Page 19 of Billionaire Wolf Needs an Assistant

"Trust me?" He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles without taking his eyes off the winding road.

I smiled softly. "Always."

Paradise Peaks emerged from the gathering darkness like a fairy tale, tall snowcapped mountains and lush pine forests welcoming us. But Reeve drove past the downtown area and past the Hughes Hotel. Instead, he followed a private road that curved higher and higher up toward the summit. When we finally stopped, the town of Paradise Peaks and further away, the city lights of Huntington Harbor spread out below us like shimmering diamonds on black velvet.

He helped me from the car, then put his hands over my eyes. "Close your eyes," he murmured. I felt him move around behind me, his warmth seeping through my coat. Without sight, all I could rely on was my sense of smell and hearing as he guided me. The air was crisp and cool, with a trace of pine, and the snow crunched beneath our boots.

"Okay. Open them."

The scene stole my breath. In front of me, was a small cabin perched on the mountainside, windows glowing with warm light. Through the glass, I glimpsed a cozy interior with a crackling fire and what looked like a nest of blankets and pillows. It was a less dangerous and cozier version of the cabin we stayed in after our car accident.

"I remember you saying you missed seeing the stars, like from your hometown," Reeve said softly. He slid his arms around my waist and rested his chin in the crook of my neck. "Light pollution in the city makes it impossible. But up here, we can see everything." He gestured to the crystal-clear sky above us, where stars crowded the sky and cast a glow onto the snow-covered ground.

We were both giddy as he led me inside. The cabin was small but perfect, all warm woods and plush textures. A low table held covered dishes that smelled amazing, and music played softly from hidden speakers.

"When did you do all this?"

"I had help." He smiled, shrugging off his coat. "Turns out Lacey is quite the romantic conspirator. She helped set everything up while we were busy at the office."

"That little scamp. I'm going to grill her for details later." It seemed like Lacey was a double agent when it came to Operation Heal Reeve's Heart. I turned in his arms, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of it all. "And here I thought I was the only one planning surprises today."

"You taught me it's okay to celebrate love again." He touched the mate mark on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "That Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean grand gestures or public declarations. Just us, being real with each other."

"Happy Valentine's Day," I whispered against his lips.

"Happy Valentine's Day, my love."

Epilogue

KATIE

ONE YEAR LATER

Carefully, I arranged this year's Valentine's gift. The three crocheted wolves, two large and one tiny, felt weighted with promise as I positioned them on his desk. Reeve was still at home, unaware of the surprise waiting for him. I’d sent him back on a pretext, claiming I’d forgotten the tablet in our home office. My poor, unsuspecting mate had no idea how our lives were about to change.

The past year had transformed us both in ways I never expected. Love had softened Reeve's sharp edges while strengthening his core. His consulting firm had flourished, built on genuine relationships rather than pack politics. We’d outgrown our home office, hiring more staff and moving to a proper space downtown.

My hand drifted to my stomach, still flat, still hiding the secret I’d carried for weeks. Beneath my palm, a tiny spark of life pulsed, a quiet miracle growing inside me. I’d suspected for a while, but I’d kept it close, shielding the truth from Reeve until today. This was the ultimate Valentine's gift, much more precious than any crocheted creation. It was the beginning of the next chapter of our lives.

The elevator’s familiardingechoed through the office, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart leapt into my throat, pounding in time with the footsteps that grew louder as he approached. Through our bond, I felt his curiosity, his anticipation. He knew me too well, knew I had something planned today.

"Katie?" His voice was warm, laced with a hint of amusement as he stepped into the room. His eyes fell on the three wolves, and for a moment, he just stared, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What’s all this?"

The moment he understood was etched into my memory. Sharp and vivid, like a photograph I’d carry forever. His hands shook as he picked up the tiny wolf, his eyes widening as they met mine.

"Are you really?" he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of emotion.

I nodded, happy tears spilling over as a smile broke across my face. "Eight weeks. I wanted to wait until today to tell you."

The sound that escaped him was something between a laugh and a sob. He swept me into his arms, lifting me off the ground and spinning me gently, as though I were something fragile. When he set me back down, his hands cradled my face, his thumbs brushing away my tears.

"A baby." His voice cracked. "Our baby."

"Our family," I corrected, placing his hand over my stomach. "The three of us."

I didn't need the bond to feel the pure love and protectiveness that radiated off him in waves.

"Thank you." He pressed his forehead to mine, his breath warm against my skin. "For giving me everything I never knew I needed. A mate. A family. A reason to love again."

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