Page 86 of Wolf

Her mother smiles warmly but shakes her head. “That’s very kind of you to invite us, dear. But we’re feeling quite tired after the long day. I think we’ll head back to the hotel and rest up.”

Kali’s father nods in agreement. “But how about we pick both of you up for a nice lunch tomorrow to celebrate Kali’s achievement?”

“That sounds perfect,” Kali replies, giving each of them a hug goodbye.

I step forward and shake her father’s hand firmly. “It was good to meet you, sir.”

“Of course, son,” he says with a pat on my shoulder. “You take good care of our girl now.”

With final goodbyes, Kali and I join our friends and my brother, Luna, Thiago, Alice, and Taren, who are waiting nearby. A sense of contentment washes over me as I take Kali’s hand.

“Well, shall we get this celebration started?” I grin at the group.

Alice beams. “Lead the way!” She glances toward Blake, who is in a heated conversation with her parents. “I think Blake will meet us there. She has to discuss her move to Mexico with them.”

Kali sighs. “I still can’t believe you and Blake are moving to Mexico!”

Alice looks wistful but shrugs. “I’ll still visit regularly as Taren will have business in Boston.”

I know Kali is sad that two of her friends are leaving, but Luna and Thiago will remain with us in Boston.

“Let’s get to the restaurant, I’m starving,” Luna complains.

Everyone agrees, and we walk a short distance to the place Gaston booked. It’s a bit fancy for my liking, but it's a lively place filled with chatter.

I instinctively scan our surroundings, my protective instincts never fully at ease. Old habits die hard.

As we approach our table, I position myself strategically, my back against the wall and a clear view of the exits. Kali shoots me an amused look, seemingly aware of my vigilance. In return, I give her a small smile, pulling her chair out before taking my seat beside her.

The conversation flows easily as we all catch up, swapping stories. I remain quiet, content to listen and observe. Social situations have never been my forte, but being near Kali makes it tolerable.

Under the table, my hand finds her thigh. Kali’s breath hitches, and I can’t help but smirk. Even in this public setting, I crave the closeness, the reminder that she is mine.

My fingers trail along her soft skin, eliciting a subtle squirm from her. I lean closer. “Behave, baby,” I murmur, my voice a low rumble.

Kali shoots me a playful glare, but her eyes sparkle with a hint of desire.

The arrival of Blake and Gaston provides a momentary distraction as Kali jumps up to greet Blake. “There she is! I’m so proud of you.”

She squeezes her back. “Proud of you too!”

Alice and Luna join the hug, too, before Luna breaks it and says, “We’re starving. Let’s order!”

Kali returns to sit beside me, and I instantly slide my hand back onto her thigh, squeezing. Everyone chats about what drinks they will order, but I tune them out. All that I can think about is the beautiful woman beside me.

My brother declares a toast, but still I don’t join in. It’s not my style. Instead, I lean toward Kali and murmur into her ear. “I’ll be toasting you tonight when I pour champagne all over your body and lick it off.”

“Matias, stop it,” she hisses, but her tone has a hint of amusement.

As the others part ways, finally sated with food, I shift my attention to Kali. “Shall we go, baby?” I help her out of her chair, my hand lingering on the small of her back as she stands.

I lead her out of the restaurant and to my car. Once inside, I turn on the engine and head out of the parking lot, turning in the opposite direction to the apartment.

“Where are we going?” Kali asks.

I grin. “You’ll see.”

She raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Are you kidnapping me again, Matias?”

---