Really? Why not? His eyebrows rose slightly.
foort know… I guess I just want the surprise. Like how it was belee they had the technology. I want to be surprised, to hear Selena say, it’s a boy!’ or ‘It’s a girl!”
“Do you hope for a boy or a girl?‘ he asked, leaning forward slightly
“I don’t know, I’d be happy either way. As long as the baby is healthy I said softly.
“I think it would be incredible if you had a little girl who looked like you. Those green eyes and copper hair. His voice grew tender. “But a little boy would be amazing too. I’d love to have a little boy to run with during full moons or teach hunting skills.”
“You would take the baby hunting? That’s surprising! I would have thought–Alphas like you would have Betas do such things,” I said, genuinely curious.
“Oh, no. I mean… it’s been a while since I’ve hunted myself. I’ve been busy. But I do know how to teach cubs, he explained.
“Maybe after I have the baby, you could teach us. I’d like to learn how to live here,” I suggested tentatively.
“Of course! I’d love to! I bet you’d pick it up right away!” he responded enthusiastically.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re graceful. And you put so much effort into everything you do. I’ve never seen a female as strong as you,” he said
sincerely.
When our food arrived, the pasta was everything Carter had promised–rich, fragrant, and perfectly al dente. I couldn’t help but let
out a small sound of pleasure as I took my first bite.
Carter laughed. “That good, huh?”
“Sorry,” I said, blushing as I realized how obvious my reaction had been.
“No, don’t apologize. No one else is paying attention to us. I’m just eager to see your reaction to the chocolate mousse, he grinned, showing white teeth.
“If it’s going to make me make sounds like that, we might need to get it to go,” I joked, then immediately blushed when I realized how suggestive that sounded.
“You’ve changed, Rose,” Carter said after a comfortable silence. “I liked you when I first met you, but I like you even more now.”
My heart skipped a beat at his directness.
“I know you don’t like talking about your past, but I know you escaped from a cruel Alpha, and I just hope he’s miserable now,” he continued, his voice dropping lower. “They deserve it. Sitting alone in their territory, wallowing in regret, realizing what they’ve Host…”
I nearly dropped my fork, not expecting him to say something so specific. My pulse quickened as I tried to formulate a response that wouldn’t give away my identity. Through my lashes, I looked up at him, wondering how much he actually knew.
Nathan probably doesn’t miss me at all, I thought bitterly. The newspaper had made it clear–he was engaged to Madison, ready to form his political alliance. My absence was likely a convenience, not a loss.
1/2
Chapter 112
I’d like to propose a toast, Carter suddenly announced, raising hisine glass.
“Oh? To what?” I asked, lifting my juice glass.
To you, of course!” Raising his glass, he said, “To a beautiful, intelligent, loving Luna–who rebuilt herself and never gave up so her child could have the best life.”
His words touched something deep within me. I’ll drink to that. But’d also like to toast you to a good Alpha who would do anything for a friend–even one he just met–to help them get on their feet. Someone who gives of himself and shows kindness to everyone!*
“I can drink to that,” he smiled.
We clinked glasses and sipped our drinks. As I looked at Carter across the table, his eyes warm and sincere, I felt something new taking root–trust.
Maybe, just maybe, this cycle would be better than the last.
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