Page 17 of Howl About That

"I don't know really," she admitted. "I'm not experienced in land development. I'm more savvy with land preservation, not building on it."

"Well, I have plenty of experience in land development but not preservation," Keiro said, excitement beginning to build as he realized how perfectly their skills could complement each other. "I can already see where our strengths might align."

He paused, debating whether to share something he'd kept hidden for years, though the wine and her encouraging expression made the decision easier for him.

"I have an idea, but it's ambitious." His eyes lit up with genuine passion for the first time in longer than he could remember. "Before my father died, I wanted to become an architect. I'm pretty good at designing spaces. Maybe I could sketch up what we could build—something that honors the land while also being functional."

The moment the words left his mouth, he could see ideas spinning behind her bright blue eyes. Her entire posture changed, leaning forward with genuine interest that made his pulse race.

"That may actually be perfect," Poppy said, her voice carrying an excitement that matched his own. "That way we can create something we want. Not someone else's vision, but our vision."

The words hung between them, loaded with implications that went far beyond business. Her cheeks flushed pink as if she'd revealed more than intended, and she cleared her throat quickly.

"I mean, it will translate better if it's something we truly believe in."

But the damage was done. The phrase 'our vision' echoed in his mind, painting pictures of a future he'd never allowed himself to imagine—building something together, creating rather than just managing, having someone who understood his dreams instead of just his obligations.

The tension between them crackled like electricity, both of them having revealed more than they'd intended. She picked up her fork again, focusing intently on her pasta as if it required her complete concentration, but he could see the way her hands trembled slightly.

"I don't mean to rush you out," she said softly, "but I'm feeling tired. I didn't sleep well last night for obvious reasons, and only managed two hours of sleep."

Keiro stood immediately. "Please, let me escort you to your room."

When he offered his hand to help her up, she hesitated for just a moment before placing her palm against his. The contact sent fire racing up his arm, and from the way her breath caught, she felt it too.

She rose from her chair with fluid elegance, but instead of stepping away, she remained close—close enough that he could see the gold flecks in her blue eyes, close enough that her scent wrapped around his body like a living thing. The mate bond pulled at him with magnetic force, every instinct demanding he close the remaining distance between them.

Just a taste. Just once.

He began leaning in, drawn by forces beyond his control.

The way she looked in that blue dress, the way their conversation had made him feel more alive and inspired than he had in years, the rightness of being here in her home sharing dinner—it all combined into an irresistible pull.

She must have felt the same magnetic draw because she began leaning in as well, her lips parting slightly. The space between them disappeared inch by inch until he could feel her warm breath against his lips, until one more heartbeat would bring them together?—

A loud crash echoed through the house, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone forcing entry. The noise shattered the intimate moment like glass, both of them freezing with their lips barely apart, the spell broken by whatever threat had just invaded her sanctuary.

SEVEN

POPPY

The crash of shattering glass exploded through the estate, yanking Poppy from the intoxicating spell of Keiro's nearness. One moment she'd been drowning in cedar and rain and the impossible pull of their mate bond, her exhausted walls crumbling as she leaned into the promise of his lips. The next, her lioness surged forward with predatory fury, demanding to find the threat and eliminate it.

Poppy jerked back from Keiro so abruptly she nearly knocked over her wine glass, the romantic haze evaporating like smoke. Her heart thundered against her ribs as another crash echoed—the unmistakable sound of someone forcing entry through her front door.

Not tonight. Not when everything was already falling apart.

She hadn't faced a break-in since those first chaotic months after becoming Alpha, when every challenge to her authority had felt like a test of survival. The timing couldn't be coincidental. A wolf Alpha on pride territory would draw attention, and not all of it friendly.

Poppy spun toward the dining room door, her body already preparing for combat mode, but Keiro's hand shot out to catch her arm.

"No. Stay here. I'll handle it."

The command in his voice—that Alpha authority she recognized too well—made her lioness snarl. She whirled to face him, her eyes blazing with indignation.

"Like hell you will. This is my home, my territory, and I'll protect it with my life."

Keiro's expression darkened with concern and something fiercer—the unmistakable look of a male who'd found his mate and would die before letting harm reach her. His protective instincts were practically radiating off him in waves, but she could see the moment he recognized the futility of arguing with another Alpha about defending their own land.