Page 33 of Stout Bear

“Bigger issues than potentially toxic drinking water?” Laney couldn’t keep the edge from her voice. “People are spending thousands on filtration systems. The Bock Brewery nearly went into financial strain installing that BioClean system.”

“I understand your frustration,” Ivy said, her voice measured. “But we need to be cautious about causing a town-wide panic. Without identification of the substance, we can’t prove these levels are immediately dangerous to human health.”

“But we can’t ignore it either,” Laney persisted. “The contamination isn’t going away. Every day we wait, it could be spreading further.”

Ivy nodded slowly, considering. “You’re right. I’ll send another accelerated request to the county this afternoon. I’ll emphasizethe rising levels and mention the economic impact on local businesses. That might get their attention.”

“Thank you,” Laney said, relieved that Ivy was taking her concerns seriously, even if the pace of action felt glacial. “Please keep me updated on any response.”

“I will,” Ivy promised. “In the meantime, continue monitoring. Document everything meticulously. When the county finally does respond, we’ll need all the data we can get. Hopefully, by then, we’ll know what we’re dealing with.”

Leaving Ivy’s office, Laney felt torn. The institute was trying to balance scientific rigor with community wellbeing, avoiding unnecessary panic. But every day that passed meant more potential harm to Fate Mountain’s water sources. She thought of Max and his family brewery, scraping together funds for the expensive BioClean system, and all the other small businesses doing the same.

As she walked back to her lab, she passed Dr. Fleming, another researcher from the chemistry department. “Heard you’re still obsessing over those water samples,” he remarked casually, stopping in the hallway. “Don’t you think people are overreacting a bit with all these fancy filtration systems? The levels aren’t even that alarming by EPA standards.”

“The EPA standards don’t account for the specific chemical signatures we’re seeing,” Laney replied, keeping her voice level despite her rising irritation.

Dr. Fleming shrugged. “Just seems like a lot of fuss to me over an unidentified substance.” He continued down the hallway, leaving Laney silently fuming.

This dismissive attitude was exactly what frustrated her. No one else seemed to grasp the urgency she felt. But without more evidence or county backing, her theories remained unproven.

The afternoon stretched into evening, shadows lengthening across the lab as others packed up and headed home. Laney remained, running one final series of tests, unwilling to leave any stone unturned. The main building was nearly empty when her phone vibrated with a text.

It was from Max. “Can’t stop thinking about our lodge weekend. Looking forward to some one-on-one time with you.”

Laney smiled despite her exhaustion. She typed back. “Me too. See you soon.”

Her heart gave a little thud as she sent the message. She was genuinely excited about their weekend away, but anxiety lingered. Her half-shifter secret still loomed in the back of her mind, growing more difficult to keep with each passing day.

Gathering her things, Laney finally left the lab. The institute’s parking lot was quiet. As she walked to her vehicle, the memory of the small child at the petting zoo surfaced. The little girl had shifted so easily into a fox. It was a natural transformation that had happened without effort. Everything Laney couldn’t do.

She remembered the twist of shame in her gut as she watched, the sudden overwhelming need to flee before anyone noticed her reaction. Max had been confused by her abrupt departure, and she’d offered only vague excuses. Unlocking her car, Laney slid behind the wheel but didn’t immediately start the engine. She sat in the growing darkness, staring through the windshield at nothing in particular.

She couldn’t keep living this half-truth. Max deserved to know who—and what—she really was. A half-shifter who couldn’t fully shift, someone who existed between two worlds without fully belonging to either. The thought of his potential disappointment made her stomach clench, but the alternative felt increasingly impossible.

Her inner fox whined with both guilt and longing. Despite her fears, her inner fox remained certain that Max was her fated mate. The pull between them was too strong, too undeniable to be anything else.

“I’ll tell him this weekend,” she said to herself.

She drove away from the institute. Whatever happened after her confession, at least the weight of deception would be lifted. She only hoped Max would still want her once he knew the truth.

Chapter

Thirty

Max guidedthe truck up the winding mountain road toward Fate Mountain Lodge, stealing occasional glances at Laney in the passenger seat. The weekend after the beer festival had finally arrived, and he couldn’t wait to enjoy some uninterrupted time with her.

“Almost there,” he said as the massive timber structure came into view.

Laney leaned forward, peering through the windshield. “It’s beautiful.”

“Wait until you see the interior,” Max promised, pulling into the parking area. He grabbed their overnight bags from the truck bed before Laney could reach for hers. “This weekend, you get the full VIP treatment.”

They walked together across the stone pathway to the main entrance. Max pushed open the heavy wooden doors, revealing the soaring lobby with its massive timber beams and central stone fireplace. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow across the polished wooden floors. Overstuffed leatherchairs were arranged in conversational groups, and a large chandelier made from antlers hung from the vaulted ceiling.

“Welcome to Fate Mountain Lodge,” greeted a smiling attendant at the front desk. “Checking in?”

“Reservation for Bock,” Max said, setting down their bags. “We won the lodge package at the beer festival.”

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