Rachel’s POV
Carter sat across from me, newspaper in hand, while I spread butter on my foast. These morning rituals had become comfortable. almost familiar–over the past weeks.
If Carter wasn’t traveling, he’d visit my cottage nearly every night. f play the harp for him, singing lullabies or soothing melodies that seemed to reach something deep within the Alpha.
Most evenings, he’d eventually return to his mansion, his powerful sent fading into the night. Other times, he’d fall asleep on my couch, and we’d share breakfast before going our separate ways.
No matter how late his visit or how busy his day, Carter never arrived empty–handed. Books, accessories, Moon Goddess amulets, copper–colored hair clips, and most often, flowers–especially moonlight daisies–had accumulated throughout my cottage.
“I don’t know,” I told him, my usual response when he asked about my plans.
I was about to take a bite of my buttered bread when he folded the newspaper he’d been reading and set it aside, leaning toward me. “I’ve been making a blanket for the baby, but I’m running out of wool yarn.”
“Oh, do you need to go to the market to get some?” he asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Maybe,” I said. “I know you don’t like me going to the market without you. Will you be around today?”
“I have a very important meeting off–island today,” he said, disappointment evident in his tone. “But I can send some of my most trusted warriors with you.”
“Carter, that’s not necessary.” It reminded me of my days back at the fronjaw pack.
I did like some of those warriors, especially Tyler, and often wondered how they were doing and if they’d gotten in trouble because of my escape. But that didn’t mean I wanted to be followed again.
“I can tell them to keep their distance, and you can bring Selena,” Carter suggested, his voice deep and gentle.
I compromised, my hand unconsciously caressing my belly where my baby stirred. “Okay, that works.”
Carter reached over and squeezed my arm, his touch warm and firm. I know you’re safe here, Rose. I just don’t want anything like what happened in your past pack to happen again.”
I didn’t want that either. If anything happened to my baby…
I decided it was worth having warriors follow me to ensure the baby’s safety. “Thank you,” I smiled, looking at him sincerely.
Carter’s hand lingered on my arm for a few seconds. I could feel his Alpha scent, but without the oppressiveness that Nathan’s carried. I didn’t pull away.
It was comforting, knowing his hand was there simply because he cared for me as a friend–nothing more.
“I’ll be back early tonight,” he said softly. “Perhaps we could have dinner together?”
I was curious. “Is there a special occasion?” I asked.
Every day with you is special,” he smiled. “By the way, there’s a dress shop between the grocery and the pawn shop. Why don’t you get yourself a new dress?”
1/2
Chapter 107
He reached into his back pocket for his wallet, pulling out several lage bills and placing them on the table in front of me.
I stared at the money for a long time, not knowing what to say, I didn’t want to accept it, as if doing so would make me something purchased yet again. “Carter…” began.
“Hey, don’t pretend you haven’t earned this. This is your salary for looking after that estate over there.” He pointed toward the mansion on the other side of the property. “Besides, not many Alpha get private concerts, especially from a woman with an angelic voice that can lull an Alpha to sleep.”
Carter’s phone rang, and he stepped away from the table to answer it I could hear Lucas’s urgent voice on the other end reporting something about border activity.
While Carter was occupied with his call, my eyes drifted to the nefspaper he’d left behind. The headline jumped out at me: Marriage Plans Despite Ongoing War.
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