Chapter 135
Rachel’s POV
stood before the mirror, my fingers gently tracing the crescent moon pendant that Nathan had returned to me last night. Its silver surface caught the light, glinting with promise.
How am I going to hide this? I wondered, knowing Selena and Scarlet were aware I’d sold the original pendant months
ago.
Despite this concern, warmth spread through my chest as I remembered Nathan’s heartfelt confession in the garden.
After all this time, he’d finally acknowledged his feelings for me
The pendant felt right against my skin–a symbol of the Moon Goddess’s blessing on our mate bond. Though I longed to wear it proudly, I knew I needed to hide it for now.
My ears perked at the sound of light footsteps in the hallway. “I believe she’s in her bedroom, Mr. Wilson,” came Scarlet’s voice.
My heart raced as I quickly removed the pendant, tucking it carefully beneath folded clothes in my dresser drawer. I grabbed my hairbrush, pretending to be mid–grooming when Carter appeared in the doorway.
“Good morning, pretty girl,” he said warmly, holding out a bouquet of pale yellow wildflowers.
“Oh, these are beautiful! Thank you, Carter!” I exclaimed, accepting them while trying to suppress thoughts of the rose
Nathan had given me–now hidden in a vase beneath my bed.
Carter leaned forward, planting a friendly kiss on my cheek. I returned his half–embrace awkwardly, suddenly conscious of how this innocent gesture felt like a betrayal to Nathan and our renewed bond.
“You look different today,” Carter observed, his eyes studying me with curiosity. “There’s a special glow about you.”
“Thank you. I slept particularly well last night,” I replied, stroking my swollen belly to disguise the true source of my
happiness.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the living room window was open. A small smile tugged at my lips–Nathan would come back to me tonight.
I carefully placed Carter’s flowers in a vase near the kitchen window, mindful of my balance with my pregnant belly.
“So what are your plans for today?” Carter asked as we settled into seats warmed by morning sunshine.
“I thought I’d finish the baby blanket I’ve been working on. Maybe spend some time in the little garden if I’m feeling energetic,” I said, accepting a glass of lemonade Scarlet had gracefully delivered. And you? You mentioned pack business yesterday.
“Y–yes. I have some Alpha duties to attend to and border patrols to oversee,” Carter replied, his gaze falling briefly to my rounded stomach. “I can’t stay long, but I wanted to check on you and the baby before heading out.”
As I looked more closely at Carter, I noticed dark circles beneath his eyes. His clothing, usually impeccable, seemed slightly rumpled.
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Chapter 135.
Are you alright? You look like you haven’t been resting,” I said genuine worry in my voice.
Carter gave a low chuckle. “Funny timing to mention my sleep, he said, his eyes briefly darting toward the window.
What do you mean?” I asked, my pulse quickening.
“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” he said with a dismissive wave though his expression flickered with something I couldn’t quite read.
“Why shouldn’t I worry about your sleep, Carter? You’ve been nothing you found me injured. I care if you’re not well,” I insisted.
kind to me since I arrived on this island–since
“I’m fine, Rose, thank you for your concern,” he said. “Trust me, you don’t need to worry about me. Pack business is just particularly demanding right now. That’s all.” His tone lightened, but the fatigue remained in his eyes.
“Of course I’d worry. You’ve been taking care of me all this time.”
“And of course I’ll take care of you. We’ve discussed this,” he said, looking at me fondly.
“I know. It’s just…” I bit my lower lip, unsure how to express my gratitude without seeming too forward or too distant.
“It’s nothing, Rose,” he said, taking a sip of lemonade.
“It’s just that you’re like family to me now, and I feel I need to take care of you too,” I said with a gentle smile. “You know, like… like a brother…”
The moment the words left my lips, Carter choked on his lemonade, coughing violently.
3
“Are you alright, Mr. Wilson?” Scarlet asked with concern.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine. I just… got caught on an ice cube,” he said, his face wearing an odd expression I couldn’t decipher.
My instincts prickled, sensing something was very wrong. I reviewed all of Carter’s kind gestures in my mind–the cottage, the protection, the constant attentiveness–and suddenly worried that perhaps he expected something different from our relationship.
Had I just inadvertently wounded the pride of the Alpha who had rescued me?
“I should get back to my duties,” Carter said abruptly, standing. I have border patrols to prepare for.”
“Oh, alright. It’s a shame you can’t stay longer,” I said, awkwardly rising to my feet, my movements slowed t
pregnancy.
te
“I know. But… pack responsibilities,” he said, his voice turning formal as we walked toward the door. He deliberately avoided my gaze.
“Will you be back for dinner?” I asked softly.
“Uh… I’m not sure. Probably not. The border patrol might run late,” he replied stiffly.
“I understand,” I said, feeling a pang of guilt.
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Chapter 135
As Carter opened the door, his Alpha nose immediately wrinkled ‘What’s that scent?” he asked, suddenly alert.
My heart pounded against my ribs, Nathan’s scent!
That pine smell… it’s strong,” Carter continued, his eyes narrowing. “It reminds me of something I smelled in my dream
last night.”
“In your dream? What are you talking about?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady while my mind raced with panic.
“Listen, Rose, the situation between the Eastern and Western territories is deteriorating. The borders aren’t safe,” he said, his voice taking on an undeniable Alpha authority. “I want you to stay inside, especially at night. Alright?”
“Of course,” I agreed, lowering my eyes in submission.
“I’ll be sending more warriors to ensure your safety,” he said, scanning the surrounding area with sharp eyes.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, Carter. The current guards are sufficient,” I protested, alarmed at how this might prevent Nathan from visiting.
“Your safety and the baby’s are very important to me. I’ll protect you both at any cost,” he stated.
“Thank you for your concern,” I replied meekly, while anxiety churned inside me.
‘I’ll see you later,” he said, giving me one last look before turning to leave.
I closed the door and leaned against it, taking deep breaths to calm myself. The additional guards would make it nearly impossible for Nathan to approach without being detected.
Moving quickly to the living room, I shut the window without hesitation, hoping Nathan would understand this signal of danger.
