Page 24 of Ocean's Whisper

His wolf settled, momentarily content to see her eating, accepting his provision even while her questions remained. The council's reaction could wait. The implications of a human Luna could wait.

He watched her from across the terrace table, sunlight bathing her blonde hair in golden hues that reminded him of treasures lost to the sea centuries ago. Her curves were outlined perfectly in her simple blue blouse that enhanced the color of her eyes and made his wolf growl with possessive hunger.

"I really need to go back now," she insisted, setting down her fork with the stubborn determination he was quickly coming to recognize. "My colleagues will expect me to help with the cleanup. It's my research station too."

"And risk causing another tsunami when someone inevitably upsets you?" he challenged, one eyebrow raised. He leaned forward, his voice lowering to a rumble. "You haven't controlled your powers for even an hour yet."

The slight flush that crept up her neck signaled both irritation and awareness of his proximity. His wolf preened at the effect he had on her.

"They'll wonder where I am," she countered, her eyes flashing with defiance that made his blood surge. "They'll think I don't care."

He considered her for a moment, admiring the loyalty she showed to her human colleagues. He had rarely encountered such fierce dedication among those not bound by pack oaths.

"I have a better solution." He pulled his phone from his pocket, his thumb sliding across the screen with practiced efficiency. "One that keeps you safe and preserves your standing with your colleagues."

Her eyes narrowed skeptically. "Which is?"

"Watch." He pressed a number on speed dial, activating the speaker function and setting the phone between them on the white linen tablecloth. The ocean breeze carried the scent of her curiosity to him as the call connected.

"Mayor Stevens," came the formal response after two rings.

"Craig, it's Nereus Varon." He kept his eyes fixed on Isolde's face, watching her reaction. "I'm calling about last night's disaster at the marine research station."

"Mr. Varon! What a surprise. We were just discussing emergency funding options."

Nereus straightened, his posture commanding even through the phone call. "No need. I'm announcing full financial backing for both cleanup and complete rebuilding of the facility."

Isolde's eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise. The reaction satisfied something deep within him. Providing for his mate was encoded in his DNA.

"That's incredibly generous, sir, but?—"

"I'm not finished," Nereus cut in smoothly. "My sovereign territory values scientific research, especially concerning our shared waters. These scientists are our neighbors, and their work deserves our respect and full support."

He caught Isolde's soft intake of breath, her sea-blue eyes now studying him with newfound intensity. His wolf preened under her scrutiny.

"I'll be sending my construction and environmental teams today. I want the scientists consulted on the redesign—whatever equipment upgrades they need, whatever facilities would enhance their research—it's theirs."

The mayor sputtered grateful acknowledgments while Nereus maintained unwavering eye contact with Isolde. Her expression had softened into something that made his chest tighten unexpectedly.

"One more thing," Nereus continued, his voice lowering to a timbre that brooked no argument. "The scientists should stay away from the site for now. My team needs unimpeded access for salvage operations, and there are safety concerns. Please ensure they understand this is for their protection."

The subtle emphasis on the word "protection" was meant for Isolde. His Luna needed to understand that every decision, every command he issued, was ultimately to keep her—and by extension, others—safe from harm. The sudden wave of possessiveness that swept through him was almost overwhelming.

Her fingers reached across the table, not quite touching his hand but close enough that he could feel the heat of her skin. The implicit acknowledgment of his efforts made his wolf rumble with satisfaction.

"I'll make sure everyone knows," the mayor assured him. "The research staff will be thrilled by your generosity."

Nereus ended the call and pocketed his phone with a satisfied nod. The wolf inside him prided itself on having provided for his mate and removing obstacles from her path.

"Wow," Isolde leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. "That sounded incredibly suspicious, you know. 'Keep the scientists away' and all that talk about sovereign territory. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were doing something shady."

Her teasing smile unleashed a warmth in his chest that surprised him. His wolf responded to her playfulness, seeking more of it despite the serious circumstances.

"Humans always look for conspiracy where there's merely efficiency," he replied, his lips quirking upward.

"Speaking of humans, why doesn't everyone know you can transform into a giant wolf? The mayor just called you 'Mr. Varon' like you're some normal billionaire businessman."

Nereus stiffened, his spine straightening automatically. This was dangerous territory—the question of secrecy that had protected his kind for millennia.

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