Chapter 153
Carter’s POV
I watched Rachel’s worried face as she sat beside me on the bed. The scent of herbs and blood hung heavy in the air, but all I could focus on was her het copper hair shimmering in the dim light, her eyes filled with concern.
Despite the pain radiating from my wounds, satisfaction coursed through me. Everything had played out exactly as I’d planned. Nathan had taken the bait, and new Rachel was here, caring for me, choosing me over him. My wolf hummed with contentment inside me.
I opened the mind link with Lucas, needing to confirm our plans were proceeding.
“Boss, are you alright? Lucas’s concerned voice filled my head.
I’m fine. Confirmed it was Nathan. Have all supplies been moved from Vortex Island?‘ I kept my mental voice steady despite the pain.
“Yes. King Dylan’s pack should receive them within two days.”
“Let Draco know Nathan isn’t at the border front now. It’s their best chance to attack and advance.” My wolf grew excited at the thought of Dylan’s forces pushing forward while Nathan was distracted.
“Understood. Are you joining King Dylan?”
“No. I have important matters to attend to.” My eyes settled on Rachel’s beautiful face.
“What matters?” Lucas asked.
I cut the mind link abruptly. My wolf growled with excitement, knowing Nathan had acted exactly as predicted. The trap had worked perfectly–Id deliberately provoked him into fighting, forcing Rachel to make a choice between us. A slight smile played at my lips, exposing the tips of my canines.
I’d never tell Rachel that the troubles on the island had been my doing. My wolf stirred restlessly at the secret, craving possession of this woman carrying a powerful Alpha’s child.
The thugs who’d harmed her had been “dealt with“-they wouldn’t be seen again. My eyes flashed with desire.
“Rose,” I said softly, my voice deeper than usual, ‘you risked yourself to save me. Why would you do that? You could have been killed.”
‘I couldn’t just stand there and watch Nathan kill you,” she replied, her voice soft with worry.
“But… he’s the Alpha you ran from, isn’t he?” I studied her intently, searching for answers in her expression.
“Yes, he is.” She sighed, pulling back slightly. “Let’s not talk about that now. Yo
hurt. We need to make sure you get everything you need.”
“It’s fine, I’m much better now. Alphas heal quickly.” I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my side, making me wince.
“No! You’re not that better yet.” She firmly pushed me back onto the bed, bringing her sweet scent closer to me. My wolf stirred eagerly.
Selena entered the room, carrying fresh bandages and herbs. “His wounds are all bandaged now. He should be fine. Though there was a lot of blood, the injuries aren’t severe. Of course, if you hadn’t intervened when you did, things would have been very different. You were brave, especially for a pregnant
woman.”
“I just did what I felt I had to do,” Rachel replied softly,, sitting up straight, her hand protectively caressing her swollen belly.
“But what about the baby? You were also risking putting the child in danger. An Alpha’s offspring is extremely precious, Selena pointed out.
Rachel’s expression hardened slightly. “I knew Nathan wouldn’t harm his own child. If it had just been me standing between him and Carter, unfortunately, I think he would have had no problem going right through me to murder Carter. But with his child added to the equation… that’s why he chose to back down. Alpha instincts don’t allow him to harm his own offspring.”
Tears began to fill Rachel’s eyes again, glistening in the moonlight as her scent turned sad and sweet.
1/3
Chapter 153
Despite the pain it caused my wounds, I sat up and pulled her into my arms. My instincts drove me to comfort Rachel in distress.
She stiffened initially, clearly uncomfortable with my embrace, but gradually relaxed against my chest.
“It’s okay,” I whispered, gently stroking her hair. “I know he hurt you again, but you’re safe now. You’re with friends. My voice was soft, protective, soothing.
Confusion swirled within me. Why would she sacrifice herself to save me? My wolf paced restlessly, wanting to mark her, claim her as mine. I didn’t want to let her go, wanting to comfort her, breathe in more of her sweet scent.
I had to admit to myself that my previous gestures toward Rachel–my posturing, gifts, and time–had been a ruse. I’d intended to use her as a pawn to lore my half–brother Nathan into the open.
But now, I realized I wanted to comfort her simply because I couldn’t bear to see her sad. Her tears drove my Alpha instincts wild.
Anger surged through me at how Nathan had hurt her!
I issued a mental command through the pack link: ‘Find Nathan. Search everywhere. He cannot leave this island, he cannot hide. He must pay for what he’s done to Rachel.”
“You two should both rest, Selena suggested after a while. “It’s been a long night. Not good for Carter’s injuries or Rose’s Alpha baby to continue staying
up.”
Rachel lifted her head from my shoulder, her eyes still moist. “Rachel. You heard Nathan use my real name. You can use it too, unless you don’t want to.” Her voice carried a newfound confidence.
“You’ll always be Rose to us, dear,” Selena smiled warmly. “I’ll prepare the guest room now. Rose, would you do me a favor and rest as soon as I’m done?” Her gaze fell gently on Rachel’s pregnant belly.
Rachel nodded, forcing a smile as her hand rested protectively over her stomach.
As her tears began to dry, I wiped away the remaining moisture with my thumb, gazing into her eyes. In that moment, I wanted to kiss her–not on the cheek as I sometimes did, but on her soft lips.
But I restrained myself, knowing she’d endured enough emotional turmoil for one night, especially in her pregnant state.
I needed patience, but time was on my side now that she no longer trusted Nathan.
I wondered if Rachel had feelings for me and considered asking Selena to help me determine this. I could smell subtle changes in her scent but wasn’t sure of their meaning.
One thing was certain–I wouldn’t let Nathan take her back. This woman and the Alpha child she carried would be mine.
After Selena left the room, I took Rachel’s hands in mine, gently lifting her chin so she would look at me. My eyes softened with warmth.
‘Rose, I want you to know that no matter what happens, you will always have a place with me. Always. My pack will protect you.”
Rachel stared at me for a long moment, her green eyes seeming to search for something in mine.
“Thank you, Carter,” she finally replied, her voice soft but sincere.
“What is it?” I could sense hesitation behind her words.
She looked directly into my eyes, her gaze frank and open. “Can I trust you, Carter?*
