Chapter 101
Rachel’s POV
stood by the window of my new cottage, running my fingers along the worn wooden frame,
To me this place was perfect a sanctuary I never thought I’d find.
I was making mental notes about decorating when a knock at the down startled me from my thoughts. Carter’s familiar scent reached me before I opened the door.
“You’re settling in nicely,” he said, his eyes taking in the small ches I’d already made to the living room.
I love it here. I can’t express how grateful I am,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with my pregnancy hormones.
Carter waved dismissively as he stepped inside. ‘It’s nothing, Rose. I’m just glad to have someone looking after my place while I’m away. His hand slid across the back of an old sofa. “Is everything to your satisfaction? If not, we can replace the furniture:
“Everything’s perfect,” I assured him, even though some pieces were clearly worn. For someone who had spent the past months living in fear, this cottage felt like paradise.
Carter’s eyes brightened. “If the other rooms are suitable, perhaps we should look at furniture for the baby’s room? Would you like to take a trip to see what we can find?”
My heart skipped a beat at the thought. “That would be wonderful! Though I don’t know if I’m having a boy or a girl yet. I guess that doesn’t matter for basic furniture?”
Carter shrugged, his expression thoughtful. “If you choose white or natural wood furniture, gender shouldn’t matter. You can always add other decorations later.”
“I’d love to go,” I said, unable to contain my excitement. “Thank you so much!*
Carter smiled and patted my arm gently. “Go get ready. I’ll wait here for you.”
In my bedroom, I carefully selected an outfit from the wardrobe–now filled with maternity clothes Carter had asked Scarlet to purchase for me.
I chose red leggings paired with a flowing white top dotted with tiny red patterns. After applying light makeup and pulling my copper hair into a ponytail, I gave myself a final glance in the mirror
When was the last time I actually felt excited about something? I wondered, placing a protective hand over my growing bump.
When I emerged, Carter immediately tucked his phone into his pocket. “Wow! You look fantastic. You’re always beautiful, but that outfit really suits you.”
I couldn’t help but notice how quickly he’d put his phone away when I appeared–as if I were more important than whoever he was talking to.
My cheeks warmed at his compliment. “Thank you. Your staff picked it out for me.”
“My people have excellent taste,” he said with a wink. “Shall we?” He extended his arm as if we were attending a formal ball.
I nodded shyly and then linked my arm with his.
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Chapter 101
We stepped outside into a gorgeous day. Birds sang overhead as we walked along the garden path, where bright flowers filled the sle with their sweet scent, mingling with the saltiness of the ocean breede
“There’s something I should tell you, Carter said, mischief dancing his eyes.
What is it?” I asked, surprised to realize 1
wasn’t worried about whatever he might reveal.
I had already begun to trust this Alpha who looked so much like Nathan but behaved so differently.
“There’s no baby furniture store on this island.”
I felt a flicker of disappointment but waited for him to continue, suspecting he had a solution in mind.
continue,
“We’ll need to visit a nearby island. They’ll ship whatever you purchase back here. I’ll handle all the arrangements, no problem.”
“Sounds good!” I nodded with a smile.
“Don’t you want to know how we’re getting there?” Carter asked playfully.
“Aren’t we taking a boat?” I asked, assuming we’d travel as I had when arriving at Phantom.
“No, I thought we might take my other mode of transportation–if you’re not too nervous,” he replied, his eyes flashing gold with excitement.
As we rounded the corner past the garden, I spotted something at the distant dock I’d never seen before–a seaplane. I’d heard the sounds occasionally but hadn’t really thought about what was making them.
“I won’t be too nervous,” I said, though my face might have paled slightly. Still, I trusted him and was ready for the adventure. My Alpha instincts wanted to protect my unborn cub, but there was also a part of me that craved new experiences.
Once inside the seaplane, I fastened my seatbelt tightly, still nervous as we took off. The plane was loud, too loud even for my keen werewolf hearing.
I was grateful for the headphones Carter provided and even more grateful for his presence beside me.
“It’s okay,” Carter leaned close to reassure me. “I take the seaplane all the time.” His deep voice came through clearly in my headphones, sending goosebumps down my arms.
I couldn’t help grabbing his arm. “I know,” I said, looking out the window to hide my flushed cheeks.
I was more worried about my cub than myself. What if we crash? What would happen to my baby? But I knew that was foolish; we would be fine. The Moon Goddess will protect us.
As the seaplane climbed higher, the island below grew smaller, creating a spectacular view. I clapped for Carter, which made him laugh, his eyes sparkling with golden pleasure.
“I want to show you something special. Look over there,” he leaned closer, pointing out my window. He was so near it was hard to focus on the scenery rather than him. His scent filled my senses–strong and warm, but without the threatening ed that Nathan’s
carried.
“Do you see the waterfall?” He touched my arm lightly, a gentle, soothing touch.
“I do!”
gazed at the crystal–blue water cascading down from lush green vegetation at the top of a mountain.
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Chapter 101
Everywhere I looked, 1 could the the beauty of the archipelago. I hadnt had much chance to see the surroundinge stres arriving and quickly getting injured, but it was beautiful, like the Moon Goddess garden.
“Oh! took there!” Carter suddergy exclaimed, childlike excitement filling his voice.
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