Beast Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #2)

Chapter

Fifty

Theo rested against 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.”

Theo’s eyes warmed with the memory. “Your cougar was so at ease. It made my bear feel more peaceful than it’s ever been.” He still remembered how Serena had reached for his hand underwater, her fingers tangling with his. That simple contact had unleashed a wave of belonging that made him feel immortal. He felt a fresh flutter of awe. “I feel so close to you right now.”

Serena’s smile widened. “I guess that’s how it’s always going to be with us, huh?”

“Always,” he agreed, lifting her hand to his lips.

His phone chimed from the small beach bag at his feet. He reached for it and glanced at the screen. The message was from their realtor, letting him know the sellers had accepted their offer on the house. His breath caught. “Serena,” he said, looking up from the phone. “We got the house. They accepted our offer.”

She gasped, nearly spilling her drink. “Are you serious? That’s awesome.” Without waiting for an answer, she jumped into his lap, flung her arms around his neck, and kissed him full on the lips. He tasted the fruity cocktail on her lips, which only made his grin grow wider.

He slid an arm around her waist and held her close. The world seemed to vanish into a soft haze of warm sun and salty wind. This was why he’d fought so hard to tame his beast. He had found a purpose in Serena. In protecting her, lifting her up, and making her smile.

“We really have a place to call our own now,” she said, stroking his hair.

He nodded, his heart full. After all the storms they had weathered, he felt the quiet certainty of a man who had finally come home.