Page 32 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Pilot
The doctor’s knowing glance made it clear what strenuous activity she meant.Felicity’s blush and the spike of embarrassment through our bond confirmed she understood perfectly.
After thanking the medical team and exchanging brief farewells with Logan, we followed Daryl outside to where a gleaming black SUV waited.The luxury vehicle seemed surreal after days of wilderness survival.
“The estate has been maintained as your father wished,” Daryl explained as he held the door for Felicity before heading around to the driver’s seat.“Everything is prepared for your return.”
As we pulled away from the clinic, the familiar landscape of my childhood rolled past the windows.The hour-long drive to the Roberts estate would take us deeper into the mountains, away from the town.
“Do you remember that thunderstorm in your fifth summer, Master Tanner?”Daryl asked, his eyes meeting mine briefly in the rearview mirror.“The night of your first shift?”
A surprised laugh escaped me.“I nearly gave you a heart attack, as I recall.”
“Indeed, sir.Finding a wolf pup where I expected a frightened boy was quite the shock.”Affection warmed his voice.“You hid under your father’s desk for hours, refusing to change back.”
“I didn’t know how,” I admitted, aware of Felicity listening intently beside me.“And I liked the enhanced senses.Everything seemed more vivid, more real.”
“Your father was so proud,” Daryl continued, navigating the winding mountain road with practiced ease.“Said you were the youngest Roberts to shift in three generations.”
Memories I’d locked away for years surfaced with unexpected clarity.Flashes of my father’s rare smile of approval, the freedom of running through these forests in wolf form, the sense of belonging to something ancient and powerful.The weight of what I’d abandoned pressed against me, tempered now by Felicity’s presence at my side.
The tension that had lived in my shoulders since we’d been rescued began to ease as we continued up the mountain road.The familiar scents of home territory filtered through the vehicle.My wolf stirred beneath my skin, recognizing my ancestral lands.
“There it is,” Daryl announced as we rounded the final curve.“Roberts Estate.”
Felicity gasped beside me, and I saw my childhood home through her eyes.The impressive timber and stone mansion nestled against the mountainside like it had grown there naturally.Multi-story windows reflected the surrounding wilderness.Some time in recent years, solar panels had been installed on the roof.A waterfall cascaded down the rocky terrain beside the structure.
“You grew up here?”she whispered, awe coloring her voice.
“Home,” I confirmed, emotions tangling in my chest.“My father built it to harmonize with the landscape rather than dominate it.Ironic, considering the legacy of his mine.”
We pulled up to the grand entrance where stone pillars framed massive wooden doors.Daryl insisted on carrying our meager belongings despite my protests, leading us through the entryway into the soaring great room.Felicity stopped in her tracks, taking in the tall windows, the massive stone fireplace, and the tasteful blend of luxury and natural elements.
“The staff has prepared the master suite,” Daryl informed us with quiet dignity.“Your father’s chambers are yours now, of course.”
My grip on Felicity’s hand tightened involuntarily.I hadn’t set foot in my father’s rooms since before his death.I had never imagined occupying them myself.Now I was returning not just as heir but as an alpha with a mate.
“Thank you, Daryl,” I managed.“That will be perfect.”
He led us through the house, past familiar corridors and rooms that echoed with memories.Felicity absorbed everything with wide eyes, her emotions flowing through our bond.I felt wonder, intimidation, and uncertainty about her place in this world of wealth and privilege.
The master suite occupied the entire east wing of the second floor, a sprawling collection of rooms centered around a bedroom with panoramic views of the mountains.My father’s scent had faded from the space, replaced by the neutral fragrance of clean linens and pine.
“I’ll leave you to settle in,” Daryl said, setting down our few belongings.“Dinner will be ready whenever you wish, and I’ve taken the liberty of arranging for suitable clothing.”
After he departed, Felicity moved slowly around the room, trailing her fingers over custom furniture and examining the view with undisguised amazement.
“This is…” she began, then faltered.
“Too much?”I supplied, watching her closely.
She nodded, vulnerability leaking through our bond.“I feel out of place.Like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life.”
I crossed the room to her, taking her hands in mine, feeling the bond between us pulse with her uncertainty.
“What’s mine is yours now,” I said simply.“All of it.It belongs to both of us.”
Her eyes met mine, searching.“I’m not sure I know how to be the mate of a… well, whatever you are now.Billionaire wolf shifter with a mountain mansion?”
A laugh escaped me, genuine and unexpected.“And I’m not sure I know how to be whatever I am either.We’ll figure it out together.”
