Page 38 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

TWO YEARS EARLIER…

Poppy

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm pinkish hue over the rugged landscape of Canyon Village.

I can hear the distant rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, but my heart is pounding with a different kind of rhythm — one that thrums with defiance and a touch of anxiety.

I’m standing at the edge of the lodge, the scent of pine and earth mingling in the air, when Tate steps into my path, blocking my escape.

“Over my dead body are you leaving here!” he growls, his voice low and menacing.

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms defiantly. “Well, lay down and go die then because I ain't gonna be told what to do, especially not by you.”

I sidestep him, the tension in the air thick like fog.

As I brush past, I catch a whiff of something that makes my stomach churn — a sickly sweet perfume lingering in the air.

My inner bear snarls at the thought. How disgusting is it for a man to pursue me while reeking of another woman?

It’s not just rude; it’s downright offensive.

Tate, undeterred, steps in front of me again, his jaw clenched. “You don’t understand, Poppy. Bear shifters are sexual beings. What I do with other women doesn’t mean anything. You’re the one I want.”

I can’t suppress the growl that slips from my lips, a primal sound that even I don't fully understand. “That doesn’t make it any better, Tate. You think I’m just going to roll over because you’ve decided I’m the one? You’re mistaken.”

Inside my mind, my inner bear rages. She claws at the walls of my consciousness, furious at the very idea of being tied to someone like Tate — a man who thinks he can control me, who believes that his desires outweigh my own autonomy.

Lucky for me, we aren’t mates. The bond of mates is supposed to be sacred, but with Tate, it feels more like a prison.

“Poppy, just give me a chance,” he insists, desperation creeping into his tone.

A chance? My inner bear huffs. “We should escape this misogynistic way of life before it’s too late,” she urges, and I can feel her energy pulsing through me, a potent reminder of the freedom I crave.

“Fine,” I say suddenly, surprising both of us. “I’ll go to dinner with you. But it’s just dinner, Tate. Don’t read anything into it.”

He blinks, clearly caught off guard. “Really?”

“Don’t push your luck,” I warn, waving him off as I turn to head back inside the lodge. My heart races with a mix of excitement and dread. Meeting him means I can buy myself some time. I just need to figure out my next move—plan my escape.

As I walk away, I mentally map out my future.

Somewhere small in Montana sounds perfect.

I picture a cozy cabin surrounded by trees, a place where I can breathe freely, away from the expectations of the Canyon Village pack.

I can almost see it: the quiet, the solitude, and the freedom to be me — grizzly bear shifter, half-witch, and woman. Never accepted by any faction.

The thought sends a thrill through me, a whisper of adventure that ignites the spark of hope. Cheers to a new life and adventure…right?

I wrack my brain for the details of my escape as I prepare for dinner with Tate.

The more I think about it, the clearer the vision becomes.

I’ll pack my things quietly, leave at dawn when the world is still asleep, and venture into the unknown.

No more Tate, no more grizzly pack, just me and the wilds of Montana.

That night, I put on a dress that hugs my curves but still allows me to move freely — a perfect blend of style and practicality.

I twist my hair into a loose braid, letting a few rebellious strands frame my face.

I want to look confident, even if my heart is still racing from the idea of facing Tate.

As I step into the dimly lit restaurant, the air is thick with the scent of grilled meats and the sound of laughter. I spot Tate at a table, his eyes lighting up as he sees me. He stands, adjusting his shirt as if he wants to impress me.

“Poppy,” he says, his voice smooth. “You look stunning.”

I force a smile, settling into the chair across from him. “Thanks, I guess.”

We make small talk, though the conversation feels forced. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m playing a part in a story I never wanted to be a part of. Tate talks about pack politics and the upcoming events, but I find my mind drifting to the mountains, the crisp air, and the freedom I crave.

“Are you excited for the festival next week?” he asks, leaning forward with enthusiasm.

I shrug. “Not really my thing.”

His brow furrows slightly. “What do you mean? It’s a tradition. Everyone looks forward to it.”

“Not everyone,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’m not everyone.”

“Poppy, you’re part of this pack. You can’t just?—”

“Can’t just what? Live my life how I want?” I interject, my voice rising. “You think I owe it to anyone to conform to this…this traditional way of life? I’m a bear shifter, sure, but I’m also a woman with my own desires.”

Tate leans back, clearly taken aback. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just thought?—”

“Thought what? That I’d be flattered by your attention? That I’d swoon over your advances?” I shake my head, feeling the heat of frustration rise within me. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m tired of being treated like a prize to be won.”

He opens his mouth to protest, but I hold up a hand. “No, just… stop. I’m here for a reason, and it’s not to debate my worth. I’m going to leave this place, Tate. You’re not going to change my mind.”

His expression hardens, anger flickering in his eyes. “You can’t just walk away from your pack, Poppy. It doesn’t work like that.”

“Watch me.” The words slip out before I can stop myself, a declaration of my newfound resolve.

The tension crackles between us, and I can feel the weight of our conversation drawing attention from other patrons. The last thing I want is an audience, so I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. “I appreciate the dinner, but I think it’s time I go.”

Tate opens his mouth to protest, but I don’t give him the chance.

I slide out of my chair and make my way to the exit, a mix of adrenaline and liberation rushing through me.

The door swings shut behind me, and for a moment, I stand outside, letting the cool night air wrap around me like a comforting embrace.

I glance up at the stars, feeling the weight of expectation lift from my shoulders. This is the first step toward my freedom, and it feels exhilarating. I can almost hear my inner bear cheering me on, urging me to embrace this new chapter.

Tomorrow, I’ll start packing. I’ll gather my belongings, leave behind the expectations and the drama of the pack, and head toward the wilderness of Montana. I can already envision the life I want — a life filled with adventure, independence, and the freedom to be who I truly am.

As I take my first steps away from Canyon Village, I can’t help but smile. Cheers to new beginnings. Cheers to the wild. Cheers to me.