“You wish!” I laughed. “We brought my son out for some fun,” I explained while greeting Ava with a wave.
“Ah,the famous Liam.” Joseph’s eyes lit up. “I don’t know who talks about him more,you two or Draven. Where is he? I want to meet this little charmer,” he said,looking around expectantly.
“He’s at the playground with Elle’s boyfriend,” I replied,trying not to react to the mention of Draven talking about my son.
“Oh,another one I need to meet,the lucky wolf who captured our Eleanor’s heart,” Joseph said with dramatic flair. He turned to Ava and added,”She claims he’s the perfect boyfriend.”
“Oh my goodness,then don’t let him get away! You’ve found a rare specimen indeed,” Ava said with a warm smile.
“Well,ladies,since we’re all here,let’s finalize plans for next Saturday so you can wear those amazing dresses,” Joseph suggested,though his eyes kept drifting back to Ava.
“Perfect! Ava,you have to come with us. It’ll be fun,” Elle said,not letting Ava say no.
“I’d love to! And I’m off next Saturday. Let’s do something special,” Ava said excitedly.
We traded numbers and planned to have lunch soon to set up our night out. Elle got a text from Nate saying they were waiting at the food court. We said goodbye and went to meet our boys.
Draven’s POV
The airport was busy as Ryan and I walked Clara to her gate. I felt sad watching her check her ticket. She wasn’t just an assistant, she was family. Having her move across the ocean left an empty feeling in my chest.
“I’ve got a private jet ready for you in London once a month,” I told her, fixing her bag strap. “Don’t argue. I need my best advisor to visit.”
Clara smiled warmly and touched my cheek. “Draven, I had lunch with Caroline and Eleanor today,” she said quietly. “Liam has a message for you.”
Alaric stirred instantly at the pup’s name. “He does?” I couldn’t help smiling. That kid had somehow become important to me so quickly.
“He wants you to play with him again,” Clara said, watching me closely. “That pup really likes you.”
“I like him too,” I said, surprised by how much I meant it.
Clara squeezed my arm.”Caroline’s still hurt, Draven. But that boy… there’s something special there. Don’t give up on them.”
I hugged her tight. “I won’t. I promise.”
She pulled back, smiling. “I also met Eleanor’s mate. Everyone says Nate is perfect for her. And Caroline… she’s trying to move on, but I can tell she misses you.”
Alaric growled at the thought of Caroline moving on from us. It had only been two days since we last saw her, but it felt like forever.
After Clara left for her flight, Ryan and I walked to the car. While we got in, I had an idea.
“Want to meet Liam?” I asked suddenly.
Ryan smiled. “The pup just invited you to play, right?”
“Yeah. I think we should go.”
“After you, Alpha,” Ryan grinned. “But maybe we should get something first? Can’t visit empty-handed.”
Twenty minutes later, we parked at Evergreen Toys, the best toy store in Harbor Bay. I spent an hour picking out the perfect gift,a train set with tracks that could be built different ways. Something he could play with for years.
When we got to Caroline’s building, I saw the same doorman from last time. He smiled when he saw me.
“Back again, Mr. Thorne? Persistence is key with the ladies,” he said with a wink.
“Following your advice,” I replied with a grin.
He looked around carefully. “I might have stepped away for a minute. Shame I didn’t see who went up during that time.” He nodded toward the elevator.
I approved of the doorman’s help as Ryan and I went up to Caroline’s floor.
The door opened to a tall, strong man with friendly eyes – Nate, Eleanor’s mate.
“Can I help you?” he asked politely.
Before we could answer, a small blur of golden hair came running from behind him.
“Draven!” Liam yelled, jumping into my arms with so much trust that my wolf howled happily inside. His small arms hugged my neck tight, making my chest feel warm in a new way.
“Looks like someone was waiting for you,” Nate laughed, stepping back. “I’m Nate Kellan, Eleanor’s mate.”
“Draven Thorne,” I said, holding Liam with one arm while shaking hands. “This is Ryan Cole, my Beta.”
“Ah, the ‘perfect boyfriend’ we keep hearing about,” Ryan joked as they shook hands.
Nate blushed a bit. “Can’t escape that name. Come in. The girls are in the kitchen,I’ll tell them you’re here.”
We went inside, and I put Liam down to give him his gift. His violet eyes, just like mine,got big with excitement as he opened it.
“Choo-choo!” he shouted, jumping up and down at the train set. “Draven, can we build it now? Please, please, please?”
I knelt down beside him, smiling at how excited he was. “Of course we can, buddy.”
“Really, Draven? Are you trying to outdo Elle and Nate in spoiling my son?” Caroline’s voice came from behind me, making Alaric excited.
When I turned around, I couldn’t breathe for a second. She was wearing a simple white sundress that fit her perfectly, her blonde hair falling loose. Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug, breathing in her scent. When I let go, we both had tears in our eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, “but I missed you so much.”
“Clara told me about Liam’s message,” I said, stepping back a little. “Ryan was with me, so I brought him too. Is that okay?”
“Of course,” she said softly. “You’re both welcome here.”
Before we could talk more, Liam pulled on my hand. “Draven! My train! Let’s build it in my room!”
Eleanor came from the kitchen, looking surprised but happy. She gave Caroline a knowing look before saying hi.
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