Page 29 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Fixer

"It just happened so fast.One minute I was gathering testimonials, and the next they surrounded the car.But Levi, you were incredible.I've never seen anything so amazing, so beautiful," she whispered.

It was the first time anybody had ever described my wolf as beautiful.If it hadn't come from my mate's mouth, I wouldn't have believed it.I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead."There's a lot you don't know," I murmured, the weight of my dual nature settling between us."But what matters is that you're safe."

"Let's get out of here," she said, the determination returning to her voice, but I could see the tremors still trembling through her body.

I took her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze as we turned toward the shelter.The familiar building loomed in the distance, now a sanctuary from the chaos outside.My senses remained alert, still partly within the adrenaline-fueled haze.

As we rounded the corner, I could see the familiar faces of the volunteers.They stared wide-eyed, uncertainty etched into their features, but I wasn't about to let anyone else near Krista.

"Let's head inside," I said, leading her past the guard of volunteers, their presence instantly making me feel a bit more at ease.

Once we were inside the shelter, I pulled Krista into a quiet corner, away from prying eyes."You did well.You showed incredible bravery back there."

She shook her head, a mix of pride and vulnerability in her gaze."All I could think about was you.I couldn't let them talk to you like that.It felt wrong."

"It's because you care," I responded, my heart swelling."But you've gotta promise me something."

"Anything," she replied, determination setting in her stance.

"Be careful.I can't lose you, Krista.Not now."The weight of the evening's danger pressed down heavily on my chest, the fierce resolve streaking through me."We fight together, but there are times when I can't have you out there on the front lines, not like this."

Krista's expression softened, the fire in her eyes giving way to a vulnerability that stirred something deep within me."I understand, Levi.But you have to let me fight in my own way.You can't shield me every time.I want to stand with you, not behind you."

I nodded slowly, acknowledging her courage but wishing we didn't have to navigate this darkness together."Let's go back to the mansion," I suggested, gathering our bearings."We need to regroup and revise our plan.We can't let them get the upper hand again."

As we stepped outside, I held her hand firmly, taking comfort in the physical connection and the mate bond between us.After the chaos, I could feel that we were more tightly woven together now, inseparable from each other.

With the shelter fading into the background and our minds set on the battle ahead, I knew I would protect Krista with every ounce of my being.I vowed to keep her safe from harm forever even at the cost of my own life.

Chapter 11

KRISTA

The library was deadly still, with the only sounds being the soft rustle of papers as Zane sorted through a stack of files.Levi paced the room, the anxiety rolling off of him in waves.Garrett leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp.Dean made a rare outing from his office to come to the mansion.He sat at the desk, his fingers flying across the keyboard, pulling up every scrap of information he could find on Dante's latest moves.

The grimness of the situation was overbearing, but I refused to let it crush me.This was it.The moment we'd been working toward.The moment we could finally take Dante down.

"He's making his move," Dean said, breaking the silence.His voice was calm, but his eyes were fierce."I intercepted a kill order.Dante's hired assassins to take out Levi, and you, Krista."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I didn't flinch.I'd expected this.Dante was desperate, and desperate men made reckless decisions."Then we make ours," I said, my voice steady."We use everything we've got to lure him out.He'll come for me if he thinks I'm vulnerable."

Levi froze, his eyes snapping to mine."No," he said firmly."Absolutely not.I'm not putting you in danger."

I stood, meeting his gaze head-on."You're not putting me there.I'm volunteering.This is the only way we'll get him to slip up."

Garrett straightened, his eyes narrowing as he studied me."She's right," he said after a moment.Levi pinned Garrett with a glare that could have burned a hole through him."Dante's cocky enough to take the bait if it's her."

Levi's jaw tightened, and I could see the war raging in his eyes, the instinct to protect me battling against the need to end this."It's too dangerous," he growled.

"Levi, we don't have a choice.If we wait, he'll come for us on his terms.This way, we control the narrative."

Dean leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him."I'll monitor the situation remotely.Once he starts confessing, I'll trigger the live feed.Zane's already rigged a hidden camera in your bag.The world will see everything."

Levi's eyes flicked to Dean, then back to me.The conflict in his gaze was raw, unfiltered."If anything happens to you—"

I cut him off, stepping closer and grabbing both of his clenched hands in mine.I unfurled his fists until both of our hands were entwined."Then shift and rip his throat out," I said."I'm not going down without a fight, Levi.But I need you to trust me."

He stared at me, his jaw working as he struggled with the decision.Finally, he exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging in defeat."Fine.But you stay within my line of sight.No unnecessary risks."

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