Page 31 of Beast Bear

Thirty-Eight

Serena wokeearly on the day of the charity climb. She tugged on her medic uniform, trying to calm her racing thoughts. The memory of Kai’s voice haunted her. He’d sounded so pleased with this plan to frame Theo. Serena had to make sure Poppy understood the danger Kai posed to the entire academy.

Out on the grounds, staff members carried harnesses and ropes, while volunteers sorted through piles of food and water for the climbers. Trainees stood laughing and chatting in small clusters. Instead of sharing their excitement, dread gnawed at Serena’s gut. She inhaled and forced herself to focus.

Inside the admin building, Serena found Poppy’s office door slightly ajar. Poppy sat at her desk, scanning a stack of documents. She looked up when Serena entered and raised an eyebrow in polite acknowledgment. “I need to tell you something,” Serena said.

Poppy gestured for her to continue. Serena drew a deep breath and explained how she’d overheard Kai talking on the phone. She revealed the gist of his conversation—his smug admission that he’d been framing Theo all along, and his intent to sabotagethe climb. Her throat felt dry as she forced out each word. She mentioned her father’s funeral and how she’d slipped away the previous night in her cougar form. She told her that being a cougar allowed her to hear Kai’s phone call from where she was hidden.

Poppy listened without expression, though a growing coolness settled over her features. Once Serena finished, Poppy leaned back in her chair and regarded her with a dispassionate gaze.

“Serena,” she said, her voice carefully measured, “are you certain? You mentioned being in cougar form. Shifting can alter perception, especially in times of emotional stress like the death of a parent. Maybe you misheard. We both know your mate bond with Theo has complicated matters.”

Serena’s cheeks burned. “I know what I heard. Kai talked about pinning everything on Theo. He said no one would suspect him today. I promise you, I’m not confused.”

Poppy folded her arms. “Theo has already lost control more than once. The entire academy watched his outbursts. I don’t think you’re lying to me, but I wonder if your loyalty to your mate is coloring your interpretation of Kai’s words.”

Serena stepped forward, hands tightening at her sides. “I’m doing my job as a medic. I only want to keep everyone safe. Kai is the one behind the sabotage, not Theo.”

Poppy’s expression darkened. “I need more than your word, especially when it comes from the mate of a man who’s caused this school so much trouble. If you persist in making accusations without evidence, I’ll have to remove you from the medic team for the climb. We can’t afford rumors that undermine staff cohesion.”

Serena’s heart pounded. “You can’t do that,” she insisted, trying not to let anger seep into her voice. “I’m the best-trained medic you have. We need every person ready in case anything goes wrong out there.”

Poppy stood, lifting the climb rosters with a decisive snap of her wrist. “There’s nothing more to discuss. Go meet your coordinator at the staging area. If you continue stirring up trouble, I’ll have you expelled.”

Serena realized there was no use arguing further. She left the office, feeling raw and defeated. For a brief moment, she was tempted to walk away from the entire event, but she forced that thought aside. There were too many people counting on the medic team today.

While she crossed the lawn toward the staging area, her phone buzzed. She glanced down to see Theo’s name. Her fingers trembled as she opened the message. Attached were photos of ropes and anchor bolts—the gear clearly tampered with. The text read, “Kai is rigging the lines. I also sent these to Logan.”

Serena’s breath caught. She stared at the images, her mind racing. Now she had proof. But that proof had come from Theo, and Poppy wouldn’t believe anything he said. Participants were arriving in the parking lot and headed to the staging area. She had to do something; the charity climb could turn deadly at any moment.

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

Theo pressed into the forest,weaving through brambles that snagged at his clothes. The smell of damp leaves and resin drifted in the air. He reached a slight rise where his cell phone finally picked up a bar of service. He sent the pictures of the tampered rope to Serena and Logan, typing with urgent speed. He tapped out a quick message that explained he had proof Kai had sabotaged the climbing gear. His only hope was that they would check their phones before anyone started climbing.

Holding the phone against his chest, he continued deeper into the trees. He avoided established trails, knowing staff or even the police might be patrolling. His nerves jangled at every snapping twig. A strong part of him wanted to shift into bear form and storm the campus, then roar the truth for everyone to hear. He forced himself to stay calm. He needed more photos, not a display that would only confirm their worst suspicions.

Theo’s phone buzzed in his hand, and he nearly dropped it when he saw Serena’s name glow on the screen.

I got your photos. I believe you. I heard Kai on the phone last night. He was bragging to someone about how nobody suspects him. Theo, I know he’s behind all this.

Theo’s breath caught as relief flooded him. She believed him.

Serena. Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I’m in the woods by the climb route. I’m staying hidden. I have to catch him messing with the gear.

I tried telling Poppy, but she brushed me off. She won’t believe me without hard evidence.

Anger thrummed in Theo’s chest, but he forced himself to stay calm.

We’ll fix this, I promise. I sent the photos to Logan too, so he knows. Hopefully he’ll see them in time.

I’ll talk to him. Be careful, Theo. There’s a new security detail here. If they catch you, you won’t be able to gather evidence.

Theo’s heart pounded. Every instinct roared at him to run to her, but he pushed the urge down.

I’m not leaving till I catch him. Stay safe. We’ll expose him together.

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