Page 13 of Beast Bear

Theo’s cheeks reddened, and he shot Serena a fondly exasperated glance. “I’ve never lived that down. Stella reminds me every chance she gets.”

Stella tapped her napkin to her lips and shrugged. “It’s my solemn duty as the younger sibling. Gotta keep you humble.”

Lily cleared her throat, offering a gentle smile as she tried to include Serena more deeply in the conversation. “So, Serena,” Lily ventured, “do your folks live far away? We’d love to get to know them if things keep going well between you and Theo.”

Serena’s shoulders went rigid, her grip tightening on her fork. She paused, carefully choosing her words. “They’re… not in the picture right now,” she finally said, voice subdued.

The soft clink of silverware on plates was the only noise for a moment. Lily’s eyes flickered with concern. “Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” she said gently. “I didn’t mean to pry. I just thought?—”

“It’s okay,” Serena interrupted with a tight smile. “Really. We’re just… not close. Let’s put it that way.”

The hush that followed felt heavier than the evening air. Shane, sensing the tension, cleared his throat. “We understand,” he said quietly, cutting into a piece of steak. “Families can be complicated.”

As dusk settled, the sun’s final rays cast a mellow glow across the yard. They finished their main course, leaning back in their chairs and enjoying the warmth of the fire. Lily cleared away a few plates, and moments later, Shane returned from the kitchen carrying a tray of homemade lemon bars with sorbet and fresh berries.

“Oh my gosh,” Serena breathed, eyes widening at the sight. “Did you make these?”

Shane set the tray at the center of the table, his grin broad. “I sure did. My specialty—tangy and sweet, perfect for a warm night. Dig in, everyone!”

They passed around the dessert. Once everyone was savoring the sweet treats, Lily glanced at Shane before turning back to Theo and Serena. “So,” she began, her tone cheerful, “we’ve got a bit of a surprise for you two—sort of a fated mate match gift, if you will.”

Theo raised an eyebrow, swallowing a bite of lemon bar. “What? That’s not a thing.”

“Well, it is now,” Lily said with a laugh, waving her hand. “I just made it up, but it sounds nice, doesn’t it?”

Before Theo could respond, Shane produced an envelope from beneath the tray, sliding it toward Theo and Serena. “We wanted to give you both something special,” he said. “It’s a gift certificate to Fate Mountain Lodge—dinner for two, a candlelight massage, and a night in the presidential suite. All on us.”

Theo stared at the envelope as though it might bite. “That’s... wow, it’s too much, Dad. We can’t accept that.” He opened the envelope anyway, glimpsing the elegant gold lettering and glossy brochures inside. “Seriously, this is way over the top.”

Shane chuckled, setting down his fork. “Believe me, Levi gave it to me for a fraction of the price. He insisted, actually.”

Theo glanced at Serena, a wave of nervousness flashing in his eyes. The mention of a two-bedroom suite on the brochure madehis stomach flip. Did it imply they’d share a suite? Would she even want to go?

Serena shifted, pressing her lips together as she turned the glossy booklet in her hands. The pictures showed a lavish suite with two separate bedrooms, a private balcony, and a panoramic view of the mountains. Her cheeks colored faintly as she realized the implication. “Thank you,” she said, looking up at both Lily and Shane. “This is really generous. I—wow.”

Theo cleared his throat, setting the envelope down. “We appreciate it,” he managed, his gaze flicking between his parents and Serena. “I’m just not sure... it’s a lot.”

“Oh, hush,” Lily said, waving off his concern. “You two deserve a little pampering. No pressure on how you use it, or when. But maybe it’ll be a chance for you to relax and... talk.”

Shane’s eyes gleamed with gentle encouragement. “At least go enjoy the dinner. The lodge’s restaurant is top-notch. Think of it as an extended date night.”

A flustered warmth spread through Theo’s chest. He was put on the spot, yes, but he also couldn’t deny a hint of excitement at the thought of sharing such a luxurious experience with Serena.

“Thank you both,” Serena said again, tapping the brochure with her fingertip. She shot Theo a quick, uncertain smile. “I guess we’ll have to figure out when to use it.”

After dessert, they said their goodbyes. Lily asked Serena to visit again soon, and Stella teased Theo by whispering “Don’t forget the baby names!” The pair escaped with flushed cheeks and faint laughs. Once they climbed into his car, the brochures still in Serena’s lap, Theo stared at the steering wheel, dumbfounded. He could have purchased an extravagant night out for Serena.Money wasn’t the issue, it was the assumption his parents had made with their gift.

“Well,” he said, voice tinged with nerves. “That was... something. That gift certificate…”

Serena looked down at the glossy gift brochures, exhaling slowly. “It’s a beautiful gift,” she said, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face. “I guess we’ll have to figure it out.”

Chapter

Fourteen

Serena layon the small bed in her dorm, staring at the ceiling. The dim light of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the walls. She thought about the jokes and warm smiles at Theo’s family dinner, yet her mind kept straying to the memories of her own parents. She tugged the blanket higher, hoping comfort would come. Instead, the clock on her phone confirmed it was nearly midnight, and she was still wide awake.

She switched off the lamp and tried to settle. Thoughts of her father intruded, the old dread creeping back. That was when her phone buzzed on the nightstand. The screen glowed. It read “Mom.” She stiffened, unsure if she should answer.

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