Page 13 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Maid

"Someone's trying to hack our systems." I didn't look up as I typed, building defensive walls of code. "They're good, but I'm better."

A familiar digital signature caught my eye. Sean. The bastard was getting bolder.

"Jenkins, activate Protocol Alpha. Lock down all sensitive data."

"Already in progress, sir." The AI's voice was clipped, focused. "Shall I initiate countermeasures?"

"Not yet." I smiled grimly as I laid a trap in the code. "Let's see where this leads." Everything faded away as I battled against the intruder in my systems until a rich, dark aroma cut through my tunnel vision. Nina set a steaming mug beside me, the ceramic quietly scraping against my desk.

"You looked like you needed it," she murmured. A warmth bloomed in my chest that had nothing to do with coffee.

"How did you know how I take it?" I asked, noting the exact shade of caramel that meant the perfect ratio of cream.

She shrugged, a slight smile playing at her lips. "I pay attention."

My wolf preened at her care, while something dangerously close to tenderness threatened to crack my carefully maintained walls.

For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a different life. One where I could accept this simple gesture without fear. Where I could pull her close, bury my face in her neck, and let her gentle presence soothe the storm inside me. Where my family's legacy didn't threaten everything and everyone I dared to care about.

But that wasn't my life. It would never be my life. The Nightfang blood ensured that.

With the security breach contained, I leaned back, catching the movement from the corner of my eye. Nina was organizing files on the shelf at the other end of the room, but her movementswere too slow, too hesitant. The screen of her phone glowed on the shelf beside her, and my enhanced vision caught the search results before she could close the tab.

NIGHTFANG FAMILY EMPIRE: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

MAFIA DYNASTY: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE NIGHTFANG NAME

BRUTAL MURDERS LINKED TO NOTORIOUS CRIME FAMILY

My stomach dropped. "Nina." My voice came out harder than intended. "What are you doing?"

She startled, nearly dropping the files. Guilt flashed across her face as she glanced at her phone. "After Rafe and your mother, I wanted to understand."

"Stop." I stalked toward her, my wolf too close to the surface. Her back hit the wall as I invaded her space, caging her with my arms on either side. "Whatever you think you're looking for, whatever you think you'll find, don't."

Her breath hitched as I leaned closer, drawn by the rapid pulse fluttering at her throat. Heat radiated between us, electric and dangerous.

"This isn't a request." My voice dropped to a rough whisper. She was so close I could count each freckle scattered across her nose, see the way her pupils dilated as she met my gaze. "Stay out of my personal business. For your own safety."

"I'm not afraid of you." Her chin lifted defiantly, even as her pulse quickened. The gesture exposed the delicate line of her throat, and my wolf growled in approval. Her small hands came up to rest against my chest, whether to push me away or pull mecloser, I couldn't tell. The touch burned through my shirt like a brand.

"You should be." The words came out as a growl. My fingers ached to trace the curve of her jaw, to tangle in her hair and claim her mouth. She smelled like temptation itself, like home and desire and everything I couldn't have.

"Dean." Her voice was barely a whisper, but it hit me like a physical blow. She swayed toward me, unconsciously seeking contact, and I caught a hint of her arousal mixed with the sunshine of her natural scent.

With miraculous effort, I pushed away from the wall, putting precious space between us. My hands shook with the need to touch her, to claim her, to protect her from everything, including myself.

"Just stay away from anything involving my family." I couldn't look at her, knowing that one glance at those green eyes would shatter my resolve. "Please."

She left quietly, but her scent lingered, desire and hurt that made my wolf whine in distress. I fought the urge to chase after her, to explain everything, to beg her forgiveness.

But I couldn't let her get involved in this darkness. Couldn't let my family's poison touch her light. Not if I wanted to keep her safe.

Even if denying our attraction felt like ripping out my own heart.

Chapter 7

NINA

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