“Don’t you think I know that?” I growled,my frustration bubbling over. “I was an absolute monster to her. Now I’m paying the price. She’ll never forgive me,and I’ll spend my life as a shell of myself without my mate.”
“For moon’s sake,what a drama queen!” Joseph laughed. “Draven,we’ve known each other our whole lives. You’ve always been impulsive and hot-headed,but you’ve never been a coward. You’ve never given up on anything you truly wanted just because you didn’t get it on the first try.”
“Joseph’s right,” Ryan agreed. “Even when that woman from the masquerade ball disappeared,you didn’t give up. You drove everyone in the pack crazy,searching for her. You hired three different supernatural detectives. You personally visited every eligible female wolf in Blood Moon Pack and four neighboring territories,trying to find that unique blend of vanilla and wild berries that had you enchanted.”
I remembered those desperate days. “You know what kills me? That night at the ball,her scent was intoxicating,but it was more than that. The sex was mind-blowing,unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Every touch,every moment felt like pure electricity. It was as if she was made for me,like our bodies were perfectly matched. I’ve never found that kind of passionate connection before or since.For years,I believed she was my fated mate.I only gave up last year when the third detective told me it would be impossible.”
“And then I was just existing in the shadows until Caroline walked into my life. Everything felt right again. But I had to ruin it all,didn’t I?” I said,staring into my empty glass.
“Yeah,you royally screwed up,and Eleanor wants to tear your throat out for it,” Joseph chuckled. “That woman is fiercely protective of her friend. But here’s the thing,Caroline is hurting. And if she’s hurting,it means she feels something for you. Are you really going to surrender without a fight?”
I looked at Joseph,his words sinking in. He was right,I wasn’t fighting for her. I was just accepting defeat. The Alpha in me rebelled against this realization.
“You’re right,both of you. I’m being pathetic,” I said,straightening my shoulders. “I will do whatever it takes,for however long it takes,to earn Caroline’s forgiveness. But she doesn’t even want to see me. I need a strategy.”
“Now that’s the Alpha we know,” Ryan raised his glass in a toast. “And don’t worry,we’ll help you.”
“First things first,” Joseph said. “You need to give her some space.Then show her with actions,not just words,that you’ve changed.”
“I could start by investigating who was really behind Linda’s betrayal,” I mused,my mind beginning to clear. “Proving to Caroline that I’m committed to finding the truth.”
Ryan nodded. “And perhaps arranging for some ‘accidental’ meetings that don’t look like you’re stalking her.”
“Whatever it takes,” I vowed,feeling resolve harden within me. “I’m not giving up on her.”
We spent the rest of the night planning my plan to win back the woman I loved.
Caroline’s POV
Another day passed in a blur. My mind kept replaying the scene with Draven in Joseph’s office yesterday. At night,I still cried into my pillow,hiding my tears from Eleanor.
Rory had been unusually quiet this morning.
“I’m not sulking. I’m just… hurt,” she replied softly.
“Alaric called out to me,Caroline. I know you’re angry at Draven,and I won’t forgive them that easily either.”
I sighed as I focused on preparing breakfast for Liam.
“Good goddess,you look terrible,” Eleanor said,walking into the kitchen wearing her silk pajamas. She cupped my face between her hands,examining me. “The concealer is doing overtime,but it can’t hide everything. Have you slept at all?”
“I’m hanging on by a thread,Elle. Between work,Liam,and…” I trailed off,unable to even say his name.
The intercom buzzed,interrupting our conversation. Eleanor went to answer while I continued feeding Liam his cereal.
Watching my son eat,his tiny hands clutching the spoon,brought a smile to my face. His beautiful violet eyes,so like someone else’s,sparkled with innocence as he babbled happily.
“You’re mommy’s heart,little wolf,” I whispered to him,and he responded by clapping his hands and blowing me a sloppy kiss. The simple gesture filled my chest with warmth.
“Carrie,delivery for you.” Eleanor appeared holding an enormous arrangement of red tulips,perfectly tied with a crimson ribbon.
My breath caught,I’d never received flowers before,not even from Marcus.
I helped Liam down from his chair and walked to the living room,holding his little hand in mine.
“These are absolutely stunning,” Eleanor breathed,her eyes wide with appreciation. “Let me guess who sent them. You’re not going to throw them away,right? Because if you are,I’ll take them for the living room.”
“The flowers are innocent in all this,” I said,looking at them. “Is there a card?”
Eleanor handed me a small envelope.
Inside was a note written in Draven’s bold,confident handwriting:
[My beloved Caroline,
Tulips symbolize perfect love,and you are my perfect love,the woman who has captured my heart completely. I was a fool. I made an unforgivable mistake,and I will spend every remaining day proving how deeply I regret hurting you. Even if it takes forever,I won’t give up on us.
Always yours,Draven]
Tears blurred my vision before I could finish reading. Eleanor gently took the card from my trembling hands,scanning it quickly before pulling me into a comforting embrace.
“That arrogant Alpha,” I sobbed against her shoulder. “He thinks he can just… just send flowers and everything will be fine?”
“But you want to forgive him,” Rory whispered in my mind.”I can feel your heart softening.”
“Stay out of this,” I shot back.
“It’s obvious you love him,Carrie,” Eleanor said,echoing my wolf’s sentiment. “And that stubborn Alpha clearly loves you too. Maybe you should consider-“
“Elle,you heard what he said to me. The accusations,the distrust… I can’t just pretend that didn’t happen.”
“He’s suffering too,” she pointed out. “And he seems genuinely sorry.”
“Good,” I muttered petulantly. “Let him suffer. I bet by next week he’ll have moved on to his next conquest.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Eleanor said,studying me carefully. “What if he doesn’t give up? What if he keeps fighting for you?”
“He will give up eventually,” I insisted,wiping away my tears. “Now help me get Liam ready for daycare before we’re both late for work.”
Before we reached the Puma Global offices,my phone had already vibrated with over twenty call attempts. Draven was relentlessly trying to reach me,and I rejected every single one.
When I reached my cubicle,my new supervisor approached with his stride.
“Morning,Caroline! Holding up okay?” Mr. Reeves asked,his expression concerned.
“I’m fine,Mr. Reeves,thank you for asking,” I replied with a smile.
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