Rachel’s POV
No matter how nice Carter seemed, I didn’t need another Alpha in my life. If I could escape from Nathan, I was certain I could leave
Carter’s protection when necessary.
The smile disappeared from Carter’s face, his pine scent becoming heavier, apparently disappointed by my answer.
But I had made up my mind. I couldn’t let myself be trapped by any Alpha again, even one as kind as Carter.
Carter didn’t push further, just nodded understandingly. That’s a shame. I really enjoy your company. In that case, do you know where you want to go? Have you chosen a pack territory? What kind of work do you want to do?”
I had to admit I hadn’t fully considered all of this yet, my instinct more focused on escape than long–term planning.
“I worked as a waitress and singer at a restaurant before,” I said, uncertainty in my voice. “My singing can… calm emotions. But I could also be a maid, take care of cubs…”
“Hmm… waitress and singer,” Carter said more seriously than before. “Let me talk to my Beta. How about this – you should rest for at least two more weeks anyway for the cub to recover. Why don’t we use that time to make a solid plan for you?”
Looking at Carter’s sincere eyes, I felt guilty. During the entire time I’d spent with him, he’d only been helpful and respectful.
Was I being unreasonable to be so suspicious of him? But my gut kept reminding me to stay vigilant.
“Thank you, Carter,” I said sincerely. “I’ll find a way to repay you.”
“You’re too serious,” Carter said, his scent returning to warmth. “It’s an Alpha’s responsibility – I take care of every mother wolf and
cub in this territory.”
Carter gently patted my hand, then stood up, his touch giving me a strange sense of security. His kindness was the second time I’d
felt warmth in all my years of living. I couldn’t help but tear up.
“Hey, don’t cry. You’ll ruin my reputation as a kind Alpha. I’m not someone who makes mother wolves sad!” he winked.
I wiped away my tears, took a deep breath, and then looked at him with a slight smile.
Once I had a smile back on my face, he asked, “Would you like to take a walk with me? There’s a place in the territory I want to show you.”
After all his kindness, I didn’t want to refuse him. “I’d love to,” I said green eyes sparkling with anticipation.
He offered me his arm, the gesture gentlemanly rather than commanding. “You’re carrying a cub now, so let’s be one hundred percent sure you’re safe. I won’t let you trip.”
I hesitated for a moment, then wrapped my hand around his arm, his muscles solid and warm, emanating a reassuring scent.
After a brief silence, I decided to start the conversation. ‘It’s rare to see you not working. As an Alpha, you must be busy.”
“Believe me, I would love to rest more if I could,”
ter replied lightly. “But I’m really glad I wasn’t resting a few days ago, or I
wouldn’t have found a beautiful mother wolf being attacked.”
Knowing this was just his nature, I smiled, enjoying the ease of not having to be constantly on guard with him.
1/3
13:38 Fri, May 23
Chapter 88
Carter led me through a back door. Once outside, sunlight hit my face directly, and I felt my mood lift.
The breeze blew through my hair, and I paused, tilting my head back to look at the bright sky, feeling the sense of freedom.
The color that day reminded me of Nathan’s eyes–cold and deep.
Carter stopped beside me, chuckling lightly. “You haven’t been outside for a while, have you? Being stuck indoors is hard for a wolf.
I looked at him. Carter looked so much like Nathan, it made my heart race again. I had hoped that after escaping the Ironjaw pack, 1 could forget Nathan.
Yet, fate seemed to always find a way to remind me of the Alpha who planned to kill me.
“Yes, I suppose so,” I admitted.
I felt my cheeks warm with embarrassment, my scent becoming slightly tense.
“You’re so cute,” he said.
I didn’t comment, but my heart quickened involuntarily.
“Come on,” he added. “I have something to show you.”
I walked with him, my arm still linked with his so I wouldn’t trip. He led me to a small wooden door.
Carter pushed open the round–topped wooden door with peeling white paint, and we stepped into a large garden.
I gasped at the beauty of the garden. Flowers of every color bloomed along cobblestone paths, and my keen senses were surrounded by various fragrances, making me feel exhilarated.
I immediately understood where he got all the flowers he sent me, and why they were always different.
They were all beautiful. The petals danced in the breeze, their fragrances intertwining to create an intoxicating sensory experience
The sight was mesmerizing, and I paused to take it all in. I felt as if d stepped into a garden bles from war and pain.
“Do you like it?” Carter asked, his scent full of anticipation.
y the Moon Goddess, far
Perhaps because I hadn’t been outside for so long, emotions welled up, and I felt tears forming. The beauty reminded me of the rare good moments I’d had with Nathan.
“I love it, I told him, my voice slightly trembling.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said, his eyes flashing gold. “Let’s continue. There’s a fountain Lwant to show you.”
Arm in arm, we continued walking, with Carter introducing me to some of the flowers and their symbolism in werewolf traditions. We also talked about daily life and customs in Eclipse.
“Here it is,” Carter said, as we turned a corner and the sound of flowing water became louder.
