Page 35 of Stout Bear

Mine, his bear insisted, as it had from the first moment they met. But that primal instinct was now layered with something deeper, something that went beyond physical attraction or even the mate bond. He loved her. Not just her body or her mind, but her spirit. Her determination, her vulnerability, her fierce intelligence.

As Laney approached, Max composed himself enough to speak. “You look stunning,” he said simply, offering his arm.

Chapter

Thirty-One

The hostess ledthem to a cozy corner table with a flickering candle and neatly folded linen napkins. Max pulled out Laney’s chair, brushing her shoulder as she sat down, and she relished the brief contact. Max moved to his own chair, settling across from her with a warm smile.

“Your server will be with you shortly,” the hostess said, placing two leather-bound menus before them. “Enjoy your evening.”

Laney glanced around, taking in the elegant dining room. Dim, ambient lighting created intimate pools of warmth at each table. The soft glow glinted off polished silverware, crystal stemware, and a small arrangement of fresh flowers in a hand-thrown ceramic vase. Plush chairs upholstered in warm earth tones complemented the lodge’s rustic yet refined atmosphere.

“The food here is amazing,” Max said, his tone low with excitement as he opened his menu. “I haven’t been here since Theo Keenan took over as head chef, but everything I’ve tried in the past has been incredible.”

“Everything looks so... sophisticated,” Laney nodded, scanning the menu. Her eyes widened at the prices. This wasn’t just dinner; it was an experience far beyond her usual takeout containers eaten over lab reports.

She battled a flicker of self-consciousness, feeling out of place despite Liv’s styling help and the beautiful dress she wore. She reminded herself that she was here to deepen trust with Max. Her heart thumped against her ribs as she studied the menu without really seeing it. Max had chosen somewhere special for tonight, which only reinforced her determination to be honest with him.

A waiter approached their table, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black apron that matched the refined lodge restaurant aesthetic. He had a professional yet warm demeanor as he greeted them.

“Good evening,” he said with a slight bow. “My name is Thomas, and I’ll be your server tonight.”

Thomas filled their water glasses from a crystal pitcher. “Tonight, we have several specials I’d like to share with you. Our executive chef has prepared an herb-crusted salmon served on a cedar-plank with a rosemary butter sauce and seasonal vegetables. We also offer a bison tenderloin with blackberry reduction, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. Finally, we have a wild mushroom risotto with locally foraged chanterelles and morels, finished with aged parmesan.”

Laney’s mouth watered at the descriptions. Behind the waiter, other staff moved quietly among tables, delivering steaming plates that sent aromatic tendrils through the air.

“Everything sounds delicious,” Laney said, setting down her menu. “I think I’ll try the salmon special.”

“Excellent choice,” Thomas nodded. “And for you, sir?”

Max closed his menu decisively. “I’ll go for the braised lamb shank. And we’ll have the roasted beet salad with goat cheese to start. Could you suggest a wine?”

“The house cabernet would complement both dishes beautifully,” Thomas said. “I’ll bring that right out.”

Thomas returned with the wine bottle, presenting it to Max. After Max’s nod of approval, he uncorked it with practiced efficiency and poured a small taste. Max swirled the wine, inhaled its bouquet, and took a sip.

“This is fantastic,” Max said with appreciation. Thomas then filled both their glasses and set the bottle on the table.

Laney took a sip of her wine. The liquid warmed her throat, spreading a gentle heat through her limbs. Rich notes of black cherry and spice lingered on her tongue.

“This wine is lovely,” she said, setting down her glass.

Their appetizer arrived promptly. The roasted beet salad was artfully plated—vibrant ruby and golden beets arranged in thin slices, topped with creamy goat cheese medallions, candied walnuts, and delicate microgreens, all drizzled with a balsamic dressing.

“This looks too beautiful to eat,” Laney said, accepting the small plate Thomas set before her.

She took a bite and closed her eyes momentarily as the flavors bloomed across her palate—the earthy sweetness of the beets,the tangy creaminess of the cheese, the crunch of the nuts, and the acidic punch of the balsamic glaze.

“Oh, that’s incredible,” she murmured, opening her eyes to find Max watching her with a soft expression.

“Seeing you enjoy food makes me happy,” he said.

As they finished, Laney set down her fork and took another fortifying sip of wine.

“Max,” she began hesitantly. “I need to share something with you.”

Her breath caught as dark memories swirled through her mind. “When Liv helped me get ready for the festival, it was the first time I felt... visible,” Laney continued, tracing the rim of her wine glass with one finger. “But then I worried that’s the only reason you wanted me.”

---