Page 14 of Beast Bear

A surge of instinct told her to pick up. She pressed accept and placed the phone to her ear. “Hello?” she said in a hushed voice.

Her mother’s shaky breath filtered through the line. “Serena,” came the strained reply. “I… I hope I am not disturbing you. I have to tell you something… I need to get it out.”

Serena braced for the echo of her father in the background, but there was only silence. “Mom?” she asked, her voice tight with worry. “What is it?”

Her mother swallowed audibly. “I left your father a week ago. He’s not taking it well. But I have my own place now.”

“Mom… I… I’m so proud of you. What made you finally decide to go?” Serena tightened her grip on the phone as her eyes burned.

Her mother’s breath hitched. “I just… Couldn’t take it anymore. I saved up enough money for a deposit on an apartment. And I got a job in a grocery store nearby. If I could do everything over, I would have left a long time ago. You deserved so much better than what I gave you.” Serena’s chest ached at the unexpected surge of emotion. “Take care of yourself. I’m going to let you go. I’ll text you my new address.”

Before Serena could respond, the call ended. She wanted to tell her mom to be careful. Serena pictured her mother in a new apartment, working at a grocery store. She set her phone aside and sank back against the pillows. Her mind whirled with images of her father controlling every aspect of her childhood.

Serena stared at the ceiling for a long time. When she finally drifted into a fitful sleep, she dreamed she was in the house where she grew up. The hallways were dark. Her father’s voice boomed from the shadows. Every instinct told her to flee.

His towering figure appeared, half-shifted into a dragon, scales reflecting the faint light. He barked orders, belittling her and demanding her obedience. At first, she trembled like she always had, but then some strength within her flared. She stepped forward and told him he no longer held power over her. She shouted that he could never force her to submit again.

She saw her mother crouched behind him, frightened and small. Dream-Serena placed herself between them. Her own cougar spirit roared to life, rippling through her limbs. Her body shifted, fur bristling, until she stood on four paws, glaring at the enormous dragon. His roar tapered off as if stunned. She advanced until he staggered back. In one final rush, the looming shape that had terrified her for so long seemed to shrink before her eyes.

She woke with a gasp, heart pounding and sweat dampening her neck. For a moment, fear flickered. Then relief swept in. She understood that the father she had known was only powerful because she believed he was unbeatable. But he wasn’t. In that realization, she felt a sense of release. She was free to choose for herself.

Chapter

Fifteen

Theo noticedSerena gazing out the window as they drove up the winding mountain road to Fate Mountain Lodge.

“What made you decide you were ready to use the gift certificates?” he asked, anticipation rushing through him.

“I had a dream after my mother called me last night. I finally feel like I’m free of my past.”

She did not elaborate, and he chose not to push the subject. He was just happy she had already decided to join him for the date his parents had planned. His inner bear grumbled within. But with every moment he spent with Serena, the beast inside him seemed to mellow. Theo could already feel his control beginning to return to him.

They turned onto a carefully maintained driveway that led to Fate Mountain Lodge. The building sprawled atop a ridge, perched above a pristine alpine lake that reflected the remaining sunlight. At first glance, the lodge exuded rustic charm, all hand-hewn logs and natural stone accents.

Massive picture windows caught the rays of dusk, shining with a soft orange glow. As they parked, he spotted a stone-paved walkway winding through patches of flowers. It ended at a grand, arched doorway, with wooden carvings of bears and mountain panoramas that hinted at the lodge’s shifter-friendly heritage.

In the lobby, vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams rose overhead. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth large enough to ward off even the coldest nights. Overstuffed leather sofas and plush rugs arranged in small conversation areas invited guests to settle in.

Theo guided Serena through the lobby and into the grand dining room. Tall panoramic windows framed a breathtaking view of the lake and the pine-studded ridges beyond. The host checked their reservation and ushered them to a polished wood table. Overhead, wrought-iron chandeliers cast a soft glow, emphasizing the warm hues of the décor. Each table had a discreetly placed candle, giving the room a romantic ambience.

Fate Mountain Lodge was the first upscale restaurant Theo had been introduced to as a kid, and it was one of his biggest inspirations to become a chef. So much had changed, yet so much remained the same since he’d left home.

Once Serena and Theo settled into their seats, a server in a crisp black apron approached, offering two leather-bound menus.

“Good evening,” he began, voice smooth and confident. “My name is Mason, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. If I may, I’d love to share our specials. To start, we have a smoked salmon chowder, slow-simmered in a creamy base with fresh herbs from the lodge’s own greenhouse. For the main course, Chef’s highlight is a pan-seared steak medallion, lightly drizzledwith a juniper-berry reduction, served alongside roasted root vegetables.”

Mason’s gaze flicked from Theo to Serena, gauging their interest. “We also have a vegetarian option. A wild mushroom risotto infused with garlic and thyme, topped with shaved pecorino. If you’re looking for something sweet to end your meal, our pastry chef created a seasonal berry tart. The crust is buttery and crisp, layered with pastry cream and the sweetest berries from nearby farms.”

He paused to let the description sink in, then added, “Please take your time deciding. If you have any questions or if you’re in the mood for a wine pairing, just let me know.” With a courteous nod, he stepped back, letting them peruse the menus.

Serena glanced over the menu with curious eyes. She lightly drummed her fingers on the cover before leaning toward Theo. “The pan-seared steak medallion is tempting, but I’m also looking at that honey-glazed salmon. I wish I could try everything.”

Theo nodded, tapping his own menu thoughtfully. “That braised lamb keeps jumping out at me. But I’ve never said no to a good steak. The juniper-berry reduction is a nice touch.”

Mason returned, pen poised above his order pad. “Have you folks decided?”

Serena cleared her throat. “I’ll start with the smoked salmon chowder, and for my main, I’ll have the pan-seared steak medallion. And I absolutely want to save room for your seasonal berry tart.”

---