Page 12 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Fixer (My Grumpy Werewolf Boss #5)

LEVI

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, staring out at the ocean waves crashing in the distance. The sunlight streaming in felt almost mocking, too bright for the heaviness in my chest. The adrenaline of taking down Dante had faded, leaving behind a hollow ache. Winning hadn't felt like a victory. It felt like the start of another battle.

My phone buzzed incessantly on the coffee table, but I ignored it. The media frenzy was relentless, and every headline felt like a knife twisting in my gut.

LEVI STORM: HERO OR MONSTER?

DID HOLLYWOOD'S GOLDEN BOY COVER UP A MURDER?

KRISTA FORTUNE: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE SCANDAL

Krista's soft footsteps echoed behind me, and I didn't have to turn to know she was there.

Her presence was a warmth that cut through the tension in the room. She stopped beside me, her arm brushing mine as she followed my gaze out the window. For a moment, we just stood there, the silence between us comfortable and familiar.

"You're brooding again," she said finally, her voice teasing but laced with concern. "It's not a good look on you."

I huffed a laugh, though there was no humor in it. "I'm not brooding. I'm strategizing."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a small smile. "Strategizing? Is that what we're calling staring at the ocean like it's plotting against you?"

I turned to look at her then, my chest tightening at the sight of her. Even now, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she managed to find the humor in it. Her hair was messily on top of her head, and she was wearing one of my hoodies that swallowed her frame. She looked perfect.

"What if it's not enough?" I blurted out.

Krista's smile faltered slightly as she searched my face, her playful expression softening into something more serious. "What if what's not enough?" she asked quietly, her voice gentle but probing.

I hesitated, the words sticking in my throat. I wasn't used to vulnerability, to admitting weakness. But with Krista, it felt different. She had a way of disarming me, of making me feel safe even when I was teetering on the edge of losing control.

"What if all of clearing my name, taking down Dante, all the evidence we've gathered, what if it's not enough to fix what's broken?" My voice was low, the weight of my fears pressing down on me. "What if it's not enough to protect you? To keep you safe?"

Her brow furrowed, and she stepped closer, her hand reaching up to cup my cheek. Her touch was warm and grounding. I couldn't help but lean into it. "Levi," she said, her tone firm but laced with tenderness. "You've already done more than enough. You're not just fighting for yourself anymore. You're fighting for justice. It's for Selene and for all the people Dante hurt. And you're not doing it alone. I'm here. We're in this together."

Her words should have been enough to ease the ache in my chest, but the doubt still lingered. "I don't want my past to keep dragging you down," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "You deserve better than to be caught up in this mess."

Krista's eyes narrowed, and she gave me a pointed look. "Stop it," she said firmly, her hand dropping from my face to poke me in the chest. "You don't get to decide what I deserve, Levi. I'm here because I choose to be. Because I want to be. And if you think for one second that I'm going to let your self-doubt push me away, you're dead wrong."

I stared at her, stunned by the fierceness in her voice. There was no hesitation in her eyes, no trace of doubt. She meant every word, and it left me speechless.

She crossed her arms, tilting her head as she studied me. "You're not just Levi Storm, the actor, the alpha wolf, the guy with a chip on his shoulder the size of Hollywood," she continued, her tone softening but no less resolute. "You're Levi, the man who saved me when I didn't even know I needed saving. The man who shifts for a one-eyed Chihuahua and volunteers at an animal shelter because he cares. The man who, despite all his growling and brooding, has a heart bigger than he'll ever admit. That's who I choose. Not the image, not the fame, not the drama. You."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air out of my lungs. I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. I couldn't remember the last time someone had truly seen me and still chose to stay. My wolf stirred in my chest, a low, rumbling purr of contentment that I could feel vibrating through my bones.

Krista stepped closer, her arms uncrossing as she reached up to frame my face with her hands. Her gaze locked onto mine, fierce and unwavering. "You're stuck with me, Storm. Whether you like it or not."

A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me, unexpected and raw. It felt foreign, like a forgotten reflex, but it was real. "You're impossible," I said, my voice rough but affectionate.

Her lips curved into that blinding smile of hers, the one that could light up the darkest corners of my soul. "And yet, here you are," she shot back, her tone teasing but her eyes soft.

I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight against me. Her warmth seeped into my skin, chasing away the lingering chill of doubt. I buried my face in her hair and inhaled her scent, letting it ground me. "You're right," I murmured against her hair. "I'm stuck with you. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

She laughed softly, her breath warm against my chest, and I felt her arms wrap around me just as tightly. For a moment, the chaos of the outside world faded away, leaving just the two of us in our little bubble of quiet.

But the peace didn't last long. From the corner of the room, the sound of a throat being cleared broke the silence. I glanced up to see Garrett standing in the doorway, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. He raised an eyebrow, his tone dry but laced with amusement. "Am I interrupting something, or should I come back later?"

Krista pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushing a faint pink, but she didn't let go of me. "You're fine, Garrett," she said, her voice steady despite the embarrassment. "What's up?"

Garrett stepped further into the room, his gaze flicking between us before settling on me. "We've got a situation. The press is camped outside the gates, and they're not going anywhere. They're demanding a statement from you."

I groaned, the weight of the world settling back onto my shoulders. "Of course they are. What do they want now?"

"A lot of things," Garrett said, his tone grim. "Mostly, they want to know about your involvement with Dante. They're speculating about Selene's death, Krista's role in all of this, and whether you're going to address the rumors head-on. Some are even questioning if Krista's just a PR stunt."

Krista stiffened beside me, and I felt a low growl rumbling in my chest. "They're calling her a stunt?" I snapped, my temper flaring. "After everything we've both done to take Dante down?"

Garrett held up a hand, his expression calm but firm. "Don't shoot the messenger, Levi. But you need to decide how you're going to handle this. If you don't address it, they'll keep pushing. If you do, you risk giving them more ammunition."

I raked a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling over. "So, what's the play here? Ignore them and hope they go away? Or feed the beast and risk making it worse?"

Krista stepped forward, her hand slipping into mine. "We don't ignore it," she said, her voice steady and resolute. "We address it head-on. We've got the truth on our side, Levi. Dante's crimes are out in the open now. We've got the evidence, the live feed, and the public's attention. This is our chance to set the record straight.

I turned to look at her, her determination sparking something deep within me. Her confidence was infectious, and I could feel the weight of my own fears starting to lift. "You're right," I said, my voice firm now. "We've been on the defensive for too long. It's time we take control of the narrative."

Krista nodded, her grip on my hand tightening. "Exactly. We'll hold a press conference. You'll speak candidly about Selene's death, the evidence against Dante, and what this means for Hollywood moving forward. No more hiding, no more dodging. We give them the truth, and we let the chips fall where they may."

Garrett stepped forward, his arms still crossed but his expression more approving. "It's risky, but it might be the best move. The public's already starting to turn in your favor. If you're transparent and genuine, they'll see you as the victim here, not the villain."

I took a deep breath, the weight of the decision settling over me. I hated the spotlight, hated the way it stripped me bare and left me exposed. But I couldn't keep running. Not anymore. "Alright," I said, finally. "Let's do it. But we do it on our terms."

Krista's smile was small but triumphant. "Atta boy. I'll coordinate with Zane to get everything set up. We'll need to craft a statement, but I think it's important that you speak from the heart, Levi. People can smell insincerity a mile away. Be honest. Be real."

I nodded, though my stomach churned at the thought. Being vulnerable in front of millions wasn't exactly my idea of a good time, but if it meant clearing my name and protecting Krista, I'd do it. "Alright. Let's make it happen."

As Krista and Garrett began to strategize, I found myself lingering by the window again, the sunlight now feeling less mocking and more hopeful. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sense of clarity. The road ahead would be rough, and the media circus wasn't going away anytime soon. But with Krista by my side, I knew I could face whatever came next.

I glanced over at her, her updo bouncing as she gestured animatedly, her voice steady and confident. She was a force of nature, and I was grateful that she'd chosen to stand beside me, even when I hadn't made it easy. She'd walked into my life like a storm, upending everything I thought I knew about myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Levi," she called, pulling me out of my thoughts. "We need to go over the key points for the press conference. You ready?"

I nodded, crossing the room to join her. "Ready as I'll ever be."

She smiled that radiant smile that always seemed to light up the darkest corners of my world. "Good. Because you're about to show the world who you really are. Not the Hollywood alpha wolf. Just Levi. And I think they're going to love him."

Her words settled over me like a balm, easing the knot of anxiety in my chest. I wasn't sure if the world would ever truly see me the way she did, but as long as she did, that was enough.

The press conference was set for the following morning, and the hours leading up to it were a flurry of activity. Krista and Zane worked tirelessly to craft a statement that was both honest and strategic. Garrett coordinated security to ensure things didn't spiral out of control. I, on the other hand, spent most of the time pacing, rehearsing what I wanted to say in my head.

"You're going to wear a hole through the floor to China," Krista teased at one point, catching me mid-stride.

I stopped, raking a hand through my hair. "I just want to get this right."

She stepped closer, her expression softening. "You will. Just speak from the heart, Levi. That's all you need to do."

I nodded, though the weight of what I was about to do still pressed heavily on my shoulders.

When the time came, I stood on stage, the sea of cameras and reporters glaring back at me like a pack of predators. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to take a deep breath, grounding myself in the moment.

"Thank you all for being here," I began, my voice steady despite the nerves. "I know there's been a lot of speculation about my involvement in recent events, and I'm here to set the record straight."

The room fell silent, every pair of eyes fixed on me. I continued, my words measured but filled with conviction. "Selene Reyes was a friend and a talented artist. Her death was a tragedy, and it's one that I feel deeply. I want to make it clear. I had no part in her death. But I do take responsibility for not seeing the signs of the danger she was in. For not doing more to protect her. And for that, I'll always carry guilt."

I paused, Selene's memory pressing heavily on me. The room was deathly quiet.

"The truth is, this isn't just about me," I continued, my voice growing stronger. "It's about the systemic corruption that's plagued our industry for far too long. Dante Grimshaw's arrest is just the beginning. He orchestrated Selene's death, ran a drug ring, and exploited countless others for his own gain. But he didn't act alone. There are others complicit in this. People in the industry who turned a blind eye or actively enabled his crimes. And it's time we held them accountable."

The murmurs started then, whispers spreading like wildfire through the crowd. I could feel the shift in the room, the energy turning from skepticism to something more urgent.

"I'm not here to play the victim," I said, my tone firm. "I know my past isn't spotless. I've made mistakes, and I'll own them. But I'm not the villain in this story. The real villains are the ones who prey on the vulnerable and who use their power to harm rather than protect. And I refuse to let them win."

I glanced over at Krista, who stood off to the side, her eyes locked on me. She gave me a small nod, her expression filled with quiet pride. It gave me the strength to keep going.

"I'm not here to ask for your forgiveness," I said, turning back to the crowd. "I'm here to ask for your help. To stand with me in demanding justice for Selene and for everyone who's been victimized by this system. This isn't just my fight, it's ours. And together, we can make sure no one else has to suffer the way she did."

The room erupted into questions, reporters shouting over one another to be heard. But I held up a hand, silencing them.

"That's all I have to say for now," I said, my voice cutting through the chaos. "We'll be releasing a full statement with the evidence we've gathered. Thank you."

As I stepped away from the podium, the noise behind me reached a fever roar, but I tuned it out. My focus was on Krista, who met me halfway. Her expression was a mix of pride and relief.

"You did it," she said softly, her hand finding mine. "You were perfect."

I let out a shaky breath, the weight of the moment finally hitting me. "I don't know about perfect, but it's a start."

She smiled, her thumb brushing against my knuckles. "A damn good one."

Garrett appeared at my side, his usual stoic demeanor cracked by a faint smirk. "That was a hell of a speech, Storm. Didn't know you had it in you."

I shot him a look, though there was no real heat behind it. "Thanks, Garrett. I'll take that as a compliment."

Zane joined us, his tablet in hand and a grin plastered across his face. "The internet's already exploding. People are calling you a hero, Levi. And the hashtag #JusticeForSelene is trending worldwide."

I glanced at Krista, who squeezed my hand reassuringly. "It's what she deserved," I said quietly. "What they all deserve."

The next few days were a whirlwind of media coverage, legal proceedings, and public scrutiny. The evidence we'd gathered against Dante was indisputable, and his arrest sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The public's reaction was overwhelmingly supportive, with many praising Selene and calling for systemic change within the industry.

But not everyone was on my side. There were still those who questioned my motives and who painted me as a self-serving opportunist. And then there were the vultures, the ones who'd latched onto my relationship with Krista, twisting it into a narrative of scandal and intrigue.

I tossed the tabloid onto the coffee table, my jaw tight. "They're relentless," I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

Krista sat down beside me, her presence instantly calming the storm brewing inside me. She picked up the tabloid, flipping through it with a look of mild amusement rather than anger. "Let them talk," she said, her tone light but firm. "They're going to spin whatever story sells. But we know the truth. That's what matters."

I turned to look at her, my frustration softening at the sight of her composure. "I just hate that they're dragging you into this. You don't deserve to be a headline."

She shrugged, setting the tabloid aside. "I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to stand by your side. I'm not naive, Levi. I knew the scrutiny would come. But I also knew it would be worth it."

Her words hit me with a kind of quiet intensity, and I reached for her hand, lacing my fingers through hers. "You're something else, you know that?"

She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've been told."

The next morning, I woke to an avalanche of texts and missed calls. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, groaning as I scrolled through the notifications. Most of them were from my agent, and a quick glance at the timestamp told me she'd been trying to reach me since the crack of dawn.

"What now?" I muttered, sitting up in bed.

Krista stirred beside me, her hair a wild halo around her face. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

"Not sure yet," I said, opening the latest text from my agent. My eyes widened as I read the message. "Oh."

"Oh?" Krista propped herself up on one elbow, her brow furrowing. "Is that a good 'oh' or a bad 'oh'?"

I handed her my phone, unable to hide the grin spreading across my face. "It's a very good 'oh.'"

Her eyes scanned the screen, and then she was sitting up, her smile lighting up the room. "The studio's moving forward with the franchise? That's amazing, Levi!"

I nodded, a mix of relief and excitement coursing through me. "They're officially announcing it this afternoon. They're keeping me on as the lead." I read the message twice, my heart pounding in my chest. It wasn't just a win. It was a second chance.

Krista's smile widened, and she threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me back against the headboard. "I knew it! I told you they wouldn't let you go. This is huge!"

Her words hit me harder than the news itself. I pulled her into a hug, burying my face in her hair. "I couldn't have done this without you," I said, my voice muffled. "You're the reason I'm still standing."

She pulled back slightly, her gaze soft but teasing. "Don't go getting all sappy on me, Storm. You're still the one who took down Dante. You're the one the public rallied behind. I just helped clean up the mess."

"You did more than that," I said, my tone serious now. "You believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. You fought for me, Krista. That's not something I'll ever forget."

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the weight of everything we'd been through seemed to hover between us. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. "You're worth fighting for, Levi."

The studio's announcement later that day was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. The headlines were split. Some celebrated my return to the franchise, others questioning whether I could carry the weight of such a high-profile role after everything that had happened. But for the first time in a long time, I didn't let the noise get to me. I had Krista by my side, and together, we'd weathered the storm. We'd emerged stronger, and I wasn't about to let anyone tear us apart now.

As the sun set that evening, we sat on the terrace. Krista leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I stared out at the sky, the events of the past few weeks playing like a movie in my mind. Selene's death, Dante's downfall, the press conference, the studio's announcement, it had all been a whirlwind. But through it all, Krista had been my constant.

Krista's voice broke the silence, soft but teasing. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be Hollywood's biggest grump, you're turning out to be a pretty decent guy."

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Don't let it get around. I've got a reputation to maintain."

She laughed, the sound warm and rich. I held her tighter, my chest swelling with something I didn't have a name for. Gratitude. Relief. Love. It was all of that and more.

"Thank you," I murmured, my voice barely audible above the sound of the waves.

She tilted her head to look at me with curious eyes. "For what?"

"For being you," I said simply. "For believing in me. For staying."

Her smile was small but radiant, and she leaned in, pressing her lips to mine in a kiss that felt like a promise. "Always," she whispered when she pulled away.

As we sat there, and the darkening sky wrapped itself around us like a comforting blanket, I knew then that this was exactly where I was meant to be. With her. Always.