Page 21 of Stout Bear

She stared at her reflection, barely recognizing the woman gazing back. A giddy sense of confidence filled her chest. The makeup artist showed her how to apply foundation that enhanced rather than covered her freckles, explaining that they added character to her look.

“Contour here, highlight there,” the makeup artist demonstrated. “You have excellent bone structure—we just need to emphasize it.”

Liv watched from a nearby chair, nodding approvingly. Laney absorbed every tip, determined to recreate this look for the festival. Her old insecurities whispered that she was fooling herself, that no amount of makeup could make her worthy of Max, but the woman in the mirror projected confidence she’d never possessed.

Liv and Laney stepped away from the salon chairs, turning toward the large wall mirror. Laney stood in awe, running a hand lightly through her styled hair. Warm overhead lights accentuated Laney’s transformed look. Her hair had more shape and shine, and her makeup tastefully highlighted her features. Liv grinned from ear to ear. “Girl, you look incredible. Max won’t know what hit him!”

“I can’t believe this is me,” Laney replied, voice trembling. For the first time, her appearance matched how she wanted to feel—confident, attractive, worthy of attention.

The stylist handed Laney a bag of products. “Everything we used today.”

“Thank you,” Laney said, still mesmerized by her reflection.

After paying, Laney and Liv gathered shopping bags and salon freebies, stepping outside into the late afternoon sun.

“I don’t know how to thank you. I’ve never felt this... put together,” Laney said.

Liv laughed, “Just promise me you’ll come to the festival dressed to kill. I want to see my brother’s jaw hit the floor.”

She felt a surge of warmth, thinking about the festival and how Max might react. But a flicker of doubt nagged at her. She still hadn’t told him about being a half-shifter. The makeover felt wonderful, but it didn’t change the fundamental fact she was hiding. Sooner or later, she’d need to tell Max the truth.

“I promise,” Laney said.

Liv pulled her into a quick hug. “This was fun. We should make it a regular thing.”

The casual offer of friendship caught Laney off guard. She’d moved to Fate Mountain for work, never expecting to find personal connections. Yet here was Liv, treating her like family already.

Chapter

Twenty-Two

Max satin the front row, watching the mayor approach the podium in the bustling town square. The opening night of the festival had finally arrived after months of planning, stress, and financial worry. Hundreds of people crowded the festival grounds, their excited chatter filling the air as they moved between booths and displays.

“Welcome residents and honored guests,” the mayor said, his voice carrying over the gathered crowd. “I declare the Fate Mountain Beer Festival officially open!” The mayor raised his hands, and the crowd erupted in applause.

Max scanned the festival setup for the hundredth time. The string lights flickered overhead, casting a warm glow across the square. Vendor booths lined the perimeter, each displaying colorful banners. The sound system worked perfectly, and so far, everything seemed to be running according to schedule.

Max exhaled slowly as people began moving toward the booths and beer garden. The first hurdle cleared. Hours of meticulous planning had paid off, at least for now. He nodded to the soundtechnician who gave him a thumbs up in return. As he stepped away from the stage, Gwen approached.

“Everything’s running smoothly so far,” she said. “The beer garden is already packed, and Noah says turnout exceeds projections by fifteen percent.”

“Good. That’s good,” Max replied, still mentally checking off items from his list. “Any word on the first band’s set?”

“They’re ready to go in five minutes,” Gwen assured him.

Max turned to survey the crowd again when his heart suddenly lurched in his chest. There, at the entrance to the square, stood Laney.

The sight of her made him forget to breathe. She wore a deep blue dress that caught the festival lights, making her appear to glow. Her auburn hair, normally pulled back in a functional style, now framed her face in soft waves. She looked around, a smile playing on her lips as she took in the festival atmosphere.

Max barely registered Gwen speaking to him. The noise of the crowd faded to a distant hum as he stared, transfixed. This was Laney, but transformed. Not the shy scientist in practical clothing who had stumbled into his brewery that first day, but a confident woman who took his breath away.

“Max? Hello? Are you listening?” Gwen waved a hand in front of his face.

“Sorry, I...” He couldn’t finish the sentence. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

He moved through the crowd toward Laney, his heart pounding against his ribs. When their eyes met, her smile broadened, andhe felt warmth spread through him. “You came,” he said when he reached her, immediately feeling foolish for stating the obvious.

“I said I would.” Laney glanced down at her dress. “Liv helped me pick this out. Is it too much?”

---