Page 50 of Howl About That

Poppy turned to face him fully, letting her lioness's dangerous grace show in every movement. "We very much are doing this, Sander." Her voice carried the kind of quiet authority that made grown lions step back. "And for your information, I have my eye on you. You'd best watch yourself."

The threat hit its mark. Sander actually stumbled backward, his face going pale as something that looked suspiciously like panic flashed across his features. Without another word, he turned and pushed through the crowd toward the exit, practically fleeing the building. The reaction told Poppy everything she needed to know about her cousin's guilt, but she filed that information away for later. Today was about celebration, about the future she and Keiro were building together.

As they exited the building, Keiro's frustration bled through their bond. "Why don't we interrogate him now? About his possible involvement in the rogue attack, your father's murder?—"

"Not today." Poppy's voice was firm. "Today we focus on us and our future."

She could feel his Alpha instincts chafing against the decision, his need to eliminate threats warring with his respect for her wishes. But after a moment, his tension eased.

"You're right," he said, bringing her hand to his lips again. "There will be time for justice soon enough. Let's just enjoy each other today."

She squeezed his hand tighter and smiled bright. "Yes, let's go enjoy every inch of each other."

Today, she was finally embracing the vision of love and partnership that had once seemed impossible. Sander and his schemes could wait for a few more days.

TWENTY

KEIRO

The morning air carried the scent of possibility and excitement as Keiro stood beside Poppy on the land that had transformed from a massive overstep into their shared future. Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows across the clearing where contractors had already begun marking boundaries for construction. The sight filled him with a profound satisfaction that had nothing to do with business success and everything to do with the woman beside him and what they had created together.

Poppy looked radiant in her tailored navy dress, the sleeveless design showcasing the elegant line of her shoulders while the fitted silhouette emphasized her natural authority. She'd chosen to wear her hair down today, the dark waves catching the light as she moved with that predatory grace that never failed to make his wolf preen with possessive pride. Every detail of her appearance spoke of power and confidence—exactly the image they needed to project for today's ceremony.

Keiro had selected his own attire with equal care, opting for a charcoal suit with a navy tie that perfectly complemented her dress. The coordination hadn't been accidental; they werepresenting themselves as a unified front, a partnership that extended far beyond business into something deeper and more permanent. The press would undoubtedly publish photographs from today's groundbreaking, and he wanted the world to see exactly how formidable they were together.

"This feels surreal," Poppy murmured, her gaze sweeping across the massive white tent they'd erected near the construction site. Round tables draped in crisp linens dotted the space, surrounded by elegant chairs that would soon hold members of both their communities. "Two weeks ago, I thought I was going to lose everything. Now look at this."

Through their completed bond, he could feel her joy, her amazement, her lingering disbelief that this was actually happening. Her happiness fed his own until he felt like he might burst from the sheer magnitude of it.

"Two weeks ago, I made what I thought was the worst mistake of my life," he admitted, his fingers finding hers and intertwining naturally. "Buying this land right out from under you at that auction. I was so focused on helping that I nearly destroyed any chance we had before it began."

She turned to face him fully, those brilliant blue eyes reflecting the same contentment he felt. "The most beautiful mistake ever made. Look where it brought us."

He brought their joined hands to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles while his gaze swept the scene before them. Pack members and pride members were already beginning to arrive, their vehicles creating a steady stream along the gravel access road. The sight of wolves and lions gathering in the same space without tension or hostility struck him as nothing short of miraculous.

"By the way, your sketches are incredible," Poppy continued, nodding toward the easels they'd positioned near the tent's entrance. The architectural drawings he'd created weredisplayed on professional boards, showing detailed renderings of the retreat from multiple angles. "I'm so happy you could use your architectural gifts again. You're extraordinarily talented."

Pride swelled in his chest—not the cold satisfaction of business praise, but something warmer and more personal. For sixteen years, he'd buried those creative instincts beneath layers of duty and responsibility. Having Poppy not only recognize his talent but actively encourage it felt like reclaiming a piece of himself he'd thought lost forever.

"Well, I plan on using them more," he said, his voice lowering to that intimate register reserved for her alone. "Especially when I start designing our new homes."

Her eyebrows rose in amused curiosity. "Homes?"

"Yes, two homes," he confirmed, unable to suppress the grin that spread across his face. "One on my pack land and one on your pride land, so we can split our time equally between both communities. I want your pride to see you haven't abandoned them for me, and I want my pack to understand that you're not an outsider—you're family."

The smile that transformed her features was radiant enough to power the entire retreat. "Two homes sounds ambitious, but perfect. You really do think of everything, don't you?"

"I just want to make you happy," he replied simply, meaning every word.

Before she could respond—before he could lean down and capture those tempting lips in the kiss he'd been craving—familiar voices interrupted the moment.

"Congratulations to the happy bonded couple!"

Keiro turned to find Dax and Neve approaching, both wearing expressions of genuine warmth. His Beta looked uncharacteristically formal in a dark suit, though he'd still managed to make the outfit look effortlessly casual. Neve had chosen a sophisticated emerald dress that complemented hersharp intelligence, her usual efficiency softened by what looked suspiciously like pride.

"Thank you," Poppy said, her hand tightening in his as she smiled at their respective seconds. "I'm glad you could both make it."

Dax's steel-grey eyes swept the display of architectural drawings before settling on Keiro with something that might've been approval. "These sketches are impressive. I had no idea you still had it in you."