Page 38 of Alpha's Promise

He passed the phone to Dakota, his gaze never leaving her face as she listened, the flickering emotions there more compelling than any wildfire.

"Thank you," Dakota whispered into the receiver, her voice a blend of disbelief and triumph. "We'll be in touch about the next steps."

She ended the call and looked up at Landon, her eyes reflecting the dying light and the fiery determination that had brought her this far. "It's done. He's been removed. I'm finally free."

"Truly free," Landon affirmed, his voice low and resonant.

They embraced, the warmth of her body seeping into his, a silent testament to the fact that they were stronger together than apart. The electric connection between them sparked, igniting a flame that neither darkness nor distance could extinguish.

"Let's go home, cowboy," Dakota said, her lips curving in a seductive smile that held both invitation and challenge.

"Lead the way, darlin'," he replied, his hand resting at the small of her back, guiding her forward into a future where the specters of the past no longer cast their long shadows.

Landon watched Dakota move with an effortless grace around the sprawling ranch kitchen, her dark hair tied back in a loose ponytail that swayed with each step. The setting sun spilled its last golden rays through the window, casting a warm glow on her face as she discussed plans with Etta and Briar.

"Okay, so we'll need enough steaks for the pack—what do you think, forty? Fifty?" Dakota's voice had that commanding lilt, a remnant of her past life where she'd been forced to take charge or fall behind.

"Better make it sixty," Briar chimed in, leaning against the counter with a grin. "You've seen how they can pack it away."

Etta nodded in agreement, her hands busy chopping vegetables. "Don't forget the vegetables—we'll need some grilled portobellos, peppers, onions, and other veggies, too."

The trio worked in harmony, their laughter and banter filling the room with an infectious energy. Landon couldn't help but admire Dakota's tenacity; she was not just planning a dinner, she was forging bonds, weaving herself into the fabric of their lives so seamlessly that it felt like she'd always been there.

As they discussed flavors and pairings, Dakota caught him staring and offered a sly smile. "What about drinks, cowboy? You think you can handle the bar?"

"Darlin', I'll wrangle up spirits finer than any saloon in Texas." The words rolled off his tongue, dipped in innuendo and promising much more than alcohol.

Her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and he knew he'd hit the mark. He now knew the connection Colt shared with Briar and hoped Bryce would someday find the same. The air between himand Dakota was always charged with the arousal that seemed to hover like a storm cloud ready to burst.

"Good," she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the wildfire within. "Because I want this night to be unforgettable."

"Unforgettable it will be," Landon vowed, not just for the pack, but for them—a celebration of new beginnings and the shedding of old fears.

The sound of boots on hardwood announced the arrival of other pack members, offering their help. A burly man named Hank volunteered for fireworks duty, while others brought forward crates of fresh produce and meat. They moved with purpose, a community coming together not out of obligation, but out of genuine respect and affection for Dakota.

"Seems you've got yourself a following," Landon remarked, observing the scene unfold.

Dakota glanced around, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and humility. "I didn't expect... I mean, thank you, all of you."

"Hey, you're one of us now," Hank replied, his gruff voice softened by sincerity. "And when one of us wins, we all celebrate."

As the evening wore on, the preparations took shape. Tables were set under the open sky, strings of lights woven through the trees, and the scent of mesquite began to fill the air. Dakota stood beside Landon, her hand finding his, their fingers entwining naturally.

"Tonight is just the beginning," she whispered, leaning into him. The heat of her body seeped into his skin, sparking that familiar current that ran deep and true.

"Of forever," he finished, pulling her closer.

Their lips met in a kiss that held the promise of the night ahead—a night filled with laughter and camaraderie, with the pop and fizz of fireworks echoing their own combustible connection. As the first star blinked into existence overhead,Landon knew without a doubt that whatever darkness lurked at the edges of their world, it would not prevail. The love she shared with Landon was an unbreakable light against the encroaching shadows.

CHAPTER 18

DAKOTA

The clink of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversations formed the backdrop to Dakota's morning as she glided between the various cooking stations in the diner’s kitchen with practiced ease. Despite the warm interior, a chill skittered down her spine as the bell above the door jangled sharply. The scent of bitter anger and cheap cologne wafted in before he even crossed the threshold. Dakota's ex-fiancé, the shadow from her past, stood framed against the harsh light of day, his eyes scanning until they fixed on her.

"Surprised to see me, Dakota?" His voice was smooth, like whiskey over ice, but it held an edge that caused the room to still, eyes flicking to the unfolding drama.

She kept her back straight, her posture radiating a resilience forged from necessity. "You've no reason to be here," she said.

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