Chapter 32

Cara’s POV

Aside from Eamon, I’m the first to arrive at the family meeting Eamon has called.

No surprise there, I try to be early for all of my appointments.

Eamon is seated at the head of the table, and I take the seat to his right. He smile to me.

Colin arrives next, then the twins Aidan and Ryan together, and finally Landon.

Once again, my brother Richard is absent from another family meeting. He’s been gone since just after my accident, off studying somewhere far away.

He's punishing himself in this way, and also, trying to find a way to heal Mia.

He’s really regret for his role in all of Lilia’s wicked plans to hurt me...I'm not sure if it’s the best decision that he’s gone.

Eamon shows some details about the project with Pack DarkWood. That includes some future scheduling.

Alaric will be arriving at Pack BloodyMoon in the next few days.

We've got to sort out the details for his visit. Like booking him a hotel, picking a restaurant, and setting up a meeting space...

“Cara, I still don’t understand how you’re okay with having diplomatic relations with Pack DarkWood again.” Ryan says to me, running a hand through his short red hair.

“Because it’s the right thing to do,” I say.

“Yeah, until Alaric backstabs us, or worse—hurts you again,” Colin says seriously.

Even though Colin is the youngest brother and tends to be quieter than the others, he never hesitates to show how much he worries about me.

“You can say that again,” Aidan chimes in. “I don’t trust that guy.”

I reply, “Look, I appreciate the concern, but I can—”

“Can take care of yourself,” Ryan finishes for me. “Yeah, we know. We’re just worried about you, sis.”

“We only just got you back,” Colin says softly. “We can’t lose you again.”

...oh.

I feel the love they have for me, like a warm blanket wrapped around me.

I look into Colin’s eyes, hoping he feels my own love for him, for all of them. “You won’t lose me. I’m right here.”

“What if he finds out about the children?” Colin asks solemnly.

It’s a fair question, one I’ve considered many times since I heard about the idea of re-opening the business relationship with DarkWood.

I’ve spent the last six years hiding them away, as far away from Alaric as I can manage. My brothers have worked just as hard to protect the secret of their existence.

But, I can't let my own issues stand in the way of the Pack's progress.

The only thing I can say is, “If that happens, then we’ll handle it. But this is a good opportunity for the pack, and we can’t let fear get in the way of it.”

“Maybe you don’t have enough fear,” Aidan suggests. “Think about it: an unmarried female with two small kids makes an easy mark for someone looking to target our pack.”

Aidan is voicing a concern that a lot of the more conservative pack members and nobles have, the concern for me as an unwed she-wolf.

Pack BloodyMoon has a surprising degree of equality between the sexes, but there are still some traditionalists among us.

It seems to me that this is the perfect time to mention my plan. I had initially intended to wait until Eamon finished whatever he was going to say, but now is as good a time as any to bring up my news.

“Funny you should say that, Aidan. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I’ve made a decision.” I say to the group.

Eamon raises an eyebrow at me, “Oh?” He didn’t expect me to take over the family meeting that he called.

“...I’m going to start dating!” I announce to the group firmly.

Then everybody goes silent.

The room is predictably split on the idea.

“WHAT?!” Aidan yells.

“What an excellent idea,” Landon says with a smile. “I’m surprised that you’re interested in dating, but I’m happy for you.”

“You want to start dating already?” asks Ryan. “Isn’t it a little too soon? I mean, I feel like you’ve only just gotten your health back.”

“The kids are six years old, Ryan. Would you rather she waited until they’re sixty to find a husband?” Eamon deadpans.

“Great, now that’s even more guys I’ve got to keep an eye on. Take it easy on us, will you, sis?” Landon jokes.

“Who do you even plan to date?” Colin asks.

“No one around here is anywhere close to good enough for you. You deserve someone as great as you are, Cara.”

This question makes the meeting more messy.

Aiden firmly says, “Cara worths the best man.”

“I know several very well-qualified men! Well, if you don’t mind the smell of paint and cigarettes, that is.” Landon says, only half joking.

I thanked all of them first, and then began to explain the reasons behind my words.

“Mia told me she wants a Daddy.”

I conntinue, “So, I’ve asked my assistant to compile a list of suitors for me. I’ll be having blind dates so I can give each man a fair shot without any assumptions.”

“You’re just going to meet these guys without vetting them first?! We’ll at least get to review their profiles, right? What if these guys are crazy?!” Aidan asks, his tone full of concern.

I add, “I’ll get to review a small portion of their online profiles first before meeting them. They are all safe. but otherwise I won’t know anything about them, to keep a little romance ore surprise.”

Aiden says, “But, I just nervous about...If they are dangerous or crazy...”

“She‘s not Lilia, Aiden”

Eamon suddenly says, “Cara knows how to do it, and all we need to do is try our best to protect our sister, whatever she want to do. ”

Colin quietly smiles, “Eamon is correct.”

Eamon shoots an annoyed glance at Aidan and Ryan, “We’re happy for you, Cara. Even if some of us have an odd way of showing his excessive protectiveness.”

“Thank you, Eamon, Colin.” I relieved.

Ryan throws his hands up, a signal he’s finally finished arguing. “As long as it isn’t that asshole Alaric, I guess I’m fine with it. You deserve happiness, Cara.”

Everyone was on board with that.

“Yeah, anyone’s better than him.” Aidan agrees.

“This is a must!” Landon says.

Colin and Eamon nod in agreement, too.

“Thanks, guys. And trust me, Alaric is NOT an option,” I say, reassuring them.

Each of my brothers is looking at me now, smiles of varying degrees on their faces. I see my own fiery red hair reflected back at me. My own green eyes, too.

We look so much alike, almost like we fit together like puzzle pieces.

Despite all the little annoyances, all the overbearing protectiveness, I realize in this moment how lucky I am to have them.

How lucky I am to have people who care about me. Who want to protect me. Who love me.

How lucky I am to finally have a family of my own.

I’m caught up embracing the weight of their love and support when my phone buzzes. I look down and see it’s a message from my assistant, and she has included a link to a profile.

It’s time for my first blind date!

I check the profile, and then I see the location for this date.

“...Oh, It can't be true! ” I can't help but exclaim.

My brothers say, “What happened?”

I'm staring intently at my phone.

The location for date...This restaurant... is the one we arranged for Alaric?!