Chapter 86
His appearance was still startlingly similar to Nathan’s, but his smile was warmer, more genuine, and his scent was different–pine rather than the cold winter forest I’d grown accustomed to.
“Wow! Rose, you look beautiful. Green suits you,” he said appreciatively.
I avoided his gaze, looking at the flowers instead. “Thank you, Carter. The flowers weren’t necessary… You look nice too.”
“I just changed out of my patrol gear. He handed me the bouquet. picked these from the forest edge. They smell nice, don’t they? Don’t worry, Scarlet will put them in a vase while we eat. Shall we? The kitchen prepared fresh food, and we shouldn’t let it get
cold.”
After handing the flowers to Scarlet, I joined Carter in the hallway. Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”
“My pleasure. Eclipse territory rarely has visitors, especially guests like you. And honestly, I don’t enjoy eating alone,” he admitted.
“I’ll be a good listener,” I promised.
He smiled. “Hold the railing. We’ll take it slow. I’ll stay beside you to make sure you don’t get uncomfortable or fall
The dining room was warm and inviting. Unlike Nathan’s lavish dining hall, this space felt cozy and natural. The table was set with simple but elegant dinnerware, and the walls displayed beautiful landscape paintings.
The meal consisted of roasted venison with fresh vegetables and herbs–a high–protein feast typical of werewolf preferences. As we ate, Carter asked Scarlet about her day and her artwork.
“Scarlet’s a talented painter,” he explained. “She captures Eclipse territory’s beauty like no one else.”
I admired the forest landscape hanging on the wall, particularly drawn to a small wooden cabin in the background. “These are yours? They’re beautiful.”
Scarlet blushed. “Thank you, Rose.”
As dinner progressed, Carter turned his attention to me. “Rose, what do you enjoy doing to pass the time?”
“I like knitting and singing,” I replied, thinking of the peaceful moments I’d spent doing both.
“That’s impressive. Are you making anything for the baby?” he asked.
My heart clenched. “I was… but I couldn’t bring it when I left.”
The memory of learning to knit at Nathan’s castle flooded my mind Victoria teaching me, giggling as Ldropped stitches, Nathan’s surprised expression when he’d caught me singing softly to my growing belly.
Carter noticed my mood shift and changed the subject. “By the way, that moonstone pendant you’re wearing is beautiful. Is it a traditional werewolf talisman?”
I felt my blood freeze, my fingers automatically reaching for the stone. “It’s from… someone important to me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry into your privacy.”
“No, it’s fine, I assured him. “I was just worried it would be taken when I was attacked.”
“I completely understand. No matter how precious an item is, it’s never worth more than your safety,”
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Chapter 86
I nodded, though in my heart his pendant and my baby were the only traces of Nathan I had left.
As we finished our meal, Carter’s expression grew more serious. “Nothing in this world is more precious than the little life you’re carrying.”
I realized he was referring to my child. “Yes, of course.”
“Don’t misunderstand me, Rose. I’d be delighted to have you stay in clipse territory longer. Having a beautiful guest like you is a pleasure. Once you’re settled, you’re always welcome to visit.”
“Carter, you’ve already helped me so much. I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re absolutely not a burden,” he said firmly. “Any werewolf who considers a pregnant mother a burden should rethink their values. In Eclipse, we cherish every mother and child. It’s my honor just to know you.”
His sincerity touched something inside me. “I appreciate that, truly.”
“I’ll help you in any way I can, Røse. Not just because I sympathize with your situation, but because now that I know you, I consider you a friend.”
I said, “Thank you so much.”
“Excellent! I’ll be staying in the territory for a few days. Perhaps we could tour Eclipse together, so you can get to know the place better. If you feel up to it, of course.”
Looking at his genuine smile, I found I couldn’t refuse. “I think I’d like that.”
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