Chapter 138
Rachel’s POV
The evening shadows lengthened across my bedroom as Nathan’s scent gradually faded from the air.
I touched my lips, still feeling the ghost of his kiss, when I heard Scarlet’s soft voice in the hallway.
“She’s resting in her bedroom, Mr. Wilson.”
My pulse quickened as Carter’s distinctive Alpha scent grew stronger. He approached my bed with careful steps, maintaining a respectful distance as he sat down, his brow furrowed and hands clasped together.
“How are you feeling, Rose?” His deep voice was gentle. “I came back as soon as I got the message. I apologize it took me hours to come back. Are you better now?”
“I’m fine, Carter. Thank you for coming all this way to check on me,” I replied, instinctively pulling the blanket higher to hide any lingering trace of Nathan’s scent.
“Of course I came. They said it was just an allergic reaction to pollen, nothing serious, but my wolf couldn’t settle until I saw you were alright with my own eyes.” His scent carried notes of concern and protectiveness that made my chest tighten with guilt. “You’re important, Rose. The kid you’re carrying is too. While I’m relieved to see you’re stable, you do look
weaker than usual.”
“Weaker?” My hand moved protectively to my swollen belly.
“Yes, your scent is fainter than usual, but that’s normal after fainting. I’m glad my warriors found you when they did.”
“I’m grateful too,” I said softly.
“I warned you about being outdoors alone, especially in the evening,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of Alpha reproach.
“I understand your concerns. I wouldn’t have gone out if it wasn’t necessary. The air inside felt suffocating, and I thought fresh air would be good for the baby and me. I had no idea the pollen would affect me like this.” I lowered my gaze, avoiding direct eye contact with him.
“Is that so?” He tilted his head slightly, his nose subtly testing the air.
Can he smell Nathan’s scent? I tried to keep my breathing steady as my fingers nervously twisted the edge o blanket.
“But, yeah, that makes sense,” he finally nodded, seeming to accept my explanation.
Relief washed through me, but I remained cautious. “What happens now? I can’t stay here if the flowers make me sick.”
“You could move to my main residence until the pup is born. You’d have the highest protection there, and I can prepare a suite suitable for your pregnancy,” he stated.
Thank you, Carter. Your offer is incredibly generous, but I can’t accept such a big favor. You’re the Alpha of this territory -you need your private space and freedom.
And I doubt your Beta and other high–ranking members would appreciate having a pregnant outsider in your main residence. My voice was soft but determined.
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Chapter 138
“For me and the baby, moving to a separate place might be best–somewhere quiet and safe, away from these pollens. I’ve saved some money and can hay rent. I really don’t want to be an additional burden-”
He insisted, “No, that’s unnecessary, Rose. I’ll arrange accommodations for you. You’re in my territory, and I’m responsible for your safety and the pup’s.”
“Thank you, Carter. You’re too kind. But I’d like some autonomy in this.” My voice remained gentle but firm.
“Actually, I’ve been considering purchasing new property as an investment. You could live there and continue managing it, just as you do now. We could maintain the same arrangement, just in a different location.”
“I’d be happy to continue working for you, but-”
“When did my little Rose learn to negotiate with me?” His tone carried an unexpected hint of amusement.
“I never lacked the ability. I just didn’t have the capital to do so before. Anyway, I’m happy to work for you, but you must let me pay rent.” I held his gaze, surprising myself with my boldness.
“Allow me to insist. It would satisfy my sense of responsibility as the territory’s Alpha.”
“Deal! I’ll have my Beta prepare a list of properties for sale in the coming days. You can look through them and choose your favorite. If you’d like, we can visit a few together. Whichever you choose will be your new home. We’ll have you moved in and settled before the pup arrives.”
“In the meantime, I’ll order the gardeners to remove all flowers around the house to minimize pollen exposure.”
“Thank you,” I expressed my genuine gratitude to the Alpha.
Later that evening, after Carter left, I lay in bed contemplating our conversation. A sudden realization hit me: Nathan didn’t tell me how to identify those houses!
I’m not intentionally deceiving Carter, I thought, but I must protect Nathan’s identity and safety. I worried whether Nathan would manage to get the house on the market in time.
How will I choose Nathan’s house without raisin
suspicion?
A few days later, Carter arrived with Lucas, his Beta, carrying a portfolio of property listings. We gathered around the table as Carter spread out the files.
“Ready, Rose? Let’s look at these options and find the perfect place for you.” He glanced at my face, watch
or reactions.
“This one won’t work,” he immediately dismissed the first house with steep stairs.
“Sorry, I thought Lucas would screen these more carefully,” he said disapprovingly about the second property with extensive gardens.
By the time we reached the sixth property, my heart skipped a beat. The moment I saw the photos, a powerful connection surged through me.
This is from Nathan!!!
