Page 16 of Stout Bear

Noah glared. “You should have consulted the family before signing anything.”

Max resisted the urge to remind Noah who held ultimate decision-making authority. Such reminders only created deeper rifts, and they needed unity now more than ever. Liv frowned. The canisters hissed softly, pressurizing as chemical readings flashed on a small panel. Indicator lights changed from amber to green as the system initialized.

“You realize this expense could ruin our festival if it fails, right?” Gwen said.

He felt a stab of irritation. “Look, I discussed water filtration options with an environmental scientist,” Max lied. “This isn’t a knee-jerk decision.”

Gwen raised an eyebrow. “The scientist recommended this specific system?”

Max hesitated. “She confirmed the contamination extends beyond our property. We needed immediate action.”

He avoided mentioning that Laney had expressed skepticism about BioClean. Admitting that would undermine confidence in the solution he’d already purchased. Flint strolled over, politely interrupting, positioning himself beside Max. He offered a confident grin, as if reading the tension and trying to dispel it. His tailored suit stood out among the brewery staff’s casual attire.

“I understand your concerns. But I assure you, this is the best system on the market,” Flint said.

Gwen glanced sideways. “It better be.”

Nothing in his brewing education had prepared him for this. Max wanted to believe Flint’s confidence, clinging to the idea that the system would solve everything.

“The technology has proven effective in businesses all over Fate Mountain,” Flint continued. “Your brother made the right call, acting quickly. Contamination only worsens with time.”

Max appreciated the support, though he remained uncertain. Metal tools clanked as the crew finalized the installation. Noah had a hard edge in his eyes, while Gwen and Liv exchanged worried glances. “We can’t afford a delay. End of story,” Max said.

Noah shut off his tablet screen, muttering, “Fine. But you get to explain to Mom and Dad why we’re in the red.”

His pulse pounded, anger and anxiety battling inside him. He wouldn’t admit how he really felt. Pride and desperation drove him to appear in control. His parents had entrusted him with the brewery’s leadership, and he refused to show weakness.

“This discussion isn’t helping,” Gwen interjected. “What’s done is done. Let’s focus on making the festival successful.”

The siblings left in frustration, each heading in different directions. Max watched them go, tension gripping his jaw. The brewing floor quieted except for the last crew member tightening bolts on the main canister. The crew member offered a curt nod when finished, then joined his colleagues outside.

Max exhaled, acknowledging a heavy knot of doubt in his chest. The impressive canisters and technical jargon sounded convincing, but he knew little about the science behind them. He had placed his trust and the brewery’s future in Flint’s hands without thorough research.

He wondered whether he should have waited for more information from Laney before committing to such an expensive solution. Her scientific knowledge could have helped, but she’d been so reluctant to spend any time with him. His hesitation to push had probably been a mistake. At the end of the day, taking action felt better than doing nothing.

Max ran a hand through his hair, surveying the installation. The canisters looked impressive, but would they work? He considered calling Laney, explaining the system and asking for her professional opinion. Her reaction at the market had revealed skepticism about BioClean. Flint gestured to the completed installation, then handed Max a thick packet of maintenance instructions. Max tucked the papers under his arm, forcing a confident nod.

He stood alone in the quiet brewery, wrestling with an uneasy sense that he didn’t deserve the trust his parents put in him. He walked to his office, closing the door behind him. Had he acted too hastily? Was Flint taking advantage of their desperation? Could the brewery afford this expense if the festival failed to generate expected revenue? Max placed the maintenance manual on his desk. Flint promised immediate improvements in water quality.

He checked his phone, seeing no messages from Laney. Their connection complicated matters, and he still didn’t know how to deal with it. Max sat at his desk, reviewing festival preparations to distract himself from mounting worry. Vendor confirmations, music schedules, and promotional materials required his attention.

His siblings’ words echoed in his mind. Max gazed through his office door at the BioClean filtration system, hoping he hadpurchased salvation rather than snake oil. Only time would tell, and time was a resource he couldn’t afford to waste.

Chapter

Seventeen

Laney saton her unmade bed, scrolling aimlessly through her phone. Her stomach churned as she recalled Max’s invitation to the beer festival. His handsome face appeared in her mind, making her inner fox whine with need. She tried to push her confusing feelings aside.

Laney tossed her phone onto the rumpled sheets and stood. She needed a shower to clear her head. Perhaps then she could focus on unpacking—a task she had neglected since arriving in town.

She walked into the bathroom, undressed, and stepped into the shower, letting hot water cascade over her hair and shoulders. The pressure washed away the physical tension but did nothing for her mental turmoil. Her pulse quickened as thoughts of Max intruded again, the mating bond refusing to be ignored.

After getting out of the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel. She wiped steam from the bathroom mirror and saw all her flaws reflected back to her. Scrawny arms, tiny breasts, too many freckles, and hair that frizzed even when wet. A heavy sense of inadequacy tightened her chest. How could someone like Max be mated to someone like her? Laney let out a sigh of frustration.

Her memory dragged her back to a moment in childhood. Her siblings were teasing her in the family living room. She’d pleaded with her father to give her the changing bite.

“You’re not a full shifter, Laney. Your mother is human. You should be content with who you are,” her father said.

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