Page 39 of Fire Bear

Ash rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Look who’s talking. You live with Dad.”

Ivy approached next. She offered a composed smile as she adjusted the simple corsage on her wrist. “Congratulations,” she said quietly. “You two are a beautiful new pair and a testament to the continued success of mate.com.”

Zoe and Rolo arrived together, their steps in sync. Zoe wore a dress that shimmered in the light, and her catlike eyes sparkled with mischievous pride. “So,” she purred, “the big grizzly found his mate at last.” She reached out to give Eliana a swift, enthusiastic hug.

“Welcome to the family,” Rollo said. “We’re honored to have you.” Eliana’s heart warmed at those words. She felt like she belonged to something bigger than herself now, bound by love and acceptance.

Mateo and his mother came next. The excitement glowing in his eyes nearly brought her to tears. “Thank you for everything,” he said. “If not for you, and for Chief Bright, I wouldn’t even be here to see this.” His mother stood behind him, pressing a hand to his shoulder in silent agreement.

Eliana blinked back tears, recalling how close they had come to losing Mateo. She reached out and clasped his hand gently. “You are more than just an apprentice, Mateo. You’re both like myfamily.” His mother gave an appreciative nod, as Eliana clasped her hand.

Talia hurried over in a swirl of lavender bridesmaid fabric. She glowed with the same sense of relief Eliana felt. “Everything is so perfect,” she exclaimed, pulling Eliana into a tight hug. “The reception is all set up.”

Gerald hung back until Talia stepped away, then offered Eliana a dignified bow of the head. “Thank you for trusting me to walk with you,” he said, his tone solemn. “It was an honor I’ll never forget.” Eliana rested a hand on his arm. “I’m the grateful one, Gerald,” she replied softly. “I wouldn’t have asked anyone else.”

The bustling crowd drifted toward the open bar and appetizer stations in the reception area. A line of wooden barrels formed a bar for ciders, chilled champagne, and even a few fancy cocktails named after orchard varieties, curated by Talia.

Rows of tiny pastries and cheese platters adorned long tables beneath the shady boughs. Servers in crisp uniforms wove through the clusters of guests, offering fruit skewers and local honey-glazed bites.

A corner of the orchard featured a whimsical photo booth that Holly and Talia had worked hard to assemble. People took turns posing with flower crowns, straw hats, and carved apple ornaments.

Eliana spotted Alec, Jake, Erin, and Kyle—Ash’s fellow Fire Patrol members—goofing off with the orchard props. Alec tipped a straw hat at a jaunty angle, while Jake held a wooden apple cutout near his face, prompting laughter from the others. She felt a surge of affection for the crew who had helped protect her land through the darkest days.

The soft strumming of a guitar signaled the start of the couple’s first dance. Reed was perched on a raised platform at the other end of the dance floor. A handful of other musicians joined in, adding gentle percussion and melodies that drifted sweetly among the trees. Light from the setting sun created a golden glow, illuminating everyone with a kind of hazy dreaminess.

Eliana felt Ash’s arm slide around her waist. She turned to find him smiling. “Care for our first dance, Orchard Lady?” he asked.

“I’d love it,” she said.

They moved to a wooden area designated as a dance floor. The guitar melody rose. She rested her free hand on his shoulder as he swept her into his arms. Guests circled around, some snapping photos. Apple petals drifted around them. Ash gazed down at her as they danced, and she let herself melt into him, inhaling the scent of his cologne. It felt beautiful and warm, like the home she’d always longed for.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

Eliana restedher head against the truck’s seat as Ash navigated the winding road beneath the moonlit sky. For months she had been preparing for this night. Ever since she and Ash first discussed the possibility of her embracing her own inner grizzly, she had felt an undercurrent of curiosity, wonder, and longing.

Tonight was the moment when all her preparation would become reality. She touched the mating mark on her neck, remembering when Ash had claimed her, the previous fall. She had been his mate for months now, but tonight she stood on the threshold of becoming something more.

When the truck eventually rolled to a stop, Eliana peered through the windshield. The headlights illuminated Ash’s small cabin, secluded among the trees. Ash came around to take her hand as she hopped out. He then led her up the short steps to the cabin’s entrance. The door opened without protest, revealing a glow from inside that spilled into the darkness.

He’d obviously redecorated the place for their wedding night. A low fire already crackled in the brick fireplace, sending warmorange flickers across the hardwood floor. Bouquets of spring flowers in vases decorated every tabletop and counter.

“It’s beautiful. The cabin looks so cozy and inviting. I’m glad we decided to keep it for nights like this.”

His arm slipped around her waist. “I wanted our wedding night to feel special. I have to admit, Holly helped me design most of this.”

She turned in his arms, resting her hands on his chest. “It’s perfect,” she said. “Your sister has amazing taste.”

They walked into the living room and sat on the couch in front of the fireplace. A feast awaited on the coffee table: a platter of cheeses, fresh fruit slices, crusty bread, and a dish of honey. A bottle of chilled champagne stood beside it, condensation beading on its surface.

Eliana let out a content sigh. They had enjoyed a lavish wedding feast earlier. But the dancing had picked up again, and she’d spent an hour on the dance floor in her gown. After she’d changed into her traveling clothes, said goodbye to everyone, and drove out here with Ash, she was ready to relax.

They sat together on the new loveseat. The fire crackled in the hearth, sending shadows dancing along the walls. She sipped her champagne and nibbled on snacks, thinking about her plans for tonight. Months of discussion and introspection had preceded Eliana’s decision to become a shifter.

She’d consulted other humans who’d chosen to take the shifting bite. She’d gleaned information about the physical intensity she’d experience, and the heightened emotional bond she’d have with Ash.

Ash had always assured her he’d love her with all his being, no matter what she chose. But finally, she’d decided she wanted to share everything with him, in human and bear form. She set her plate aside. “I’m ready,” she said, meeting Ash’s gaze.

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