Page 34 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Maid

"She left fresh cookies in the kitchen," Jenkins added. "And strict instructions for Ms. Sorenson to rest properly when she returns home."

Perhaps I'd underestimated the fierce little woman who always smelled of baking and lavender.

"Remind me to send her something nice," I muttered, turning back to watch Nina sleep.

"Already done, sir. A year's supply of her favorite Ceylon tea and those Danish butter cookies she covets. I took the liberty of signing the card from both you and Ms. Sorenson."

I smiled despite myself. Between Jenkins and Mrs. Abernathy, the penthouse would be perfect for Nina's return. My mate deserved nothing less.

Later that afternoon, Sabrina spent almost an hour drilling us on care instructions, rest, medication schedules, and wound care. Each instruction felt etched into my bones. I memorized the precise angle to help her sit up, the exact timing of medications, and which movements to avoid. My wolf catalogued every detail with an intensity that surprised even me. This wasn't just about healing her body. It was about proving we could protect her, care for her, be worthy of the trust she'd placed in us. Never again would we let her suffer like this. Finally, we were cleared to leave.

The elevator doors opened to reveal our sanctuary transformed. Fresh air tinged with mint and citrus replaced the bitter scent of violence that had haunted my nightmares. My keen nose detected the subtle layers of cleaning agents beneath. Jenkins and Mrs. Abernathy had been thorough.

My wolf's thoughts tumbled between amusement and embarrassment. Our neighbor, this tiny human who smelled of butter cookies and determination, had seen our territory at its worst, witnessed the aftermath of our rage, and responded byordering specialized cleaning supplies. The wolf in me wasn't sure whether to be impressed by her efficiency or mortified that our loss of control had been so thoroughly managed by someone who barely reached our chest height.

Nina's fingers tightened on mine as she took in the space.

"Welcome home, Ms. Sorenson, Mr. Nightfang," Jenkins greeted. "All security protocols have been upgraded and verified. The residence has been prepared to Dr. Wu's specifications."

Nina's relief at being home washed through our bond as she looked around the familiar space. "Thanks, Jenkins. It's good to be back."

Home. The word resonated through me. This place had been my sanctuary, my wolf's private den. Now it was transformed by Nina's presence. It was warmer, brighter, and truly a home for the first time.

I helped her settle on the couch, arranging pillows to support her injured ribs. "Do you need anything? Water? Pain meds?"

"Just you." She patted the space beside her. "Hold me?"

As if she needed to ask. I gathered her against me with utmost care, my chest rumbling as she relaxed into my embrace. Her scent wrapped around me like a balm, soothing the last of my battle tension.

"We should talk about what happened," she said after a while, her fingers tracing patterns on my arm.

"Nina."

"No, listen." She shifted to face me, wincing slightly at the movement. "I need you to understand something important.What I saw you shifting, fighting, and protecting me, it didn't frighten me. It made me love you more."

"What happened, Sean—"

"Was going to kill us both." She touched my face, her green eyes fierce. "You did what you had to do. Just like I did."

The image of my mate firing that gun flashed through my mind. I was filled with pride, even as my heart ached.

"I'm sorry you were put in that position," I said.

Before I could say more, Jenkins interrupted us. "Ms. Violet Nightfang is requesting entrance to the penthouse."

My wolf exploded beneath my skin, fangs threatening to descend as rage and terror collided. The mere thought of my mother anywhere near Nina sent protective fury racing through my veins. My muscles coiled, ready to shift at a moment's notice.

"Dean." Nina's voice, still raspy from her injuries, cut through the red haze. "Your eyes are glowing." She paused as she scanned my face for my reaction. "Let her in," Nina said quietly.

"You don't have to face her." I cradled her closer. "Not now, not ever."

"Yes, we do." She squeezed my hand, her determination flowing through our bond. "This needs to end. Today."

My mother's entrance was as cold and filled with disappointment as I had expected. Her silver-streaked hair was swept into an immaculate chignon, not a strand daring to escape its place. The cut of her charcoal suit was razor-sharp, every crease a weapon. Even her perfume was a calculated assault, juststrong enough to irritate my wolf's sensitive nose without being obviously aggressive.

My wolf bristled as she crossed into my penthouse territory, every step a deliberate invasion. Her designer heels clicked as she took in Nina's injuries with calculating eyes. I felt Nina tense beside me, her heart rate accelerating slightly, though her expression remained calm.

"Well," she said. "I see Rafe wasn't exaggerating the dramatics."

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