Page 26 of Stout Bear

Laney turned off the lights and curled under her blankets. Her body hummed with longing. She tossed and turned, trying to quiet her thoughts. Gradually, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted into sleep, images of Max following her into her dreams.

She found herself back at the festival, but now they were alone in the town square. The light illuminated only them in the velvet darkness, the music softer yet somehow resonating through her very core. Max's strong arms lifted her as if she weighed nothing,his large hands gripping her thighs as he pressed her against the rough bark of a nearby tree.

The dream intensified, her dress hiking up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the hard evidence of his desire pressing insistently against her center. His hands explored her body, cupping her breasts through the thin fabric before sliding beneath to feel her bare skin, thumbs circling her hardened nipples until she whimpered. His lips trailed fire down her neck, teeth grazing the sensitive spot where her pulse raced beneath her skin.

“Laney,” he growled, his voice dropping to a gravelly timber that made heat pool low in her belly.

She gasped as his hand slid between their bodies to touch her slick need. She arched against him, desperate for more. She felt herself building toward release, every nerve ending alive and singing with pleasure as his touch became more insistent, his mouth capturing hers to swallow her moans as the pressure coiled tighter within her.

Laney jolted awake in the morning, flushed and breathing hard as an orgasm clenched her core. Morning light filtered through her blinds. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, startling her to full alertness. She grabbed the phone and checked the screen. A text from Max made her sit upright, suddenly wide awake.

“Morning, beautiful. I’m running in the Fate Mountain Charity Fun Run today. Would love to see you at the finish line. Meet me at the square after I finish? We can grab pancakes!”

Laney read the message twice, a jolt of excitement running down her spine. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon, butthe thought of spending more time with Max filled her with anticipation.

“I’d love that,” she typed back. “What time should I be there?”

His response came quickly. “Race starts at 8. I should finish around 9. See you then?”

“I’ll be there,” she replied, adding a smiling emoji.

Laney tossed aside her blankets and headed to the shower. The warm water helped clear her mind as she contemplated what to wear. After drying her hair, Laney opened her closet and surveyed her options. She selected a casual but flattering outfit from her recent shopping spree with Liv. A soft, fitted top in a sky-blue shade that brought out her eyes, paired with jeans that hugged her curves just right.

She stood before the mirror, styling her hair in a neat, daytime-friendly way. Following the makeup artist’s instructions from yesterday, she applied light makeup for a fresh glow, nothing too dramatic but enough to enhance her natural features.

“Stop overthinking this,” she told her reflection. “Max wants to see you, not just your fancy festival look.”

The thought gave her courage. Max had met her when she was at her most disheveled, stumbling into his brewery with a folder of water data and rumpled clothes. He had still recognized her as his mate then.

Satisfied with her appearance, Laney grabbed her purse and keys. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies as she locked her apartment door behind her. The bright morning sun warmed her face, and the faint sound of cheering echoed from the direction of the town square.

She inhaled the crisp mountain air, her nerves thrumming with anticipation. The walk to the square gave her time to gather her thoughts, to remind herself that this connection with Max was real.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Laney stoodnear the finish line in the town square, sipping a cup of coffee from one of the vendor stands. The early morning sun filtered through colorful banners that still hung from the festival’s opening night. Around her, families and friends gathered along the route, waiting to cheer on runners as they came to the final stretch.

She took another sip of coffee, the warm liquid providing comfort against the morning chill. Her mind drifted back to her dream about Max from the night before, heat rising to her cheeks at the vivid memory. Even now, she could feel the sensation of his imagined touch, his strong hands on her body.

A cheer rose from the crowd as the lead pack of runners came into view around the final corner. Laney stood on her tiptoes, scanning for Max. Her breath caught when she spotted him, running near the front of the group.

Max was shirtless, his broad chest and muscular arms gleaming with sweat as he pushed hard toward the finish. His dark hair was slicked-back from his forehead, determination etchedacross his face as he kept pace with two other runners at the front of the pack.

The sight of him triggered an intense reaction from her inner fox. The animal instinct inside her responded viscerally to his powerful form, his musky scent carried on the breeze. Laney felt a flush spread from her neck to her face as her fox stirred restlessly, recognizing its mate.

In the final sprint, two other shifters edged ahead. Max crossed the finish line in third place, chest heaving but a broad grin spreading across his face as volunteers handed him a bottle of water. Laney felt a surge of pride watching him finish so well, mixed with an overwhelming physical attraction that left her momentarily breathless. She hadn’t expected such a strong reaction to seeing him like this.

The race organizers quickly arranged a small awards ceremony near the finish line. Max stepped onto the makeshift podium in third place, accepting his bronze medal with a good-natured smile. As the small crowd applauded, his eyes scanned the onlookers until they locked onto Laney. He winked at her, a gesture so intimate amidst the crowd that Laney felt as though they were the only two people there. Her inner fox practically howled with delight.

After the brief ceremony, Max grabbed a towel from a volunteer, wiping sweat from his face and chest as he made his way toward her. He was still shirtless, his running shorts sitting low on his hips. Laney fought to maintain her composure as he approached, his scent stronger now that he was close.

“Hey,” he said, slightly breathless. “I’m so glad to see you this morning.”

“I’m glad to see you, too,” Laney replied, taking another sip of coffee to calm the sudden rush of desire coursing through her. “Congratulations on third place.”

“Thanks.” Max ran the towel across his shoulders. “Those wolf shifters have an unfair advantage. They’re built for speed.”

---