Page 36 of Stout Bear

“Laney...” Max began, concern etching his features, but she shook her head, needing to continue.

“Please, let me finish,” she said softly. “I need to say this.”

Thomas arrived with their entrées, his timing both interrupting and giving Laney a moment to gather her thoughts. He set down their plates with a flourish.

“Cedar-plank salmon with rosemary butter sauce for the lady,” he announced, placing before her a piece of perfectly cooked salmon atop a charred cedar plank. The fish glistened with herb-flecked butter, surrounded by roasted fingerling potatoes and bright green asparagus. “And braised lamb shank for the gentleman.” Max’s plate featured a generous portion of fall-off-the-bone lamb nestled on a bed of root vegetables, swimming in a rich, glossy sauce.

“Can I get you anything else?” Thomas asked.

“No, thank you. This looks wonderful,” Max replied.

As the waiter departed, Laney inhaled deeply, savoring the aromatic steam rising from her plate. She cut into the salmon, watching it flake perfectly under her fork. The first bite melted in her mouth—buttery, flaky, with just the right herbal notes from the rosemary. The potatoes offered a rustic contrast with their crispy exteriors and fluffy centers.

“How’s your lamb?” she asked, delaying her confession just a moment longer.

Max took a bite and closed his eyes briefly. “Incredible. It’s so tender it’s practically falling apart. Want a taste?”

He offered a small piece on his fork. The gesture was intimate, and Laney leaned forward to accept it. The lamb was indeed meltingly tender, rich with deep savory flavors and a hint of sweetness from the sauce.

“That’s amazing,” she agreed.

Laney took another sip of wine, then set down her fork, knowing she couldn’t delay any longer.

“I need to say this now before I lose my nerve,” she said, her voice quiet but steady. “I’m... not a full shifter. I lied on my mate.com profile because there wasn’t an option for half-shifter.” Her heart thundered, terrified of rejection, yet desperate for honesty. The words rushed out in a stream she couldn’t stop. “I thought maybe that meant we weren’t really a 100% match.”

She watched Max’s expression carefully, alert for any signs of disgust or disappointment. He didn’t speak, allowing her space to continue.

“My mother is human,” she went on, hands fidgeting with her napkin. “I can feel my fox and communicate with her internally, but I can’t shift. Never could. I’m stuck in my human form while my fox paces inside me.” Her voice cracked slightly. “My father refused to give me the changing bite, even though I asked. My family always treated my half-shifter status like a disability or failure. Like I’m broken somehow. When I met you, my inner fox was sure you were my mate. But I guess my old insecurities got the better of me. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth. I hope you can forgive me.”

Max reached across the table, covering her trembling hand with his own. His palm was warm and steady against her skin. Laney studied his face, trying to gauge any flicker of disapproval.

“There is no way that any of that would make me think less of you,” he said, his voice firm and sincere.

“You’re sure it’s not just my makeover you liked? Because—” Laney exhaled shakily, unable to finish the thought.

“Laney, I’ve been attracted to you from the moment you stumbled into the brewery. No makeup, messy hair... it didn’t matter,” Max cut in gently, squeezing her hand. “You could have been wearing a potato sack, and I would have still recognized you as my mate.”

He hadn’t pulled away. He hadn’t recoiled or looked disappointed. Instead, his eyes held a warmth that threatened to melt the ice of insecurity she’d carried for years.

“The bear in me knew you immediately,” Max said, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand. “Full shifter, half-shifter—it doesn’t matter. You’re my mate. Nothing changes that.”

A tear slipped down Laney’s cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. “I’ve been so afraid to tell you.”

“Never be afraid to tell me anything,” Max said. His eyes never left hers, steady and reassuring. “That’s part of what being mates means.”

They returned to their meals, though Laney found it difficult to focus on the food now, despite its excellence. Relief flooded through her, making her limbs feel light. She managed to finish the succulent salmon, savoring its delicate flavor while processing Max’s acceptance.

Thomas approached their table again, noticing they’d finished most of their entrées. “How was everything?” he asked.

“Absolutely delicious,” Laney replied, meaning it despite her emotional state.

“Would you care to see our dessert menu?” Thomas offered.

“What would you recommend?” Max asked the waiter.

“Our molten chocolate cake is quite popular,” Thomas replied. “Made with single-origin dark chocolate and served with house-made vanilla bean ice cream.”

“That sounds perfect,” Max said. “We’ll share one.”

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