Our Family
#15 of My pack
Book three, chapter one. It took a bit longer because I don't have a dedicated writing day in the middle of the week. Hope everyone enjoys this.
I sat at my desk, looking over the documents Jason had drafted. My para legal was doing a good job. He had worked for me for a year. Jen walked into my office holding a file folder in her hand. Jason looked from me to the fox. He was a bit young for her, but the doberman was persistent in his efforts. "Your case is being taken, Miller wants it for himself." Jason looked at me, and I snorted.
Miller is a glory hound, always trying to wrestle good cases from me. Even though his specialty was Criminal Law, while mine was Property and Civil Rights. The basset hound took pleasure in being a know it all who regularly tried to pillage cases from me and other younger attorneys at the firm. "He cant have it, this one is personal. He knows that." I said more agitated then I should have been. Jen didn't take any offense, she knew how he rubbed me the wrong way.
"Kimber, is it wise to contest him?" Jason asked me. I sat forward in my chair. "He cant have my case, these are my people. Miller doesn't even approve of gays, he just wants the spotlight that a discrimination case will bring to him. He cant have it, and that's final. Three of the other partners agree, he cant keep doing this."
"Alright, well here's your next case. They will be in later to talk with you about it." Jen said as she handed me the new file. "Jason can handle that, he is ready for some time in a court room. Thanks to him I'm able to get out of here at a decent hour." Jason smiled at what I said, "Thank you Sir." I sat back in my chair, placing the file on my desk. "You're taking point on this one. I'll check up on you. For now I must really be going. Have an event to help organize."
I scooted my chair back and stood up. Jason standing as well, a habit I couldn't get him to break. "The dinner thing? For Gay Marriage?" He asked me. "He got roped into it, lucky for us both since we can dash out early." Jen said smiling at the thought of getting out of the office before five. I grabbed my briefcase and snapped open the locks. Taking the handful of files on my desk and carefully placing them inside. With the exception of Jason's case, which I handed to him. "Make me proud," I told him.
Jen smiled, "I'll see you both tomorrow." With that she stepped out of my office to get ready to head home. "Out pup, not every day you're allowed to leave early. You're only assignment is this case. Call the client and schedule a time to meet with them." Jason gave a nod and took a step out the door waiting for me. "Have a good night Sir, Jen."
"Good night you two," I said before walking out of my office and through the small waiting room. Pulling open the door the separates my office from the rest of the firm. The rest of my journey home was uneventful. It was nice to step off the elevator into our entryway. The door at the end being the last obstacle between me and my mates. I pushed it open and stepped into the dark room. The motion sensor switching on the lights above me.
I was alone, no one else was here. I walked into my office and stripped out of my work clothes. Carefully hanging up my jacket while placing my shirt and slacks into a hamper. Iain took them out to be organically cleaned once a week. But our husky wasn't home, no one was. I walked out into the living room in nothing but my fur.
I sat on the couch and switched the screen of my phone on. No missed calls or texts, it really wasn't like them to vanish on me. I yawned and laid back across the couch. Getting comfortable when I realized what day it was. My birthday, which meant my mates were out waiting on me. I shot back up and ran to my closet to get dressed. Throwing on a pair of jeans and a navy blue T-shirt.
Quickly sending Eric a text letting him know I was on the way. Birthdays were never a big deal for me. Not mine anyway, I never felt any different on them. Just another day, but every birthday was celebrated the same way with us. A gathering at Shiro's for sushi was customary for us. They more than likely made the reservation for later though. Not expecting me to be off so early. "We're at Pike Place." I smiled at the text Eric sent back.
My men were waiting on me so I dashed out to meet them. Driving across town was boring to say the least. It didn't help that my mates were waiting on me, so I felt rushed the whole way to the market. It wasn't easy finding a parking spot given the hour. Everyone was getting off of work, hitting the market on their way home. It took me a while to park and then find my mates.
They did kind of stand out, three athletic males holding onto each other. I saw them before they saw me. I quickly made my way over to them. Weaving through the crowd of people separating me from them. Iain turned just in time to watch me walk up to them. He hugged me tightly, I held him for a moment before Eric cut in. "Happy birthday," Iain said.
"Happy birthday love," Eric told me before Torban pulled us tightly against him. "Happy birthday," he said smiling down at me. My tail swayed slowly, "Thanks guys. But you know I don't like to make a deal of this." Iain laid his ears back and looked at Eric. "We know, but we like making it special. So quit being a pain in the tail and let us do something nice." Eric said, holding Iain against him.
Torban gave a nod, "Being a part of us is more than just love. It's letting us make a deal out of things you don't think are special but matter to us." He sounded like Eric when he said that. But he had a point, so I sighed and gave in. "Let's go eat," I said looking at my mates. Iain smiled, his tail wagging quickly. Eric kissed me softly, I returned the kiss before pulling back slowly. Torban gave me a lick between the ears.
People were staring at us, but we didn't care. We were out together and that made us all feel safe. Torban pulled Iain against him before saying, "We'll meet you two over there." I gave them both a kiss, Eric doing the same and then we parted ways. "How did you get out early?" Eric asked as we walked back towards my car. "Light case load, plus I figured the committee could use some help planning the fundraiser dinner."
"Oh, don't worry about that. It is all taken care of. We're doing it at the SeaTac Red Lion. It's going to be catered and everything. Tickets are fifty bucks, plus the donation bin." I was surprised that it was all sorted out so effortlessly. "That was fast," I said unlocking my car with the remote. Eric pulled open his door and I did the same.
"Well yeah, not like anyone wanted to fight about it. The money is for a good cause and all." Eric said climbing into the car. We both buckled up and I got us on our way to the restaurant. "True, just figured it would take more planning is all." I told him. He shrugged and turned on the heater, it was starting to get cold. "Adults tend to organize things better, unless they haven't matured emotionally. We should have a good turnout."
"Don't worry, the marriage bill will pass. Then it's on to the next battle for us." I told him as we pulled into the parking lot. Torban and Iain were standing outside waiting for us. "I'm sure you will navigate through that like you always do. Lions are allowed to marry more than one partner. So by that we should all be able to do that once we have equal rights."
Eric had a point there, if the law was passed for equality we would be able to go that route without having to find loopholes in the law. Iain was leaning against Torban, his tail wagging happily. I smiled at them, still loving the way the husky was so happy about every little thing even after all this time. I slipped my arm around Eric and we all walked inside with our dates for the night.
Dinner here was always a pleasant experience. Good service, complimented by artfully crafted sushi rolls and delicately sliced sashimi. I always felt guilty about eating something so beautiful, but it tasted too good not to eat. Feeding four athletic guys wasn't cheap, even after all this time we still liked to workout and stay in good shape.
"Happy thirtieth birthday," Eric said teasingly. I laid my ears back and glared at him. "Twenty seven," I said correcting him. "Still makes you older than the rest of us," Eric pointed out. I licked his cheek, making sure it was a very wet lick. "You'll be the same age in a couple months so behave." Eric wiped my spit off of his cheek, a wet spot still visible in his fur. "Gross," he said looking at me.
Torban chuckled and grabbed another tuna roll. After dinner we made our way back home, stripping out of our clothes. Torban ground his already hard cock into Iain's furry rump before they even walked out of our entry room. The husky giggled and looked back at me. "Come on birthday boy, you get first pick." I smiled at him and shook my head.
"Not tonight guys, I'm pretty beat. Tomorrow we can, pushed a case off onto Jason so I can go in later." Eric hugged me tightly, our furry bodies pressed into each other. He had just been set to day shift after working nights for four months. I could tell our tiger was pretty tired as well. The two of us snuggled up in bed while the other two had their fun in the living room.
The next morning I was woken up by a wet tongue licking over my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at Iain, his fluffy tail wagging happily. Eric was still cuddled up in my arms, sleeping soundly. "Pup, what are you doing?" I asked him groggily. He smiled and looked up towards the bedroom door. I slowly followed his gaze and saw Torban standing there with a tray of food.
"We made breakfast," Torban said smiling at me. Iain gave Eric a nuzzle, "Wake up kitty." Eric groaned and rolled onto his back between us. Torban walked over and I looked at what he brought us. "Omelets?" I asked him. Torban wasn't the best chef, but I was surprised at what he brought us. "Yeah, Iain has been teaching me. You would know that if you didn't work so much."
I smiled up at him, "Sorry big kitty. Once I make partner things should be less crazy for me." Eric sat up slowly, "While I still run the risk of getting stuck with a night shift. Private practice might be in my future." I sat up and Torban placed the tray on my lap. "Do as you wish babe," Torban said smiling at Eric. I grabbed the tray, "Let's eat at the table together."
Torban shrugged and stepped back from the bed. "Your call," he said giving my cheek a kiss when I was on my feet. Eric got up, "Yeah we should keep food out of the bedroom. Silk sheets and all." I smiled at the tiger and led the way out to the dining table. Placing the tray on it before setting the two plates at Eric's and my usual spots at the table.
Iain looked out the window, the view was obstructed by thick fog. The neighboring buildings were too short to give anyone a view of us. That's why we pranced around naked all the time. No one could see us up here. It was a very desirable space and we paid well for it. Sure it wasn't a house in a quiet neighborhood. But we didn't have a yard to worry about, or nosey neighbors. We just hoped into the elevator and used our key to get up to our floor.
Iain poured me a glass of milk while Torban got plates dished up for both of them. We all knew our roles and played them well. Supporting and complimenting each other. "Thanks babe," I said taking the glass from him. Drinking half of it before starting to eat my breakfast. It was a nice morning, the first in a long time that we were all together like this.
I was riding the elevator down on my way to work when my phone buzzed. I pulled it out of my pocket and checked it. "Help," the text read. It was from Rem. I hit the call button and held my smart phone to my ear, listening to it ring several times. "Kimber, we need you now!" The fennec said in a panic. "Calm down, what's wrong?" I asked checking to see where the elevator car was.
Halfway down so I had time still before I would have to end the call. "It's Brian, he just showed up. Well, I cant be certain when he showed up. Opened the door and he was laying in front of it. He's barely breathing." I hadn't heard from the kangaroo in years, none of us had. "How did he find you?" I asked him. "How the hell should I know? Medical emergency, what do we do?"
The elevator doors slide open and I stepped out into the small back room of the building that led out to the garage. "Look, keep him warm. With blankets and body heat, I'm going to make a call real quick and call you back, alright?" I told him, standing near the back door. "Get naked with him?" Rem asked.
"Just keep him warm until I call back," I said ending the call. There were only two people I could call. I settled on the jackal, hitting the call button. I leaned back against the wall, leaning down to sit my briefcase against the wall. After a few rings it was answered, "Wasn't expecting to hear from you this morning." Doctor Fields and I butted heads on quite a lot of things, but he was needed. "I need you to get an ambulance down to Rem's house now."
"What's going on?" He asked sounding curious at the request. "One of our long lost friends has returned to us. Barely breathing, out in the cold all night as far as anyone can tell. I'll be over in a few minutes. Page Eric and let him know one of ours is on the way. I don't want the breeders messing with him too much." The jackal sighed, "We cant just drop our patients to focus on him simply because we are the same."
"Yes you can, and yes you will. I want people who will be compassionate by his side. Just do that for me if nothing else. We may be in a place friendlier to our kind but that doesn't mean everyone here likes us." The was a brief pause before he said, "Alright. Only those who are supportive will go near him."
"Thanks Doc, you're the best." I said before ending the call. I don't know what got into me. For some reason I was strongly anti hetero. Maybe because it was Brian who was going in. He hated the breeders for what they were. Self righteous bigots, or so he thought. I knew better, but maybe I wanted him to just be comfortable. He was in trouble, and I knew he needed to feel safe.
I arrived at the hospital a short while later. Rem and his mates were sitting in the waiting room. "Hell of a morning, eh?" James asked leaning back in his chair. Greg sat there with his arms folded across his chest. Rem looked upset, while the other two were more relaxed. "Curious about the whole thing," I said looking down the hall. "It's weird as fuck," the wolf said looking at me.
"What happened?" Rem asked softly looking up at me. "The guys will find out for us, just relax." I told him looking back at the front desk. The bat sitting behind it wouldn't know anything, so asking was pointless. So we just waited patiently until doctor Fields walked over to us. "Drugs, we don't know what he's on. But we're flushing them from his system, waiting on a toxicology report."
"Figures," James said looking up at the doctor. "Hopefully he gets help for it, because he cant go on like this forever. At some point he will overdose, or get himself killed by staying out in the cold again." The jackal told us. Rem stood up, "Can we see him?" He looked at the jackal, his ears laid back. "He's still out, but you can see him. We have tried to contact his family, but no one seems to know where to find them."
James sighed and got up, "So you're saying we're all he has?" The jackal nodded his head slowly, "Seem that way. At least for the time being. I have other patients to see to, I will check in on you guys later." With that he walked off, I looked at my friends. "You guys go ahead, I have to talk with him alone."
I dashed to catch up with the doctor. "Look Gary, I know that when we first met I was a pain in the ass." I said getting a snort from him. "You ignored everything I said to you. But you pulled through without a single complaint. You don't have to apologize, if that's what you're trying to do." I smiled at him, "Yeah. Kind of anyway, I just wanted to thank you for handling this for us. Brian would appreciate it more knowing one of us did it. If you ever need a favor, just call me, alright?"
"I was just doing my job, looking out for the best interests of my patient. Don't sweat it," he said smiling at me. "Thanks for calling me Gary, not big on being called Doc." I smiled at him, "No problem. I should get going, work to do and I want to check on our friend before bailing." The jackal pulled me into a tight hug and I wrapped my arms around the older male. "You're a good friend," he said before letting me go and walking off.
Brian was laying there, covered up in a cotton blanket with wires running out from under them. The line on the screen showing that he was very much alive. James was sitting back in a wooden chair. While Rem and Greg stood next to the kangaroo. "He is an ass hat, but that is no reason for him to be left alone to die." Rem said softly. The bobcat pulled him into a tight hug. "It's alright babe, he's safe now. Hopefully this will be what he needs to change his ways."
I smiled at them, Rem looked so small compared to the feline holding him. Even though they were almost the same height. The fennec was full of compassion, worrying about a friend who typically had more negative things to say than positive. I looked over at the black wolf. "Hard to feel bad for him, all his partying was sure to catch up at some point," James said.
"True, but if he is this bad off he needs our support. If he wont change, then there is nothing more we can do for him." I said stating the truth. We all knew that he had to change on his own. Otherwise he would just drag us down with him. "You know what he would say if he were sitting here and it was one of us?" James asked. Rem looked over, his ears perking slightly. Greg just kissed him on the forehead.
"He would say that we had it coming," I said honestly. James stood up and walked up to the bed. Looking down at the unconscious kangaroo. "You sure would, which is why it is hard for me to feel pity for you. Fuck you, because even knowing that I'm still here for you. Even though you're a self righteous prick, I'm still here. Because that's what friends do."
I placed a hand on James' shoulder. "Why us?" James asked looking back at me. "Out of everyone he could have went to. Why us?" I shook my head and his mates pulled him into a group hug. Rem gave the wolf a gentle nuzzle on the cheek. "I couldn't tell you that. Maybe he figured coming to us would have been too out of place. We do live in a loft, didn't want to feel like he hadn't gone far in life by comparison."
It was hard to deal with, Brian was a douche bag, but he was also our friend. Our feelings were mixed, and until he woke up and explained things, we had to deal with them on our own. "I have to get to work, if you guys need anything let me know." I said walking out of the room. Leaving them alone to sort through the situation.
Work went by slow, my case load was light and only a few clients needed anything drawn up. Jason was kept busy by the case I had given to him. "So the right to refuse service doesn't give an establishment the right to discriminate?" He asked looking up from the file at me. "Not in this State, you're doing good. Keep this up and you can have the case Miller wanted."
His ears perked and he sat forward. "Really?" He asked eagerly. "Yeah, I think you can handle it. How's that other case I gave you going?" The doberman smiled at me, "Pretty cut and dry. You cant contest a legal document when it was signed by someone clearly in the proper mindset." I scooted my chair back and stood up. "Winters is retiring this year, and with me up for junior partner to fill his void there will be an empty spot left behind me. I'm going to recommend you for it."
Jason had me in a hug before I could even see him close the distance between us. I chuckled and held the younger male against me. His parents had died when he was very young. Leaving his aunt to take care of him. Over the last year I had become a father to him. Little weird considering he is only seven years younger than myself. But I had filled the role perfectly. He looked into my eyes, "Bend me over daddy."
I chuckled and shook my head, "Sorry pup. You know the rules. I cant do that with anyone outside of our pride." He laid his ears back, "Take me as a pride mate then." I kissed his forehead, "Even if I wasn't mated we couldn't. You worked hard to get this far and I don't want anyone to think raising tail got you where you're going."
He nuzzled my cheek, "They wouldn't have to know." Gods I was hard, and so was he. I could feel his bulge pressing into mine. Jason wanted me bad and it took everything I had not to go further. "My mates would though, and that is a trust I cant betray. There are others who would be happy to take you. You can come over and meet some this weekend."
It had been a while since we all got together and just relaxed as a group. Plus it would give Jason a chance to meet some single guys. He thought about it for a second, "One kiss and you have a deal daddy." I smiled at him and pressed my lips to his. He melted in my arms, letting me take control. I wanted to so bad, I wanted to shove my tongue into his maw. To bend him over my desk and fuck him roughly.
I pulled back from the kiss slowly and he laid his ears back looking sad. He whimpered, wanting more. My office door swung open and I looked passed Jason to see Jen standing there staring at us. "Bad time?" She asked. I shook my head, "No we were just doing what we do." She raised a brow looking skeptical.
"Do your mates know about this?" She asked giving a knowing smile. "My mates know I would never lie to them or betray their trust. Jason wanted a kiss, so I gave him one." The doberman looked at the vixen he had been wanting since stepping into the office his first day. "He is really sweet, and I cant get anywhere with you." I nuzzled his cheek, "I do my best. Our place, Saturday night." He murred softly and smiled at me.
"I'll be there," He said slipping from my arms. Jason walked out of the room looking like he just won what he wanted. I chuckled and looked at Jen who didn't seem too amused by the turn of events. "Word just came down, your charity dinner falls on the night the big wigs want to do their party. Winters is leaving early, so your promotion is on the line. You have to be there."
I sighed and leaned against my desk. "Great, well I will just double my contribution and apologize to my mates. I thought I wouldn't have to give up family time at this stage in the game." I looked out the window across the city. "I'll stay too if you want," Jen offered. I shook my head, "No. You can have the day off, no sense in keeping you from your family."
"Thanks, and for what its worth. You're the most respectful attorney in this building." Jen said walking out of my office. She didn't have to tell me that, I knew that the others were assholes. Abusing their Para Legals and making demands from their Secretaries. I grabbed my jacket and briefcase and walked out of my office for the day. Knowing I would have to tell my mates I was going to miss another event because of work.
I couldn't just go home though, a friend of ours was in the hospital. So I drove back over to go check on him. Rem had stayed with him all day. James left not long after I did to go to work. Greg was doing swing shifts so he had left before I even got to the hospital. Rem sat in the chair, which was now right next to Brian's bed. The little fennec was obviously upset. "It's not your fault," I said to him.
Rem looked back, not noticing me walk into the room. "I know, but he came to us. I want to be sure he is taken care of." Rem said softly, his ears slowly rising up. "Go home Rem, I'll stay with him for a bit." I said walking over to him. "No, it's fine" Rem argued. I placed a hand on his shoulder, "I said go home. He wont be alone, so don't worry."
Rem sighed and slowly got up. "Don't leave him for an instant," Rem said looking up into my eyes. I smiled at him, "I wont. I promise." He hugged me tightly and I held him against me for a few minutes before he finally broke the hug. "Good night Kimber," Rem said walking out the door. "Good night Rem," I said before he walked out.
I sat in the chair, looking over some legal papers Jason had drawn up. My mates knew not to expect me home soon. I told Eric before he left the hospital for the night that I was staying with Brian. He offered to stay too but I told him to go home. Eric needed the sleep more than I did. It was just after midnight when Brian groaned and turned his head to look at me.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" He asked groggily. I put the briefs back into my briefcase and looked at Brian. "That's no way to greet a friend after this long. What happened to you?" I asked him. He snorted and stared at the wall. "So the storyteller wants to hear my tale?" Brian asked sounding annoyed. "Yes, yes I do. Now tell me everything."
"There ain't much to tell. After college my parents threw a bitch fit about my 'lifestyle'. So I left Prosser for good, stayed in Spokane for a while. Without you guys though it was bigot central. Got a job at a fast food joint, started smoking pot. Pot led to cocaine, which turned into meth, heroine, ecstasy and anything else I could get my hands on. Lost my job, my roommate threw me out and I came crawling back to P town."
"My parents didn't do shit but laugh and tell me this was God's punishment. I snooped through James' mail, well his dad's mail. That's how I found them. Hitchhiked my way up here, but I was in a rough spot. Stole a radio, sold it for cash to buy some pills off this guy behind a seven eleven. I don't remember much after that."
I took his hand in mine and he pulled it away. "Don't need sympathy from you big shot." I snorted, "Look douche bag. You have good friends, ones that are willing to stick by you through this shit. Check your attitude right now or I'm out that door for good." I said agitated. He sighed and sat up slowly, "You're all I have." I nodded my head slowly, "It sure seems that way. Going to cooperate?"
"What do I have to do?" He asked sounding defeated. "First, do as the doctors tell you. Then we will get you into rehab, or AA or whatever we have to do to get you clean. From there we get your life on track and prove to your parents that they are the losers, not you." He took in my words and looked down at his lap. "I'm such a burden, aren't I?"
I hugged him gently, noting how thin he had gotten. "You're not a burden. Now get some rest and don't worry about anything. We will help you through this rough spot." He returned the hug weakly. The high and mighty jackass was weak and vulnerable. I hoped that wouldn't make him push us away and refuse our help. Brian really needed us, I just held him and thought about what he had been through.
Thanks for reading, and for all of the support. I get tons of votes, faves, comments, and watches. I thank you guys for everything you do for me. Please keep doing what you're doing and I will keep thanking you for it. Please vote, watch if you want to see more from me. Not just this series but other great stories as well. Comment below with constructive criticism or your thoughts and feelings. Thanks for reading, chapter two will be out in a week.
Also, I will be doing an interview side story, where questions you ask of characters, any character from this series, will be answered by them. So post those below as well and they will make their way into that. You have to watch me though to know when it comes out since I wont put it in the My Pack folder, it will go under side stories.