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As a note to the reader, while characters in this story are over eighteen, the narrative contains descriptions of bondage, anal and oral sex, and body modification. If any of these acts offend you or are illegal to read where you reside, please move on. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Chapter 13: Life in the Wilderness
Dappled sunlight danced across Jeff's eyelids, stirring him from slumber. He blinked awake, taking in the warm bodies of Jake and Dave nestled against him. A smile tugged at his lips as he gazed at his companions, still lost in dreams.
"Rise and shine, boys," Jeff murmured, his voice husky with sleep. He ran a gentle paw down Jake's spine, savoring the feel of smooth skin punctuated by patches of soft fur. He smiled as he rubbed the younger beast's belly.
"Putting on some spring fat there, aren't ya, Jake," Jeff said with a smile.
Jake chuckled.
"I guess," he replied. "A little more fat isn't a bad thing."
"No!" Jeff replied. "I like how your cheeks and muzzle have filled out, too."
Jake smiled and licked his face.
"The weird thing is the pouch," Jake said, pointing to his belly. "It used to be open. I often put berries in there to store them when I was out foraging. But it has sealed shut."
"Really?" Jeff asked as he rubbed the area.
"Yeah, the opening used to be right where the fur started to change color," Jake said.
Jeff ran his paw over the band of lighter color fur that had developed across Jake's belly.
"Does it hurt?" Jeff asked.
"No," Jake replied.
"With all the changes we have been through, there is no telling what is going on," Jeff said. "I'm sure you will be okay."
Dave groaned and stretched, his muscular form rippling.
"Five more minutes, coach," he mumbled.
Jeff chuckled.
"No can do, champ. We've got work to do."
Jeff sat up, surveying their disorganized cave with a critical eye.
"We have been neglecting our housekeeping duties around here. We need to get better organized and stock up on food. The water is running a little low in the cave, too. We should find a new source."
As Jake and Dave roused themselves, Jeff's mind raced with plans. He'd grown up on a farm - he knew the value of hard work and preparation. Now, those lessons were helping them survive.
"Alright, team, huddle up," Jeff said, adopting the authoritative tone that came so naturally.
Jake and Dave gathered close, still rubbing sleep from their eyes.
"We each have jobs to do this morning. Jake, I need you on water exploration duty. Dave, you're in charge of foraging. I'll stay here and fortify the camp."
Dave grinned, slapping Jeff on the back.
"Look at you, taking charge," His eyes gleamed with affection and a hint of arousal. "You got it, coach!"
Jake nodded.
"Love you, Boo," Jake said as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jeff's muzzle.
The simple gesture filled Jeff with warmth. As he watched Jake and Dave prepare for their tasks, a fierce protectiveness welled up inside him. They were his to care for now - his lovers, his family. And he'd do whatever it took to keep them safe.
Jake moved through the forest - his heightened senses alive with every subtle shift in the environment. The earthy scent of damp soil filled his nostrils as he approached the babbling stream not far away. Sunlight danced on the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing pattern that captivated his enhanced vision.
"Man, this is trippy," Jake muttered, dipping his paws into the cool water.
The sensation sent shivers up his arms, more intense than he'd ever felt before.
"It's like I can feel every droplet."
As he filled a plastic container he brought with him, the forest symphony surrounded him - birds chirping, leaves rustling, small creatures scurrying in the underbrush. Each sound was crisp and distinct, painting a vivid auditory landscape.
Meanwhile, Dave prowled through the woods, his movements a fluid blend of human athleticism and animalistic grace. He breathed in, catching the sweet scent of ripe berries on the breeze.
"Score!" Dave exclaimed, spotting a bush laden with plump blackberries.
As he gathered them and put them in his backpack, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Coach would flip if he saw me now. From catching passes to picking berries - talk about a career change."
His new instincts guided him, helping him discern which plants were safe to eat. Dave's mind wandered to Jeff and Jake, a warmth spreading through his chest.
"Never thought I'd say this, but I wouldn't trade this for anything. Those guys... they're my real team now."
Jake sauntered back into camp, a container of water sloshing between his arms. He caught sight of Dave, a backpack full of berries, and a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Well, well, if it isn't the mighty hunter returning with his kill," Jake teased, eyeing the fruit. "Bet those berries put up quite a fight, huh?"
Dave snorted, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, at least I didn't spend all morning splashing around like a lost puppy. Did you actually get any water, or were you too busy admiring your reflection?"
"Please," Jake scoffed, flexing dramatically. "With a mug like this, can you blame me?"
They burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the trees. Dave's chest tightened with affection. Even as beasts, their bond felt so natural, so right.
"Come on, water boy," Dave said, bumping Jake's shoulder. "Let's see what Jeff's up to. I'm starving enough to eat a defensive line."
As they approached the cave, they saw a fire at the entrance. The aroma of roasted herbs and fish filled the air. Jeff looked up and grinned.
"About time, you two. I was starting to think you'd gotten lost."
"Nah," Jake replied, settling down beside him. "Dave just needed extra time to make himself pretty for you."
Dave felt his cheeks warm, a mixture of embarrassment and something else.
"You wish," he mumbled but couldn't help smiling.
As they dug into the meal, conversation flowed easily. Dave marveled at how comfortable he felt, how accepting Jeff and Jake were of his jock-ish quips and sports analogies.
"You know," Dave said between bites, "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm kind of digging this whole 'beast mode' thing. It's like... I don't know, like I'm finally comfortable in my own skin."
Jeff nodded, his eyes soft. "I feel the same way. It's liberating, isn't it?"
"Totally," Jake chimed in. "Plus, the company's not bad either."
"Alright, enough mushy stuff," Dave declared, trying to lighten the mood. "Who's up for dessert? I've got berries begging to be devoured, and we still have some of that sugar we found in that cabin a few weeks ago to cover them in."
Jeff and Jake licked their lips, and Dave smiled.
In the afternoon, Jeff stood up, stretching his muscular frame as he walked to the edge of their cave. The forest sprawled before him - a vibrant tapestry of greens and browns. He inhaled deeply, the earthy scent filling his lungs, grounding him in this moment of reflection.
"How goes it?" Dave called out.
Jeff turned, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Good," he replied, his gaze sweeping over Dave and Jake, who were cuddling at the back of the cave. "Just taking it all in. Never thought I'd feel so... at peace out here."
Jake stretched and got up. He approached Jeff and placed a paw on his shoulder.
"It's pretty surreal, huh?"
Jeff nodded, his eyes shimmering with emotion.
"You know, back in Nebraska, I always felt like I was playing a part. But here, with you two, in these new bodies... I feel free."
Dave joined them, and his usual bravado softened.
"Yeah, man. It's like we've shed more than just our old skin."
Jeff's paw found Dave's, squeezing it gently.
"How about an adventure today? I'm ready to venture out and explore a bit more of our new home!"
"Lead the way, coach," Dave grinned, his eyes twinkling.
They set off into the dense forest, Jeff at the helm. His movements were fluid, perfectly blending his human grace and newfound animal instincts. Jake and Dave fell in step behind him, their bodies moving in sync as if choreographed.
"Watch your step here," Jeff called back, effortlessly navigating a tangle of roots. "Dave, you good back there?"
Dave chuckled, easily keeping pace.
"Please, this is nothing compared to running drills. Though I gotta say, the view's much better."
Jake playfully swatted at Dave.
"Eyes on the trail, not my tail, hotshot."
Jeff paused as they pushed through a particularly dense patch of underbrush, his senses alert.
"You guys hear that?"
The others stopped, listening intently. The forest seemed to pulse around them, alive with possibility.
"What is it?" Jake whispered, moving closer to Jeff.
Jeff shook his head, a mix of excitement and caution in his eyes.
"Not sure, but I think we should check it out. You with me?"
Dave and Jake nodded.
"Over here!" Jake called out, his voice breaking the tension as he pointed to a dark shadow partially obscured by thick vines and mossy foliage. Jeff's heart raced as they drew closer, the air crackling with anticipation.
"Looks like another cave," Dave said, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Should we go in?"
"Absolutely," Jeff replied, his calm authority settling over them like a warm blanket. "But let's be cautious."
The entrance was narrow, jagged rocks jutting outward as if protecting the secrets within. As Jeff stepped inside, he felt a rush of cool, damp air envelop him, sending a shiver down his spine. The scent of earth and minerals filled his nostrils, mingled with the faint musk of something ancient and alive.
"Wow," Jake said, stepping in after him. "This is... incredible."
Inside, the cave opened up into a vast chamber, the walls glistening with moisture. The sound of dripping water echoed softly, rhythmic, and soothing, like nature's heartbeat. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, their formations beckoning with an otherworldly allure.
"Look at these formations," Jeff said, brushing his fingers along the smooth surface of a colossal stalagmite. "It's like they've been shaped over centuries."
"Just think about all the stories this place could tell," Dave added, his gaze sweeping across the cavern. "It feels like we're walking through history."
As the trio ventured deeper, their laughter bounced off the walls, creating a symphony of sound that danced in the cool air. Jeff marveled at how vibrant everything felt - each droplet of water, each breath they took, was a new experience. The cave felt alive, pulsing with energy, just as they were.
"Hey, check this out!" Jake exclaimed, kneeling beside a small pool reflecting shimmering light from above. He leaned closer, his eagerness infectious. "The water is so clear and calm it is like a mirror!"
"Careful, don't fall in," Jeff teased, but his eyes sparkled with affection for his mate's adventurous spirit.
"Who, me? Never," Jake shot back, grinning as he splashed his paw in the water, sending droplets flying toward Jeff and Dave.
"Okay, that's it!" Dave laughed, lunging forward and playfully pushing Jake away.
The three of them erupted in laughter, the sound reverberating through the cave like a joyous anthem. In that moment of playful chaos, Jeff felt a surge of warmth blossom in his chest. Here, surrounded by the wonders of nature and the companionship of Jake and Dave, he realized the true treasure they'd discovered: a family forged in the wild, bound not just by circumstance but by love and acceptance.
"Alright, alright," Jeff said, trying to regain control. "Let's keep exploring. There's so much more to see."
With renewed enthusiasm, they wandered further into the depths of the cave. There were areas where the ceiling had collapsed, letting in beams of light. They bounced off the mineral formations in the galleries, giving the atmosphere an ethereal glow.
Jake moved beside Jeff, rubbing his head on their leader's neck. Jeff smiled and reciprocated. Jake let out a soft purr that signaled both contentment and love. The two paused to kiss.
Ahead, Dave turned to see Jeff and Jake huddled close, their hushed voices echoing softly in the cave's chamber. A familiar pang of longing tugged at his chest, but a warm contentment quickly replaced it. He smiled to himself.
"How about you two rest here for a while," Dave said. "I want to do some solo exploration. Used to crawl around in caves as a kid all the time."
"You sure?" Jake asked, turning to the bigger beast.
"I'm sure," Dave smiled as he looked at Jeff.
Jeff winked as he put his paw on Jake's shoulder and rubbed it.
"We will wait here," Jeff said. "Just be careful."
"I will," Dave replied as he wandered farther in.
"I do like those chubby cheeks you are developing," Jeff said seductively.
Jake blushed, and his lips quivered. His tail moved back and forth and then pulled to the side.
"Feel like a little knot time?" Jake asked.
"You read my mind," Jeff replied as he moved around to Jake's rear and began to lick.
Jeff's cock began to engorge and emerge from his sheath, and Jake leaned down to lift his rump.
"Ugh," Jake groaned as Jeff slid in him.
The sound of their lovemaking soon filled the chamber and added to the heat of the moment. Jake flushed as his lover went deeper. He wanted to be nowhere else.
"Yeah, it was definitely time for some solo exploration," Dave muttered, his jock bravado masking a hint of vulnerability.
He could hear the unmistakable sounds of sex behind him. He felt a burn in his groin. He wanted to join in, but he also understood that Jeff needed alone time with their omega. He ventured deeper into the cave, his heightened senses picking up the subtle shifts in air currents and the faint scrabbling of unseen creatures. As he moved through a narrow passageway, Dave's thoughts drifted.
"Never thought I'd end up here," he mused, running a paw along the cool, damp wall. "But damn if it doesn't feel right."
The passage opened into a small grotto, sunlight filtering through a crack in the ceiling. Water cascaded down from above and landed in a small pool surrounded by rock features. Dave could see small fish and tadpoles moving around under the shimmering surface. He sighed as he took in the otherworldly beauty.
"This is our endzone now," he chuckled, the sports metaphor coming naturally. "It is our goal and our reward. I wouldn't trade this for anything."
Dave dangled his paws in the water, playing with the creatures that came up to nibble at his fur. He laughed and splashed, feeling like a kid again. Throwing his head back and growling softly, he sighed.
"Echo!" he called out, listening to his deep voice bounce off the walls and move around him.
He was still getting used to the sound. The tone and timbre forever altered due to his transformation, but he still partially sounded like himself. He kind of liked it. It sounded more like the announcer he remembered who hosted the university football games he watched from the time he was a toddler.
"Score!" he shouted again as he raised his arms into the air and acted like he had made a touchdown.
The reverberations sounded around him again - his own personal crowd cheering him on.
After about a half hour, he got back to his feet.
"That should be enough time," Dave said with a smile as he made his way back.
When he returned to the chamber where he had left his two packmates, he found them in post-coital bliss, curled up and rubbing each other.
"You lovebirds have a good time?" Dave asked as he bounded down from a ledge above them.
"Yes," Jake replied. "Though you didn't have to leave."
Dave smiled and crawled over to Jake. He stuck out his tongue and gently licked the younger beast's muzzle.
"Yeah, I did. I love you both, but we each need our alone time, too. That's what makes bonds stronger."
Jake kissed him back.
"Well, I want alone time with you when we get back home."
"That's no problem," Jeff said as he picked himself up and shook his fur. "I can go out and forage for some more berries for dinner."
"Thank you," Dave replied with a soft tone.
Jeff kissed his nose as he walked back in the direction they had entered.
As they emerged from the cave, the afternoon sun caressed their skin, warming them to their core.
"I meant to ask you," Jake said to Dave, eyes twinkling. "Find anything good in the cave while we were engaged?"
"You mean knotted?" Dave said with a smile.
Jake blushed, and Dave laughed. He threw an arm around each of them.
"That place is amazing. We need to go back again sometime."
Jeff and Jake nodded.
"I'm living the best damn life I could ask for!" Dave exclaimed.
As twilight descended, the trio sat around their fire. Jeff stoked it, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across their faces.
"Home sweet home," Jake quipped.
Jeff chuckled, his voice a low rumble.
"Never thought I'd call a cave a home, but here we are."
Dave stretched out, his muscular form relaxed.
"Beats the hell outta our fraternity house. Don't get me wrong! I loved that place. Some of my best memories were made there... well, best memories before we met."
Jeff and Jake smiled.
"But it was old and smelled of beer, sex, and piss."
"So, just like you!" Jeff replied playfully.
Dave laughed. They nestled together, limbs intertwining with practiced ease. Jake nuzzled into Jeff's chest while Dave's arm draped protectively over them both.
"You know," Jake murmured, his fingers tracing patterns on Jeff's skin, "I used to dream about finding my place in the world. Never imagined it'd be like this."
Jeff kissed the top of Jake's head, his eyes soft and affectionate. "Sometimes the best things in life are the ones we never saw coming."
Dave hummed in agreement, his paw finding Jake's.
"Who needs normal anyway? We've got our own slice of paradise right here."
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As with my other stories on Nifty, I accept and love to get constructive feedback and criticism from my readers. You can contact me at slavebear1976@gmail.com