Page 15 of A Bunny for the Bear (Beartastic Summer of Love)

Ross

I stared at the cake with worry. While everything about it was perfect—the smooth frosting, perfectly drawn on words, and delicious flavor—I hesitated to rejoice over its purpose.

Our kids were only four months old. The four tyrants—Emilie, Deston, HJ, and RJ—blew into town and took over everything. They’ve ruled our lives from the second they were born.

But now, there were more children coming. I wasn’t even sure how many yet. I only knew that I was pregnant again despite actively trying not to be.

I knew I shouldn’t have let him pull out in the shower last weekend. We’d been trying to have a quick moment of privacy while the kids napped. My mate swore he wouldn’t knot me. He also promised to keep protection in the bathroom from now on as well.

While the man didn’t actually knot me, something about that day did it. Or maybe it was another day and the condom broke? Who fucking knew?

The thoughts served to make me even more nervous. I knew my mate was open to the idea of a big family. He’d been working to make sure we had enough space in our new home. He’d also reassured me about a million times during late night feedings and early morning diapers changes.

“Do you think your dad will love it?” I asked the four sets of cuteness watching my every move.

Even at four months old, the babies were big. Could be because they’d all turned out to be bear shifters like my mate. To say he was thrilled to have his own pack of mini bears would be an understatement.

I also felt relief knowing I wasn’t going to have to teach anyone about being a bunny. Honestly, I still didn’t know everything myself.

My hands drifted over my stomach for the thousandth time this morning. Since Hutton left before the sun was up, it’d just been me and the kids. I’m still only working part-time, thank goodness. And my manager even suggested we build a station at my home to accommodate my time with the kids.

Souli wasn't happy when we told her. She’s taken her role as grandma very seriously. Anything that suggested she would get less time with our kids was not good in her world.

The sound of the front door opening drew my attention. I closed the lid on the cake box before plastering a smile.

“Where are my babies?”

I sighed at the sound of Souli’s voice. Champ followed behind her muttering about how she’d likely wake up said babies if she kept yelling.

“We’re in the kitchen,” I said, drawing their attention around the stacks of boxes.

Did I mention we were moving this weekend? Oh, yeah. Another delightful surprise would be getting to set up a new house much more quickly than expected because of more children.

It only took one look from my aunt/mother-in-law for her to know. She launched herself across the space, wrapping me in a tight hug.

“More? Oh, I’m so happy for you two,” she said.

Champ chuckled as he greeted the babies. “I knew it wouldn’t be long before we had more. These nuggets want friends to play with.”

“They have plenty of friends around. Or did you forget about all the people who have given birth or are about to?” I rolled my eyes as I pointed out the obvious.

He waved my words away. “Nothing like a sibling who lives with you. It’s a different energy.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about it.” Souli gave me sad eyes at the confession. “Don’t feel bad for me. We’ve been over this. I’m fine with it. Being alone all that time prepared me to have more patience now that I’m building a small sports team.”

She smiled, then promptly left me as if she just remembered the babies were in the room. Champ grunted when she hip-checked him.

“There are plenty of them. You can share, mate.”

“I don’t want any of them to think I’m picking favorites. Grandma loves all her babies equally,” she cooed at them.

I watched as she pulled Emilie and RJ out and sat them on each hip. Their chunky little hands immediately grabbed at her, likely from mimicking the way Champ had been tickling them earlier.

Speaking of Champ, he’d snuck the other two out of their seats as his mate held the others. He looked awfully proud of himself as he shuffled around the space to stand beside me.

I took HJ from him since he would be the next to eat. We’d built a very specific routine around it all. If we didn’t stick to the schedules, the kids would riot. No one wanted that.

After getting him settled with a bottle, I looked over to find Champ peeking in on the cake. He snorted at the words, then shot me a look.

“You couldn’t come up with anything better?”

I shrugged. “It’s kind of hard to top the last time. My only hope is that he isn’t upset about it.”

“Upset?” Souli asked. “Why in the world would Hutton be upset?”

“That’s my question too.” My mate stood in the entry to the kitchen, his gaze firmly locked on me.

Champ walked behind me and over to his mate. “We’re going to take the babies out back. Just whistle when you’re done.”

The man shot me one more encouraging look before nearly dragging his wife away. Aunt Souli hated to miss a single moment of gossip. That much definitely hadn’t changed in the four months since I’d given birth.

My mate prowled towards me once everyone left. I stayed perfectly still, not wanting to give anything away just yet. As soon as he got close enough, I’d lift the lid to the cake.

Except the Alpha didn’t want to waste any time worrying about the giant cake box on the counter. He pulled me into a deep kiss. His body pressed tight against mine, pinning me to the counter.

As his tongue swept over my lips, I let all the worry I felt melt away. There was nothing to worry about except the way his touch made me soar. I was two seconds away from turning around to present my slicked-up hole for taking when he pulled away.

“Now then, Omega,” he teased. “Why don’t you tell me what you were talking about?”

Too dizzy with lust, I didn’t answer with words. I lifted the lid on the box and tugged it closer.

My Alpha’s eyes followed the movements. He froze at the words atop the cake.

I’d gotten the bakery to write ‘T-24 days’ on the top with an image of a positive pregnancy test below it. Honestly, it was adorable if you ignored the fact that we were going to have more children than we could handle soon.

“We’re having more babies?” he asked softly.

“Yes, Alpha. I’m not sure how many yet, but we'll know in the next day or so.” I took his hand in mine, placing it over my stomach.

Hutton’s face lit up. “We’re going to have more babies!”

His joy brought forth my own. Nodding along, I said, “You might end up with several more bears. You think you can handle it?”

“I’m happy so long as they’re healthy, but I do admit I’d like some bunnies too. Is it wrong to have a preference?”

Taken aback at his words, it took me a moment to answer. It was the last thing I expected him to say.

“Why would you want them to be bunnies?”

He smiled and pulled me closer. “Why wouldn’t I? If I could have little versions of my mate running around, then I’d be just as happy as I am with the four minis we’ve got now.”

I snorted at the description. They all did act just like their dad, even though they hadn’t quite shifted yet. I had a feeling their bears knew who was Alpha.

“Hopefully this group will give us a hint before they get here.”

He shook with laughter as he reached out a finger to swipe up some icing. “If they don’t, then that’s fine too. It’s not like we have to wait all that long to find out.”

***

Want to read about Nolan and Barrett? Their story is Two Wrong Turns .

Also, Clynt and Maklihn’s story is in the Labor of Love Charity Anthology — available until August 31, 2025. It will be re-released at a later date as well for anyone who doesn’t get the chance to grab it.