Free Astrid Cielo by Begging for Forgiveness (Pinewood Creek Shifters)

beneath
him.   The knock came again and he
stood.   Skylar and Gunner stopped their
play and Skylar stood.  
    "I'll get
it.   I think you two have someone to
punish."
    Aspen gasped and
got to her feet to run, but Skylar was too fast taking her gently to the floor
where Gunner was waiting to resume the tickling.   Xavier laughed and went to the door.
    His first
instinct was to growl at the male who stood at the door, but that was just the
mating heat talking.   He shook his head
and took him in.   Approximately
his height, about six feet one inch with strawberry blonde hair and tanned
skin.   His hazel eyes regarded him
with open curiosity.  
    "Hi, I'm
Zackary and I'm here to pick up Gunner."
    Peals of
laughter flowed out the door and Xavier motioned for the male to enter.  
    "Look Uncle
Zack, I gots Aspen."
    Zackary laughed
at the toddler who held Aspen's hands above her head while Skylar continued to
tickle her.  
    "I see
buddy.   Are you ready to go?"
    " Awww , do we hafta ?"
    "Yes, we do
have to.   I've got a term paper due and
some studying; besides I need to get dinner started since Essence won't get
home until around five.   Hold on a
second..."
    He picked out
his cell phone and answered turning away from the group.
    Gunner released
Aspen and lie down beside her placing his head beside
hers.   He turned and placed his hand on
her cheek.
    "I stay here
with you and Sky and Zay ."
    Aspen's eyes
filled with tears.   Damn this woman was
beautiful.
    "I think
Zackary wants you to go home with him, baby.   I'm sorry," Aspen said.
    "I come
over nother time?"
    "Of
course, Gunner.   Anytime you like."
    The little boy smiled
and Aspen smiled with him.  
    "I'm sorry,
but I don't have a babysitter, but I would love the hours," Zackary said
into his phone.
    Xavier watched
the male hang up the phone and took in the boy’s appearance.   "Why don't you come into the kitchen
with me while Gunner finishes up with Sky and Aspen?"
    Zackary absently
nodded and followed Xavier into the kitchen.   "So, why do you need the hours so much?"
    Xavier wasn't
stupid, had seen the same look in his father's eyes lots of times.   It was hard to raise five kids even with the
pack helping out.   Zackary sighed.
    "Just
a little extra money."
    So, he wasn't
going to divulge all the information, that was fine, but if he and Sky were
going to be a part of this pride, as he assumed since Sky hadn't spoken a word about
returning to their former apartment, then they needed to start somewhere.
    "Look, why
don't you go in to work, or hell, go do all your
homework and take a break.   Gunner wants
to stay anyways, and Sky needs the practice."
    Zackary looked
undecided then sighed.   "I've not
had much time to myself since becoming beta and we really could use the extra
money...okay, but you can call me if Gunner gets to be too much."
    Xavier rejoined
Sky, Aspen and Gunner in the living room.
    "Good news
Gunner, Zack said you could stay."
    " Yay !"
    Zackary came out
of the kitchen.   "Thanks guys.   I'll be at Haven's if you need me, okay.   Oh and will you tell Essence I went in for some
extra hours."
    “Of course,”
Xavier said.
    "Bye
Zackary,” Aspen and Gunner said in unison.
    He waved and
gone was the male from the kitchen and back was the almost goofy grin he always
seemed to sport.   There was something up
with Essence and Zackary, but looking at Aspen and Sky he knew he had some
bridges to gap right here.   Besides,
things usually worked out, right?

 
    ***

 
    Andrew looked at
the job posting one more time, but couldn't bring himself to hit the apply
button.   He sighed.   Who was he kidding?   He wasn't a doctor--not a real one--of course
he had the degree that said different, but he knew the truth.  
    Dr. Weber had
urged him to apply for the emergency room physician position at Pinewood Creek
Hospital, but Andrew wasn't sure if that was the right thing--for him or his
patients.  
    "Fuck
it."
    He clicked the
apply