He held up a hand. “Before you make your final decision, I have a proposition for you. I have contacts at Thorne Enterprises, a company that belongs to the Storm Valley Pack. Their CEO and Alpha is a very impressive young man. I met him a few years ago at the Alpha’s formal dinner hosted by our Blood Moon Pack. Caroline, with your qualifications, I’m confident you’ll do great.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “You’d recommend me to another pack’s company?”
Alpha Gerald smiled. “I believe in rewarding hard work and loyalty, Caroline. You’ve shown both during your time here. This could be an opportunity for you to not only advance your career but also find a new pack that might be more… accepting of your unique situation.”
Rory’s excitement bubbled up within me.
“This could be our chance, Caroline! A new start, a new pack!”
I couldn’t help but smile. “I… I don’t know what to say, Alpha. Thank you for this opportunity.”
He added, “Joining his company means severing ties with the Blood Moon Pack and leaving Maplewood completely.”
I was shocked into silence, hesitating.
He nodded and handed me a business card. “Take some time to think it over. If you decide to pursue this, I’ll make the necessary arrangements. Please send your response to the address on the card, whether you’re declining the position or accepting an online interview.”
Over the next few days, I weighed my options carefully. The thought of leaving Maplewood, the only home I’d ever known, was daunting. But as I looked at Liam, playing happily with his toys, I knew I had to do what was best for him.
Finally, I sent my application and interview request to the email address on the business card.
I returned to Alpha Gerald’s office to inform him of my decision, and he promptly processed not only my resignation from the company but also arranged the pack severance ritual.
Alpha Gerald arranged a small, private ceremony behind the Pack House with only a few elders present.
Following tradition, I stood in the circle while the elder made a small cut on my palm. I placed my bleeding hand on the pack’s sacred oak tree, just as generations before me had done.
The effect was immediate. The pack bond that had been part of me since birth began to fade. Rory whined softly as our connection to the Blood Moon Pack weakened, then disappeared completely.
The elder finished the ritual words, and just like that, the separation was complete. I was officially released from the Blood Moon Pack.
“If you ever find Storm Valley Pack isn’t the right fit, know that you’ll always have a place here,” he said softly.
“Thank you, Alpha Gerald,” I said gratefully.
As I prepared to leave, I began searching for tickets from Maplewood to Harbor Bay, planning both our move and the upcoming interview.
“Surprise!”
Eleanor appeared suddenly, making me jump.
“What are you doing here?” I gasped.
“You really thought you could steal away my godson just like that?” She crossed her arms, pretending to glare at me.
“My dad already arranged an interview for me with Mountain Cat World in Harbor Bay. I’m moving there with you!”
“What?” I blinked in disbelief. “What about Nate?”
“He’s applied for a transfer to the branch there. He starts in two weeks,” Eleanor beamed.
“This is a fresh start for the three of us!”
Seeing me speechless, she added,
“Don’t stress, I’ve got it all handled. Nate will drive us there. Until you find a daycare that works, I can help watch Liam. I already shortlisted three great centers, and my dad helped us secure a fully furnished apartment downtown…”
“Eleanor…” My voice cracked as my eyes welled up with tears.
“Hey,” she nudged me gently with her elbow, “learn to accept the gifts life throws your way. Now come on, we’ve got to say goodbye to your parents.”
At my parents’ house, the mood turned quiet and somber when I told them I was leaving tomorrow.
“Mom…” I wrapped my arms around her.
“Go,” she whispered, wiping her tears. “For Liam. For yourself. Just promise you’ll keep in touch.”
The farewell wasn’t easy, especially watching them press tender kisses to Liam’s forehead, knowing they wouldn’t see him for months. But with the new salary, I could finally afford to fly them out for visits during holidays and Pack events.
Thanks to Eleanor and Nate, Liam and I settled into our new apartment quickly. Tomorrow would be my interview at Thorne Enterprises. Later that night, I opened a box and began unpacking. At the bottom was a smaller box-the one that held all the memories from that masquerade night. I opened it slowly, my fingers grazing the fabric of the dress I’d worn. I sighed softly, holding the perfume bottle in my hand.
“Maybe… I should wear it again sometime?”
I placed the perfume on my vanity, closed the box, and climbed into bed, heart fluttering with a strange blend of nerves and anticipation.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Caroline’s POV
I sat in the conference room of Thorne Enterprises, my palms slightly damp as I waited for the interviewer. The company was one of the most powerful in the country, located in Storm Valley Pack territory, where they dominated both land and business.
The conference room door opened, and a woman in her fifties entered.
Her light blonde hair was cropped short, and her clear blue eyes radiated elegance. Her tailored suit matched her refined presence.
“Caroline Bennett?” she inquired, extending her hand.
I nodded, shaking her hand firmly. “Yes, that’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Reed.”
She gestured for me to take a seat. “Please, call me Clara. Now, let’s begin your interview.”
The next hour flew by as Clara asked me a series of questions about my qualifications, experience, and goals. I answered each one confidently, drawing on my preparation and genuine passion for the role.
As the interview wound down, Clara leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. “Well, Caroline, I must say I’m impressed. Your skills and enthusiasm are exactly what we’re looking for in this position.”
My heart leapt with joy. “Thank you so much, Clara. I’m thrilled to hear that.”
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply