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Chapter 146
Carter’s POV
Lucas and I drove toward Rachel’s new beachside cottage. My fingers drummed restlessly against the steering wheel, a nagging sense of unease welling up inside me.
“Something doesn’t feel right, I muttered, my eyes scanning the horizon.
Lucas glanced at me from the passenger seat. “You’ve been saying that all day. The border patrol went fine, and Rose is safely settled in her new place. What could possibly be wrong?”
I shook my head. “I always feel something isn’t right, but I can’t put my finger on what it is.”
“Well, whatever it is, try not to show it when you see her,” Lucas advised, nodding toward the bouquet of wildflowers on the back seat. “You’re supposed to be the confident, reassuring Alpha, remember? Not the brooding, anxious one.”
He was right.
I drew in a deep breath and forced my features into a more relaxed expression as we pulled up to the quaint cottage, my heart raced despite my best efforts.
“Be right back,” I told Lucas, grabbing the flowers.
He nodded. “Take your time. I’ll keep watch.”
The moment Rachel opened the door, her sweet floral scent washed over me, making my heart skip. She wore a simple blue sundress that accentuated her pregnancy, her copper hair cascading down her shoulders. I couldn’t help but think, God, she’s gorgeous.
“Carter, you’re here! Welcome back!” Her eyes lit up with genuine warmth when she saw me.
“For you,” I said, handing her the wildflowers with a smile that came more naturally than I expected.
Smiling wasn’t something I did often, but with Rachel, it was becoming easier each time.
She accepted them with delight, then stepped forward to embrace me. I wrapped my arms around her carefully, mindful of her baby bump, breathing in her intoxicating scent. A wave of pure happiness washed over me as I held her close, feeling utterly content.
“Come in,” she said, stepping back. Barely a few seconds passed before she released herself from my embrace. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
I followed her inside, the aroma of home–cooked food mingling with her scent. My instincts hummed with satisfaction- every resource spent on Rachel felt increasingly worthwhile.
“Your new home looks lovely,” I commented, taking in the open–concept living area with large windows facing the ocean.
Rachel set the flowers in a vase, her movements graceful despite her advancing pregnancy. “It’s perfect, Carter. But about the harp and piano…”
“They stay,” I stated firmly, crossing my arms.
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Chapter 146
“It’s too expensive a gift,” she protested. “I can’t possibly-
“If the harp is left there with no one to play it, the Moon Goddess would be displeased,” I argued, my tone softening as I saw her hesitation. “You wouldn’t want to make such a beautifu instrument lonely,
would you?”
‘Rachel bit her lip, fighting a smile.
“Besides,” I continued, “how can my little songbird perform private concerts without an instrument? Keep it. That’s my
request.”
Her expression melted into gratitude. “Carter, you’re too kind. You’ve done so much for me. Thank you.”
Something in her expression made me surge with satisfaction. had to force myself to look away, digging my nails into my palm. Ever since that dream, I’d been fighting an increasingly powerful mate–pull toward her. When I looked at her now, all I could think about was pressing my lips against hers, claiming her as mine.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to protect you,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I suppose I’ll just have to visit you here until I can convince you to move in with me again.”
Hearing this, Rachel’s eyes widened slightly. Was she unhappy about my presence?
“You know,” I added quickly with a laugh, “as a caretaker, to manage another Eclipse property… that sort of thing.
“Carter, how many properties are you planning to build in Eclipse?” she asked with an amused smile.
So she must have been happy about it, right?
“As many as necessary. It’s just unfortunate I only have one Rose,” I replied, keeping my tone light despite the intensity of my feelings.
She blushed and turned toward the kitchen. My eyes followed her, tracking the curve of her pregnant form. I wanted to pull her back to me, mark her with my scent, claim her lips with mine. The images were so vivid I had to physically restrain myself.
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Mickey L
Carter knows her as Rosa
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