Page 31 of Broken Wolf Heart (Mafia Pack #3)

I look at the camera, even though it’s nerve-wracking.

“I’ve never had a home before. Not a single structure and definitely not a city or a town I felt like I belonged in.

But Indigo Hills is that place for me. The friends I’ve made here, the man I fell in love with here, the people who’ve shown me kindness, who’ve accepted me without reservation or judgment—those are what made me feel it.

And I refuse to let what Vincenzo said about me change that. ”

Savannah’s eyes are glassy as she says, “It sounds like you got a lot more than you bargained for in Indigo Hills.”

I breathe through the ache. “Honestly, I didn't expect anything good. When Grey took me, I?—”

“Wait. Grey kidnapped you? Jericho Grey Diavolo? And you still married him?”

Her tone is intimate now. And for a second, it’s easy to forget the camera. To pretend we’re just having girl talk.

I smile ruefully. “I know how it sounds. But... Grey was the first person who saw me as something more than a bargaining chip.”

“And he literally killed to protect you from what I understand,” she adds.

I force myself not to wince as I nod. “Dominic Albero attacked me. He would have killed me if Grey hadn’t stepped in to defend me.”

Savannah leans in, a romantic light in her brown eyes. “You really love him, don’t you?”

“Yes. And not just him. I care about the people of Indigo Hills.” I smile, real and bittersweet.

“The protestors. The shopkeepers. The everyday citizens. Becky at the thrift store on Poplar Hill. Alejandro at the salon downtown. They all deserve an end to the violence and corruption this city has suffered through.”

“And what are your plans for this city now, Ms. Alpha?”

“Change,” I say simply, my heart aching over the word—and how much my parents gave up to pursue it once.

“Starting with full transparency. No more leaders appointed by bloodlines alone. I want to hold elections. I want to return the money stolen by corruption to the schools, the neighborhoods, the people.”

Savannah’s eyes widen slightly. Even the cameraman gapes at me. This isn’t just damage control. This is revolution.

“And the experiments?” Savannah asks carefully.

My throat tightens, but I nod.

“Vincenzo was right. I was experimented on as a child, but I wasn’t the only one.

For years, Franco forced other women to undergo those same experiments.

They were lied to and manipulated, and I wish I could go back and change it.

But the next thing is to go forward and change it instead.

I visited the lab to shut it down. But that’s not enough.

I want to fund a support center. Medical, mental health—all of it.

A place where people who were affected by that lab can go for treatment and help. ”

“That’s very generous of you.”

“It’s the least of what this city deserves.”

“And you? What will you do now?”

I hold her gaze. Because I know what she’s asking. What Vincenzo will demand—has already demanded of me.

“Even as a human, I became a fighter. And now that I have my wolf back, I’ll use every ounce of strength—every scar, every flaw—to protect the people of this city.

I will not be stepping down or relinquishing my title, and I will not hide from hard conversations.

If Vincenzo wants to debate the merits of my wolf, he’s welcome to do so the way our pack has always done it. By challenging my wolf to a fight.”

A beat of silence.

“Wow, well, you heard it here, folks. Our new high alpha is putting the people first. And she’s not afraid to throw down the gauntlet against Vincenzo Diavolo while she does it. I, for one, am very interested to see what happens next.”

Savannah smiles—not the press smile but something genuine.

“Thank you,” she says softly. “For your honesty.”

The camera light blinks off.

Mia and Andy are already walking through the door when I manage to stand up. The relief that crashes into me is so intense I sway on my heels for a second. Then they’re both grabbing me in a tight hug and telling me what a great job I did.

When they finally step back again, a figure catches my eye from the doorway.

Grey.

Looking dangerous and wild-eyed and absolutely magnificent in his black tee and dark-wash denim. His gaze locks onto mine, and in that moment, it’s like the whole world falls away.

He smiles. “Hello, wife.”

Mia and Andy vanish. Or I just can’t look away from Grey as he walks toward me.

“You were absolutely fucking perfect,” he murmurs.

Emotion chokes me. I can't speak. I just nod.

He crosses the space between us and yanks me into his arms, crushing me against him. I bury my face in his shoulder and let myself be held. It was only an interview. Not a war. But it feels like I’ve been beaten down and still somehow come out victorious in the end.

“You look good enough to eat,” he says, his breath hot against my ear, and I shudder .

“You’re not mad?” I whisper when I can find my voice.

He releases me just enough to look down at me, confused. “Why would I be mad?”

“I told them…the first time I shifted was the meeting. Soon, they’ll figure out I couldn’t have killed Franco.”

“I don’t care,” he whispers fiercely. “Let them.”

Something in me unwinds. I exhale as he presses his lips to mine.

“Come home with me,” he says, voice low and rough.

I hesitate.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Franco’s house will never be home,” I admit.

He squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

“Good,” he says. “Because that’s not where I meant.”

I blink up at him, confused. “Then where?”

He grins—boyish and secretive. “I have something to show you.”