Page 37 of Alpha's Promise

Dakota’s gaze locked with his, and he saw the questions swirling in her eyes. But there was no fear, only awe and a growing confidence that she hadn’t had before. He stepped toward her, nuzzling her gently, and she let out a soft, experimental growl in response.

Then, without warning, Dakota bolted. She took off across the pasture, her powerful legs propelling her forward with a grace and speed that took Landon’s breath away. He didn’t hesitate, chasing after her, the wind rushing past him as his paws pounded the earth.

They ran together through the hills of the ranch, weaving through the pastures and leaping over fences with ease. The night came alive around them—the rustle of leaves, the calls of nocturnal animals, the scent of wildflowers carried on the breeze. Landon felt freer than he ever had, his bond with Dakota humming like a living thing between them.

When they finally slowed, coming to a stop on a hill overlooking the ranch, Dakota turned to him, her golden eyes glowing. She let out a low, triumphant howl that echoed into the night, and Landon joined her, their voices blending in a song that spoke of discovery, of freedom, and of a bond that would never be broken.

And though he didn’t understand the full implications of their union, he knew one thing for certain—they belonged to each other, now and forever, come what may. They returned to where they’d started, shifted back and redressed.

"Whatever our destiny holds," she breathed as they walked back to the main house with their arms wrapped around one another, "we'll face it as one."

The Copper Canyon sun dipped low, bathing the sprawling ranch in a dusky glow that set the horizon aflame. Landon leaned against the weathered fence, his gaze fixed on the stirring silhouette of Dakota as she approached, her dark hair blowing in the evening breeze like a living shadow.

"Got something on your mind?" Dakota asked, her voice a melodic whisper blending with the rustling of the tall grasses.

"A lot of somethings," Landon replied, his lips curving into a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. The air between them crackled with an electric charge, the kind that had been building since the day she stumbled into his world—fierce, untamed, and utterly intoxicating.

"Any of them wedding plans?" she asked, breaking the silence that wrapped around them like a thick blanket. Her eyes held a spark of excitement, but it was the undercurrent of uncertainty that tugged at him. “Briar and Etta are pushing for sooner rather than later.”

"Ah, yes," he drawled, pushing off the fence to close the distance between them. "A celebration of us, here where the wild things roam."

Her laughter, rich and soulful, resonated in the quiet expanse. She laid a gentle hand on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath her palm. "Briar and Etta are already conspiring. They've got ideas about flowers and music..."

"Let 'em plan," Landon interrupted, his hands finding her waist to pull her closer. The warmth of her body seeped into his, a silent reminder of their bond. "As long as I get you at the end of the aisle, you and they can orchestrate a circus for all I care."

Dakota's grin faded as memories clawed their way to the surface, darkening her eyes. "I gave my deposition today," she whispered, a shiver passing through her despite the lingering heat of the day.

Landon's embrace tightened protectively. "And?"

"And it's done. All the ugly truths laid bare." Her voice was steady, but the haunted look in her eyes betrayed the pain of reliving her past. "The attorney is confident it'll be enough to strip him of any control over my inheritance. He also found out about the embezzlement."

"Good," Landon growled, the word tasting like ash on his tongue. His instinct to shield her from any more harm roared to life, as fierce as the wolves that prowled the canyon at night. “If you like, I can go back to Cimarron Mesa and rip his throat out.”

Dakota shook her head. He knew she thought he was joking… he wasn’t. Every time he thought about what that bastard of an ex had put her through, he wanted to kidnap him, take him to the desert and use him for hunting practice with the pack. Instead, Dakota wrapped her arms around him as they stood together, two souls entwined by fate and fire, shadows lengthening around them as nightfall crept closer. The danger that once seemed so distant now lurked just beyond the edges of the ranch, a threat amidst their escalating love.

"Everything's changing, isn't it?" Dakota murmured, leaning into his chest.

"Change can be good," Landon reassured, his breath warm against her ear. "We'll ride it out together. You and me and the pack, against whatever comes. Those of us at Copper Canyon have never lost a fight, and we’re not about to start."

They walked back to the ranch and joined the others for dinner. Afterwards, they slipped up the stairs to their room. With the darkening night came a sense of serenity, a brief respite from the storm they both knew was brewing on the horizon.But for tonight, tucked into their room, they allowed themselves the luxury of dreams spoken in hushed tones and the tender caress of hands vowing to hold on through whatever darkness lay ahead.

The bell above the diner door chimed a farewell that echoed in Landon's chest as Dakota handed in her two weeks’ notice to the owner of the diner, that small act insignificant compared to the weighty decision it represented. The clatter of plates and hum of quiet conversation provided a mundane soundtrack to what felt like the closing of a chapter.

"Sweetheart, I always knew you weren't meant to sling hash here forever," the diner's owner said, her voice tinged with sadness that couldn't quite mask her pride. She reached across the counter, enveloping Dakota's hand with her own, worn from years of hard work and honest living.

Dakota offered a half-smile, the blue in her eyes swirling like storm clouds promising rain. "You've been more than just a boss, and I will always be grateful. Besides, I plan to work out my two weeks, and even after that, it’s not like I won’t be around."

Landon stood by the entrance, his presence silent but solid, watching the exchange. The knowledge that Dakota was stepping away from the last remnant of her old life to fully embrace their shared future sent a thrill through him, warm as the whiskey they'd sip on cool Texas evenings.

"Go on, kiddo. Make your mark on this world," her boss nodded towards Landon. “He’s a good man.” Her affection for Dakota was as clear as the open skies above.

As they left the diner, the sun dipped low, casting long shadows that stretched out before them like a path leadinginto the unknown. Landon's hand found Dakota's, their fingers intertwining easily, naturally, as if they had always been meant to fit together.

The anticipation of the call from Landon's lawyer hung in the air between them as they walked back to the ranch. The dusky light wrapped around them, the world hushed and expectant.

And then, as the sun gave up its control of the day, his phone vibrated against his hip. Landon answered, his voice steady despite the hammering of his heart.

"Is that so?" he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting when the attorney confirmed the news. "Yeah, she's right here."

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