Page 11 of Beast Bear

“Why do you call it that?”

Serena set down her fork, her eyes going distant. He knew he’d hit a nerve. He wanted to reach across the table and take her hand, but he held back.

“My father is a rich and powerful dragon shifter. My mom is a cougar shifter like me. But she and I couldn’t be any more different. She’s…” Serena looked down at her lap, her face falling. When she glanced back up at Theo, her eyes were shining. She shook her head and wiped her face with her napkin. “I don’t want to say my mother was weak. It wasn’t her fault. My father… he used the mate bond to control her. Even if she’d wanted to get away, I doubt she could have.”

“Did he…hurt her?” Theo asked, his heart constricting.

Serena looked away again, her face falling. He didn’t want to push this subject. It felt too raw. Too painful. Serena looked back at him, her lips a hard line.

“Not exactly. He didn’t have to. He just sucked the life out of her with his constant demands and commands. He never let her have a moment of peace. Her entire existence had to revolve around serving him, focusing on him, making his priorities the only thing that mattered. It made me sick.”

She took a deep breath before going on. “From the time I was a little girl, I knew there was something wrong with their dynamic. I left home as soon as I could. I got a scholarship for an EMT training course when I was seventeen. My mother’s cousin lived in the same city and offered to let me stay with her, so I left. And never looked back. I’ve only seen my mother a few times in the last fifteen years. The last time I talked to her, it was all still the same. I couldn’t even have a ten-minute phone conversation with her without my father dominating the entire situation.”

“Serena. I’m so sorry. No wonder you’re hesitant to form a mate bond.”

“Well, now you know how messed up my past is. You have the chance to run.” She gave a sardonic laugh.

“I’d never think badly of you because of your father.” On impulse, he reached across the table and squeezed her hand briefly. “I just want you to know, I’m nothing like that. I could never…”

“I didn’t say you were,” she said, folding her hands in her lap. “It’s the fear. The disgust. When I see mates, all I can see is myparents’ toxic dynamic. Even when I know it’s not that way for most shifters.”

“It makes perfect sense why you’d be hesitant to mate. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

The waitress returned with the bill. She cleared the plates and gave them each a grateful nod. Stella, Theo’s sister and the manager of Fate Mountain Diner, walked through the door, spotted him, and strode toward their booth. She was in her mid-twenties with dark blonde hair tied back into a bun. She wore a simple blouse and slacks.

“Theo,” she said, stopping by the table. “I had no idea you were here tonight.” She glanced at the bill. “I hope you two enjoyed the food.”

Serena shifted in her seat, looking between Theo and the newcomer. Theo stood halfway, an awkward pride tugging at his posture. “Stella, this is Serena,” he said, gesturing with an open palm. “Serena, this is my sister, Stella. She runs the diner now.” He paused, gathering his nerve. “And Serena is my mate.”

Stella’s eyes widened. “Your mate? Since when?” She looked from Theo to Serena with clear surprise. “You haven’t told the family?”

Theo rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s recent.”

Stella put a hand on her hip. “You should’ve told us. Mom and Dad will flip. You know how they get with big news like this.” She turned to Serena. “I’m sorry we didn’t know sooner. I’d love to have you both over for our family barbecue on Friday night. That is, if you’re free.”

Theo angled his head toward Serena, letting her take the lead. Serena looked to him, then back at Stella. “That sounds nice,” she said, picking up on Stella’s earnest tone. “I’d like to meet your family.”

Stella’s face lit up. “Perfect. I’ll text Theo the time and details. Don’t stand us up.” She reached down, lifted the bill from the edge of the table. “No charge tonight. I’ll mark it as manager’s treat.”

She slid the bill into a pocket. “I’m so excited for you two to come to the barbecue.” With that, she turned and walked off, weaving around a busboy clearing a nearby table.

Theo exhaled, easing back into his seat. “My dear little sister.” He glanced at Serena, unsure if the impromptu invitation was too much. “I hope you didn’t feel pressured to accept.”

Serena gave a faint grin. “I think it’ll be fun. Your sister is lovely. She makes me feel like I can trust you.”

Theo dropped the cash he’d brought for the meal onto the table for a tip. Serena stood, gathering her jacket. He led her toward the diner’s entrance, stepping out into the cool evening air. The parking lot lights cast a dim yellow glow across the asphalt. She paused near her car, turning to face him.

“Thanks, Theo,” she said. “This was great.”

He watched her climb into her car and drive off, the headlights cutting through the night. His inner grizzly rumbled, but a sense of satisfaction settled into his veins. He’d managed a successful date with Serena, and they’d really opened up to each other. It was the first step in the right direction.

Chapter

Thirteen

Theo parkedin front of his parents’ house and glanced at Serena. He could tell she felt nervous about meeting his parents. “You ready?” he asked, giving her an encouraging smile.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said, though her voice was slightly shaky.

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