“That’s beautiful, Carrie. You know, after my parents died in that rogue attack, I decided that when I have my first cub, he’ll carry a strong name as a tribute to my lineage. My grandfather was my rock, Caroline.”
She looked at me tenderly and placed her hand on my face, saying, “Your grandfather helped create a strong Alpha. I’m sure he’s at peace in the Moon Goddess’ embrace.”
Those words brought me unexpected comfort. But I was overcome with a curiosity I rarely allowed myself-I wanted to know about her son.
“Carrie, what about Liam’s father?” Alaric tensed inside me, awaiting her response.
“He doesn’t know Liam exists. It’s a long and…” she hesitated, “embarrassing story. Can I tell you later?” She looked at me with pleading eyes.
“Of course,” I smiled and put my arm around her shoulders.
The doctor quickly called us in, and I made sure to go in with her, carrying her purse and the bag with the boy’s things. The doctor closed the door and asked us to sit while he went through the routine questions. Caroline answered everything calmly.
The doctor asked her to place the boy on the examination table and turned to me, “Come closer, dad, you can watch the examination up close too.”
Caroline looked embarrassed and was about to speak, but I jumped in first. “Oh, right, doctor. You know how it is, we get so worried we freeze up sometimes.”
The doctor smiled at me indulgently and said, “I know what you mean, I’m a father of five, all teenagers now, but even being a pediatrician, I still get scared when they get sick.”
Caroline watched the scene in confusion. She kept staring at me while the doctor examined her son. It was actually quite amusing, and I almost laughed at the situation, but I wasn’t going to correct the doctor’s assumption and embarrass Caroline.
After the examination, the doctor called the nurse and requested a blood test, explaining it was just a precaution, but what the boy had was just a stronger cold.
Since Caroline had mentioned he had started daycare, he probably caught it from another cub, and now that he would be in contact with other children, he would be more exposed to childhood illnesses, but it was normal and she just needed to stay alert.
He verified that the boy’s vaccines were all up to date and that the medical history sent by the pediatrician from their previous pack territory was very complete, praising her for taking the initiative to get the medical history when she moved to give to the new pediatrician. Caroline was an efficient mother, had everything in order, and even while working all day, knew every detail.
The doctor said he would contact her as soon as the test results came in, but the boy couldn’t go to daycare until he was better to avoid spreading the virus, ending the consultation. We thanked him and left.
“Draven, thank you for everything. You can’t imagine how much you helped me today.” Her voice was soft.
“Don’t thank me, Caroline. You’re going to tell me the whole story about your son. Now come on, I’ll take you both home,” I said.
We drove in silence.
I stopped at a pharmacy and, despite her protests, took the prescription from her hands and bought the medications. When we arrived, she was surprised once again because I didn’t leave. We entered her house, and Eleanor came running.
“Friend, what’s wrong with Liam? Why didn’t you call me? I just got home from work and saw your note.”
“It’s just a cold, Elle. Sit down, Alpha Draven, make yourself comfortable. I’m going to give my son his medicine and put him to bed. I’ll be right back. Help me, Elle?” she said to her friend, who was looking at me with a knowing little smile on her face that made me wonder what she knew that I didn’t.
They went inside, and I sat down. The apartment was very beautiful and had a lovely view of the city.
When Caroline returned, she was wearing a long navy blue dress that made her eyes stand out even more, though exhaustion was evident on her face.
“Draven, would you like some coffee?”
“Caroline, you’re tired. I should go now since Eleanor is home and you won’t be alone. If you need anything, call me,” I said.
I brushed my fingers against her cheek and walked toward the door, Alaric reluctant to leave.
“Thank you for everything, Draven,” I heard her say. I turned around and smiled at her.
I went home with millions of questions hammering in my head. I felt a strange connection with that boy that could only be because I was becoming attached to Caroline. While she held him in her arms, his eyes had briefly opened, and though I couldn’t place it, there was something eerily familiar about them.
But I didn’t understand why I was so restless. Why did I feel such a need to not leave them alone? Why was Alaric so intensely interested in this cub? Who could be the father of her child? My head was spinning with many questions and no answers.
Draven’s POV
I couldn’t sleep and spent the night pacing around my apartment. Alaric was also restless. At five in the morning, I went down to the building’s gym, needing to release all the tension built up inside both of us. I spent the next hour kicking and punching a punching bag until my knuckles were raw. By seven, I was already at Thorne Enterprises.
I took the opportunity to call Arthur White, a fellow Alpha from the Northern Territories. I knew him well and was aware that he was the type of wolf who woke with the sun and started working before most packs even stirred, so I didn’t mind the early hour. We talked for a good while as I briefly explained the situation within my company and that approaching him had been Caroline’s suggestion. His interest peaked noticeably at her name.
“Caroline Bennett? Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a while,” he said, his voice warming. “She was a valuable asset during that BuildRight investigation. Her insight was crucial in finding the evidence we needed.”
After speaking with Arthur, I received a message from Caroline asking if she could be late, as she needed to wait for the babysitter since her son couldn’t go to daycare. I replied immediately.
[Caroline, stay home with your son today.]
Her response came quickly.
[That’s not necessary, Alpha Draven. My son’s fever is gone, and the babysitter is very experienced and completely trustworthy. If anything happens, she’ll let me know immediately.]
I smiled at that; she was a dedicated mother.
I was about to reply when I saw Clara entering my office.
“Here so early, pup?” she said with a knowing smile. Clara never lost the habit of calling Ryan and me ‘pups,’ even though we were grown wolves and I was now an Alpha, which always made me smile despite myself.
“Couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, Alaric rumbling in agreement inside my mind. “So I decided to come to the office early.”
“Yeah, you look like you’ve been wrestling with your thoughts all night,” she said, examining me like a caring pack elder. “You’re worried about the company, aren’t you?”
“That too, but I know we’ll control this damage before it threatens the pack’s security. Caroline’s idea was brilliant. I’ve already talked to Arthur, and he’s eager to help us. Our meeting tomorrow is set.” I paused, remembering his enthusiasm. “By the way, he holds Caroline in very high regard.”
“Who doesn’t? That she-wolf has a very special spark about her, even without a scent!”
“Yes, she does,” I agreed. “She’s… captivating. But what about you? Why did you arrive so early?”
“To get ahead with matters regarding the evacuation of the lower floor. And what else kept you awake?” Her eyes narrowed perceptively. “Your wolf seems unsettled.”
I looked at her, knowing she wouldn’t let it go until I spoke; she knows me too well. So I decided to ask, “Clara, why didn’t you tell me that Caroline has a son?”
“Because it wasn’t my place to tell. Pack gossip isn’t my style.” She tilted her head. “And why did that keep you and Alaric up all night?”
“Clara, you’re not naive and you know me too well. You know Caroline made quite an impression on both of us.”
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