Page 31 of Howl About That

Keiro studied the landscape with an architect's eye, already seeing possibilities. "We could build an office complex. High-rises would maximize?—"

"No." The word cracked like a whip, Poppy spinning to face him with blazing eyes. "That will not work. That would invite more complications and headaches than we could handle."

Her vehemence surprised him, but through their bond he felt the deeper truth—she wasn't just protecting the land, she was protecting something precious and irreplaceable. He adjusted his approach, recognizing the need for finesse.

"How about a hotel? Temporary lodging rather than permanent developments?"

Poppy's expression softened marginally, but skepticism remained etched in her features. "A hotel seems too rigid for this type of beautiful space."

"Then what about a retreat?" The words emerged as inspiration struck. "A place where people can come to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Something that works with the landscape instead of against it."

Her eyes lit up like stars, a transformation so complete it stole his breath. This was Poppy unguarded, passionate about something beyond duty and responsibility. His wolf howled with joy at putting that expression on her face.

"Yes, that sounds perfect," she breathed, then caught herself and straightened. "And what if this retreat had spaces where people could work out and spar, but also areas for meetings or training sessions? Multi-functional facilities?"

"I like where this is going," Keiro said, already flipping open his sketchbook with hands that shook slightly with anticipation.

The moment his pencil touched paper, something fundamental shifted inside him. Lines flowed with confidence hehadn't felt in years, his hand moving with the muscle memory of countless teenage hours spent designing imaginary buildings. A main lodge took shape, then smaller cabins clustered around it, connected by paths that curved naturally through the existing trees.

This was what he'd been missing—creation for its own sake, building something beautiful instead of just profitable.

Poppy leaned closer to watch him work, her proximity sending his pulse racing. Her scent wrapped around his body like an embrace, wildflowers and rain mixed with something uniquely her. Through the mate bond, he felt her amazement and admiration, emotions that made his wolf preen with masculine satisfaction.

"Wow," she murmured, close enough that her breath warmed his cheek. "You really are good at this, aren't you?"

Her praise struck him to the core. When had anyone ever appreciated his creativity rather than just his competence?

His pencil moved faster, adding outdoor facilities for sparring and exercise, a pool that seemed to flow naturally from the landscape, and community spaces that honored the existing forest. He left vast areas untouched, marked only for hiking trails and exploration.

"That's an amazing rough sketch," Poppy said, stepping back with visible effort. He caught the flush across her cheeks, felt the spike of desire through their bond before she wrestled it under control. "We can add to it later."

They continued walking, following a deer path that wound deeper into the property. Here, away from the road and civilization, Poppy's professional mask began to slip completely. She moved with natural grace, pointing out interesting rock formations and wildlife signs, her love for this place evident in every gesture.

The path crested a hill, revealing a natural clearing where a waterfall cascaded over moss-covered stones into a crystal-clear pool. Sunlight filtered through the canopy to illuminate the scene like something from a fairy tale, and Keiro felt his architect's soul respond to the perfect harmony of elements.

"What if," Poppy said suddenly, her voice carrying a note of wonder that made his chest tighten, "we made this a retreat where both wolf packs and lion prides could come and stay together? A collaborative space to build natural alliances instead of maintaining the divisions that seem to define our world?"

Keiro stared at her, seeing not just the passionate Alpha who'd captivated him, but a visionary who could imagine a better future for all of them. While he'd created the structure of their dream, she'd just provided its soul—a purpose that transformed mere profit into something approaching sacred.

"That sounds absolutely perfect," he said, his voice rough with emotion he couldn't hide.

She was suggesting their world become a space for unity instead of division, wolves and lions learning to see each other as allies instead of threats.

Just like they were doing right now.

Through the mate bond, he felt the truth she was trying not to acknowledge—this wasn't just about business anymore. She was imagining a future where they could be together openly.

Keiro opened his sketchbook again, jotting notes about integration and shared spaces, about facilities that could serve both species' needs. But what he really wanted to capture was this moment—Poppy standing beside the waterfall with sunlight in her hair, dreaming of a world where love could triumph over tradition.

Her vision wasn't just perfect for their retreat. It was perfect for them.

Another hour dissolved into something approaching magic as they traversed the woodland together, Keiro's pencil dancing across the paper while Poppy's vision breathed life into his architectural bones. Each sketch became more refined, more ambitious—guest cabins that seemed to grow from the forest floor, a main lodge with soaring windows that invited the outside in, training facilities that honored both wolf and lion traditions without compromising either.

His sketchbook filled with possibilities that made his chest tight with something dangerously close to hope. This wasn't just about saving Poppy's pride anymore. This was about creating something revolutionary—a space where ancient prejudices could dissolve into understanding, where strength could be shared instead of hoarded.

Where they could build a future together without apology.

"I'll present this to the elders once you provide a final sketch," Poppy said, studying his latest drawing with an expression that made his heart soar. Her professional distance couldn't quite mask the admiration blazing in her bright blue eyes.