Page 14 of Stout Bear

Max shrugged. “Said word of water issues was going around town. A lot of businesses have already invested. With the festival coming up, I couldn’t wait any longer.”

“That seems odd. I could have helped you vet the system. But I’m sure it’s legit.” She gave him a weak smile.

The banjo and fiddle rose in a playful tune, couples dancing in a makeshift circle nearby. The midday sun glinted off Max’s dark hair, but tension was etched around his gorgeous eyes. They ate in silence for a moment.

“I should have called you, but I’ve been trying to give you space. I can’t stop thinking about you,” Max said.

“Oh,” she said, her face heating.

She felt flooded with an almost electric sensation, her fox clawing inside, desperate to bridge the distance. She tried to maintain composure, but it felt like her heart might burst. The mating pull grew stronger each time they met, complicating everything. A group of kids raced past, squealing with excitement. The music transitioned to a slower song.

“Would you come to the beer festival next weekend? I know you’re busy, but I’d love for you to be there,” Max said. “I’d like to introduce you to my family.”

Laney replied, “I...” Laney hesitated. She didn’t have anything to wear to a beer festival. Not something she’d want to show up to meet his family in. “Sure. Why not?”

A flurry of emotions surged through her: excitement at being invited, anxiety over presenting herself well, uncertainty about how publicly close they should be. The festival represented Max’s family and business. Her presence would make a statement about their relationship.

“I’m so glad,” he said. “Most shifters start dating as soon as they are matched. And even with the festival and the water crisis, I can’t help but feel like we’re missing out on our bond.”

Laney gulped. She still hadn’t told him about her half-shifter status. He would believe she was a full fox. Not a half breed freak.

A young woman with dark hair and a warm smile walked toward them with curiosity in her eyes. Laney stiffened, unsure who was approaching. Her first assumption was that the woman was one of Max’s other matches. She was pretty, put together, and had an air of confidence Laney did not have.

“Max, who’s your friend?” the woman asked.

“Liv, this is Laney. Laney, my sister Liv.”

Laney felt a wave of relief. It was his sister. Not an ex, a less than 100% match, or a lover. Still, Laney was not ready to meet his family, especially looking as she did.

“Nice to meet you,” Laney said, extending her hand. “I’m an environmental scientist from the Bright Institute. I’ve been analyzing your water samples.”

“What’s up with our water samples?”

“There are signs of contamination from the creek above the spring down to the holding tanks at the brewery.”

“What? Since when?”

“It’s handled, Liv. We’ll talk about it later.”

“I’m sorry, was this private information?” Laney said, her face heating.

Max gave her a tense grin, blinking several times. “It’s handled,” he repeated.

Liv glanced between them, noting their body language. She raised an eyebrow, and her mouth dropped. “Are you two mates?” Liv asked in a shocked tone.

Feeling an opportunity to change the subject from her previous blunder, she nodded, confirming their mate status. “We were matched on mate.com last week.”

“Wow! Max, you really are keeping everything from us lately,” Liv said, shooting her brother a look. “We should hang out, Laney. I’d love to get to know you.”

“Let’s not overwhelm Laney,” Max said. “She’s already dealing with enough.”

Liv rummaged in her purse, handing Laney a business card. Max had a resigned smile on his face. The card had Liv’s logo and contact info, reflecting her design business.

“Call me. Let’s get together some time,” Liv said. “You can fill me in on everything else Max is hiding from the family.” She winked at Laney and sauntered away.

“Sorry,” Laney said. “I really messed that up.”

Max scrubbed his face and then gave her a compassionate smile. “It’s not your fault. I’m juggling everything. Trying to manage this festival and our water issues.”

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