Page 25 of Alpha Wolf (Return To Fate Mountain #6)
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Dom stood on the front porch of the Reynolds family home, holding a bottle of expensive whiskey in one hand and a bouquet of white roses in the other. Through the window, he could see warm light spilling from the kitchen and hear the sound of laughter.
This was it. The first official family dinner as Valeria’s mate. His wolf paced restlessly beneath his skin. The scents drifting from the house made his mouth water. The front door opened.
“You planning to stand out there all night?” Valeria said, her smile bright enough to ease some of the tension coiled in his chest. She wore a simple sundress in deep blue, her hair loose around her shoulders.
“I brought gifts,” Dom said, changing the subject. “What do you think?”
“Mom will love the flowers,” Valeria said as she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. “And Dad will appreciate the whiskey. Good choices.”
Dom followed her through the living room toward the back of the house, taking in family photos covering every surface.
Valeria at her police academy graduation.
Gabriel at his detective shield ceremony.
Beach vacations, birthday parties, and Christmas mornings—years of memories that painted a picture of a close, loving family.
“Dom’s here!” Valeria called out as they stepped onto the back patio.
The backyard was strung with warm fairy lights that cast everything in a golden glow. Heath stood at a large outdoor grill, turning pieces of meat that filled the air with incredible aromas. Rosa sat at a picnic table with Gabriel, both holding beer bottles and looking relaxed.
“Perfect timing,” Heath said, setting down his tongs and wiping his hands on his apron. “Everything’s almost ready.”
Heath extended his hand for a firm handshake. “Chief Reynolds. Thank you for including me tonight.” Dom handed over the whiskey. “Thought you might appreciate this.”
Heath examined the label with obvious approval. “Macallan eighteen-year. Excellent choice.” He gestured to the table. “Have a seat. Gabriel was just regaling us with the paperwork nightmare Dalton’s arrest created.”
Dom stepped toward the table, offering the roses to Valeria’s mom. “Mrs. Reynolds. Thank you for having me. These are for you.”
Rosa’s face lit up as she accepted the flowers. “These are beautiful. And please call me Rosa.” Her smile was warm and genuine. “Valeria’s told me so much about you.”
“Hopefully, it’s good,” Dom said, earning a laugh.
“Mostly,” Rosa replied with a wink. “Sit, sit. Gabriel, get Dom a beer.”
Dom settled beside Valeria. Gabriel passed him a cold beer and launched into a story about evidence processing that had all the complexity of a legal thriller.
“Three banker’s boxes of financial records,” Gabriel went on. “Turns out Dalton wasn’t just delaying emergency responses. He was being paid for it. Wire transfers from Crown Mountain shell companies going back four years.”
Heath shook his head in disgust. “Twenty years I worked with that man. Twenty years, and I never suspected.” Heath carried a platter loaded with perfectly grilled meat to the table. “Enough work talk. We’re celebrating tonight.”
The next hour passed in a blur of incredible food and easy conversation.
Heath and Rosa had prepared carnitas so tender they fell apart at the touch of a fork, along with barbacoa that had been slow-cooked until the spices penetrated every fiber.
Grilled vegetables, fresh tortillas, and sides that complemented everything perfectly.
“When Valeria was eight years old,” Rosa said. “She was absolutely convinced she could arrest the neighbor’s cat for trespassing in our garden.”
“She made tiny handcuffs and everything,” Gabriel added. “She chased that poor cat around the yard for twenty minutes. Mrs. Whitmore thought she’d lost her mind.”
“The charges against Mr. Whiskers were dropped,” Heath said solemnly, then broke into a grin. “Professional courtesy.”
Dom watched Valeria’s face light up. She caught him looking and raised an eyebrow, but her smile was soft.
“She always knew what she wanted to be,” Rosa said, her voice warm with maternal pride. “Even if her methods were... unconventional.” She turned to Dom with a knowing look as she stood from the table. “I imagine you understand something about unconventional methods.”
Dom chuckled. “You could say that.”
“I’ll be right back,” Rosa said.
“I’ll admit,” Heath said as Rosa disappeared inside, “when you first rolled into town, we thought you were trouble.”
“The diner fight didn’t help your case,” Gabriel added with a wry smile.
Dom felt heat crawl up his neck. “Not my finest moment.”
“But you proved us wrong,” Heath continued as Rosa returned and served generous portions of flan to everyone at the table. “I’m glad to have Steel Protection in Fate Mountain.”
Dom’s wolf rumbled with deep satisfaction. “We’re planning to make this our permanent base,” Dom said. “My team and I, we’re tired of moving from place to place. This is our new home.”
“Good,” Rosa said, taking a bite of flan. “Communities like ours need people willing to stand up for what’s right.”
“Having you there at the Dalton takedown made all the difference,” Heath said.
“Just doing what needed doing,” Dom said.
“Don’t be modest.” Heath gestured with his spoon toward Gabriel. “We were talking after the arrest. With Steel Protection setting up shop here, I have a feeling we’ll be working together more often. The department could use that kind of specialized backup.”
“Next weekend is Gabriel’s birthday,” Rosa continued. “You’ll come, of course. I’m making his favorite - mole negro with chicken.”
“I’d be honored,” Dom said, and meant it.
The string lights cast everything in warm gold as the evening began winding down. Dom helped clear the table while Heath and Gabriel discussed upcoming court dates for Dalton’s case. Rosa fussed over leftovers, insisting Dom take enough food to feed his entire team.
“Take care of our girl, mijo.” Rosa reached up to cup Dom’s cheek with surprising maternal affection on their way to the car.
“Always,” Dom promised.
Walking to his truck with Valeria beside him, Dom felt something shift inside his chest. The mission was complete. His pack was established and welcomed in this community. Valeria was safe, happy, and surrounded by family who’d accepted him as one of their own.
Most importantly, she was his.