Nathan’s POV
caffed off the operation. I couldn’t risk my warriors‘ lives without a better plan–not when we were in enemy territory.
*Return to base and regroup,” I ordered Tyler through our mind link. “We need to reassess.”
Though I refused to endanger my pack, one thought remained certain–I needed to find Rachel and bring her home.
But doubts clouded my mind. What if she discovered my original intentions toward her? What if she learned I’d planned to… No, I couldn’t even think it.
Would she ever forgive me? And if not… how could I live with that reality?
For several consecutive nights, I hid in the shadows near Rachel’s cottage, concealing myself in the bushes.
Each Evening, I positioned myself where I could watch without being detected, desperate to confirm that what I’d seen wasn’t a mirage.
According to Mia’s intelligence, Carter would be leaving the island again soon. We needed to wait until his return to execute any plan effectively.
“You’re not joining us for reconnaissance?” Tyler asked through our mind link.
“No. Take the others and scout the perimeter again,” I replied.
With Carter away, the patrols weren’t as vigilant. Tyler could handle it alone.
I remained in the darkness outside Rachel’s garden, my eyes constantly searching for a glimpse of her. Since discovering she was alive, I’d maintained this watch almost every night.
The urge to be near her was overwhelming–I would wait as long as necessary until I could hold her in my arms again.
The sound of her laughter drifted through the air, igniting my desire to close the distance between us.
I watched Carter leave the cottage and drive away. His presence made me clench my jaw–I wanted him gone.
“Goodnight!” Rachel’s sweet voice called out. The pain that shot through me was acute–I wished she were speaking to me.
She stood framed in the doorway wearing a white dress, her copper hair cascading over her shoulders. Even from this distance, her natural beauty stunned me.
The urge to rush to her and take her away grew stronger with each passing moment, but I knew I couldn’t frighten again. I’d caused her enough harm already. She deserved better than that.
I remained hidden in the darkness, watching her from afar. Knowing she was still alive in this world meant more to me than anything.
Yet I couldn’t help wondering why Carter had kept her here. He must have ulterior motives. Rachel was too innocent to recognize the true danger she faced.
1/2
Chapter 120.
I crept slowly forward from the depths of the forest, each step closer filling my heart with joy.
When Rachel retreated to her room, a wave of disappointment washed over me. She would be going to bed soon, which meant I wouldn’t see her beautiful face again tonight.
As the lights in the cottage went out, I released a tired sigh. I needed rest too. I was on a mission and couldn’t afford mistakes due to exhaustion.
I prepared to leave, but my wolf sensed something different. The sea breeze blew in a favorable direction, and the night provided perfect cover.
I glanced back toward the cottage.
As if the Moon Goddess had answered my prayers, Rachel opened the back door.
“I’ve only seen her through windows these past few days,” I thought, watching in disbelief as my child grew within her. “Her swollen belly challenges.me.”
“Little one,” she spoke to her stomach, “you won’t let me rest, will you? Perhaps a song will quiet you down?”
I held my breath. The tender, maternal tone she used with our unborn child captivated me. I found myself drawn to this angelic moment.
I wanted to howl at myself for my foolish judgment and mistakes. How could I have ever worried she wouldn’t be a good mother? How could I have conceived that terrible plan to dispose of her after she gave birth?
My throat constricted at the memory of my intentions. She was perfect, and I had been a complete fool.
Soon after, a sweet melody filled the air. The lyrics transported me back to the first time I’d heard her voice–I’d been
mesmerized then, and I was mesmerized now.
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