Page 15 of Beast Bear

Theo handed over his menu. “I’ll have the same. Do you have a wine you’d recommend?”

Mason offered a thoughtful nod. “A Pinot Noir would pair beautifully with the juniper notes in the sauce.”

Theo grinned. “That sounds perfect.”

“Wonderful choices,” Mason said, beaming at them both. “I’ll be back with your wine.”

Serena took a sip of water and slathered butter on a piece of crusty French bread in a basket on the table. “This is so nice… after being on the road and living in the dorms.”

The waiter returned and poured them each a glass of Pinot Noir. Theo lifted his glass, meeting her eyes with a hint of a smile. “Cheers to enjoying ourselves.”

“Thank you for setting this up for us on such short notice.” She tapped her glass to his and took a sip.

They began to swap stories about local trails they wanted to hike. “The North Ridge Trail is tough,” Theo remarked, swirling his wine. “But they say the view at the summit’s worth every step.”

Serena nodded. “I was hoping to build stamina for the advanced rescue modules in the fall. Although, with everything happening at the academy…” Her voice trailed off, a flicker of worry clouding her features.

Theo set his glass down, noticing the way her shoulders tensed. “I’m trying not to dwell on that,” he admitted. “Whatever’s going on, I refuse to let it ruin tonight. Let’s just enjoy our dinner.”

She exhaled slowly. “You’re right,” she murmured, managing a small laugh.

The waiter returned with two steaming bowls of salmon chowder, the aroma of smoked fish and fresh herbs driftingaround them. He set one bowl gently before each of them, the creamy surface shimmering in the candlelight. Theo stirred the chowder, catching flecks of pink salmon and diced potatoes, then lifted a spoonful to his lips. The rich flavors of velvety cream, dill, and sea salt burst across his tongue.

“You know how I told you my mother called me last night?” Serena said, after taking a bite of chowder.

Theo could tell that she was about to share something personal. “Yeah.” He held his breath, hoping for her to go on.

“My mother left my father last week.”

“She left him?”

“I told you their bond was complicated.” The thought of her father frightening and intimidating Serena as a child sent his inner grizzly into a rage. “My mother… Without my father, she’s free.”

“I understand, Serena. You don’t have to explain.” Theo clenched his fist, attempting to keep his claws from descending.

“Ever since she called me, and after the dream I had last night, I just feel like I’ve been liberated.”

The waiter soon appeared with their main courses perched on a polished serving tray. He set each plate before them. The sizzle of still-searing edges met Theo’s ears, and the aromatic juniper-berry reduction wafted upward.

Mason offered a quick grin. “Your steak medallions, cooked medium-rare, and the roasted vegetables on the side. May I bring anything else?”

Serena’s eyes swept over the tender cut of meat, glistening under the restaurant’s soft lighting. “It looks amazing,” she said, smile widening.

Theo nodded at the perfectly arranged food. “Everything’s great, Mason. We’re good for now.”

“Enjoy,” the waiter replied with a friendly dip of his head, stepping away.

Serena sliced into the steak. She glanced up at Theo, who was doing the same. Their eyes met, and a shared anticipation sparked. After that first bite, Serena closed her eyes, savoring the smoky richness balanced by the subtle tang of juniper.

She exhaled in delight, murmuring, “I’ll never tire of perfectly cooked steak.”

Theo’s brow arched in approval. “I’d say the kitchen outdid themselves tonight.”

Candles flickered, and soft conversation filled the dining room. Outside the panoramic windows, the lake shimmered under the moon’s ascent. The clink of cutlery and the hush of discreet waitstaff carried on around them, but it felt like a bubble of privacy enclosed their table.

After they finished their dinner, the waiter returned with two delicate berry tarts. The buttery crusts were crowned by plump, juicy berries glistening with a light glaze. Mason set one dessert before Serena and the other in front of Theo, giving an approving nod. “Here we are. The seasonal berry tarts, fresh from the pastry chef.”

“They’re gorgeous,” she murmured, inhaling the sweet aroma of ripe fruit.

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