Chapter 7 - Sunrise Over Croft Estate
The storm had completely cleared by midday, leaving the Olympic Peninsula bathed in crisp, warm autumn sunlight.
Inside the private gardens of Croft Estate, surrounded by blooming white roses and towering pines, the atmosphere was peaceful for the first time in years.
Richard Hayes stood near the edge of the stone patio, looking thoroughly chastised and utterly exhausted, clutching a cup of black coffee as Mara Feldman handed him his finalized debt-cancellation papers.
“The Cascade Pack accounts are completely cleared, Mr. Hayes,” Mara said professionally, though her eyes held a sharp warning. “And if you ever attempt to leverage your daughter’s name again, the next contract won't be settled by an Alpha—it will be handled by a federal prosecutor.”
Richard swallowed hard, nodding rapidly. “I understand completely. Thank you, Miss Feldman.” He looked across the lawn toward Harper, who stood near the stone balustrade overlooking the ocean. “Can I... can I speak to my daughter before I leave?”
“You can leave your car keys on the table,” Harper’s voice cut in smoothly as she walked up behind them. She wore a simple cream dress, her posture straight, every trace of the heavy burden she had carried for five years finally lifted from her shoulders. “Gideon is driving you back to Washington, Dad. The pack council is waiting for your resignation letter.”
Richard opened his mouth to argue, but one look at Harper’s unyielding, resolute eyes silenced him completely. He set the keys down, turned without another word, and walked toward the waiting black SUV.
Harper watched him go, a quiet, profound sense of release settling deep into her chest.
Footsteps approached from behind, familiar and steady.
Kane stopped beside her, leaning his forearms against the stone balustrade. He had changed into a clean black shirt, the tension completely gone from his shoulders, his golden eyes warm under the midday sun.
“You sent your father away without a proper goodbye,” Kane remarked softly.
“My father got off easy,” Harper replied, turning her head to look at him with a slight smile. “He kept his freedom, and the pack kept their home. That’s more than he deserved.”
Kane turned to face her fully, his massive frame shielding her from the ocean breeze. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved velvet box—the same box that had belonged to the previous Alpha matriarchs of Croft Estate.
Harper’s breath hitched.
“When you walked into my wing last night,” Kane said, his voice deep and rich with emotion, “every woman before you ran, screamed, or begged for mercy. You were the only one who looked at a monster and asked if he was tired.”
He opened the box, revealing a magnificent ring featuring a brilliant solitaire diamond flanked by twin gold wolves embracing the stone.
“I don't offer a traditional life, Harper,” Kane continued, holding her gaze with absolute, unshakeable devotion. “My world is dangerous, complicated, and shadowed. But I swear to you on my blood and my wolf, you will never have to fight alone again. Stay with me. Be my queen.”
Harper looked down at the ring, then up into the golden eyes that had terrified an entire region, yet looked at her with pure, unconditional adoration.
She smiled, her heart lighter than it had ever been.
“Ask me again,” Harper whispered playfully.
Kane’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile as he slipped the ring onto her finger, pulling her close against his chest.
May you like
“Will you marry me, Harper Hayes?”
“Yes,” she whispered against his lips, sealing the promise as the sun shone bright and warm over their new beginning.
