“The Starlight Pack reps are here. They want a meeting with both of us.”
“Can’t you handle it alone? I’m in the middle of something.”
“No way, Alpha. This could be a territorial dispute. You need to come.”
“Fine.”
I hung up and turned to Ella, pretending to be frustrated.
“Baby, I have to go. This meeting could affect the whole pack’s safety. I’ll drop you home and we’ll reschedule the tour. Actually, this is better. You’ll have time to get the estate ready without any dust issues.”
“That sucks! But if you have to…” she pouted.
“Hey, you already met our godfather and saw where we’ll live,” I said like it was settled.
“I’m so happy, honey!” She started chatting again non-stop.
When I got to Ryan’s place, my head was pounding. My friends were there, and I immediately asked Nate, “Why were Caroline and Eleanor at your uncle’s office today? What’s wrong with Caroline?”
“No clue, but something’s off. Eleanor asked me to watch Liam because she was taking Carrie to the doctor. Carrie’s been feeling bad for days. I didn’t know they saw my uncle. When I got to the apartment, Carrie looked terrible,” Nate said, worried.
“Did they say anything specific?” I pressed, feeling Alaric stir inside me.
“Just that Carrie needs peace and quiet. She can’t handle stress right now. But what’s weird is how she looked today. I’ve only seen her like that when…” Nate trailed off.
“When what, Nate?” I snapped, my Alpha tone slipping out.
“Nothing major. Carrie had some health issues before, and she hates hospitals,” Nate said, but I sensed he wasn’t telling the full truth.
“I hope she’s okay,” Ryan said. “But what about you, lover boy? Aren’t you gonna tell us about your date?” He teased, and soon everyone was giving me a hard time. At least it distracted me from worrying about Caroline.
Caroline’s POV
The news hit me like a punch to the gut. Dr. Molina’s words kept ringing in my ears, and I felt the ground cracking beneath me. Everything I’d built since moving to Harbor Bay was falling apart.
Eleanor drove me home, insisting I needed rest. As soon as we arrived, she began making calls. Within an hour, my living room filled up-Kyle, Ava, Ruby, and Nina showed up, all looking worried.Nina looked different these days,more confident since starting at Puma Global.
Mabel had already put Liam to bed before leaving, thoughtfully preparing some snacks and drinks for us.
“Thanks, Mabel,” I whispered.
“You take care, Miss Caroline,” she said softly. “Little Liam needs his mama strong.”
After she left, my friends formed a circle around me. Eleanor handed me a glass of water and settled beside me.
“Tell them, Carrie,” she said softly.”They need to know.”
I took a shaky breath, hands trembling.
“I’m pregnant,” I finally said.
The silence lasted only seconds before eruptions of gasps and whispers filled the room.
“Oh my goddess!” Kyle exclaimed, her eyes wide. “You’re having another pup!”
“Liam’s going to have a little brother or sister,” Ava said.
Ruby leaned forward.”How far along are you?”
“About four weeks,” I replied.
Ava’s expression suddenly changed as realization dawned on her.”The father… is it…?”
“Alpha Draven?” Kyle finished.
I nodded slowly, unable to form the words.
“Are you going to tell him?” Ava asked carefully.
Before I could answer, Eleanor jumped in.”She’s not planning to. Not with that Ella flaunting her pregnancy and upcoming marriage.”
She crossed her arms .”And Nate can’t know either. You know how men are,they share everything with their pack brothers.”
“They’re like glue,” Kyle rolled her eyes. “Ryan’d know in minutes, and Draven right after.”
Nina,quiet till now, finally spoke up.”Caroline, whatever you decide, we’ve got your back. But are you sure hiding this from Draven is the right call?”
I wiped away a tear.”What choice do I have? He’s an Alpha, Nina.He has responsibilities to the pack.” My voice cracked. “If Ella really is pregnant, and they mate… my child would be what? The illegitimate pup? The scandal? The mistake?”
Rory growled inside me, disagreeing with my words. She knew our pup wasn’t a mistake, but she also understood my fear.
“I love this baby already,” I continued.”Just like I loved Liam from the moment I knew about him. I’ll do anything to protect my children.”
Ruby spoke up. “What about Jax? Can I tell my brother?He was really into you.”
I nodded slowly. “I’ll tell him myself. He deserves to hear it from me.”
Nina asked. “Have you thought about what you’ll do, Carrie? Practically speaking?”
“The only option I see is to leave,” I admitted.”Take Liam and this baby somewhere new. Maybe back to Maplewood…”
“That’s insane!” Kyle protested. “Running away won’t solve anything. Alpha Draven loves you, Carrie. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you.”
“Love?” I laughed, bitter. “What kind of love is this? Stuck between his mate from that masquerade and his duty to Ella? Where do I fit in all this? If love means this much pain, maybe I’m better off without it.”
Eleanor wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “You don’t have to decide anything tonight. We’re here for you, whatever you choose.”
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