I sighed. “But he’s still entangled with these women either way.”
“Yes,” Ruby nodded. “I know I shouldn’t say this, but… you’re dating my brother Jax now, yet you’re still in love with Alpha Draven, aren’t you? And Ryan assured me he loves you too.”
She reached for my hand. “Look, I know you’re being honest with Jax, but honestly, you’re never going to forget Draven. Be honest with yourself and end things with my brother before he gets hurt even more.”
“Ruby, I’m so sorry. It was never my intention to hurt him. I really thought I could fall in love with Jax. He’s amazing!” I felt terrible about the situation.
“I know,” Ruby smiled and pulled me into a warm hug. “I thought you might too. But after seeing you today, I’m certain you won’t.”
“Are you upset with me?” I asked.
“Of course not, friend! Like I told you, my brother knew what he was getting into. But now, sort things out with him.”
After our talk, I took a shower and joined the girls in the living room. They had ordered pizza and ice cream, and we spent the evening eating and chatting.
After a night with the girls and their advice, I felt determined and refreshed. I knew I had difficult conversations ahead, but talking to Jax would be the hardest. I didn’t want to hurt him. I planned to have an honest conversation with him before Eleanor and I left on our trip.
I was lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. It was Jax. Strange,he’d never called me this early before. I answered and heard his voice.
“Beautiful Caroline, how are you?” His tone was light and casual. “I heard you weren’t feeling well yesterday.”
“Hi, Jax. I’m better, thank you. How are you?”
“Thinking about seeing you,” he replied.
“When?”
“Like, now? Since Liam is at daycare, I thought I’d take the chance to talk with you.”
“Okay. Do you want me to meet you somewhere?”
“I’m heading to your place now. See you in a bit. Kiss.”
Jax hung up and I waited anxiously. Half an hour later, he arrived at my door carrying a tray of chocolate chip muffins and two cappuccinos. He greeted me with a kiss on the forehead-different from our usual quick kisses on the lips since we’d started dating.
“Brought these for us to have coffee while we talk,” he said with a smile.
“You think of everything!” I smiled back.We sat on the couch and I searched for the right words.
“Why is it so hard, Carrie?” he asked, taking a sip of his cappuccino.
“What do you mean?”
“Why is it so hard to tell me you’ve made a decision?”
“Did Ruby say something to you?” I asked, feeling a flash of concern.
“Yes. Because I pestered her until she told me why you felt sick yesterday. She had no choice.” His expression softened. “And she told me I should be a gentleman and bow out. So that’s what I’m going to do.”
“I don’t understand, Jax.”
“Yes, you do.” His eyes met mine with quiet resignation. “I came to say goodbye. You love Draven, and it’s a very strong love. I don’t stand a chance against that. Especially since he loves you too. So, I’ll be a gentleman and step aside. I’m going to spend some time in California with my parents.My father really needs me at the company, so it’s a good time to go there.
“Carrie, I also want you to know that I’m not sorry for loving you.”
My wolf whined softly,she felt bad too.We both liked Jax, just not in the way he deserved.
“Jax, I don’t even know what to say. I tried, I swear, but…”
“I know, beautiful. I just came too late, right?” He smiled, though the sadness in his eyes was evident. “Will you give me a goodbye kiss?”
I nodded, and Jax leaned closer, joining our lips in a sweet kiss, gentle as always. His tongue touched mine almost reverently. After kissing me, he gave me one last beautiful smile and left.
I called Ruby crying and told her what happened. She tried to comfort me, saying everything would be okay, that Jax would find the right person.Then I sent a message to our group chat to let all the girls know what had happened.
Eleanor had already booked our flight tickets.We decided not to tell the girls our destination, fearing they might be questioned by Draven.
Draven’s POV
I couldn’t sleep all night. Since talking to Caroline, Alaric has been restless and on edge. The hurt in her eyes kept bothering me.I’ve called her at least twenty times, but every time I got the same voicemail.
“The number you have dialed is not available. Please leave a message after the tone.”
By morning, I was a mess. I’d gone over what I wanted to say a thousand times in my head. I needed her to know that Liz meant nothing to me,that what happened in London was all on her. The DNA test from Dr. Molina would clear my name and prove that Ella’s pregnancy was a total lie.
I got to the office earlier than usual and went straight to Caroline’s desk. It looked untouched-her computer was off, and the little framed photo of Liam was still there by the monitor. Seeing it made my chest tighten.
Ryan came out of the conference room, holding a coffee. “She’s not coming in today, Alpha.”
“Where is she?” I asked.
“I gave her some time off,” Ryan said firmly. “She needs it, and honestly, she deserves it after everything.”
“Damn it, Ryan!” I growled.”I need to talk to her. It’s important.”
“Let’s get some coffee first,” Ryan suggested, leading me toward the break room. “You look like you haven’t slept in days.”
When we came in, Rose, Kyle, and Ava were standing close, whispering. As soon as they saw me, they stopped and looked cautious. You could feel the tension in the room right away.
We exchanged awkward greetings before Ryan, Kyle, and I headed back to my office.
Once the door shut, I faced Kyle. “What don’t I know?” I asked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,Alpha Draven” Kyle replied.
I stalked toward her, my Alpha dominance filling the room.”Don’t play games with me.You’re all behaving strangely around Caroline.You’re protecting her from something-from me. What’s going on? Why are you all whispering with Rose and Ava? What do you know?”
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