Willow drove the big Suburban along the country roads as Bruin gazed out the window, lost in a daydream. The last of rays of the setting sun were painting the sky a beautiful red and orange. Maybe they were going to be late to the party after all. Mac would be upset. But Bruin was the guest of honor. They couldn’t start without him. And anyway, it had been totally worth it. She smiled. Light, that had been amazing. If he felt as good as she did right now then no wonder he wasn’t paying any attention to their surroundings. Her body tingled as she thought back to the feeling of his strong hands on her body, the smell of sunflowers and summer all around and his thick, muscled body on top of hers, thrusting inside her.
Her core pulsed and tightened at the memory. Light, how could she be getting worked up again already? Her mate drove her absolutely wild. But she would have to wait until the night was over before she could jump him again. They had a party to get to first. But maybe after that she could give Bruin a special private tasting of the honey Mac was going to give him. Put the present to good use. That would be amazing. But unfortunately it would have to wait. She shook her head to clear it, then concentrated on the road ahead.
She drove for another fifteen minutes as the country road twisted through rolling hills and lush green farmland broken up by small groups of trees. Bruin finally looked up as they came around a long curve and stopped in front of a large gate on the side of the road. Behind the gate a long dirt road led up the hill and through a large group of trees. He turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow questioningly. “The chief’s estate? Why are we here?”
She pushed a button on the visor above her head and the gate silently eased open, giving access to the dirt road behind it. She smiled at him as she watched it glide open. “Well, it is yours now. It shouldn’t bother you anymore. Besides, we still have one more birthday surprise left. A big one.”
Bruin looked at her and smiled. “I’m not sure a surprise could get bigger or better than the last one. That was the best present ever.” He paused, and the smile slowly faded from his face. He pointed up the road. “But this still doesn’t feel right to me. This place always belonged to B3. It should still be his. I’m happy where I am.” She reached over and squeezed his hand. She hated seeing him feel sad or insecure. “I understand. But the bearen decided. Including your father. And since it’s yours either way, we should put it to good use.”
He smiled at her. “You’re right. I know. Ok, I’ll keep it. But let’s make sure all the bearen can use this place. It shouldn’t be just for me.” She squeezed his hand back, then eased the truck up the long dirt road leading up the hill to the trees. “That’s a great idea. And tonight can be the start of that.”
He lowered his eyebrows. “What’s happening tonight? What did you mean about another birthday surprise? If it’s as good as the last one it might kill me. You didn’t put bees and honey groves out here did you?”
She laughed. “No, it’s definitely not that good. We should look into putting bees here though. It’s a good spot for it. Your brothers might eat all the honey before we got any though, so that could be a problem!” He laughed as well, momentarily distracted. “Yes, they definitely would.”
The truck reached the top of the hill and entered the trees. Bruin and Willow were silent for a few minutes as they drove down from the crest of the hill through the trees, winding slowly through the thick forest. As they left the woods, a huge open field stretched out in front of them, with a sprawling three-story mansion, more of an estate, standing at the center overlooking the grounds. As majestic as the mansion was, it was overshadowed by a huge white tent, at least one hundred feet a side, set in the center of the grounds. The tent was brightly lit with lanterns and party lights, creating a festive focal point on the grounds. A huge banner reading “Happy Birthday Bruin!” hung across one side. The tent was packed with shiften, hundreds of bearen and dozens of wolven standing inside holding drinks and eating food and deserts from trays carried around by waiters. They all turned to watch and wave as Willow eased the big truck to a stop across from the tent.
Bruin looked at the tent and the banner, then slowly looked back at Willow. “A party? This is definitely a surprise. Did you put all this together too?” She laughed. “No, not at all. I can’t take any credit. Your brothers and the wolven did this. I didn’t even find out until a few days ago.” He sighed and looked out the window. “They’re good friends to do this much for me.” He shook his head. “I’m not sure I really want to be the center of attention, but since they went to all this effort…”
Willow squeezed his hand again. “I know. And they did go to a lot of effort. Besides, it might even be fun. Everyone’s here!”
He laughed. “Ok, I’m in. We’ll go have fun.” He winked at her. “And maybe even dance!”
A pounding on the window interrupted them as a huge, dangerous looking wolven loomed next to the passenger door, staring into the car with a scowl. Bruin grinned. “It’s Mac!” Willow laughed. “I’m not surprised. Apparently he’s been driving everyone crazy planning details, making the caterers redo things, positioning lights and everything. I think it’s sweet though. He cares about you. He really wanted to do something special.”
Bruin looked out past the male at the window to the crowd in the tent. “He definitely did. This is special.” He nodded and grabbed the door handle. Then a smile lit up has face as he got into the mood for a party. “All right. Let’s go have some fun.”
Bruin opened the door and stepped out. Mac poked him in the chest and glared at Willow. “You’re late!” Bruin just laughed and wrapped Mac up in a huge hug. “We’re here now. Mac grinned and gave in, Bruin’s infectious smile winning him over. It was impossible to stay mad at Bruin. “Oh all right. Happy Birthday big bear!” Mac laughed and clapped Bruin on the back. Bruin grabbed his arms and looked him in the eye. “Thanks Mac. You’re a great friend. The best. I can’t believe you set all this up.”
Mac laughed. “Please. I didn’t set anything up. I just told them to double the pies and order a barrel of honey.” Bruin stopped dead still, his smile gone, serious eyes locked on Mac. “A barrel of honey? Wow. What kind of honey? Clover? Sunflower? Is it wild or cultivated? Is it Rainy Bluff Honey? Wait, no, they don’t have any barrels…” He started walking towards the tent, pulling a spoon out of his pocket as he walked.
Mac laughed, grabbing Bruin’s arm, trying to pull him back. “Bruin! Hold on big bear. I’m just kidding. There’s no barrel of honey!” Bruin stopped still, then slowly turned back to stare at Mac. He wasn’t smiling or laughing anymore. “No barrel of honey? I don’t like that. Never tease a bearen about honey Mac.”
Mac took a step back and held his hands up, smile slipping a bit. “Whoah. I’m sorry. Ease up big bear.” Willow walked up between them, an easy smile on her face. She gently placed a hand on Bruin’s chest. “It’s ok Bruin. There’s no barrel of honey, but Mac does have a present for you.” She turned to glare at Mac. “Now would be a good time to give it to him.”
Mac nodded. “Ok, ok. You got it. No need to be so touchy.” He reached into down into a small bag he was carrying and handed a small box covered in yellow wrapping paper with pictures of bees to Bruin. Bruin took it gently in his hands, gazing at it, then looked up questioningly at Mac. “What is it? Why bees? Are you messing with me again?” Mac just laughed. “You have to open it.” Bruin looked down at the box again. “Open it. Right. Here we go.” He looked up at Mac one more time. “This better not be another trick.”
Bruin very slowly and delicately pulled the wrapping paper back, exposing a bright orange box with black lettering. As the paper peeled back he read the label. His eyes widened. “Endless Summer Honey. Fresh wildflower honey from Alaska.” Bruin broke out into a big grin. He opened the box and pulled out a glass jar full of golden amber honey. He held it up to his nose and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. He stood still for a few seconds as a deep purr rumbled from his chest. Finally, he opened his eyes and pulled Mac tight in a hug. “Thanks Mac, this is amazing! No one else has honey from Alaska. And endless summer? The summer bees there must make the best honey. They have all day to work since they don’t have to sleep!”
Mac’s eyes nearly popped out as Bruin hugged him. He softly patted Bruin on the back. “Ok, thanks Bruin. I mean, you’re welcome. You got it. Now let me go so I can breathe!”
Bruin laughed. “Breathe. Yeah right. You’re such a kidder Mac. Like you’re that fragile.” His eyes sparkled as he turned to Willow. He held out the jar. “Did you see what Mac got me? Isn’t this amazing?”
She squeezed his arm. “It is amazing. I can’t wait to taste it.” She winked at him and he blushed as he caught her meaning. Bruin gently eased the jar back into the box. “Me neither.” He smiled as he looked into Willow’s eyes. “I’m going to show this off first though. I want everyone to be jealous, especially Conri. Is he here? Let’s go find him. He’ll die when he sees it.” He eyed Mac sideways. “Even if he won’t believe a wolven was the one who found it.” He laughed to himself, then walked towards the tent, cradling the box like a baby. He called out. “Conri! Conri!”
But all the shiften inside the tent had moved to the edges and were standing waiting for him. As he reached the tent they broke out into a song. The first strains of “Happy Birthday to you” filled the night. Bruin stopped and stared, then laughed, clapping his hands and giving a small bow. He turned to Willow. “I might as well enjoy this.”
Willow linked her arm through Bruin’s. She looked up at him, a huge grin on his face. The Alaskan honey had definitely put him in a good mood. This was a perfect end to a perfect day. Love bloomed in her heart as she looked up at her mate, then looked into the tent at all his friends and family. This new family they had made for themselves. She couldn’t believe she was so lucky. A tear of joy filled her eye. She squeezed Bruin’s hand and joined in the song, “Happy Birthday to Bruin!”