Page 39 of Beast Bear

One by one, friends and family offered toasts. Logan stood up, cleared his throat, and raised his glass. “I couldn’t let this day pass without saying a few words,” he began, throwing a grin first at Theo and then at Serena. “You two have been absolute rocks for Fate Mountain Academy. No matter what craziness happened, you both had our backs—and each other’s.”

He paused, gaze settling on Theo. “Theo, I’ve witnessed your resilience firsthand. Even when the odds were stacked, you kept pushing on. We’re sure going to miss having you around the academy every day,” he told Theo, “but knowing you’re cooking up a storm at Fate Mountain Lodge feels right. It’s a better fit for you in the long run—your talent belongs where it can really shine.”

“And Serena,” Logan inclined his head in her direction. “Your bravery is legendary. Frankly, we owe you more thanks than you’ll ever admit to deserving.” Logan lifted his glass in salute. “Here’s to both of you.” He clinked his glass with a final flourish.

Alicia lifted her glass with a bright smile, waiting for the chatter to settle. “I think it’s my turn,” she said, her gaze sweeping over the crowd until she found Serena. “I had the privilege of working side by side with Serena during some pretty tense situations.” She paused, letting out a small laugh. “And I watched her grow into one of the bravest paramedics I’ve ever seen. She faced every threat head-on, stood up for what was right, and refused to let fear dictate her life.”

Alicia grinned. “Which is why I have a little announcement tonight. Some of you may know that Poppy is stepping down as head administrator at the academy. I’ll be taking on that role, which leaves a big gap in the paramedic training department. But fortunately”—her eyes sparkled as she raised her glass a bit higher—“we already have the perfect person to fill it. Serena, I can’t think of anyone better to take over as our new Paramedic Integration coordinator. You’ve proved your mettle a hundred times over.”

A small chorus of surprise and excitement rustled through the crowd. Serena was elated. She’d completed the advanced training at the academy over the fall and winter. When she’d heard Alicia was taking over Poppy’s role, she’d immediately put her name in for Alicia’s old position. Knowing she’d received the job was another cause of celebration.

Alicia raised her glass toward Serena and Theo. “Here’s to the future. May you keep inspiring everyone around you with the same dedication, courage, and heart that got you here.Congratulations to you both and thank you for showing us what love and loyalty look like.”

After the quartet on the patio finished a melody, a lilting waltz began. Theo took Serena’s hand. “Shall we?” he murmured, gazing into her eyes. She nodded, her lips curving in a shy but eager smile. The two of them stepped to the center of the dance floor.

Theo slipped one arm around her waist, pulling her close, while she rested her hand lightly on his shoulder. Their first step was tentative, then they found a comfortable rhythm that matched the music’s soft sway.

For a moment, it was as though the entire world narrowed to just the two of them. She felt the reassuring press of his arm, the warmth of his body against her, the surety in his footsteps. She no longer questioned if love could be liberating. She was living it right now.

“You know,” Theo said, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “I never thought I’d dance at my own wedding—especially not with someone who knows my every fault and still thinks I’m worth it.”

Serena’s eyes shone. “You were always worth it,” she whispered back. “And we’re just getting started.”

He spun her gently, and she let out a soft, delighted laugh as her skirt flared around her ankles. When he drew her in again, she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, not from sadness but from the overwhelming happiness coursing through her. Applause rose in pockets around them, a wave of warm encouragement.

As the final notes of the waltz drifted into silence, Theo dipped Serena, and she found herself laughing breathlessly, trusting him to hold her steady. When he brought her upright again, they remained in each other’s arms, beginning their shared life on a note of pure joy.

Chapter

Fifty

Theo restedagainst the soft lounge chair with a wide umbrella overhead. The Hawaiian sun soaked the sandy beach around them, and a cool breeze carried the scent of saltwater from the waves that rushed onto the shore.

He took a slow sip of his fruity drink and glanced at Serena. She wore a one-piece swimsuit under a floral cover-up, her sunglasses perched on her nose. Seeing her so relaxed gave him a rush of warmth in his chest.

Ever since they had claimed each other, his grizzly felt calm, as if the beast had finally found its home. There had been times when he thought he would never conquer the restlessness inside him, but Serena’s cougar seemed to soothe every worry. He felt her presence like a comforting caress on his soul, even when she was not touching him.

He marveled at how different he was from the man he used to be. Now he was a husband and a mate who spent half his time thinking about ways to make Serena happy. He realized he loved it. When she smiled, he felt invincible.

She turned to him and lowered her sunglasses. “You look like you’re thinking way too hard,” she said. “Still trying to wrap your head around Kai’s conviction?”

He smiled, his thoughts turning to justice. “It’s a relief to know he’s going away for a long time.”

She set her fruity drink on the little table between them. “I keep thinking about how methodical he was. I wish we knew who he was working for. Either way, I’m glad it’s over. Now the academy can focus on moving forward.”

He shook his head with a quiet laugh. “It was dicey for a while, but you handled the crisis better than anyone I’ve ever seen. There’s no doubt you’ll excel in your new role.”

A waiter in a bright floral shirt strolled by and offered refills, so they both got fresh glasses. Serena leaned back in her chair with a sigh. “This honeymoon has been amazing. The spa treatments, that waterfall hike, trying all those exciting local dishes. I’ve never felt so spoiled.”

“Remember that afternoon on the catamaran?” he asked, a nostalgic smile on his lips. “You know, the day we saw the dolphins playing along the hull.”

Serena nodded, leaning in closer. “I still can’t get over how clear the water was out there. You could see every little fish. But I think the best part was when we found that secluded cove.”

He remembered how the setting sun had cast a golden path across the water, leading them deeper into a stillness that felt almost sacred. Serena had floated beside him, her face lit with a joyful smile.

He chuckled, brushing a piece of hair away from her cheek. “You laughed at me for being overly protective, but I was so determined to keep everything perfect for you.”

“It was perfect,” she said softly. “The sun looked like liquid gold on the water, and we just floated there, you and me, no one else around.”

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