CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34 CHANGE

Victoria

The soft hum of the SUV’s engine quieted as we pulled up to the imposing gates of Shadow Pack’s territory. Tiny pulled around the circular driveway and parked near the front entrance. "I’ll inform Alpha Moretti about the situation at Omega House," he said, his deep voice filled with quiet assurance.

"Thank you, Tiny. For everything," I said, genuinely appreciative of his support and generosity.

The massive doors to the mansion opened before I could reach them, and Leo stood there, his powerful frame silhouetted against the warm light spilling from inside. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of Leonard.

His hazel eyes found mine immediately, that predatory focus zeroing in on me with an intensity that made my wolf Ava stir beneath my skin. In three long strides, he closed the distance between us, strong arms wrapping around my waist as he pulled me against his hard chest.

"Missed you, little wolf," he murmured against my ear, his voice a deep rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

Before I could respond, his mouth claimed mine in a possessive kiss that left no doubt about how much he’d missed me. His tongue slid against mine, tasting, claiming, while his hands tightened on my hips. The bond between us hummed with contentment, our wolves recognizing each other even as Ava continued to awaken slowly within me.

When we finally broke apart, Leo’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied my face. "Something’s wrong," he stated, not a question but an observation. "Your scent is tinged with anger and distress."

I sighed, leaning into his warmth. "Can we talk inside? It’s been a long day."

Leo guided me into his study. He poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to me before settling onto the leather couch and pulling me onto his lap.

"Tell me," he commanded softly, his large hand running soothingly up and down my spine.

I took a fortifying sip of whiskey, the liquid burning a path down my throat, before launching into an explanation about Uncle Alessio, the omegas, and Enzo’s embezzlement of the educational funds.

"That fucking bastard," Leo growled. "Stealing from omegas is beyond contempt, even for Enzo."

"Tiny offered to fund their education personally," I said, still touched by his Beta’s generosity.

Leo’s expression softened slightly. "Tiny is a good man. His sister was an omega who struggled to get proper schooling. It’s a cause close to his heart."

"I didn’t know that," I admitted, realizing how little I knew about the wolves who were now part of my pack.

"I’ll match whatever Tiny offers," Leo said decisively, his thumb tracing circles on my hip. "And double it. Those omegas need more than just academic education—they need survival skills training. Job placement assistance. Ways to integrate into human society where their omega status won’t limit their opportunities."

I stared at him, warmth blooming in my chest at his immediate understanding and generosity. "You’d do that? For omegas from another pack?"

Leo’s eyes held mine steadily. "I’d do that for you, Victoria. And because it’s the right thing to do. Besides," his lips quirked up in a rare smile, "technically, since you’re my Luna now, they’re under our protection too."

Suddenly, a realization hit me. "Leo, my father’s trust fund! Not the educational one, but the personal inheritance he left me. It was sealed until I either turned twenty-one or..." I hesitated, still adjusting to our new reality, "...or until I was mated to an Alpha. Which I now am."

Leo’s expression sharpened with interest. "What’s in this trust?"

"I don’t know exactly," I admitted. "But Father always said he was making provisions for my future. I know there’s property, investments... potentially a significant amount. Enzo has been desperate to control it, which is why he was so eager to—" I cut myself off, not wanting to mention my brother’s plan to essentially sell me.

"To trade you to me for debt forgiveness," Leo finished bluntly, his arms tightening around me possessively. "The fool had no idea what he was giving away."

Heat bloomed in my cheeks at the intensity of his gaze. "I should contact my father’s attorney tomorrow. With our mating, the trust should be accessible now, and legally..." I hesitated, uncertain of the implications.

"Legally, as your mate, I would share ownership," Leo said, his tone thoughtful rather than greedy. "Is that what concerns you, little wolf? That I want your inheritance?"

I shook my head. "No. I trust you more than that." And surprisingly, I realized I did. Despite our complicated beginning, Leo had proven himself honorable in his own way. "I just want to make sure Enzo can’t touch it."

"Make the appointment," Leo said decisively. "I’ll join you. We’ll need to solidify everything legally, especially given your brother’s previous actions." His fingers traced my jawline gently. "And while we’re at it, I’ll have my attorneys draw up paperwork to share my personal assets with you."

I blinked in surprise. "Leo, that’s not necessary—"

"It is," he interrupted firmly. "You’re my Luna, my mate. What’s mine is yours, Victoria. Half of everything I own will be legally yours. The businesses, properties, investments—all of it."

"But why?" I asked, genuinely confused. "You don’t have to do this."

Leo’s expression turned serious, his eyes searching mine. "Because I want you to understand that this isn’t a transaction, Victoria. You’re not a debt payment. You’re my mate. My equal." His thumb brushed across my bottom lip. "And because I want you to feel secure, knowing you never need to depend on anyone—not your brother, not even me if you chose not to."

My heart clenched at his words, so unexpected from the Alpha everyone feared. I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that started gentle but quickly blazed into something more heated. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me more firmly against him as he growled low in his throat.

"You drive me crazy, little wolf," he murmured against my mouth, his arousal evident beneath me.

The bond between us thrummed with desire as I shifted to straddle him properly, my hands sliding up his chest to his shoulders. "Show me," I whispered, emboldened by the way his eyes darkened with lust.

Leo’s response was immediate and primal. He stood in one fluid motion, lifting me with him as if I weighed nothing, my legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me from the study toward our bedroom. His mouth never left mine, kissing me with a hunger that matched the growing need inside me.

We barely made it through the bedroom door before he was lowering me onto the massive bed, his powerful body covering mine. His scent surrounded me—wild, masculine, intoxicating—as his mouth trailed hot kisses down my neck to the sensitive spot where my shoulder and neck met, where his mating mark proudly displayed our bond.

"Leo," I gasped as he nipped at the mark, sending electric currents of pleasure straight to my core. My hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

Sensing my urgency, he pulled back just enough to yank his shirt over his head, revealing the sculpted planes of his chest and abdomen, marked with scars that told stories of battles won and power earned. I traced one particular scar that curved from his shoulder across his pectoral.

"You’re beautiful," I whispered, hardly aware I’d spoken aloud until his eyes softened momentarily.

"That’s my line, little wolf," he murmured, his hands sliding under my sweater to caress the bare skin of my waist. "Let me see you."