a bit, please?” he asked with a bit of a raspy tone to his voice. 

The other man immediately did as told, allowing Walker to reach down and tug off his own pants and underwear. He let them fall to the floor before considering flipping over to make it easier on Marsh. Except, he couldn’t. His mind, which had been relatively quiet for their previous bout of attentions, flared to life with warning bells. He needed to see what the man was doing. 

Looking back up at his husband, Walker couldn’t help but smile gently. 

“Come back down, please.” 

Marsh did as told and didn’t even question him about removing his own remaining bit of clothing. Once he settled back down, Walker didn’t hesitate to lift his hands to the man’s back again, but he wasn’t interested in cuddles. At least, not yet. 

Instead of remaining still and hugging Marsh, his hands steadily moved down his back until they came to the hem of his boxers. 

I know he loves me, so much, but I want to make him love me more. I want to make love to my husband. 

He slid Marsh’s boxers off of the man’s hips, then allowed him to kick them off before he gently settled himself back down on top of him. The sheer heat that came from his husband warmed Walker’s body and began to make him pant again at just the thought of building up even more heat. 

Before he let himself give Marsh the okay , Walker reached over to grab a tiny tube of something beneath the top glass panel of the coffee table. He quickly offered it to Marsh, but then withdrew his hand before the man could take the item. 

Don’t mess up. No hands. 

He felt bad for it, but Marsh just smiled when he took the tube back, so he didn’t take it to heart. 

Okay, let’s get this going , he thought as he reached over with his other hand and unscrewed the cap. It really was a pathetically tiny tube of lube, because he honestly didn’t think that he’d ever  be able to use it, so he hadn’t wanted to waste money. 

Just that thought made him chuckle as he squeezed practically all of it into his palm, then reached down between them. He felt Marsh’s belly shiver as his knuckles brushed past it as the man lifted his body up a little to give him room, and honestly felt good about it.  

He’s actually nervous, too. 

“I am. I love my husband and I want to do everything right, but I’ve been a bear for so long that I don’t think that I’m always going to do the right thing,” Marsh said as he stared down at him with his beautiful dark eyes. 

Walker swallowed and licked his lips before replying as he looked up, while at the same time gently massaging the lube against his opening with trembling fingers. But for once, those fingers weren’t shaking from nerves or stress. 

“Neither of us are ever going to be perfect. We’ll just have to take things one step at a time and talk through anything that becomes an issue. We’ll have to be open, just like how we are right now,” he said as he finally removed his slick fingers and began lifting his hand back up toward his chest. 

Instead of completing the journey, however, he allowed his wet fingers to brush against Marsh’s hard length, surprising his husband enough to make him gasp and blush deeply, even in the dimly-lit room. 

The abrupt reaction actually put a crooked smile on Walker’s face as he hesitated lifting his hand further. 

I kind of want to…

Without asking, because they’d gone over their individual boundaries several times already and Marsh had been extremely clear that he wanted any kind of attention he was willing to give, Walker carefully wrapped his fingers around his husband’s length. 

Its heat and stiffness made his heartbeat begin to hammer against his ribs and, as he gently began to rub his thumb along its smoothness, he couldn’t help but feel giddy at the reactions he was getting from Marsh. 

The man was panting in moments, his entire body shivering as he stared down at him with hooded, hungry eyes. 

I’m doing this to him. 

It was a pretty big boost for his self-esteem and self-confidence because he was making Marsh look at him in such a way. He  was making his body shake with need. 

“Come here, love,” he finally said as he reached up with his free hand and coaxed the man back down to settled mostly overtop him. 

The only place they didn’t meet yet was between their legs, where he was gently guiding Marsh’s length to where they both wanted it. His heart pounded hard against his ribs as he pressed the tip against his opening. Instead of letting go at that point, however, he nervously hugged Marsh to him with his free arm. 

“Go ahead,” he said quietly. 

Marsh didn’t seem to mind at all that Walker was still holding his length and immediately began to do as told. He was extremely gentle even though Walker could feel the man’s own heart thundering in his chest where theirs pressed together. 

Thankfully, the lube worked well and Walker wasn’t too uncomfortable as his husband carefully pressed himself inside, but then stopped about partway. 

Ah, my hand…

He was still holding him. 

“Is this okay?” Marsh asked in a voice so hungry with need that it sent a set of heated shivers down Walker’s spine. 

It was. He hadn’t been sure that he’d ever be able to get so far with anyone, ever, but the slightly aching stretch in his backside didn’t bother him. In fact, he liked the sensation of his husband pressing inside him. 

“Yes,” Walker replied as he finally released Marsh’s length, then moved his hand to the man’s backside as he lifted his own legs to wrap around his waist. 

Before his husband continued pressing inside Walker reached up with his free hand and gently pressed it against the man’s cheek. 

“Lick your lips a few times, love. You’re too sweet for me right now, but I want to kiss you while I love you,” he said honestly, making Marsh immediately lick his lips like a honey-crazed bear right after hibernation. 

Needless to say, when Walker brought his love’s head down to press their smiling lips together this time, he didn’t taste like a literal bottle of honey. 

Much better, my sweet bear. 

Marsh growled in response as he began pressing his hips forward again, easily sliding inside of him until he was contently filled. Walker didn’t wait for the other man to build up a rhythm this time. He gladly took the lead, still sloppy with his timing, but neither of them cared. They would have time to learn each others bodies and preferences another time. Tonight, they just wanted to be together in every way they could, and enjoy their first night as husbands. 

Walker came first again, but Marsh followed soon after with a second growl before he settled down on Walker’s chest. They were both panting heavily and Walker was honestly a bit embarrassed that they had finished so early, but when he saw his husband’s happy, content smile as he panted on his chest, his worry was swept away in an instant. 

He’s really happy . 

“I am. I have my Walker and I got to love him. I am the happiest bear in the world,” he stated as Walker chuckled a tiny bit and grinned up at him as he wrapped his arms tightly around his husband. 

“Thank you for picking me, Marsh. I love you, my sweet bear,” he whispered against the man’s lips gently. 

Marsh’s grin widened against his mouth as he returned the kiss. 

“Thank you, Walker, for kidnapping me when we first met.” 

Ah… 

“You’re… welcome?” Walker said before they both burst into fits of laughter.

Bonus Chapter 2

Shaking his head as his inner horse snorted from exhaustion, Heian rubbed at his eyes and stifled a yawn. It had been a long day. He hadn’t expected things to progress so quickly with his ex wife’s court case, but the judge seemed to have been more than happy to expedite things.

“Thank you so much for everything,” the prosecutor said as he walked over and shook Heian’s hand.

The case had adjourned about an hour ago, but he’d stayed for a while longer because several of the people involved in the case had wanted to speak with Toshi. He only let a few people near the boy, though. Being on the stand earlier was already enough stress, so the only people who were allowed to speak with him were the court-appointed psychiatrist and the prosecutor.

The psychiatrist helped calm the boy down several times throughout the trial and Toshi had come to trust the woman. She was sweet and very well mannered. The prosecutor was also a pretty nice guy and even bought Toshi a small donut from next door on their break from questioning, brightening the boy’s day quite a bit.

“Thank you for making yourself available for this case, and for assisting me in finding the correct authorities to begin the adoption process for Toshi,” Heian replied as he firmly shook the man’s hand.

He still had a while before he could officially adopt the little boy, but he was a very patient man and as long as Toshi was well cared for, he was okay with most decisions regarding him. As it were for the moment, the boy was still permitted to live at his home and there were weekly check-ins with child services, but now that his ex’s trial had concluded with a guilty verdict and jail sentence, it was looking like Toshi was one step closer to being his.

They still needed to try his father, but the man was known to be an alcoholic and had agreed to the abandonment, and admitted it during his first round of interrogation. Things were looking up and he was hopeful that it would all turn out well for Toshi.

“Ready to go, bud?” he finally asked once the psychiatrist had finished speaking with him, then turned and held out her card to Heian.

“Please give me a call next week so that I can check up on him,” she said curtly but with an honest, professional smile.

Heian took the card and tucked it into his pant’s pocket, then nodded respectfully.

“I will call you Monday. Take care of yourselves, Mrs. Mendez and Mr. Barron.”

With all the formalities finally done for the day, Heian leaned over and picked up his sleepy son. Papers or not, he considered Toshi his already.

He calmly carried the dozing boy out of the courthouse and to the car before getting him buckled into his car-seat. Once he was sure he was comfortable but also safe, Heian gently closed his door and walked around to the other side, then dropped down into his own seat.

So tired.

He wasn’t a huge fan of other people. At least, not for such a long time and while concerning such a stressful situation. Honestly, he felt like Toshi had managed the whole thing better than he, himself, had, but at the same time, the kid had gotten a free donut out of it.

Now I want one.

He began heading home, knowing that he really shouldn’t have a bunch of sugar, but when he slowed to a stop at a light, he realized something.

I’m an adult and I have two kids and a cat to feed. Surely Nia deserves a donut for being good and staying with Ranger today, and my sweet kitten also deserves treats. Toshi could also use another one… or two.

Soon, he was carrying a still-sleeping Toshi into a small donut shop that was somehow still open around three in the afternoon. It actually looked like it was about to close so he quickly scooped up the remaining nine donuts and got a black coffee as well to keep himself awake on the drive home.

Once back in the car, he got Toshi settled again, then took a few sips from his drink and finally relaxed a little.

“Alright, back home to my baby girl and kitten,” he said quietly as he got them headed that way.

It took a little over an hour and a half, since they lived quite a ways into the countryside, but it was at least an enjoyable drive with minimal traffic.

By the time he got home he was ready to devour the donuts he’d left untouched in the passenger seat beside him. Right as he pulled into his driveway he could sense excitement surge through his bond with his daughter and grinned.

Ignoring the donuts for the time being, Heian got out of his car and stretched for a moment, then turned toward the pasture.

Oh?

He honestly expected Ranger to be in his human form, but when he saw the two approaching, he was a bit surprised.

She’s sitting on his cat.

As they got closer, he furrowed his brow and did his best to bite back a grin… and failed miserably.

“Hello, my sweet, dirty loves,” he said as he reached forward as Ranger brought Nia closer.

She wanted to go for a ride , Ranger thought to him as Heian lifted his daughter from his back and settled her on his hip, not minding in the least that she was now getting his nice suit dirty.

“Did you have fun with your father while I was gone?” he asked as he reached down with his free hand to pat Ranger’s fur.

Nia quickly nodded as her smile widened.

Father took me for a ride but we got dirt kicked on us!

Heian gave a quiet chuckle as he walked to the other side of his car and gently woke Toshi up, then helped him out of his seat. The boy had woken up pretty quickly once he’d realized that they were finally home.

He gladly accepted the box of donuts to hold as Heian locked up the car, then got them all heading toward the house. Of course, he could hear heavy paws following right behind them, and he had no doubt that Ranger’s cat wanted some more attention after babysitting all day. Thankfully, he’d gotten pretty good at managing his inner beast over the past month and could now have it out without too much trouble. A few well-placed kicks from Nia and Toshi’s horses had helped quite a bit, too.

The donuts were an instant hit, even though it was technically just-barely dinner time. Or really, late lunch time.

She didn’t want to eat until you came home but I got her to drink some water.

Heian had torn apart one of the donuts, splitting it between the two kids.

“I’m going to make a quick early dinner, then you guys can have a full donut later for dessert, alright?” he said as he got an immediate nod from Toshi and a grin from Nia.

Yay, another donut for dessert , Ranger thought to him after being handed his own whole one. It vanished in moments.

You know you’re going to help me eat most of them, right? Heian thought to him as he got busy making grilled cheese and the kids got situated watching a cartoon while snuggled up to Ranger’s big cat.

He honestly wanted to take a picture of them together, but he knew that Nia wasn’t a fan of having her picture taken and it would often sour her mood quite a bit, so he just decided to be happy that everyone was happy and leave it at that.

Soon there were six grilled cheese and pickle sandwiches ready. He delivered one to each kid, then split another in half if either of them were still hungry. Nia never really ate a whole lot, but sometimes Toshi had a decent appetite.

He then got the remaining sandwiches and sat down against the couch beside them.

Ranger immediately settled his big fuzzy head in his lap, ignoring the sandwiches as everyone else ate.

You okay, love? he asked as he finished his first sandwich. He felt Ranger’s cat nuzzle against his lap, but to his surprise, its eyes were closed.

Did my little girl wear you out?

Ranger took a few moments to respond, but his one-word response had him feeling more warm and fuzzy than Ranger, himself, currently was.

Mine.

Lifting his left hand, Heian began gently running his fingers through Ranger’s soft fur as the man rested.

She is. They both are.

Ranger’s ears flicked.

You too.

Heian bit back a chuckle.

Oh yes, you’ve made that clear every single night, love.

He was just about to say something else when he noticed that both of the kids were getting sleepy already.

Want to help me with a bath, then maybe we can enjoy some quiet time together?

Ranger carefully but quickly got to his paws and hurried up the stairs. The kids took note of him even through their sleepy minds and turned in the direction he had gone.

“Toshi, want to go take a nap? I need to give Nia a bath since she got dirty with Ranger, then she’ll be in to rest, too,” he said since they shared a room during naps.

Toshi had been offered his own, and while he did sleep there at night, whenever they were just lying down to rest, he preferred to use the spare little bed in Nia’s room.

“Okay,” the boy replied calmly as he got himself up, then went to retrieve Nia’s walker nearby.

Toshi helped her up without a single problem, then the two walked over to the stairs. Heian hurried over to them to help, but to his surprise, Toshi was already helping Nia up them one step at a time.

She’s… actually walking up the stairs?

Heian made sure that he was right behind them, just in case, but he forced himself not to help. Nia had never been able to ascend the stairs on her own, and just barely managed with his help the few times she’d even wanted to try.

His heart welled with pride as they finally made it to the top. With both kids safe, Heian quickly ran back down and grabbed Nia’s walker, then brought it up so that she could walk to the bathroom if she wanted to, instead of being carried. Unsurprisingly, she did, even though it was obvious that the stairs had taken quite a bit of energy out of her.

My daughter is amazing.

To his surprise, Ranger was already in the bathroom, sitting in the tub in a pair of shorts.

Good idea, you’re a dirty boy, too.

He really was. The guy had thankfully taken most of the dirt and dust that had been kicked at them. He honestly did, kind of, like the look, though.

We can play outside tomorrow, hubby. Just be good for right now, Ranger replied with a wink as Heian gently helped Nia into the tub, rolling his eyes internally. While Ranger was definitely a pervert, he loved to poke fun back at him for his own hidden desires. His kids would never find out, but he was also a massive pervert when it came to his husband.

Hell, he’d been infatuated with the man the second he’d seen him years ago.

To his surprise, Nia didn’t crawl right into Ranger’s lap. Nor did she wait for him to help undress.

She’s being surprisingly self-sufficient today.

She actually had been getting more and more interested in handling her own situations since Toshi had begun staying with them. He still rarely heard her talk to his thoughts, but somehow, she couldn’t stop talking to Toshi’s day in and day out.

“Do you want to try doing everything today?” he asked as she finished taking off the clothing she wished to, which was just her shirt and socks.

When Nia nodded and carefully grabbed the bottle of shampoo with shaky hands, Heian nervously lifted a hand toward it. Except, Ranger had beaten him to it and just kept a hand beneath the full bottle so that it wouldn’t fall on her if she accidentally dropped it. Which she did, three times. It was all perfectly alright, though, because Ranger caught it easily each time, and Nia kept her focus on her tasks until, one by one, she managed to wash her hair, upper body, feet, and face.

My baby is doing things for herself!

He was so damn proud. Of course, he would always be there to help with anything she would ever need, but to see her choose to try things for herself far more often than usual has made him so unbelievably proud of her.

She’s doing very well. You’re a fantastic dad , Ranger replied with a smile.

Heian couldn’t help but blush slightly at the compliment as he helped his daughter out of the tub once she was finished with what she wanted to do. Ranger dried himself off in an instant, then grabbed her towel and made sure to be ready to catch Nia if she faltered at all, but their little girl was determined and didn’t so much as sway until she finished drying herself… then intentionally fell right into Ranger’s arms.

Not my arms, hmm?

Pushing aside his teeny tiny bit of jealousy, Heian walked with Ranger as he carried their daughter back to her room. Toshi was already asleep when they stepped inside, so they made sure to be quiet as they helped Nia change out of the wet clothing she hadn’t wanted to remove during her bath, then put on some pajamas. Once that was done and she was all tucked in for a good nap, they slipped out the door.

The moment the door was closed Heian grabbed Ranger’s hand and tugged him back to their own room. He released the man’s hand to shut the door, then turned around… only to be quietly shoved up against the door as Ranger’s hot mouth quickly covered his own.

Their bodies were glued to each others’ in seconds, and the chill from Ranger’s wet shorts sent an eager shiver down his spine. He allowed his husband to kiss him until he was breathless, then smirked and nipped the man’s lip.

“As much as I want to get right down to business, my love… You are still a very dirty boy.”

His tone of voice, his words, and the starved expression he knew was on his face had Ranger clearly a little confused, but as Heian intentionally looked down at his soaked shorts, then at his dirty upper chest, he seemed to realize what he meant. He really was dirty, since he hadn’t bathed at all after Nia had finished.

Instead of simply hurrying to the bathroom so that he could rinse off the dirt before they got too distracted to do so, Ranger took a small step back and grinned mischievously.

“Will my handsome husband help me clean up?” he asked sweetly.

This man…

He knew what he was trying to do.

“You won’t say no tonight,” Ranger said with a determined look that had Heian holding back a grin of his own.

Sure I won’t, love. Just like I haven’t said no every other time you’ve asked since you had hurt yourself by trying to get yourself used to my size far too quickly.

Ranger had tried using some rather large toys before they got married to try and get used to his size, but instead of being careful and going slow, the guy had practically hurt himself to the point of being unable to walk for a short while.

He would humor him, though. Just like he did every time. Ranger tried to get him to top him nearly every time they had any reasonable amount of time to enjoy each other, but thankfully, he never argued when he finally told him no for the evening.

It’s just going to end the same way, but I can’t deny that I love seeing him try.

It also drove his horse crazy not being allowed to top, but Heian didn’t mind it much at all. The only thing he wanted from Ranger was his love. Besides, he was perfectly happy being a bottom. His inner animal could just get over its frustration with a nice long run through the fields.

Shaking his head slowly, Heian gave a quiet chuckle, then leaned forward and nonchalantly scooped his husband up into his arms.

The first time he’d carried his love, the man had thrown a bit of a fit. Now, however, he was more than content to be in his arms. In fact, he didn’t hesitate to begin undoing Heian’s tie and dress shirt as he was carried into the bathroom, then set down on the counter.

“You’re getting faster at that, love,” Heian said as Ranger finished unbuttoning his shirt in a flash, then removed his alert necklace and gently set it down on the counter.

The man’s clothing wasn’t treated nearly as nicely. His fancy suit-jacket was immediately dropped to the floor, but to his surprise, the tie had stayed.

Ranger matched Heian’s smirk as he reached back up and grabbed that undone tie, then pulled it closer until Heian was forced to lean forward, making their lips meet for the briefest of moments.

“I’m going to win tonight. You’re going to enjoy yourself so much that you’ll be begging me for it over and over aga—” Ranger’s words were cut off by another kiss. This one, however, was initiated by Heian.

He broke it almost as soon as it had started, but both of them were already panting by that time.

“Rain, I will beg for you every single day of my life, for as long as you’ll have me,” Heian said honestly, making Ranger’s cocky expression dissipate abruptly as a blush began to color his cheeks.

Taking the initiative while his love was caught off-guard, Heian gently undid his hand from his tie, then gifted the item to his love before walking over to get the shower going.

It was no surprise when he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind a few moments later, then begin undoing the belt holding up his pants.

“You’ve lost more weight,” Ranger said, his tone suddenly worried.

Heian couldn’t help but be happy with his worry as he settled his hands over his husband’s.

“I’ll eat more now that the trial is over. I was just a bit too stressed to feed myself properly,” he replied as he squeezed those warm hands.

He felt Ranger press his forehead against his back in response, making his smile widen even more.

“I promise I’ll be more careful from now on,” he added before reaching forward and testing the water.

Perfect.

He was just about to step aside so that Ranger could wash up, but the man clearly had other plans as his hand sank into the front of Heian’s open pants and grabbed hold of his length without a single ounce of hesitation.

“Kitten?” he questioned as he looked over his shoulder, trying to see his love.

The other man tucked his head farther, making Heian raise an eyebrow.

“I know that we’re just going to get dirty again Rain, but you really do need to rinse that dirt off first,” Heian said gently as he grasped the wrist of the hand still situated within his pants, but didn’t try to remove it yet.

He did love it whenever his husband touched him in such a way, so it was kind of hard to keep his mind far enough out of the gutter to complete the action he’d intended.

“Shower with me, Heian?” Ranger asked after a few moments of silence.

As he spoke, his fingers were gently massaging Heian’s length, making it incredibly hard to keep himself under control.

When he didn’t answer for sometime, Ranger nudged him forward the slightest amount.

“You’re wasting water, my beautiful husband.”

Oh… I don’t like wasting water.

Before he could reconsider his decision, Heian was walking into the shower with Ranger right behind him. As soon as he heard the frosted glass door slide closed he headed for the built-in seat he’d had made in the back for Nia recently, and a bit for himself when he was exhausted from a long day of work. The moment he sat down, however, he felt a hand firmly but carefully wrap around his wrist.

“I’ll clean off the dirt,” Ranger said as he continued to hold his wrist lightly.

If he wanted to pull his hand out of his grasp, he could do so with no effort at all.

Heian swallowed as he looked up, then down when something caught his eye.

How did he get those wet shorts off so fast?

The man’s length was standing at full attention, too, but he knew better than to take that bait. No matter how delicious it looked…

Squeezing his eyes shut tightly, Heian reached up and pressed his fingers to his forehead as he turned to the side. He might have still been wearing pants, but the water had already dampened them, and after Ranger’s firm attention, it was more than obvious that he was struggling to keep his hands to himself.

He expected his love to jump him at any moment, but when he felt Ranger suddenly release him, then began to smell the scent of the body wash they now shared, he chanced a brief glance toward the other man.

Ranger had relented and gotten busy quickly scrubbing his body. It honestly only took a few minutes for him to get squeaky clean, which just made Heian scowl.

You could have just done that right from the beginning!

He let himself get lost in a bit of frustration for a moment… which was his own mistake. When he realized that he’d let himself get distracted, it was already too late.

Ranger had dropped to his knees and gently but firmly grabbed his length in both hands. They just-barely managed to hold it all.

“Rain…” he rasped as his heartbeats began to quicken within his chest, making his breathing hasten as his eyes dilated slightly.

They liked what they saw.

His husband was on his knees, holding him with both hands while staring up at him with pleading, hungry eyes. The moisture all over his body was also a gorgeous addition to the scene.

“May I?” Ranger asked in his own rough, delicious tone.

That was his love. No matter how many times they did something, if he showed any kind of hesitation, he would make sure to ask if it was okay to continue.

How did I get so lucky to find you?

Heian slowly nodded, then replied audibly, because gestures didn’t sit all that well with him when asking for specific permissions. Especially in such situations.

“Yes, please,” he said right before Ranger went down on him, not waiting a single second after being given permission.

Heian was used to the man’s chaotic love-making, but his body somehow wasn’t. It always became startled awake like a car being jumped back to life the second Ranger got his mouth around him.

Groaning loudly, Heian leaned his head back against the wall and adjusted himself a bit to face forward again, then spread his legs wide so that his love had plenty of room to take care of him.

He just-barely managed to hold himself back from digging his fingers into the man’s tempting hair. That was the one thing that hadn’t worked well between them. Ranger hadn’t minded it at first, but the more Heian got into the man’s attention, the more he pulled. Unfortunately, his love had a sensitive scalp and it had hurt him quite badly so they’d agreed not to do that any longer.

Thus, he simply gripped the edges of the seat tightly and hung on as his body began to shiver and his breathing picked up further.

I love you, babe.

Hearing those words from his husband, Heian forced himself out of his haze of lust and slowly lowered his gaze until he could see the man with his length in his mouth, staring straight up at him.

“Hot…” he whispered, unable to find any other words in his mind right then.

Ranger smirked as he slowly leaned away until Heian’s length popped free of his mouth.

I want that mouth on mine.

Evidently, his body agreed with him, because he quickly leaned forward and down, grabbing Ranger’s jaw with both hands before pressing their lips together.

Their kiss grew feverish quickly as Ranger’s hands returned to kneed at his length playfully. Heian could barely keep up, but he refused to be outdone and managed to keep pace just well enough to make it until Ranger retreated, breaking their kiss after two full minutes.

“Mm, you’re getting better and better at that,” Ranger cooed as he scooted away a little bit, making Heian’s fuzzy mind confused and nervous.

Not wanting his love to leave him, he instinctively slid from the seat and dropped to his knees before following Ranger closer toward the front of the shower. His husband seemed to think it was funny, because he had a growing smirk on his face before he reached up and turned off the spray of the water.

“You don’t like wasting water, but I want to be in here for quite a while,” he said, making Heian realize that Ranger had just been moving away to turn off the water.

“It’s okay, babe, I love seeing you on your hands and knees,” Ranger said as he hurried to close the distance between them again, then gently nudged Heian until he was leaning back against the side wall.

Before Heian could get in a word, or really figure out what one he would even say, Ranger was straddling his lap and already had his hands on his length again.

There was a word he really should have been saying right then, but it kept slipping his mind as Ranger massaged him vigorously.

“Relax, love. Let me give you the best night of your life,” Ranger said as he reached up with one hand and gently guided Heian’s head forward until their mouths could meet.

The kiss was a lot more gentle this time, but that was likely because Ranger was so focused on moving his lower body into position. When he finally began to sink down onto him, Ranger surprisingly stopped kissing him and leaned away just enough so that they could look into each other’s eyes.

He was giving him a chance to clear his mind and tell him to stop. Even though he’d said that he would finally win and get to switch their positions, and had worked quite hard to make him an absolute mess of desire, he’d still somehow managed to stop himself right before they could do the deed so that he could have a chance to make the final decision.

Heian licked his trembling lips as he looked down to the space where their bodies were just-barely connected.

I want more.

His inner animal was going insane, literally begging him to claim what was his. Normally, he was very good at pushing it aside, but this one time he wasn’t sure that he wanted to. He liked what he saw. He liked that his husband was straddling his lap, his lips red and swollen from being around him. His eyes were focused and hungry, but also calm and determined.

After several tense moments, Heian swallowed down his remaining few nerves and reached forward. One of his hands went to Ranger’s backside while the other settled on his hip. Both then gripped his skin firmly but carefully before hesitantly beginning to guide him downward.

It had been far too long since he’d been inside of someone else. His body shivered and tensed with each centimeter the man descended upon him. He eventually found his face buried in his lover’s neck as he held him in shaking arms.

“Mm, sorry, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get it all,” Ranger said in a breathless voice as he adjusted himself here and there, doing his best to get comfortable.

Heian hurried to help support his backside, not wanting him to accidentally hurt himself or slip on the water while on his knees.

“Thank you,” Ranger rasped, immediately using Heian’s help to take some of the strain off his knees.

Once he finally seemed content with the situation, he looked back up at Heian with a full-faced grin.

“Do I feel good?”

It was clear as day that his love was in pain, but that smile on his face forced Heian to bite his tongue.

“You feel absolutely amazing, sweetheart,” he said honestly as he leaned forward for a quick kiss.

When they broke apart again, Ranger wiggled his hips, making Heian nearly swallow his tongue as he felt a strong need pulse between his legs!

“Sorry, um, are you ready?” he asked.

Heian frowned and furrowed his brows.

“Ready?” he asked, confused.

Surely they weren’t going to do anything else besides a few gentle bumps of his hips…

Evidently Ranger hadn’t gotten that memo, because he was soon leaning to the side and backwards, making Heian hurry to follow him until they were lying down on the cooling shower floor. He would have honestly slid himself out immediately with the position change, but Ranger had clearly thought ahead and grabbed his length, holding it inside of him as they transitioned.

“Rain…” Heian rasped, just about ready to say the word that would halt the entire situation immediately.

He was actually just opening his mouth to do just that when Ranger tilted his head against the damp tile and smiled.

“Just a little, please? Don’t go in all the way, cause I definitely can’t do that yet, but I worked really hard and I want to finally please my husband this way,” he said, making Heian hesitate as his heart thumped hard in his chest.

Heian slowly closed his slightly-parted lips and squeezed the right side of Ranger’s backside where his let hand still held it. After a moment he let that hand slowly slide inward until it bumped into his own length, firmly situated within Ranger’s opening.

It was only about three-quarters of the way inside, but it still felt amazing.

Swallowing, he moved his hand to his love’s waist and gripped firmly but carefully.

“Don’t hold anything back,” he finally said as he slowly inched himself out of his husband’s backside, then, gently, pressed forward, nudging himself back inside until he had returned his length to the exact spot it had been moments before.

That one simple set of actions had him nearly exploding right then, making heat rush to his already-warm face.

“That felt good, love. More, please?” Ranger said with a smile that touched his beautiful eyes.

He’s… really okay?

Heian nervously moved his other hand and grabbed the other side of Ranger’s hips, then gently adjusted the man as he leaned forward. The hard surface of the damp tile beneath him bit into his knees a bit, but he barely felt anything as he carefully began to make love to his beautiful husband.

They got into a gentle rhythm as time went on, each of them making sure not to get carried away. They were both extremely aware of the others’ limits and were equally careful not to overdo it. They still managed to enjoy themselves quite a bit, if Ranger’s excessively-loud orgasm was any proof of that. Heian even had to cover his mouth just in case, but unfortunately that just made Ranger tighten up around him, squeezing his own orgasm out of his quivering body.

He hadn’t really intended to release inside of Ranger, either, but the man had snuck a hand back between their legs right before he’d cum, making it impossible for his muddled mind to figure out how to pull out.

With his own stifled moan, Heian lowered his head and felt himself empty into his lover. He wanted to immediately apologize once his mind began to clear, but the content look on Ranger’s face made him swallow those words immediately.

He looks like… a content cat.

With shaky hands, Heian carefully but gently removed Ranger’s hand from around his length, then slowly removed himself from his lovers body. He honestly, truly, expected the man to be bleeding after what had happened the first time he’d tried to prep himself to have sex with him, but to his surprise, there was absolutely no damage.

“I told you I worked on it. The right way, this time,” Ranger said as he slowly sat up, seemingly drunk on pleasure as he swayed a bit, then yawned wide.

Heian’s mind immediately went back to the memory of that hot mouth wrapped around his length and felt a jolt of pleasure shoot straight down to his groin.

Not again yet, behave , he thought to himself as he quickly stood up, then turned and got the shower going again.

He loved making love, but he wasn’t a huge fan of the scent that lingered afterward. Most shifters liked it, but not him. Instead of washing himself first, Heian grabbed the soap and sat down in front of Ranger.

To his surprise, the man hurried into his lap and snuggled right up against him, nuzzling at his chest like the feline that he was.

“Alright, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you as thanks for the most amazing time of my life,” he said with complete honesty.

Sure, he’d only gotten about three-fourths of himself inside, and they’d both cum rather quickly, but that situation had been the most important sexual one of his life. There had been a lot of trust that went into it, as well as a lot of honest and careful effort on Ranger’s part. His love hadn’t had to use toys to try and open himself better so that he could bottom for him. He would have been happy playing that role for Ranger for the rest of his life, but his love had wanted to do it in order to please him and had, after quite a lot of effort, succeeded spectacularly.

While the other few partners he’d had in his life had not had much of a problem with his size, they had had a problem with communication and understanding. Most of them thought that he just wanted to have sex whenever they felt like it, and the few times he’d voiced his disagreement, like after an exhausting day of work or when things were getting to a breaking point with Nia, they had never considered that when he said I’m not interested tonight, that he actually meant it.

Ranger, however, had constantly accepted no , or any clear similar word of phrase, without a single argument when he’d been declined again and again to try and bottom.

“Mm, want to go another round, love?” Ranger asked with a hint of perversion left in his tired eyes.

If he had been with anyone from his past right then, he would have felt pressured to keep going until they were satisfied, but his new love was different and understanding.

Smiling, Heian nuzzled into the crook of Ranger’s neck and pressed a kissed to his moist skin.

“I’d love to cuddle with my handsome husband in bed instead, if that’s alright?” he asked before leaning back a little, evidentially, just in time to get a quick kiss on his lips.

“That sounds great, too. Let’s do that,” Ranger replied without an ounce of hesitation as he carefully got himself up, then turned and helped Heian back to his feet.

They calmly but quickly finished washing and rinsing themselves, then stepped out and dried off together. Ranger insisted on drying him after taking care of his own body faster than Heian could even comprehend. He didn’t mind it, though. Any attention his husband gave him was more than welcome. The fact that Ranger was still being respectful and not trying to arouse him again made it even more sweet.

The man even helped him brush out his long hair, then tied it up for him perfectly. He’d honestly considered cutting it a few times, but Ranger’s cat loved playing with it and his horse also really liked its beautiful mane. He just couldn’t get rid of it.

Feeling a tug on his hand, Heian snapped himself out of his wandering thoughts and smiled as he allowed himself to be pulled forward. He snagged his alert necklace for Nia as they walked past the counter, then slipped it on before tugging on a pair of shorts and climbing into bed. Ranger hurried ahead of him after pulling on a pair of boxers, then tugged back the covers with a sleepy smile before getting situated against the pillows with his arms reaching out toward him. Even though Heian was a bit bigger than his love, he gladly snuggled into those arms with a content hum… and even allowed his horse to give a quiet huff of contentment through his human mouth, too.

“I love you, Heian,” Ranger whispered against his hair before yawning again.

Heian gave a quiet sound of acknowledgement in response as he snuggled in more, already close to being asleep.

“You had a long day, let’s get some rest before the kids wake up from their nap,” Ranger said as he pressed a kiss to Heian’s forehead.

Soon enough they were both out cold, snuggled up contently beneath the blankets, wrapped in each others’ arms.