Caroline’s POV
Clara and I had spent the last few hours going through trip reports, and the day was finally coming to an end. Just as we started packing up our belongings, Alpha Draven emerged from his office while Ryan materialized at my door.
"Ladies, your day of hard work is done!" Ryan announced with his signature bright smile. "Alpha Draven and I are heading to Bella Vita for dinner. We’d love for the two most beautiful women in the company to join us."
Bella Vita was the city’s most prestigious Italian restaurant, famous for both its steep prices and exceptional cuisine. Eleanor had been urging me to try their renowned gnocchi and house-made wine this weekend, insisting I needed to get comfortable with such upscale venues now that they might become part of my work routine.
"I’m so sorry, Ryan, but we already have plans and people waiting for us. Maybe another time?" Clara replied gracefully, referring to our dinner plans at my place.
I smiled and thanked him politely but couldn’t miss how Alpha Draven’s expression darkened, his violet eyes turning stormy.
"You would decline dining with your Alpha? Some might consider that disrespectful," he said, his voice sharp with displeasure.
Rory stirred uneasily within me at his tone. Even without being part of his pack, I could feel the dominance radiating from him.
"Draven, stop being grumpy," Clara said with the easy familiarity of an old friend. "Last-minute cancellations would be far more discourteous. We can have dinner together tomorrow, right, Caroline?"
"Yes, of course," I agreed, then immediately wished I hadn’t added, "But if Alpha Draven considers it important, I’m sure my friends would understand."
His eyes locked with mine, something wild and possessive flickering in their violet depths. His jaw tightened visibly.
"That won’t be necessary. I wouldn’t dream of disrupting your plans. Enjoy your evening, Miss Bennett. Just ensure you’re punctual tomorrow."
He strode away, his footsteps echoing his barely contained anger. From the elevator, he called curtly to Ryan, "We’re leaving." Ryan gave us an apologetic grin before hurrying after his Alpha.
As I stood there confused by his intense reaction, Clara’s soft laughter caught my attention.
"His wolf really doesn’t handle rejection well, even for something as simple as dinner," she said with a knowing smile.
When we arrived at my house, Eleanor greeted us warmly. The entire place was filled with the enticing aromas of her amazing cooking. Liam, who had been playing on the living room floor, jumped up and ran to me with open arms. I lifted him up and introduced him to Clara, whose expression changed peculiarly as she studied my son.
"Caroline, your son is absolutely gorgeous!" Clara exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly. "And you’re right, he does have the exact same violet eyes as Draven," she added thoughtfully.
She and Eleanor clicked immediately, as if Clara had always been part of our group. She spent time playing with Liam, who proudly displayed his entire toy collection and had already started calling her "Auntie Clara."
After putting Liam to bed, we gathered in the living room. Eleanor opened another bottle of wine and shared news about her father’s position on the Alpha Council, along with her excitement about her new job at Harbor Bay. Clara talked about working with Alpha Gerald, describing him as both funny and approachable.
Then Clara turned to me suddenly. "Carrie, what’s your son’s father’s name?"
I felt my cheeks flush, embarrassed about what I needed to confess.
"It’s complicated, Clara," I admitted, fidgeting with my wine glass. "I don’t know his name." She watched me intently as I continued. "I had been drinking, and he asked me to dance. Between the music and conversation, we never properly introduced ourselves. At the masquerade ball, I only saw those distinctive violet eyes and that smile that..." I paused, remembering how my wolf had reacted that night, "that smile that made me forget everything else."
Rory whined within me at the memory. After Marcus rejected me because of my scentless nature, I knew I could never form a true mate bond. Even my destined mate wouldn’t recognize me without a scent to identify me.
"This is incredible!" Clara exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly. "It’s like something from a romance novel, a passionate encounter with a mysterious masked stranger. My wolf is dying to hear more!"