Page 23 of Fire Bear

“Doyou like the Fate Mountain Diner?” Ash asked as he drove down the road. “I go there a lot after my shifts.”

Eliana let out a small sigh, her stomach rumbling. “I love it. I go there a lot with Talia and some of the orchard crew. But I haven’t been there in a while.”

“You want to get a bite since it’s getting to be dinner time?”

“Sounds good,” she said, realizing she hadn’t really eaten since breakfast.

They passed older houses and farms on the outskirts of town. As they neared the diner, a cheerful neon sign glowed in the oncoming twilight. Ash turned into the parking lot and found a spot; they got out and walked to the entrance. When she stepped inside the diner, the soft hum of conversation and the smell of grilled onions wafted through the air.

A woman with a notepad greeted them with a smile. “Hi Ash. Table for two?”

Ash nodded. “Yes, thank you, Stella.”

They followed her to a booth near a window. As soon as they sat, the waitress handed them menus with a smile. “Theo’s on tonight, so you’re in for a treat,” she said. “I’ll be right back for your orders.”

Eliana glanced at Ash, curiosity piqued. “You know the owners?”

“Theo Keenan is the chef here. He’s been gone for a while, though, working in Portland. Stella, his sister, manages the diner. They’re old friends of the family,” Ash explained.

Before she could respond, a tall man with a handsome face and light hair emerged from the kitchen. He wore a black chef’s coat, and a bright green bandana tied around his neck.

“Ash Bright,” he said, smiling. “Long time, no see.”

Ash stood and offered a quick handshake. “Theo. I heard you were back. Good to see you. This is Eliana Hampton. She’s my 100% match.”

Theo turned to Eliana. “You two are fated?” He let out a soft laugh. “That’s amazing. I’ve been on mate.com for a long time. Still no luck. But maybe one day I’ll get the big 100%. Let’s get together and catch up soon. Let me know if you need anything special. I’ve got to get back to the kitchen.”

Stella soon returned with water and silverware, along with small containers of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

“Theo said you two are fated,” Stella said. “Congratulations. How do you feel about being matched with a shifter?” She turned to Eliana, concern in her eyes. “I know it can be a lot for a human.”

“It’s been great so far,” she said. “Ash is amazing.” Her cheeks grew warm as she glanced down at the menu.

“Let me know if he embarrasses you. I’ll make sure to get him back for it.” Stella winked, making Eliana laugh.

“Hopefully that won’t be necessary.”

“Good. Good. What can I get you two tonight?” Stella asked, lifting her pad from her pocket.

Eliana ordered a mushroom Swiss burger. Ash selected a southwestern-style burger with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Stella took their menus and hurried off with a cheery nod. Eliana took a sip of water, letting the cold liquid soothe her tight throat.

“Finding that encrypted phone near the back fence is such an odd coincidence,” Eliana said.

Ash ran a hand across the tabletop in a slow, thoughtful motion. “I agree. It’s too strange. We have to assume it’s all connected.”

Moments later, Stella approached with their orders. Eliana’s mushroom Swiss burger smelled divine, with sautéed mushrooms piled on a thick patty under melted cheese. Ash’s southwestern burger was stacked high with grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a spicy sauce.

Eliana took a tentative bite of her burger. The savory mushrooms and melted cheese tasted better than she expected. Her hunger flared, and she devoured it eagerly. She glanced at Ash, who appeared equally absorbed in his own meal.

Halfway through the burger, Eliana wiped her mouth, mind drifting to orchard logistics. “We should do more to secure that back fence,” she said. Practical steps always calmed her. “I’ll get more cameras tomorrow.”

When their plates were empty, Stella returned to clear them. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked with a smile.

Ash glanced at Eliana, who shook her head. He said, “We’re good. Just the check, please.”

Stella nodded and headed to the register. Eliana leaned back in her seat, letting out a slow breath. “I’m glad we came,” she said. “I was hungry.”

Stella returned with the bill, Ash quickly paid it, and they scooted out of the booth. Ash’s phone rang as they strolled toward the exit. The abrupt sound made Eliana’s heart lurch. She studied his face as he pressed the phone to his ear.

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