Chapter 158
Rachel’s POV
For a brief, disorienting moment, 4 blinked away the remnants of sleep, unable to remember where I was. Then it all came rushing back–the new safe house Carter had arranged for me, and Nathan’s betrayal.
After a night’s rest, my mind was clearer. I couldn’t continue staying with Carter long–term. Nathan knew where to find me here, which could bring more
trouble to Carter.
And despite wanting to trust Carter and view him as a friend, I couldn’t dismiss the possibility that he might be working with Madison and Raymond.
For the sake of the Alpha–blooded child growing inside me, I needed to make the most cautious choice possible. I took a deep breath and pushed myself up from the bed, my hand instinctively cradling my belly.
First things first–my body needed nourishment.)
In the kitchen, Scarlet greeted me, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.
“Good morning. Can I get you something to eat? You and the Alpha pup need proper nourishment.”
“Thank you. I want some fruit and bread,” I said, grateful for her concern.
Despite my lackluster appetite, I selected some. My baby gave a gentle kick, as if expressing approval of
my choices.
“How’s Carter doing this morning?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.
“He’s awake and has eaten already,” Scarlet replied. “He specifically asked that we not disturb your rest. Now that you’re up, he’ll be pleased to see you.”
25767
Tll go see him after I eat, I promised, offering a small smile.
After finishing my meal, I headed to Carter’s room, unsure how to approach him. I wanted to trust his kindness–after all, he’d given me sanctuary when I needed it most.
I caught myself reaching through the mate bond for Nathan before stopping abruptly.
When I entered, Carter was setting aside an empty bowl, the room filled with his scent mingled with herbs and the faint metallic hint of healing wounds.
“Carter,” I said with a gentle smile, “you look better.”
“Better than what? A corpse?” he joked, his eyes warm with humor.
I laughed, my scent softening, “But I meant better than last night. Your Alpha scent was almost gone then.”
Carter patted the edge of the bed where I’d sat the night before, careful not to disturb his wounds. I sat down, maintaining a comfortable distance, facing
him.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, his concerned gaze dropping to my belly.
“I’m okay,” I said calmly, stroking my stomach as I felt the pup kick, “Tired, but that’s normal. Selena says it’s common in late pregnancy.”
Carter nodded. “I was thinking, you can’t go back to the cottage because of the pollen, but I worry you’re not safe here. I must leave some warriors to you. I have to make sure Nathan can never hurt you again.”
He rubbed my arm reassuringly. “Also, may I stay here until I recover?”
“Of course!” I nodded. “That way you won’t have to split your warriors between two locations.”
Carter grinned, exposing his sharp canines. “How can one person be both beautiful and smart? It’s so unfair.
*ect
1/2
Chapter 158
I shook my head. “Carter, thank you for protecting me. I’m grateful. You risked your life…”
Then I thought of Nathan and couldn’t continue speaking. I changed the subject.
I asked, “I know you’d never let anything bad happen to me or the baby, tight?”
“Of course, Rose!‘ he said cheerfully, but I noticed a flicker of something unreadable deep in his eyes.
I felt guilty. Carter seemed just as he always had been, yet here I made me distrustful of everyone.
was,
doubting him. I wondered if I
as being overly sensitive, if Nathan’s betrayal had
Later that day, Carter felt strong enough to get out of bed. His warriors helped him to the living room, their movements respectful and careful.
Once settled in a chair, he looked as though he’d used up all the energy he’d accumulated over the past few hours just to walk the short distance from one room to another.
Carter looked older than I’d ever seen him, more exhausted and worn, even his scent thinner than usual.
“Can I get you anything?” I asked, concern coloring my voice.
I moved to a chair closer to him, sitting on the edge so I could hold his hand. My worries about pretending not to suspect him had vanished throughout the day.
Even if I wasn’t sure of his motives right now, this man had shown me kindness. Now he was injured–how could I not show him the same care?
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
