The mood shifted as Ava started talking about Joseph, trying to lighten things up. “He’s taking me to meet his parents next weekend,” she said, nervously.
“That’s huge!” Ruby said. “Joseph ‘Eternal Bachelor’ is getting serious!”
Their chatter helped distract me from my anxiety until Kyle brought up the topic again.
“So, assuming Ella’s pregnancy is fake,” she said, “would you tell Draven about yours?”
I sighed. “Even if it’s fake, he’s still an Alpha with pack duties. And I’m still just… me.”
“Stop that,” Kyle snapped. “You’re Caroline Bennett. You raised an amazing kid while finishing school and building a career. You’re not ‘just’ anything.”
“Alpha Draven loves you,” Nina said.
“Then why is he marrying someone else?” I asked bitterly. “Why wait until now to check Ella’s DNA tests? If he loved me, why didn’t he fight harder?”
No one had an answer.
“I’ll tell you why,” I whispered. “Because love isn’t enough. Not for an Alpha. His responsibilities come first. And I won’t let my child feel second best.”
“So you’re really leaving?” Ruby asked quietly.
“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “But I have to be prepared.”
The conversation gradually shifted as they tried to cheer me up, fighting over who would be godmother to my unborn pup. Their playful arguing made me smile despite everything.
“I’m already Liam’s,” Eleanor said. “Someone else should get a turn.”
“I have great taste in clothes,” Ava bragged. “This kid’s gonna be the best-dressed wolf in three territories.”
“I’m the responsible one,” Kyle said.
“That’s not helping, Kyle,” Nina teased with a smile.
Ruby smiled softly. “I’d be honored, but Eleanor deserves it. She’s been with you through everything.”
By the time they left, I felt a little lighter. But the weight of it all still pressed down on me.
Caroline’s POV
By Monday morning, I was a wreck. Exhaustion clung to me like a heavy coat, and the morning sickness had intensified. I could barely keep my eyes open at my desk, fighting waves of nausea that came without warning.
“Carrie, wake up. Come on, let’s get you to the couch in my office,” Ryan’s gentle voice pulled me from a doze I hadn’t realized I’d fallen into.
“What happened?” I lifted my head from the desk, confused by the stack of papers that had stuck to my cheek.
“You were sleeping at your desk.” Ryan’s eyes were filled with concern. “Come lie down in my office. I’m thinking of giving you a few days off.”
“I fell asleep?” I rubbed my eyes in frustration. “I think I’m having a really bad stress crisis.” Of course, I knew exactly what was causing my symptoms, but I couldn’t tell him that.
“I think you should see a doctor.” Ryan offered his arm, and I took it as dizziness washed over me.
“You’re really pale. Could it be anemia? Are you eating okay?”
“Honestly, Ryan, I can barely keep anything down,” I admitted, leaning on his shoulder as we walked. Suddenly, a strong smell hit my nose, and I pulled back.
“Oh my god, Ryan, what’s that smell?”
“Smell? What smell?” He raised his arm, sniffing himself. “It’s my scent, Carrie. The same one I born with.”
“No, it’s not! It’s way too strong!” I grimaced, my stomach threatening to revolt.
“Wow, girl, what an ugly face,” Ava teased as she entered the room and noticed my expression.
“She says I stink, Ava!” Ryan pouted.
“Impossible! You’re one of the best-smelling men in the pack. Your scent is even better than Joseph’s.” Ava leaned in and sniffed him.
“No, you smell delicious as always.”
“You don’t find it overwhelmingly strong?” I pressed, struggling to breathe through my mouth.
“Honey, it must be because you haven’t been eating properly. Your symptoms can make you super sensitive to smells,” Ava whispered.
“Come on,” Ryan said, oblivious to our exchange, “lie down in my office for a while, and I’ll order something for you to eat. Something really good. What do you want?”
My eyes lit up instantly. “Chocolate cake!”
Ryan left the room laughing. Ava told me to rest because I looked terribly weak, then followed him out. Two hours later, I woke up alone with a slice of decadent chocolate cake waiting for me. I devoured it, savoring every bite.
After washing my face in the bathroom, I sought out Ava and suggested we get coffee together.
“Did you eat the cake?” she asked.
“Every crumb. I’ve been exhausted lately, Ava. Ryan mentioned giving me a few days off, and I think I’ll take them until things settle down.”
“Maybe you should. They’re all suspicious something serious is going on with you,” she warned. “All three of them have been interrogating me.”
I sighed heavily. “With Liam, I barely felt anything. This time, it feels like I’m dying.”
Ava laughed. “My mom says every pregnancy is different. Some are easy, some make you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.”
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Rose, the office cleaner, asked as she entered the break room.
“Not very well, Rose,” I admitted.
“Can I get you anything?” she offered kindly.
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