Chapter 149
Rachel’s POV
A howl yanked me from my sleep. I rolled over, my hand instinctively protecting my baby bump as 1 blinked the drowsiness away.
“Carter?” I called rut.
I frowned. Hadn’t Carter heard it? He’d fallen asleep on my couch after I played the harp for him.
With a sigh, I slipped my arms into my silk robe and carefully maneuvered my pregnant body out of bed.
The antique clock in the hallway showed it was well past midnight. Moonlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the hardwood floors. The couch where Carter had been sleeping was empty.
“Carter?‘ I called again, louder this time. No response.
I checked the bathroom–empty. A flutter of unease rippled through me as I followed the sound of knocking toward the front door. Something felt wrong. My feet slowed as I noticed strange marks on the floor–like claw marks from a struggle.
“What happened?” I whispered to myself.
My baby kicked inside me, as if sensing my growing fear. I spotted Carter’s communicator on the table by the door, its screen flashing with Lucas’s name. Eight emergency messages. My heart pounded as I debated whether to look at them.
Then I noticed something else—the trapdoor in the study floor was partially open. Carter must have gone down to the underground tunnel. But why?
After a moment’s hesitation, I answered the communicator.
Lucas?” My voice sounded shakier than I intended.
“Rose?” Lucas sounded surprised. “Where’s Carter?”
I lied instinctively, “He’s patrolling the backyard. I’ll have him contact you as soon as he returns.”
Lucas paused before responding in a grave tone, “Alright. Make sure he calls me. It’s urgent.”
After ending the call, I stared at the open trapdoor. My wolf instinct’s urged me to find Carter. Something was very wrong.
I carefully descended the ladder into the underground passage, one hand supporting my belly. Moving through the dim stone tunnel was difficult in my condition, unable to shift into wolf form.
My heart raced faster with each step. Fear clawed at me, but I pressed on, driven by instinct. As I neared the tunnel’s end, low growls and snarls echoed from outside. Despite my fatigue, the sounds of fighting propelled me forward.
When I emerged into a moonlit clearing, the sight before me stole my breath. Two powerful wolves locked in vicious combat–one midnight black, the other
dark brown.
I recognized them instantly+Nathan and Carter. Blood matted their fur as they tore at each other, teeth flashing in the moonlight.
“Nathan! Carter!” I screamed, running toward them. “Stop!”
Both wolves froze at my command, turning to face me. Carter shifted back to human form, his naked body covered in blood. He lay on the ground with his back to me, raising a bloodied hand in warning/
“Stay back, Rose!” he gasped. “This wolf is dangerous! He’s the Alpha of Ironjaw Pack. He’ll hurt you and the baby!”
I stood between them, my protective pheromones filling the air as I realized Carter didn’t know about my secret meetings with Nathan…
1/2
Chapter 149
It’s okay, I told Carter. “He won’t hurt me. He’s my Alpha
Carter’s eyes widened in confusion. W what? Your Alpha?”
turned to Nathan, whose wolf form stood tall despite his injuries, eyes glowing with anger and surprise.
“Nathan, what’s going on?!” I demanded. “Why are you attacking Carter?*
Nathan’s wolf growled, tilting his head as if trying to communicate through our mate bond, but our connection wasn’t strong enough for complete mind- linking.
“You told me you didn’t know Carter,” I continued, anger building. “You said this was just a safe hiding place. The truth dawned on me with sickening clarity. “You arranged for me to stay at this cottage… Why? To get close to Carter? This whole time… it was all about the territorial war?
My voice cracked as tears threatened. “I foolishly thought I meant something to you! I guess I really am just your perfect breeder–worthless except as your tool…”
The memory of Nathan’s original plan–to dispose of me after I gave birth to his heir–crashed through me. Nathan shook his wolf head, and I couldn’t help but find it hilarious.
Carter struggled to his feet, concern filling his voice. Rose, he’s the Alpha of Ironjaw Pack. He killed a lot of people. Get back! He’ll kill you!”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
