Page 27 of Alpha Wolf (Return To Fate Mountain #6)

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Dom closed the last case file on his desk and leaned back in his chair, watching the late afternoon sun filter through the windows of Steel Protection headquarters.

Six months ago, this building had been nothing more than a furnished office space and hope.

Now, it hummed with the energy of a thriving business.

His computer screen displayed twelve active contracts across three counties. Corporate security consultations, personal protection details, and law enforcement partnerships that had transformed Steel Protection from suspicious outsiders into the region’s premier security firm.

“Steel Protection, this is Valeria. How can I help you?”

Dom’s attention shifted to the reception desk where his mate handled their incoming calls with the same calm professionalism that had made her an excellent police officer.

Five months pregnant and glowing with health, she fielded client inquiries with the perfect blend of warmth and competence that immediately put people at ease.

Her police background had proven invaluable in ways he’d never anticipated.

Law enforcement agencies specifically requested to work with Officer Steel, knowing her expertise bridged the gap between private security and official procedure.

Clients trusted her judgment implicitly, and Dom often deferred to her legal knowledge.

“Yes, we can absolutely coordinate with county dispatch on that,” Valeria said. “Let me transfer you to our tactical coordinator.”

She pressed a button and looked up at Hunter, who was organizing files at his workstation. “Corporate client needs integration with emergency services. Standard protocols?”

Hunter nodded respectfully. “I’ll handle it. Thanks, Valeria.”

Dom’s chest tightened with pride as he watched his pack’s natural deference to his pregnant mate. They’d all fallen into protective patterns around her without being asked, adjusting their movements and voices to accommodate her condition while never treating her as fragile.

Ryder appeared from the equipment room, consulting his tablet. “Weekend schedules are set.”

“Good,” Dom said, closing his laptop. “Any word from the Nevada contract?”

“Wrapped up clean,” Siren reported from her desk, where intelligence reports were spread in organized stacks. “Client’s satisfied, payment confirmed. Three referrals already came in.”

Blaze emerged from the small kitchen area, wiping his hands on a towel. “Dinner’s in the slow cooker. Should be ready in an hour.” His attention shifted to Valeria. “How are you feeling today?”

“Much better,” Valeria replied, her smile warm. “Second trimester is definitely an improvement.”

Dom felt his wolf rumble with deep satisfaction as he observed the scene. His pack was prosperous and secure. His mate was healthy and content, with their child growing safely inside her.

Axel finished securing the communications equipment. “Everything’s locked down for the night.”

“Good work, everyone,” Dom said, standing and stretching. “Enjoy your night.”

Valeria adjusted the strap of her market bag and breathed in the crisp mountain air, her bear stirring as autumn scents filled her nostrils.

The Saturday morning market buzzed with activity around them, vendors arranging fresh displays of produce, families browsing with children in tow, the comforting sounds of a community coming together.

The morning sickness that had plagued her first trimester had faded, replaced by the energetic glow everyone kept commenting on. Her hand rested naturally on the gentle curve of her belly, where their baby had been increasingly active.

Dom’s large hand found the small of her back as they navigated between stalls. Six months ago, that protective instinct had felt overwhelming, controlling. Now it simply felt like love.

“Morning, Mrs. Steel!” called Brie Mason from the Sweet Summit bakery stand, waving with flour still dusting her apron. “How are you feeling? You’re absolutely glowing!”

“Much better, thank you,” Valeria replied, returning the wave.

They paused at the honey booth, where her cousin Joy Kincaid was arranging beautiful displays of golden jars. Joy’s husband, Officer Holt worked beside her, holding their baby daughter Willow.

“Valeria!” Joy called out. “This clover honey is incredible during pregnancy.”

Dom stepped forward to purchase several jars, and she felt a familiar flutter of warmth through their mate bond.

As they continued through the market, Valeria marveled at how completely the community had embraced them.

Six months ago, Dom and his pack had been viewed as dangerous outsiders, suspected of crimes they’d come here to prevent.

Now vendors called out greetings, customers congratulated them on the pregnancy, and Steel Protection’s reputation for protecting shifter communities had earned them respect.

“Mija!” Rosa’s voice carried across the produce stalls as Valeria’s mother appeared with a basket already half-full of vegetables. “Perfect timing. I was just telling Mrs. Wang about the baby.”

Rosa enveloped Valeria in a careful hug, her maternal instincts in full force.

“The baby’s active today,” she murmured to her mother, feeling a particularly strong kick against her ribs.

“Good sign,” Rosa replied. “Strong babies move a lot. You were the same way, never stopped kicking from the moment I started showing.”

Behind her, Heath and Gabriel approached from a leatherworking stall. “How’s business?” Heath asked Dom.

“Word’s spreading,” Dom replied with satisfaction. “Seems like every shifter community in the state has security concerns these days.”

Her bear purred with contentment. This was what she’d always wanted. They moved through the market together, stopping at various stalls while Rosa selected ingredients for Sunday dinner.

“We should head out,” Heath said, checking his watch. “Need to prepare the backyard for tomorrow night.”

Valeria hugged her father, then Rosa. “We’ll see you both tomorrow.”

Heath clasped Dom’s shoulder in farewell. “Bring your appetite. Rosa and I are making enough food for an army.”

“Or a pack of hungry shifters,” Rosa laughed, squeezing Valeria’s hand before they parted ways.

They circled back to the Sweet Summit stand, and her pregnancy cravings kicked in with undeniable force. The lemon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting called to her with an intensity that made her mouth water.

“The baby demands lemon cupcakes,” she explained to Dom, who was already reaching for his wallet.

“Half a dozen lemon cupcakes,” he told Brie without hesitation.

Valeria bit into a cupcake and closed her eyes in bliss, the perfect balance of tart and sweet instantly satisfying her craving. “This is exactly what I needed.”

Dom watched her enjoyment, and she felt their bond hum between them. These small moments of domestic happiness meant everything.

“Ready to head home?” Dom asked, his arm circling her waist.

“More than ready,” Valeria replied, leaning into his warmth as they began the walk back to Steel Protection headquarters.

Children played in the small park while their parents chatted on benches. Elderly residents tended garden plots that would soon be dormant for winter. It was the rhythm of a close-knit community that had embraced them completely.

“I love this,” Valeria said quietly, her free hand resting on her belly where their child continued its energetic movements. “All of it.”

“You don’t miss writing speeding tickets?” Dom asked with gentle teasing.

“No.” She laughed and turned to look at him as they paused at a crosswalk. “I used to think I had to choose between being a Reynolds and being myself. Turns out I just needed to find the right path.”

Dom’s eyes went soft with understanding. “Your family’s proud of you. They see what you’ve built.”

It was true. Heath no longer looked at her with worried concern about her competence. Gabriel treated her as an equal. Rosa had fully embraced Dom as her daughter’s mate, fussing over the pregnancy with the joy of a woman anticipating her first grandchild.

Most importantly, she’d stopped trying to prove herself worthy and started simply being worthy. The difference was profound and liberating.

They reached Steel Protection headquarters.

As Dom helped her up the stairs to their apartment, Valeria felt the baby shift and settle, as if responding to the peace and security surrounding them.

Her bear was completely content, purring with the satisfaction of a safe territory, a devoted mate, and a growing family.

Six months ago, she’d been a rookie officer who couldn’t write a proper citation without embarrassing herself. Now, she was Mrs. Steel, a successful business partner, a beloved daughter and sister, and an expectant mother carrying the next generation of shifters on Fate Mountain.