Chapter Twenty-One – Kris
Kris glanced around the restaurant, unable to suppress a rush of pride as he took in the soft glow of the polished wooden tables, the artfully folded napkins, and the subtle gleam of silverware. Golden late-summer sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing everything in warmth and promise. Months of hard labor, countless late nights, and endless conversations had brought them to this moment—the restaurant’s trial launch.
And you forgot to mention that this place was responsible for bringing us and our mate together, his bear added happily.
Kris smiled inwardly. How could I ever forget?
And Finn, of course, his bear added.
We still owe him one. Kris scanned the restaurant, his gaze resting on his brother who was talking to their chef, Manfred.
We certainly do, his bear agreed.
His smile widened as his gaze settled on Cassia. She was standing near the tasting counter, head bent in deep conversation with Philip, pointing out something on her clipboard. His heart skipped like it always did whenever he caught sight of her. Even now, several months after that unforgettable afternoon by the stream—when they’d finally claimed each other as mates—just seeing her could knock the breath from his lungs.
She glanced up, as if sensing his stare, and their eyes met across the room. A soft smile curved her lips, one filled with shared secrets and love. Kris’s bear practically purred with satisfaction.
“Hey, lovebirds,” Finn teased, strolling up with a knowing smirk. “Plenty of time for mooning over each other later. Right now, we’ve got people to impress.”
“Don’t worry,” Kris said, slapping his brother lightly on the shoulder. “We’re ready.”
And they were ready, he was sure of it. But he couldn’t deny the nervous energy simmering beneath his confidence. Food critics and wine connoisseurs had been invited to dine at the restaurant tonight, and their reactions would set the tone for the restaurant’s future.
It’ll be fine, his bear told him.
But Kris could not fight the fear that something could still go wrong.
“Who would have thought it all started with an ad for a mail-order mate?” Finn asked.
“Who would?” Kris glanced around at his family. His mom and dad stood chatting quietly, Leanne adjusting Hugo’s tie affectionately. Philip fussed over a perfectly arranged centerpiece, and Alfie kept sneaking bites of appetizers when he thought no one was watching.
“But then it doesn’t matter where things start,” Finn began. “It’s where they end that is important.”
“Wise words,” Kris said as his gaze drifted back to Cassia once more. None of this would have happened without her. She had brought fresh ideas, contagious energy, and undeniable passion to the Thornberg Vineyard. But more importantly, she’d brought love, warmth, and joy into his life, filling spaces inside of him he hadn’t even realized were empty.
Leanne caught his eye as she came out of the kitchen, holding a tray of filled wine glasses. “I think we need a toast,” she announced, and everyone gathered around.
“There you are.” Kris wrapped his arm around Cassia’s waist, pulling her close.
“Here I am,” she replied, looking up at him with open adoration. He often wondered what she saw in him. But then again, it was best not to question fate.
Or your mate, his bear said happily as they all took a glass of wine.
“To Thornberg Vineyard and our new restaurant,” Leanne said, lifting her glass.
“To family,” Hugo added, raising his glass with a soft smile.
“And,” Kris spoke up, tightening his grip on Cassia, “to Cassia, for helping make our dream a reality. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Everyone cheered, glasses clinking. Cassia’s cheeks flushed beautifully as she leaned into him. “It was all of us,” she said modestly, but he saw the glimmer of pride and happiness in her eyes.
It’s time, his bear said.
I have never been so nervous , Kris said as he reached discreetly into his jacket pocket, fingers brushing against the velvet box he’d carried for weeks. Now was the moment, surrounded by his family and their shared dream.
He stepped back slightly, drawing everyone’s attention. “Actually, there’s one more thing.”
Cassia’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion as he slowly sank to one knee, heart thudding wildly in his chest. Silence fell around them.
“Cassia,” he began, opening the box to reveal the glittering diamond ring nestled inside. “You’re my mate, my partner, my everything. I can’t imagine a single day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”
Cassia’s eyes welled up with tears, a shaky smile spreading across her face. “Yes,” she murmured, then more loudly, “Yes, Kris. A thousand times, yes!”
He slipped the ring onto her finger, relief and joy flooding inside him. Cheers erupted, applause filled the room, and Cassia flung her arms around his neck. Their kiss was sweet, lingering, and full of promise.
Finally! his bear shouted triumphantly, practically doing backflips. About time we made it official!
When they finally broke apart, Leanne hugged Cassia, tears bright in her eyes, while Hugo proudly clapped Kris’s shoulder.
“I am so jealous.” Nero hugged Kris, patting him on the back.
“You’ll time will come,” Kris said as he hugged him back.
“Congratulations.” Stanley raised his glass to the couple.
“How long have you been planning this?” Cassia asked after the congratulations were over and they finally managed to snatch a couple of minutes alone.
“My whole life,” Kris said, stroking her back as she admired the ring. She looked stunning in a midnight blue gown, with her hair pulled up into a sophisticated bun.
“You’ve had this ring your whole life?” she asked with an arched eyebrow.
“No, the ring I have had for three weeks. I saw it in a jewelry store when I went to pick up some supplies from Bear Bluff. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the ring I wanted to put on your finger.”
“You are a man of good taste.” Cassia slipped her arms around his neck, and he lowered his head and kissed her.
“All I know is I am the luckiest man alive to have you by my side,” he murmured against her ear.
“Can you believe we did it?” Cassia said, looking around the restaurant.
“Yes,” Kris said. “We worked hard. We committed to our goal…”
“We did, didn’t we?” She laughed as she drank the last of her wine.
But then Kris stiffened. “They’re coming.”
“Shifters make such good early warning systems,” Cassia said as she took his glass and headed toward the kitchen.
Hugo held up his hands. He must have sensed the approaching vehicle, too. “Okay, celebration time later! Now we need to get back to work. Guests will be here soon!”
Everyone sprang into action, each heading to their tasks. Kris positioned himself near the front entrance, taking a deep, steadying breath. Soon, cars began pulling into the parking lot, and the guests entered the restaurant with smiles of anticipation. Kris greeted them warmly, introducing himself, proud of how impressed they seemed by the restaurant’s intimate, inviting atmosphere.
“It’s happening,” Cassia said as she came to join him.
“I just hope everyone enjoys their evening,” Kris said. Cassia had used all her best contacts to invite a slew of influential food critics and journalists. This evening might make or break the restaurant’s reputation.
“Relax, our chef is the best. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful. It’s going to be okay.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it.
Then Cassia stiffened suddenly next to him, her eyes wide with shock as one particular couple approached. A smartly dressed woman, Kris recognized her as a renowned food critic, with a handsome man with hawkish features on her arm.
“Who is it?” Kris leaned down and hissed into Cassia’s ear.
“Dante,” Cassia murmured, so low he thought he’d misheard her. But the tension threading through her body told him otherwise.
So this was him. Dante. Cassia’s ex-fiancé. The man who’d shattered her heart.
Kris’s bear let out a low, dangerous growl, his muscles tensing instinctively. What is he doing here?
Nothing good, Kris replied as Dante smiled, his eyes cold as he extended his hand to Cassia.
Cassia hesitated for a second before she slipped her hand into his. “Dante.”
“Cassia,” Dante said smoothly, lifting her hand to his lips, his eyes locked onto hers. “It’s been too long.” His gaze flickered downward to the ring, his finger tracing the edge of the diamonds. “This is new.”
Cassia quickly pulled her hand away, glancing nervously at Kris. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” Cassia said stiffly, professional but guarded. “I’m certain I would recall sending you an invitation.”
“And there was I thinking it must have been lost in the post,” Dante replied coolly, glancing around the restaurant with a smug tilt of his lips. “But thankfully, Molly here… You do remember Molly, don’t you?”
“I do. Hello, Molly,” Cassia said with a nod to the other woman.
“Cassia,” Molly nodded. “Dante would not stop pestering me to be my plus one once he heard I had an invitation.” Molly glanced at Dante. “But he has promised to be on his best behavior,”
“Did you check if he knows what that means?” Cassia asked with an arched eyebrow.
“No, I did not,” Molly said and then kissed Cassia on each cheek. “But I promise to neuter him if he causes trouble. The place does look fabulous.”
“I hope you enjoy your evening,” Cassia said magnanimously.
Anger bubbled under Kris’s skin, but he forced himself to remain calm, his arm tightening around Cassia’s waist protectively. Kris said tersely, “Enjoy your evening.”
“It speaks!” Dante replied, eyes glinting as he followed his companion into the dining area.
Cassia released a shaky breath, looking up at Kris with anxious eyes. “I didn’t know…”
“I know,” Kris reassured gently, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Don’t worry, he cannot spoil the evening.”
Because if he dares try, I will tear his head from his shoulders, his bear ground out.
Hopefully, there will be no need for violence, Kris told his bear.
Cassia nodded, but when she cast a nervous glance in Dante’s direction, he knew she was not so sure.
However, the evening progressed smoothly, with compliments and appreciative murmurs from guests, easing Kris’s earlier tension. Cassia moved confidently among the tables, her genuine warmth and knowledge of the Thornberg wine and delicious dishes winning smiles from even the harshest critics. But Kris couldn’t help noticing how Dante’s eyes followed her, especially lingering on the sparkling ring adorning her finger.
Our ring, his bear growled. Our mate.
Exactly, she is ours, not his, Kris said as he tried to calm his bear.
Kris circled the dining room, making sure everything was running smoothly. He stopped to chat with several influential guests, accepting their compliments with humble gratitude. But his attention kept drifting back to Dante’s table, where the man seemed more interested in watching Cassia than the food or wine.
He’s trouble, Kris’s bear warned.
“Everything okay?” Philip appeared at his side, sensing his tension.
“Just keeping an eye on an unwelcome guest,” Kris murmured, nodding subtly toward Dante.
Philip followed his gaze, eyes narrowing. “That’s him? The ex?”
“The very same.”
Philip let out a low whistle. “Want me to accidentally spill something on him? I’ve got a nice red wine that would look fantastic on that pretentious white shirt.”
Despite his mood, Kris chuckled. “Tempting, but let’s save that for Plan B.”
He’s watching her like she’s still his , his bear growled. We should make it clear she isn’t.
I think the ring on her finger makes that pretty clear, Kris replied, though he shared his bear’s irritation.
As if on cue, Dante rose from his table, smoothly excusing himself from his companion. Kris watched as he made his way toward the bar where Cassia was arranging a flight of wine samples for another table.
“I’ll handle this,” Kris told Philip, his voice steady despite the protective surge rising within him.
He intercepted Dante before he could reach Cassia, positioning himself casually but deliberately in the man’s path.
“Enjoying your meal?” Kris asked, his tone pleasant but cool.
Dante’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Immensely. Though I must say, I’m more surprised by the company than the cuisine.” He glanced over Kris’s shoulder at Cassia. “She’s certainly moved on quickly.”
Kris’s bear bristled, but he maintained his composure. “Sometimes people recognize what they truly deserve.”
“And what would that be? Life in a backwater town playing hostess at a vineyard?” Dante chuckled. “I knew Cassia when she had real ambition.”
“The thing is, I don’t think you ever truly knew the real Cassia,” Kris replied evenly.
Dante’s smile tightened. “Is that so? I shared her bed for two years. I think I know her better than you ever could.”
It took every ounce of Kris’s willpower not to let his bear take over right then and there. The primal part of him wanted nothing more than to show this arrogant human exactly what happened when someone threatened a shifter’s mate.
“You may have shared her bed,” Kris said quietly, his voice dropping to a dangerous register, “but I share her soul.” He stepped closer, using his height advantage. “And I’d appreciate it if you kept your distance for the rest of the evening.”
“Are you threatening me?” Dante asked, his voice light but his eyes hard.
“Just setting boundaries,” Kris replied smoothly. “As the owner of this establishment and Cassia’s fiancé.”
Dante’s gaze flickered to Cassia, who was now watching their interaction with concern. “Fiancé?” he repeated, tasting the word like it was bitter on his tongue. “Been there. Done that.”
“You betrayed her trust. That’s a mistake I’ll never make,” Kris said, his voice low and controlled despite the rage bubbling beneath his skin.
“Kris, can you help me with the wine?” Philip said as he approached.
“Sure,” Kris said, and turned on his heel and walked toward Philip as he headed to the bar.
But Dante was not done. The brittle mask of politeness vanished as he followed Kris to the bar. His voice dropped dangerously low, almost a hiss as he leaned forward and said, “If you really want this restaurant to succeed, you’ll end things with Cassia. It’s the price you pay—you can’t have it all.”
Kris glared at him, his fists tightening at his sides. “That’s not how this works.”
Dante sneered, stepping closer. “Trust me, it is. You think people will take you seriously if I write a scathing review?”
Rage surged inside Kris, his bear roaring fiercely. But he kept his voice low, eyes flashing dangerously. “If you think you can threaten me into leaving her, you’re even dumber than I thought.”
“Careful, Thornberg,” Dante drawled, smoothing his jacket casually. “I always get what I want.”
Kris straightened, confidence radiating from every fiber of his being. “Not this time. Not Cassia. She’s mine—and I will always choose her.”
Dante’s eyes narrowed sharply, anger burning beneath the composed surface. But Kris turned away dismissively, refusing to let Dante see any hint of fear or doubt. His heart belonged to Cassia, fully and unconditionally.
Nicely handled, his bear said approvingly, his tone deeply protective. He’s no match for us.
Exactly, Kris agreed.
But deep down, he was afraid of what Dante might do. He was the kind of man used to getting his own way, no matter what.
My offer of tearing his head from his shoulders still stands, his bear said.
And Kris had to admit it was a very tempting offer. Very tempting indeed.