Chapter 81
I still felt suspicious. “Why are you helping me?”
“Because…” Carter’s voice softened, “I was furious about what happened to you. No one should do something like that to a pregnant she–wolf.”
His sincerity was hard to believe, partly because he looked so much like Nathan, and Nathan would never express such gentle concern for anyone.
“A beautiful pregnant mother came to our territory, possibly to start fresh, and was attacked, robbed, and hurt by some rogue wolves,” Carter explained. “It drives my Alpha nature absolutely crazy.”
“How do you know I came here for a fresh start?” I questioned.
“Oh, that’s why many lone wolves come here. Eclipse territory is a beautiful place to begin a new life. We welcome lone wolves seeking refuge.”
I felt a flicker of warmth but remained cautious, knowing Madison might still be hunting me. I wrapped my arms protectively around my stomach, feeling the mind–link with my cub, reassuring myself it was safe for the moment in this environment.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll stay,” I said softly.
Carter looked disappointed, then explained, “As the territory guardian of Eclipse, I’m responsible for the safety here. I give you my Alpha’s honor that whoever those bastards were who attacked you, I’ll hunt them down and make sure they pay.”
His tone gentled, his eyes flashing gold momentarily. “But that’s not for you to worry about. You’re safe in my territory. You can be sure of that.”
I stared at him in shock, his protectiveness and scent reminding me of someone.
“What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked.
“Just that you remind me of someone, that’s all,” I replied, my heart racing as my thoughts drifted back to Nathan.
Carter joked, “Some powerful, smart, devastatingly handsome Alpha, I bet.” He struck a pose, raising one eyebrow, his scent radiating friendliness.
I couldn’t help but laugh, my wolf also relaxing. “Um, someone smart and devastatingly handsome, yes…” I remained silent about the “kind” part, remembering Nathan’s cold plans for me.
Carter placed his hand on my blanket–covered leg, but the gesture seemed comforting rather than possessive, with no aggressive Alpha scent, so I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry for what you went through,” he said softly. “While you’re in Eclipse, please know you’ll be taken care of. I’ll make sure every need of yours and your cub’s is met. You can stay in my territory as long as you wish. If you came here looking for work, our territory always needs talented werewolves…”
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Chapter 81
“Thank you, but I’ve already troubled you enough…” My eyes reflected worry.
“It’s no trouble at all. 1 insist!” Carter interrupted. “The Eclipse pack protects every mother wolf who needs help.”
“But I’m sure I’m not the first crime victim in your territory,” I said.
“No,” Carter admitted. “But you might be the most special one.”
My eyes widened, and Carter seemed embarrassed, clearing his throat. I, uh, will have the kitchen prepare you something. Pregnant mothers need extra nutrition.”
As he stood, I felt the room temperature drop a few degrees, as if his scent had been giving me a sense of familiar security, similar to Nathan’s.
“Thank you,” I said softly, my fingers unconsciously touching Nathan’s moonstone pendant.
“Of course. Oh, I forgot to ask… what’s your name?”
Remembering the identity I’d created earlier, I decided to keep my real name hidden for now. “Rose. My name is
Rose.”
Carter raised an eyebrow at the name, seeming slightly doubtful, but then nodded. “Rose. Beautiful name. Alright. I’ll be back soon.”
I waved as he left.
When he was gone, I sank back against the pillows, placing my hand on my stomach to feel my cub’s faint heartbeat.
Carter seemed like a good Alpha, but I had a feeling I was missing something important–the similarities between him and Nathan were too obvious to be just physical.
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