Chapter Two

Weldon

Because I was so worried about Tatum, the trip back to my cabin seemed to take twice as long as it normally would. If I were in bear form, I could have sprinted quickly, but I needed my arms to hold onto my mate.

Especially since his strength was waning, and he was no longer able to hold onto me. I stopped twice along the way to allow my poor mate to vomit when his body lurched in my arms.

Tatum was terrified at the bright red color, worried that it may be blood, until I explained it was from undigested berries. My sweet boy tried to apologize for the scene, claiming it was ‘gross’, but I told him that he could never do anything to disgust me; especially when it had to do with his health.

And unfortunately, soon he wasn’t saying anything. By the time we reached my cabin, Tatum was completely wiped out. His skin was pale and clammy, and his body was limp in my arms. His eyes were closed, but I was comforted by the gentle rise and fall of his chest.

I balanced him in my hold to open my front door before hurrying him into the bedroom. I pulled back the blankets covering my king bed and nestled him against the mattress, making sure his head was cradled on the pillow. I slipped off his sneakers and placed them beneath the bed.

Once I was sure he was comfortable, I hurried into the bathroom to retrieve a trash can, which I placed beside the bed in case he needed it. I was glad he was sleeping for the time being; he wouldn't feel the painful stomach cramps as long as he was resting.

Tatum's body curled into the fetal position and vibrated with cold chills. I tucked the blankets snugly around him before hurrying to the opposite side of the room, to the wide fireplace there. I usually only used it in the coldest winter months, since my thick, hairy body tended to stay warm, but luckily, I had enough wood stacked next to the hearth to build a decent fire.

Once I’d done that, and the sweat was already beading on my brow, I returned to Tatum’s side. I wanted nothing more than to take him in my arms and comfort him, but I would never do so without permission. Instead, I sat next to him and waited for a sign that he needed me.

It didn’t take long. Within moments, Tatum’s body lurched as his eyes flew open. I grabbed the trash can and moved it just in time to catch his vomit. Once he seemed to be empty for the moment, I hurried into the bathroom and returned with two damp cloths; I used one to clean his face, and I placed the other one across his forehead.

“Thank you,” Tatum whispered in a weak voice. Even though he had to be feeling miserable, he was still so sweet.

“You’re welcome, Taterbug,” I replied, and the corners of his lips twitched at the nickname. “Is there anything you need?”

He gently shook his head no, but after a few moments, he whimpered, “So cold.”

“I’ve started a fire. I’m sorry I don’t have any extra blankets.” I tended to sleep hot, so I didn’t need them. I swallowed hard and hedged, “I can hold you if you’d like. Is that okay?” His pale cheeks pinked a bit as he nodded. I could smell the shift in his pheromones, and knew the blush was from nervous intrigue, but not fear.

My heart raced as I pulled back the blankets and laid in bed next to him. Tatum lifted his head from the pillow and rested it on my chest, nuzzling against my sweater. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. Even through our clothes, his body was like ice against mine. The coolness was refreshing, but I hated that my mate was so sick.

I loved holding Tatum in my arms. The first time, it was from necessity; he’d fallen, and then was too sick to walk on his own. But now, this was by desire. Yes, he was cold and looking for body heat; however, the scent of his excitement in the air told the rest of the story.

I caressed my hand up and down his back to soothe him as his breathing evened out and he fell asleep once more. Tatum fell into a cycle of jolting awake from sickness, curling up to me for warmth after I cleaned his face, and then falling asleep.

Eventually, after Tatum got sick once more, he looked up at me; he appeared so pale and exhausted. His lips were almost white and they barely moved when he whispered, “I need to use the bathroom. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Taterbug. You can’t help being sick.”

His eyes filled with moisture. “Yes I could. I’m so stupid; I was just so hungry.”

“You are not stupid,” I insisted. “The forest can be a dangerous place. But I promise to teach you all about it when you’re feeling better. I also promise that you’ll never be hungry again.” It was a big statement, but it was easy to make. Tatum was mine now, and he’d never want for anything.

I was curious about his story; how he ended up alone and hungry in the woods. But he wasn’t up to answering those questions yet. When he was, I would do anything I could to take his pain away, and make his life a happy one.

“For now, I’m going to take care of you. Please, don’t apologize; it’s my pleasure and honor to do so.” Tatum thanked me with a shaky smile.

I stood up out of bed and scooped my mate into my arms. Tatum was mostly limp as I carried him into the bathroom, and when I tried to stand him in front of the toilet, his legs wouldn't support him. I turned him around in my hold and helped him sit down on the porcelain before kneeling before him.

“Is it okay if I help you with your pants?” I doubted he could manage them on his own, but I wouldn't overstep any boundaries. Tatum gave a little nod and I kept my gaze locked onto his while I shimmied his pants and underwear down around his ankles. Then I stood upright, and Tatum rested his head on my soft belly while he relieved himself.

When I imagined being a Daddy to my boy, I'd always pictured taking care of him in all ways; even helping with his most basic, primal needs. But I couldn't fully enjoy the moment, knowing my sweet mate felt so horribly. Still, I was touched and proud that he trusted me to help him.

Once Tatum was finished, I locked eyes with him once more as I situated his jeans onto his hips, and then cradled him into my arms again. By the time we reached the bed again, my poor Taterbug looked completely wiped out. A simple bathroom trip was hard on him, even when he didn't walk. As I laid him down on the mattress, an idea to further help and care for him knitted together in my mind.

“I'll be right back,” I told him, and smiled at his quiet whimper of protest. “I'll be quick,” I promised, before hurrying out of the bedroom and into the next room over.

This room has been the source of countless emotions over the years; from the excitement of preparing it, to the hope of putting it to use, the sadness of seeing it stocked but not needed, and the fear of never needing it. But after all this time, patiently waiting for my boy, it was finally time to use the nursery; Tatum's nursery.

My hands quivered with anticipation as I opened the dresser drawers. I'd stocked them with items of all sizes, wanting to be prepared for anything my boy may need. The first thing I grabbed was a pair of small black sweatpants, along with some fuzzy socks.

The next item is what truly made my heart sing. I ran my fingers across several soft cotton diapers, once again choosing a small size for Tatum. I tucked everything under my arm before rushing back to my mate.

I sat on the bed next to him, and Tatum looked up at me with tired eyes. He hadn't fallen back asleep; he was waiting for me. I ran my fingers through his soft hair and told him, “I have a few things to help you.” I revealed the clothing first. “These pants will be more comfortable than your jeans, and the socks will keep your toes nice and warm.” He gave me a sweet, tiny smile and a gentle nod.

“I've got one more thing,” I explained, still keeping the diaper from his view. “It's totally up to you whether you'd like to use it or not.” I'd never push him into anything; his comfort and care were all I cared about.

Tatum’s droopy eyes widened when I showed him the diaper. “This way, you won't have to get up to go to the bathroom; you can just relax and I'll take care of the rest.” I made sure he knew, “I'm also happy to help you to the toilet. I want whatever you're comfortable with.”

I remained silent to allow him to think. I could practically feel both the intrigue and trepidation rolling off of him. After several long, quiet moments, Tatum slowly reached his hand out from under the blanket and gently tapped on the cotton.

“Okay,” I told him with a smile, though I kept my excitement under wraps. I didn't want him to feel obligated; he was free to change his mind. “Is it alright for me to help you with your pants again?” I didn't know if he'd worn a diaper a hundred times, or if this was his first time, but it didn't matter. I wanted his permission with each step.

Tatum trapped his bottom lip between his teeth and gazed up at me with wide, innocent eyes. He looked so sweet as he gave a tiny nod.

I pulled back the blankets and helped him roll onto his back before unbuttoning his jeans. I watched his face for any signs of apprehension while I pulled the zipper down, and when I saw none, I shimmied the denim down his legs. I dipped my fingertips into the waistband of his briefs and waited for another nod of permission before I rolled them down and over his feet, tossing all the fabric to the floor.

I tried not to let my eyes linger on his nude bottom half. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable, plus, this wasn't the time to ogle, since he was ill and I was caring for him. But that didn't mean I couldn't sneak a quick peek.

His penis was soft and cut, with a pink tip. It rested against his fuzzy balls, and I'd never seen such a lovely sight. I slid my arm beneath his thighs and raised his legs to slide the diaper beneath his cute, round bottom. Tatum spread his legs slightly, allowing me to fold the front flap over his pelvis. I smiled at the teddy bear pattern on the cotton. I thought they were perfectly fitting, and I hoped once Tatum learned more about me, he'd think so, too.

I secured the diaper with the tape strips on each side, making sure it wasn't too tight against his skin. I was finally able to pull my gaze away from the precious sight to ask him, “How does that feel?”

Tatum’s eyes were glassy when he looked back at me. “It fee-” his voice cracked and he cleared his throat to whisper, “It feels so good.”

Something about his expression and the hitch in his voice suggested that this was the first time he'd ever worn a diaper in his adult life. I was honored that he trusted me, and that I would be the only man to share the experience with him.

I reached up to run my fingers through his hair. “You are the most beautiful baby bear.”

He gave me a pretty smile until his lips dropped into a yawn. I needed to finish getting him ready so that he could rest again. I pulled on his sweatpants, which fit perfectly around his hips. They were snug enough that I could see the padding of his diaper beneath them, but he still had plenty of wiggle room.

I left his regular socks on, and rolled the fuzzy pair on top. Their red and black stripes matched his pants and red sweatshirt. He was so cute, I hated to cover him back up, but my mate was still cold, judging by the shivers rocking his body.

I laid down beside him once more, and Tatum snuggled into my side without hesitation. I smiled at the crinkling sound coming from his pants, and it widened when he nuzzled against me. I wrapped him in my arms, doubting life could get any better. But I knew with my baby bear by my side, it would.