Page 36 of Fire Bear

She felt her cheeks warm and accepted the flowers, leaning in to brush a quick kiss against his cheek. “Thank you.”

The drive to Fate Mountain Lodge took them through winding roads framed by tall evergreens. Leaves drifted across the asphalt, vibrant flashes of gold and crimson. After Ash parked in front of the lodge, the two of them walked through the front doors and stepped into the foyer.

The atmosphere was cozy, with plush seating arranged around a stone fireplace crackling softly. She glanced around, noting how tasteful autumn decorations adorned the tables: small gourds, dried leaves, and centerpieces of dried flowers.

They stepped into the main dining room of the restaurant where rustic beams curved overhead. The maître d’ led them to a secluded table near a large picture window, which offered a breathtaking view of the lake below. A crisp white tableclothdraped the table, and a slim vase held a single, flickering candle that danced gently whenever a server passed.

A subtle hum of conversation and low music formed a quiet backdrop, adding to the lodge’s intimate charm. Eliana ran her fingertips over the linen napkin, soaking in the moment.

Once they settled, a friendly waiter greeted them and described that evening's specials. After they ordered, their conversation drifted naturally to the orchard. Eliana explained that Talia had declared this year’s yield one of the orchard’s best in recent memory. She recounted how she walked the rows earlier that week, marveling at the resilience of the trees and the staff’s dedication.

Soon, their entrées arrived. Eliana had chosen the grilled salmon, garnished with foraged herbs and served over a creamy risotto flecked with sautéed morel mushrooms. Ash had gone with the lodge’s signature filet mignon, perfectly medium-rare, accompanied by roasted baby vegetables and a rich red wine jus. He cut into the tender steak and took a bite, nodding in quiet appreciation.

“This,” he whispered, “is going to ruin me for ordinary food.”

Eliana laughed under her breath, her eyes shining. Between mouthfuls, she shared small stories about orchard staff who had gone above and beyond. The candlelight caught the edges of Ash’s profile, making the moment feel almost surreal to Eliana.

They ended their meal with a sumptuous chocolate dessert that Ash had secretly ordered. The waiter brought out a plate adorned with three miniature chocolate creations: a molten lava cake, a mousse topped with toasted hazelnuts, and a dark chocolate truffle rolled in cocoa powder. Eliana sampled each,her eyes widening at the blend of rich flavors. A cozy warmth spread through her when she was done, and she leaned back contentedly in her chair.

After dinner,they went upstairs to their suite. Eliana’s bouquet of fresh roses were arranged on the table, and their suitcases were tucked in the closet. Ash gestured toward a pair of doors at the far side of the suite that led to a small balcony. “Let’s have a look outside. The view is supposed to be amazing.”

She followed Ash across the room, and they stepped through the sliding glass door onto the balcony. The air outside was crisp, but she was warm in her thick wool shawl. The lodge’s lights cast a soft glow across the trimmed gardens. Beyond the gardens lay Lake Fate, and the moon glowed down on its shimmering waters. Eliana inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling her lungs.

Ash reached out to take her hand, his grip warm and steady. Eliana found herself staring at the reflection of the bright moonlight in his eyes. “I am so incredibly thankful that you are my mate. You are an incredible woman.”

Eliana’s throat tightened. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, and she fought to keep them from spilling over. “Ash,” she whispered.

He swallowed once before continuing. “These months taught me how precious it is to have someone to share life’s battles with. You deserve the very best of everything, and I want to be the one who stands beside you, every day, through every season.”

He released her hand, reached into the pocket of his jacket, and pulled out a small box. When he opened it, moonlight gleamed off a dazzling diamond ring. The sight of it made her gasp, tears of joy spilling from her eyes.

“Eliana,” he said, voice trembling slightly, “Will you marry me? Be my mate, in every way.”

She felt tears slip down her cheeks. She nodded, words bubbling up but momentarily failing her. She forced them out between trembling lips. “Yes,” she managed, voice thick with emotion. “Ash, of course I will.”

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Eliana curledinto Ash’s side as he slid an arm around her. She let her head rest against his shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent. It felt like home. “This feels right,” she said, turning her face to kiss his cheek.

He answered by leaning down and kissing her lips. As they kissed, she felt his broad chest rise against hers. Her heart thundered in response. Ash leaned in, pressing a series of soft kisses across her temple, her cheek, and finally returning to her mouth.

Ash guided them closer to the bed, and her pulse thundered in her ears. Every slow breath of anticipation made her hyperaware of her body, of his presence. Her dress now pooled at her feet, and his shirt lay discarded to the side. Naked, vulnerable, and utterly entranced, she watched him through half-lidded eyes.

He reached out, tracing the curve of her waist with warm fingers. The tender way he brushed over her skin ignited a gentle ache between her thighs. She inhaled deeply, letting the sensation wash over her, giving herself permission to sink fully into this moment.

Her lips parted on a soft sigh as he bent his head, his mouth moving against the sensitive spot below her ear. She responded with a tremulous breath and rose on her tiptoes, pressing her breasts to his chest, feeling the hard lines of his muscles. His warm breath caressed her collarbone, and a low moan escaped her when he grazed his teeth over her skin, just a hint of the primal edge she knew was in him.

Slowly, she urged him toward the bed. Her palms flattened against his chest, feeling the drum of his heart. A bolt of raw desire shot through her as he captured her mouth in another kiss, this one deeper, hungrier. She tasted the familiar hint of champagne mingling with his own unique flavor, a reminder of the trust they had built.

When the backs of her legs touched the mattress, she sank onto it, heart pounding. Ash followed, his body poised above hers. For a moment, he paused, his gaze tracing the length of her as though committing every curve and freckle to memory.

He knelt at the edge of the bed and guided her thighs apart, his calloused hands stroking along her calves and then up to her knees. The gentle pressure parted her legs wider, exposing her most intimate place to his eager eyes. She trembled, her breaths coming faster as anticipation knotted deep in her core.

He slid his hands up her thighs, his caress lighting a fresh spark of need. His name caught in her throat as her hips arched toward him, seeking more. He responded by leaning down and pressing warm, open-mouthed kisses along her leg, inching upward. Each brush of his lips built the tension, sending tiny jolts of pleasure straight to her center.

At last, his mouth found her slick heat, and she gasped, her hand flying to tangle in his hair. The sensation overwhelmedher: pleasure that pooled low in her belly and crackled through her nerves. He explored her slowly, taking his time, licking and kissing in a deliberate, reverent rhythm that left her dizzy.

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