Caroline’s POV
Ryan and I joined Draven and Kyle for a quick meeting in the conference room. Draven had received a call from investors in New York, and they needed to travel there to finalize an important partnership.
"The clients are very satisfied with our proposal, but they’ve asked us to come in person," Draven explained, his violet eyes briefly meeting mine before I looked away. "They want to extend the contract, but they insist on doing it face-to-face."
"Alright. When are we going?" Ryan asked, already pulling out his tablet to check his schedule.
"Tomorrow," Draven replied. "Kyle’s coming with us, but I’d like Caroline to join us too. It’s important for her to meet these investors and be aware of the negotiations."
My stomach did a little flip at the thought of being trapped on a plane with him for hours. I’d been doing everything possible to avoid being alone with Draven for the past week.
"I agree," Ryan nodded. "What do you think, Carrie?"
"Look, I think I should stay,"I said quickly."These clients request a lot of documentation, and you might need something from headquarters while you’re there, like last time."
"That’s true,"Ryan agreed."We managed to close the Grand Canyon company contract faster thanks to Caroline’s efficiency in gathering information."
"Yeah, you’re right," Draven sighed, disappointment flashing across his handsome face. "Well, then Caroline stays. And takes care of everything while we’re away."
"It will be my pleasure, gentlemen," I agreed. "And how long will you be gone?"
"At least a week," Draven confirmed, his eyes lingering on me a moment too long.
We spent the rest of the day arranging everything necessary for their trip. I gathered documents, prepared briefing packets, and they walked me through all the schedules I would need to manage in their absence. By the time I finished, night had fallen over the city.
I was gathering my things, preparing to leave, when Draven appeared at my office door.
"Caroline, may I speak with you for a moment?"
I nodded reluctantly and followed him into his office, keeping a distance between us. As soon as the door closed, his calm mask slipped away.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he asked directly, his violet eyes intense. "You run the other way when you see me in the hallway. You leave meetings the second they end. You won’t even look at me."
"I’m not avoiding you," I lied, crossing my arms defensively. "I’ve just been busy."
"Caroline."He moved closer,"Please don’t lie to me."
I backed up until I felt the edge of his desk behind me. Without warning, he pulled me into his arms, the scent of cedarwood and musk enveloping me.
His lips found mine in a hungry kiss that made my knees weak. Against my better judgment, I responded, my hands moving to his chest where I could feel his heart racing.
When he finally pulled back, he held me tightly against him, his forehead resting against mine.
"I miss you," he whispered fiercely. "I’ve been working non-stop to fix this mess, to clear a path for us. Please don’t shut me out."
The pain in his voice was almost my undoing, but I forced myself to face reality. I placed my hands on his chest and gently pushed him back, creating space between us.
"What about your fated mate from three years ago? What about your wedding to Ella?" I asked quietly. The words burned my throat.
He ran his hand through his hair in frustration."I’m not marrying Ella. I never intended to. I’m trying to prove the baby isn’t mine, that this whole situation is a setup."
"And what about the woman from the masquerade? Your fated mate?" I pressed.
"That’s..." He hesitated, pain flashing across his face. "I just want to know she’s okay. I worry that she might be in a situation like yours, alone and without support."
"I understand, Draven. I do. But that doesn’t change anything between us." I couldn’t keep my voice from trembling. "With all these women in your life,what am I supposed to be to you?"
"Yes, you’re the powerful Alpha with status and influence," I continued, finding my strength. "And I’m just a single mother without a pack, raising a child alone. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you toy with my feelings."
"I would never..."
"Please," I stopped him, raising my hand."I don’t want to be caught in some complicated love affair. What I want is simple—a normal relationship with my mate and a stable home for my son. All you’re offering me right now are empty promises."
"They’re not empty, Caroline. I’m doing everything..." he said desperately.
"I’m here working because Ryan, Kyle,and Clara asked me to stay,"I said firmly. "Please, Draven, just stop pursuing me. Keep some boundaries."
Fear flashed across his face."Are you planning to leave me?"His voice came out rough. "Leave the company? My territory?"
I forced myself to look straight into his eyes. "If you keep pushing past my boundaries, then yes, Draven. I will. All I want is a peaceful life for my son and me."
The pain that spread across his face nearly broke my resolve. For a moment, I saw the powerful Alpha stripped away, leaving just a man who looked lost and afraid.
"I don’t want to lose you," he whispered.
"Then respect my wishes," I replied firmly. "Give me the space I need."
Without another word, I slipped past him and out of his office, my heart pounding and tears threatening to spill over.
I quickly grabbed my things and headed to the elevator, not looking back though I could feel his eyes on me all the way.