Page 33 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
Since they were in a mixed couple suite, there were also features for human occupants.
A small bathroom could be found tucked away behind a rock wall, a kitchenette was neatly concealed by a plethora of potted plants, and a raised bed platform adjoined the padded sleeping area.
The only other traditional human furniture was limited to a padded chair and side table in the main room, and a stool at the breakfast bar.
Dustin used the restroom while Gruff shifted and dressed so they could explore a bit before turning in.
The scarred shifter had garnered a few curious glances as they walked through the resort—hand held firmly by Dustin in an obvious challenge to anyone who dared make his man uncomfortable.
No one did, and they enjoyed their investigative stroll immensely, snacking from a bag of Delicious chocolates.
It was nearly ten p.m. by the time they returned to the room, and while both men were tired, they weren’t interested in sleeping quite yet.
After showering, Dustin set lube and towels on a corner of the mattress for later, and climbed on top of Gruff.
They shared sweet kisses, licks, and strokes, covering every inch of exposed skin while their rigid cocks begged for attention.
Eventually, Gruff prepped his lover with slick fingers, spooned up behind his mate, and slid into a tight, silken passage.
Dustin had asked for it slow and soft tonight, and Gruff complied—all while using his long tongue and hands on the man’s neck, ears, nipples, and dick.
When the orgasm arrived, both men moaned in unison as the powerful release washed over their joined bodies in heated waves, leaving them spent and satisfied.
Gruff’s vibrating rumble put them both to sleep, awakening later to clean up and return to bed.
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Sunday morning, November 5 th
Breakfast at home was normally a hurried and simple affair, so Dustin wanted something fancier for a change.
The Delaware Room certainly fit the bill, with a varied menu and plenty of space to spread out.
The staff routinely served hungry shifters and didn’t blink an eye at the quantity of food they’d ordered.
The feast included Eggs Benedict, mounds of crispy bacon, Quiche Lorraine, and enormous cinnamon rolls still warm from the oven.
Gruff rumbled happily throughout the meal, packing it away like he was starving.
Afterward, they waddled back to the room to change for their next adventure.
Dustin slipped into a swimsuit and grabbed a beach towel while Gruff shifted.
Armed with their waterproof keycards, the pair made their way to the Watershed, wondering exactly what they’d find.
Inside was a wonderland of pools, fountains, and waterfalls—all designed specifically for bears.
Others had arrived before they did, though there was plenty of space to play under the gleaming dome.
Ever since the pond incident back home, Dustin had been curious about swimming with Gruff, and they headed to the lake first. It was surrounded by real trees except for the gradual slope where heavy bears could easily walk in until they floated.
The continuously filtered water was both pristine and much warmer than expected, lacking the heavy scent of chlorine and other common pool chemicals which bears would not have appreciated.
Gruff walked in until the water reached his muzzle, and then stood on his hind legs so he could watch his mate. Dustin remained by his side, dipping under the surface to get wet and then popping back up.
“Let’s swim. You start and I’ll follow.”
Gruff nodded and then began to paddle, watching to make sure his mate was beside him as promised.
Bears took naturally to water, and here there shouldn’t be any concern for strong currents, floating objects, or other hazards.
Still, humans could easily drown, and Gruff intended to keep a sharp eye on his wonderful mate while they were in deep water.
Somewhere near the halfway point around the perimeter, Gruff stopped paddling and ducked under the surface to carry Dustin on his back.
The man spluttered and laughed, but got himself situated as Gruff’s back and leg muscles undulated beneath him.
As Dustin had noticed back home, his lover was a fast swimmer in bear form, and they made good time as they circled back toward their entry point.
Having learned his lesson, Dustin allowed Gruff to get out first and shake off before he exited the water.
From there, they investigated the other water features scattered around the facility, greeting others with waves and growls as they passed by.
By late morning, the pair had ended up on one of the broad, flat rocks to sun themselves.
Gruff lay down on his side, and Dustin sprawled on top of him—carefully balanced so as not to slide off.
He’d learned a lot by spending extended time with Gruff’s bear, and came to appreciate his fantastic mate even more.
Yes, he found one-sided conversation rather stilted, but words weren’t always necessary to enjoy one another’s company.
Dustin quietly concluded that they could do something similar at home, though he’d probably have to fight Baxter for the most comfy spot on Gruff’s warm, soft bear.
Their morning ended with rumbly stomachs, and the pair reluctantly returned to their room before heading to the foodpark.
The meeting with Ryder and the Pittsburgh attorney was at one o’clock, and while they were eager to get the formalities over with, neither knew exactly what the man might reveal.
Dustin could only hope the information brought healing and closure to Gruff’s troubled past.