Chapter 15
Chapter
Fifteen
Theo noticed Serena gazing out the window as they drove up the winding mountain road to Fate Mountain Lodge.
“What made you decide you were ready to use the gift certificates?” he asked, anticipation rushing through him.
“I had a dream after my mother called me last night. I finally feel like I’m free of my past.”
She did not elaborate, and he chose not to push the subject. He was just happy she had already decided to join him for the date his parents had planned. His inner bear grumbled within. But with every moment he spent with Serena, the beast inside him seemed to mellow. Theo could already feel his control beginning to return to him.
They turned onto a carefully maintained driveway that led to Fate Mountain Lodge. The building sprawled atop a ridge, perched above a pristine alpine lake that reflected the remaining sunlight. At first glance, the lodge exuded rustic charm, all hand-hewn logs and natural stone accents.
Massive picture windows caught the rays of dusk, shining with a soft orange glow. As they parked, he spotted a stone-paved walkway winding through patches of flowers. It ended at a grand, arched doorway, with wooden carvings of bears and mountain panoramas that hinted at the lodge’s shifter-friendly heritage.
In the lobby, vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams rose overhead. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth large enough to ward off even the coldest nights. Overstuffed leather sofas and plush rugs arranged in small conversation areas invited guests to settle in.
Theo guided Serena through the lobby and into the grand dining room. Tall panoramic windows framed a breathtaking view of the lake and the pine-studded ridges beyond. The host checked their reservation and ushered them to a polished wood table. Overhead, wrought-iron chandeliers cast a soft glow, emphasizing the warm hues of the décor. Each table had a discreetly placed candle, giving the room a romantic ambience.
Fate Mountain Lodge was the first upscale restaurant Theo had been introduced to as a kid, and it was one of his biggest inspirations to become a chef. So much had changed, yet so much remained the same since he’d left home.
Once Serena and Theo settled into their seats, a server in a crisp black apron approached, offering two leather-bound menus.
“Good evening,” he began, voice smooth and confident. “My name is Mason, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. If I may, I’d love to share our specials. To start, we have a smoked salmon chowder, slow-simmered in a creamy base with fresh herbs from the lodge’s own greenhouse. For the main course, Chef’s highlight is a pan-seared steak medallion, lightly drizzled with a juniper-berry reduction, served alongside roasted root vegetables.”
Mason’s gaze flicked from Theo to Serena, gauging their interest. “We also have a vegetarian option. A wild mushroom risotto infused with garlic and thyme, topped with shaved pecorino. If you’re looking for something sweet to end your meal, our pastry chef created a seasonal berry tart. The crust is buttery and crisp, layered with pastry cream and the sweetest berries from nearby farms.”
He paused to let the description sink in, then added, “Please take your time deciding. If you have any questions or if you’re in the mood for a wine pairing, just let me know.” With a courteous nod, he stepped back, letting them peruse the menus.
Serena glanced over the menu with curious eyes. She lightly drummed her fingers on the cover before leaning toward Theo. “The pan-seared steak medallion is tempting, but I’m also looking at that honey-glazed salmon. I wish I could try everything.”
Theo nodded, tapping his own menu thoughtfully. “That braised lamb keeps jumping out at me. But I’ve never said no to a good steak. The juniper-berry reduction is a nice touch.”
Mason returned, pen poised above his order pad. “Have you folks decided?”
Serena cleared her throat. “I’ll start with the smoked salmon chowder, and for my main, I’ll have the pan-seared steak medallion. And I absolutely want to save room for your seasonal berry tart.”
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 drifting around 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.
Mason smiled, offering them a quick bow of his head before disappearing into the hum of the dining room. Theo took a slow bite. The tart’s crisp pastry yielded to a creamy layer beneath the glossy berries.
“Oh, that’s heavenly,” Serena said.
“It is. It’s almost as nice as seeing you smile.”
“You’re corny,” she said, taking another bite of tart.
“It’s true. Every day I know you, I feel like I’m becoming a better bear. All I want is for you to feel free, to feel happy. This little getaway, it’s giving us the chance to see each other away from the stress at the academy. To connect in new ways. To relax. This is everything for me, right now.”
“I know what you mean,” she said, taking her final bite of tart. “It’s been hard to manage the bond in the middle of the chaos. That’s part of why I agreed to come here tonight. We deserve the chance to see where things go. To write our own story.”
After the waiter returned to settle the bill, Theo checked his watch. “Since our massage reservation isn’t for fifteen minutes, I was thinking… I’d love to show you something special here at Fate Mountain Lodge.”