Page 22 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)

Sunday, early evening

“Go slow, love. I’ve never had anybody in my back door, and you’re big.”

It pleased and excited Gruff to know he would be Dustin’s first.

“I’ll take care of you, Dusty. Bear down when I start to push, okay?”

Since matings were traditionally done face to face, and neither of them were ready for that step, Gruff would enter from behind.

He’d already worked Dustin over with tongue and fingers, and now it was time to get his dick in there.

Lusty growls were the only music for this bone dance, and Gruff eased the fat head of his cock inside Dustin’s slick, warm channel.

To distract him from the pain, he reached around with a lubed-up hand to stroke the man’s erection.

Dustin grunted at the intrusion, holding his breath as the ring of muscle fought the stretch.

“Relax and breathe, love. The pain won’t last much longer, and then I’m gonna make you feel so good. Tell me when you’re ready for more.”

Pumping Dustin’s cock with one hand, he used the other hand to caress his back with languid strokes. A cascade of signals told him that Dustin’s body had adjusted, and the man finally spoke.

“Okay, big boy, let’s get this show on the road.”

Gruff growled in anticipation, inching further inside and back out until Dustin began meeting him halfway. A minute later, he’d bottomed out, holding still as the man squirmed and panted.

“Mmmm…so full! Move for me. Show me what it feels like.”

Gruff did—happily. Once he’d found the perfect depth to stroke Dustin’s prostate, there was no going back.

Shouts and moans from both men filled the air as Gruff increased speed, heavy balls slapping the man’s taint with each stroke.

As the pressure built, Gruff used both hands to hold Dustin’s hips in place while he reamed him out.

Overcome with sensation, Dustin reached the apex first, tumbling into bliss.

The extra pressure on Gruff’s cock sent him into orbit moments later, filling Dustin’s plump ass with a rush of white heat.

While Dustin caught his breath, Gruff lay them down on their sides, anchored deep in the man’s lovely backside.

He’d lost a little girth, but was still hard enough to go again—as soon as Dustin recovered.

Meanwhile, he reached around to play with his lover’s nipples and lick the side of his neck.

Even the sheen of sweat on his skin tasted good, and Gruff used his long, agile tongue to explore further afield.

Dustin began to moan, aroused by the sensations but unsure how much more he could take.

Turning his head, he sought out the randy shifter’s mouth for kisses and wasn’t disappointed when Gruff attacked his lips with fervor.

Dustin had never experienced the range and depth of feeling elicited by his partner’s ministrations.

Gruff was in him, on him, with him, and overwhelming him at the same time.

How could one person cause so much pleasure and not stop for breath?

Whatever made it possible, Dustin’s groans, twitches, and wordless exclamations did not go unnoticed by the talented shifter.

If he’d been a musical instrument, Gruff’s full-body concert would have brought down the house.

In the middle of all that sensation, Gruff began slowly thrusting again, dragging his flared cockhead across Dustin’s sensitive prostate.

Avoiding his overstimulated dick, Gruff reached down to tug at his tightly cinched up balls—not to the point of pain, but enough to add another tantalizing layer of stimulation to the mix.

Gruff’s nibbling turned to licking and sucking on Dustin’s earlobe until he bit down, triggering a powerful orgasm that nearly matched the one earlier.

Dustin’s channel automatically tightened like a vise around Gruff’s enormous prick, prompting another climax and a flood of fresh jizz.

He floated on a rush of endorphins, lost in a world that included only Gruff—the tender, attentive, sexy man who’d given him such a precious gift.

They lay together for some time, exchanging soft kisses and languorous strokes, humming with pleasure while Gruff’s powerful chest vibrated contentedly.

“Mine…my Dusty…mine.”

Dustin heard the lovely sentiments, though he wasn’t sure Gruff knew what he was saying, or that he’d expressed it out loud. In a way, it didn’t matter because Dustin believed it came from the heart.

“Yes, yours. I love you, too.”

############

Sometime later

After they’d cleaned up, a sublime comfort settled on the pair, daring the world to do its worst so they could laugh in its face.

Odd, heady, and ultimately risky given how life seemed determined to hijack love at every turn.

Dustin chose this moment of peace and connection to ask Gruff for his story, figuring a better time might never come.

“Tell me about your past, Gruff. If we’re going to be mates someday, I need to know you.”

Gruff stopped his purring and let out an anxious huff.

“You’re right, and I did promise. I still have nightmares sometimes, though I don’t know if they’re dreams or actual memories.

There were a few people who knew a little about my family and told me later when I was old enough to understand.

My sow was a country bear who rarely used her human form.

My boar was the opposite—a city bear who worked in an office but sought out shifter females during mating season.

“When he found out she was pregnant, he claimed her without asking. She didn’t want to be tied to anyone, and ran away when he returned to the city to make arrangements for a proper home.

I guess he went wild with grief and began searching for his lost mate and cubs.

My brother, sister, and I were born the following spring near Williamsport, about ninety miles west of Bear Creek, where my mother had been hiding.

“When I was about a year old, the boar found us and confronted my mother. She must have refused him again, and I guess the rejection and grief were too much. They tell me he went mad and killed her, and then went after her cubs. The three of us must have scattered, because they discovered the remains in different places. By the time he found me, a couple of human deer hunters saw him knock me out of the tree I’d climbed and tried to scare him away.

He turned to attack them, too, and since they thought he was a natural bear, they shot him. ”

By this time, Dustin was a blubbery mess, clinging to Gruff as if he could protect that poor, injured cub from so many years ago.

Gruff never told the awful story, mostly because it stirred up his dreams. His counselors believed the trauma alone was enough to wipe out any memories of the event—supposedly a blessing in disguise.

He often wished they’d lied and saved him from suffering with the truth.

“Oh, Gruff! I can’t imagine going through something like that. It’s no wonder you have nightmares. What happened to you afterward?”

Gruff held Dustin close, finding it easier to talk while surrounded by his comforting scent.

“They found me bawling in the bushes, with half of my face covered in blood. I ended up at the vet’s office where he sewed me up and put me in one of the kennels.

They didn’t know I was a shifter until they found me in human form the next morning.

That’s when they placed me in the local BSA orphan home and I began to learn about my human half.

I saw a lot of doctors, counselors, and therapists over the years, but didn’t know the full story until I was an adult.

“The home I grew up in was on a small farm with an orchard and berry patches. I liked working alone, so they let me tend them. The Cunninghams were good people and did the best they could for me. They were also friends with DeeDee and Sunny Tillman, so when I turned eighteen and needed somewhere to go, the Tillmans stepped in to help. They loaned me the money to buy the property, and I’m paying them back as I can.

I’m like one of their own cubs and think of them as my family now. ”

Dustin had never heard anything like that before and wasn’t sure what to say.

Instead, he clung to Gruff, stroking his hair and face, and giving him soft kisses.

They remained quiet for a while until the sharp edges mellowed into discomfort instead of pain.

Dustin now understood what Dash meant when he’d mentioned the effects of someone being rejected by their mate.

For Gruff to accept a human’s word alone must seem like an unacceptable risk, given his wretched family history.

Was there anything he could do to ease the man’s mind?

“I get why you don’t want to rush into mating.

It would scare me, too, if I’d gone through what you did.

All I can do is tell you how much I love you, and that I’d be honored to be your mate someday.

If that’s what you want, I’ll wait until you’re ready, however long it takes—because you’re worth it. ”

Gruff’s tears fell silently as Dustin held him, so grateful for the man’s understanding and patience.

His bear no longer had any doubt about their compatibility, quietly urging him to claim the man despite his fears.

Gruff didn’t reject the notion, he simply needed a little more time for trust to build.

He swiped away the tears and kissed Dustin soundly until both of their stomachs rumbled in protest. They laughed together, and then threw on some clothes to go downstairs and get a bedtime snack.

Baxter joined them in the dining room, yowling in protest for disrupting his routine.

He gave up after a few minutes, returning to the laundry room and his comfortable clothes basket.

Dustin sat on Gruff’s lap, backside already tender from their lovemaking, and snacked from an assortment of cheese, crackers, and fruit.

Tomorrow was the grand opening, and if quieting their bellies meant a good night’s sleep, so much the better. They were in for a long, busy day.

#############

Monday morning, around eight-thirty

Dustin’s face ached from smiling.

DeeDee had arranged for the local media to take pictures, interview him, and record the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Fortunately, they’d started early to make sure everything was ready, or they wouldn’t be standing around saying ‘cheese’ for the cameras.

Publicity was annoying but good for business, and everyone happily cooperated while a crowd gathered at the doors.

As mayor, DeeDee delivered her prepared speech.

“Each new and expanded business adds something special to the Bear Creek community. The Red Barn at Shady Lane Orchard is the result of hard work and a generous grant from the S hifter H elp A nd R esource P rogram. Gruff Cunningham and Dustin Mowry have created a unique place to gather, shop, and celebrate nature’s bounty.

It’s a classic example of what makes this a great place to live and work.

On behalf of the Bear Creek town council, I offer my congratulations and sincere wishes for a successful future. ”

With their employees and helpers looking on, Gruff and Dustin snipped the wide red ribbon stretched across the front entrance.

The crowd burst into applause while the media recorded and snapped pictures, everyone smiling at the momentous occasion.

Asha, Jillian, and the other employees hurried inside to take up their stations while Gruff and Dustin stood on either side of the entrance to shake hands and welcome their guests.

While the media scattered to cover other assignments, DeeDee remained behind to have a word with the couple.

“Sunny and I are so excited! He couldn’t get away from the store, but while I’m here, I intend to have a good look around so I can help spread the word.

If you need anything, I’m only a phone call away.

Rowan will be here in about an hour and I hired a photographer to get some promotional photos.

It’s a terrific idea, Dustin, and people will be talking about it for days. ”

Gruff’s confused expression took a temporary backseat to DeeDee’s hug and scenting. She pulled back with a wide smile for the pair, along with a parting comment.

“Love looks good on you, Gruff. Keep your man happy, and let me know when we can expect the two of you at the supper table.”

With that, DeeDee swept through the doors with a knowing grin. Gruff turned to Dustin with a question.

“What’s this about Rowan and a photographer?”

Dustin knew he would ask, but there was no time to explain the whole thing.

“He’s going to be here in bear form to promote the new merchandise. Our customers will love it, you’ll see. Gotta go—duty calls!”

Dustin gave his growly man a quick smooch and disappeared inside. Gruff wondered what other surprises might be in store this week, and decided it was probably best not to know.