Page 2 of Fire Bear

Within half an hour, the threat was doused. Ash signaled for the group to gather. “Looks like we got it under control. Good work. Let’s do a quick sweep to confirm there are no hot spots.”

They split up around the perimeter, double-checking for any heat pockets. Ash walked closer to the orchard fence, kneeling near a cluster of charred wildflowers.

“Could’ve been a flicked cigarette,” Alec offered, walking over.

Jake and Erin joined them, giving the all-clear on the final check. “No more smoke or embers, Chief,” Erin said, winding the hose. They packed up their gear, leaving behind damp, blackened ground.

Chapter

Two

Corey Bright’shouse was a picturesque log mansion perched on a gentle slope overlooking Fate Lake. Pulling into the driveway, Ash parked beside a couple of familiar vehicles, Holly’s compact SUV, Ivy’s hybrid, and Reed’s battered truck. Off to the side was Zoe’s sleek sedan. They were all here, just as expected.

Ash recalled playing on the expansive back lawn with his siblings, practicing shapeshifting back when they were still learning to control their forms. He made his way up the wide steps to the front door, noticing fresh planters bursting with flowers. He tapped lightly on the door, but before he could wait even two seconds, it swung open.

Reed grinned; guitar pick in hand. “Finally decided to show up, big brother?”

Ash pursed his lips and crossed his arms. “I only come late so you get your moment to shine.” He chuckled.

Reed snorted, stepping back to let him in. “Your sense of humility is astounding.”

Inside, the house hummed with energy. The aroma of braised pork roast and fresh bread wafted from the kitchen, while the living room glowed with soft lamplight. Laughter tinkled through the air.

Holly was standing on a step stool, adjusting Corey’s birthday banner. Elias Frost, her polar bear mate, was beneath her, arms outstretched in case she lost her balance. Over by the couch, Ivy tapped on her phone, likely finalizing a research note even during a family event, while Zoe and Rolo were methodically filling balloons from a small helium tank. A wave of nostalgia washed over Ash as he stepped into the living room.

“Look who made it,” Holly teased from the step stool. She hopped down gracefully. “We were beginning to think you got stuck up in a pine tree rescuing a cat.”

Ash gave a mock salute. “That was last Tuesday.”

They exchanged a brief hug, and Elias nodded in greeting.

“Pork roast is nearly done,” Holly said. “Hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving,” Ash replied, a corner of his mouth lifting.

In the kitchen doorway, Corey Bright appeared, wearing a checkered apron that read “Fate Mountain’s Master Chef.” He might be sixty-five now, but with the stamina and charm he possessed, he seemed younger. Ash’s father was all smiles, and the lines at the corners of his eyes deepened as he noticed Ash.

“Thought I’d have to send Reed out to fetch you,” Corey teased. “I’m too old to chase grown kids, you know.”

Ash chuckled. “You’re not that old, Dad. And you’d outrun me, anyway.” He lifted his birthday gift. “Happy birthday.”

Corey grinned. “Thank you, son. We’ll do gifts after dinner. Good to have you here.”

The rich smell of gravy and potatoes beckoned from the kitchen. Zoe bustled past, holding a mass of floating balloons. She paused to pat Ash’s shoulder. “Good to see you, nephew. Your cousin Ezekiel sends his regards. He’s busy as ever with his work overseas. But he’ll be returning to Fate Mountain to continue his work at the Bright Institute next fall.”

“I’m glad to hear.”

Ash’s cousin Ezekiel was a jaguar shifter like his mother. He and Ash were close in age and had been close friends growing up. But Ezekiel had been working overseas with an international initiative to develop sustainable energy solutions.

Holly and Elias brought plates to the massive dining table, while Ivy set silverware. Moments later, the long dining table was laden with steaming dishes including braised pork roast ringed by carrots and onions, bowls of roasted potatoes, a basket of still-warm bread, and a fresh apple-cranberry salad.

The family settled in. Holly slid into a seat beside Elias, Zoe next to Rolo, Reed took an end seat, and Ivy sat next to him. Corey commanded the table’s head, and Ash found himself on the opposite end from Corey.

“Before we dig in,” Corey said, clearing his throat. “Thank you all for coming. I know we see each other often, but birthdays are special. I’m not exactly ancient,” he added wryly, “but it’s a milestone. Sixty-five’s a respectable number for a father of four grown kids.”

Laughter and murmurs of agreement passed around. They all raised their glasses to toast him, and then the meal began, a lively flow of passing dishes and cross-table banter.

They conversed about everyone’s current news—Holly’s new ornament designs, Reed’s part-time musician gig, and Ivy’s ongoing research at the Bright Institute. Midway through the meal, the conversation slowed, and Corey turned the talk more nostalgic. “I recall a certain fiasco from hmm, fifteen years ago? Fireworks and a scorched yard ring a bell?”

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