Page 12 of Fire Bear

They all agreed. They gathered camera boxes, and Eliana led them out of the barn and onto the orchard’s main walkway. They soon split into pairs. Talia and Mateo headed toward the main entrance. Eliana and Gerald took the path toward the southern fence.

The uneven terrain made them step carefully over small rocks and patches of tall grass. Gerald carried an electric drill and a box of screws. Eliana carried a camera kit. When they reached the south fence, Eliana felt an unsettling prickle at the back of her neck. She wondered if someone was watching them this very minute.

Gerald studied the fence and found the best post. He began to mount the base for the camera. The sound of drilling mingled with bird calls. Eliana read the camera instructions again, wiping sweat from her brow. The morning sun felt heavier than usual.

They mounted the camera at the top of the post. She turned the angle slightly to capture a wider view of the fence line, then smiled at Gerald. She was grateful to have people she could trust.

Chapter

Eight

Ash poppedthe truck door open and slid out. As he neared the porch of Eliana’s farmhouse, his pulse kicked up another notch. He wanted everything to be perfect tonight. A few days ago, he’d asked Eliana on a date to Fate Mountain Lodge’s upscale restaurant.

They hadn’t seen each other since last weekend at the festival. They’d just been exchanging dozens of texts each day. But they’d both been so busy that tonight was the first time they were both free to enjoy themselves.

The screen door opened, and Eliana emerged. She wore a light, flowy dress in a soft shade of teal that complemented her complexion. Ash’s breath caught. She looked even more stunning than he remembered.

“Hey,” she greeted, her voice carrying an undertone of anticipation.

Ash swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. “You look beautiful.” He stepped onto the porch, leaning in just enough tocatch her light floral perfume and press a quick kiss to her cheek. She smiled, giggled, and he offered his arm.

Eliana slipped her hand around his bicep, and heat coursed through him.Mate. Mate. Mate.He craved to claim her as his own. He walked her to the passenger side of his truck and opened the door for her.

Once she was settled, Ash moved around to the driver’s side and slid behind the wheel. His truck’s cabin was clean because he’d vacuumed it that morning in a burst of anticipation. He started the engine and looked over at her. “Have you ever been to the lodge?” he asked, giving her a grin.

“My grandfather used to take us there for special occasions, but it’s been a long time.”

“I’m glad I get to be the one who takes you back,” he said.

The drive to Fate Mountain Lodge took them through winding mountain roads lined with tall fir trees and glimpses of rocky outcroppings. Golden evening sunlight shifted through the canopy.

They arrived at the lodge’s grand entry, a log mansion perched on a ridge overlooking Lake Fate. The tall timber beams, stone pillars, and wraparound porch exuded rustic sophistication.

They walked inside, greeted by the lodge’s luxurious yet earthy décor. Gleaming hardwood floors, a vast stone fireplace, and large windows revealing glimpses of Lake Fate’s shimmering surface created an inviting atmosphere. The maître d’ for the restaurant greeted them politely. Ash gave his name and reservation details. With a courteous nod, the host then turned and led them through the dining room.

Their table was nestled near a tall window, softly lit by the warm glow of a flickering candle that graced the center of the table. It cast dancing shadows across the white linen tablecloth. Eliana exhaled softly, her eyes taking in the polished silverware and crisp napkins. “This is gorgeous,” she said.

Ash pulled her chair out for her. Once she was seated, he took his own seat, heart thrumming with excitement. The hush of the restaurant enveloped them in an intimate bubble, perfect for letting the rest of the world fade away.

A waiter approached with menus. “Tonight’s specials are a delicate lake trout pan-seared with lemon-butter sauce, served alongside roasted asparagus and wild rice. We also have a venison dish marinated in local herbs and juniper berries, complemented by a hearty root vegetable mash.”

They decided quickly: venison for Ash, trout for Eliana, along with appetizers and dessert. The waiter soon returned with their first course: a platter of appetizers featuring a duo of wild mushroom tartlets drizzled with truffle oil, and a small bowl of roasted brussels sprouts topped with candied walnuts and a tangy sauce.

The aromas floated upward, savory and sweet all at once. Ash breathed in the scent, his heightened senses focusing on the delicate hints of garlic, butter, and mushrooms. He was aware of Eliana across the table, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she reached for her fork.

He watched her lips part in a delighted smile at the sight of the tartlets. The bear side of him, primal and insistent, rumbled softly in the back of his mind:Mate, mate, mate.He picked up his fork, slicing into a tartlet. As he took a bite, the earthy richness bloomed across his tongue.

“Wow,” Eliana murmured, taking a bite of her tartlet. Her eyes shone in the candlelight. “I didn’t realize mushrooms could taste this good.”

Ash chuckled. “They really did this right.”

They moved on to the brussels sprouts, which were tender and lightly charred, the candied walnuts adding a sweet, crunchy flavor. Eliana let out a small sound of approval, and Ash nodded in agreement as he chewed.

Every cell in his body sang with the desire to give her the mating bite. He forced himself to exhale slowly. Relax, he told himself. There is time. He wanted to do this right, to let her grow into the bond at her own pace.

The waiter reappeared. “Here are your main courses.”

Ash took his first bite of the venison, savoring how the marinade of local herbs and juniper berries brought out the natural richness of the meat. The hearty root vegetable mash was a creamy blend of potatoes, carrots, and perhaps a hint of parsnip. He closed his eyes for a second and then opened them again, catching Eliana’s reaction to her own meal.

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