Chapter 37
Alaric’s POV
I can’t believe it. It’s her.
It's Cara.
After all these years…this is our first reunion.
A trace of fear still lingers on Cara’s face. Her cheek is scraped, a streak of blood visible on her skin. Yet, even like this, she still looks stunning.
I find myself captivated by her—her fiery red hair and those emerald-green eyes that shine like jewels.
It’s been six years.
I haven’t seen her in six years.
...But as promised, we weren’t supposed to meet.
And,
My gaze falls on the little girl in her arms, clinging to Cara as she cries.
They call Cara "MAMA"...？
Earlier, I was discussing political matters with Eamon.
"Alright, that wraps up today's side mission," Eamon said, glancing toward the borderlands between Pack BloodyMoon and Pack DarkWood.
"I don’t know where you got your information from, but I don’t think Lilia and Nanny will show up here again."
Six years ago, Cara lost our children after my wretched bitch of a fiancée Lilia caused Cara’s car accident. I found out later that Lilia had hired my former Gamma George to crash his car into Cara’s, nearly killing her.
When the results of the investigation I’d ordered were revealed, I demanded patrols all day and all night for weeks, ensuring that Lilia and George were long gone from Pack DarkWood territory. Those two haven’t been seen since the day of the accident.
The two she-wolves Eamon mentioned were the root cause of all the past chaos.
Include, the miscarriage…
Those were my children—mine, mine and Cara’s. They were taken before they even had a chance to be born, and it was all because of me.
I furrow my brows. "I have my own sources. No one can guarantee they don’t have another scheme up their sleeves—like threatening Cara’s safety."
"Thanks for your concern, but," Eamon warns me, "remember the promise you made in the past."
"..." I remain silent, simply nodding at him.
Of course, I remember every word I’ve ever said—my promises, my vows, and... the pain I caused Cara.
The work concluded, and Eamon left with his subordinates. The Arbun brothers made a formal arrangement for my lodging and meals, but their lack of warmth was evident.
Naturally, I wasn’t welcome here.
My subordinates, who had accompanied me on this trip, were furious.
"King, how can they treat you like this?" one of them exclaimed.
But I quickly cut him off. "Enough," I said firmly.
"Let me have some time alone. You all head back,"
They reluctantly left. I took a deep breath, deciding to take a walk around the area. That’s when I spotted the café.
When I heard someone scream, I ran over to check what was happening. I saw a thin man standing over a she-wolf, looking like he had the worst of intentions.
We’re in my territory, and I don’t tolerate crime like that in my pack. I had to step in to protect the she-wolf, no matter who she was.
But I didn’t know it was Cara.
I’m suddenly filled with relief that nothing bad had happened to her. I’m thankful that I happened to hear her scream.
I’m thankful that she’s okay.
“Cara, are you ok?!” I see another she-wolf in a suit hurriedly running over, a group of bodyguards following close behind.
They form a protective circle around Cara and the little girl, anxiously trying to comfort them.
And that’s only natural... because she’s now the Princess of Pack BloodyMoon.
She’s no longer the Beta who stood by my side.
I turn to see the little one. There’s a girl with bright red hair that I’d recognize anywhere as Cara’s.
She’s small, and I guess that tshe must be about four years old, maybe even a little younger.
“Mama, Mia was worried with you...”The little red hair girl cries.
She must be Cara’s child.
But my children with Cara miscarried long ago.
The gravestones I placed for them still stand near the site of the car accident in Pack DarkWood, and I visit them every year... So, these two children must be Cara’s—just not mine.
She‘s mom now.
She finally has that family she always wanted.
She, her daughter, and her husband must be a happy family of three.
I always knew she would make an excellent mother.
I know I should honor my promise and leave immediately—I can’t disrupt Cara’s life any further. But I can’t help the dark thoughts that begin to creep into my mind.
...Who’s the lucky bastard who fathered these children?
Who’s lucky enough to share Cara’s bed? Who is it?
The thoughts fly around inside my head, chipping away at my resolve to keep my distance from her. I’ve already broken my promise to Eamon just by seeing her.
“...Whose kid is she?!” I ask her before I can stop myself.
Cara’s POV
I can’t believe the nerve Alaric has to ask me about the father of my children. As if it’s any of his business.
Technically speaking, it is his business, him being their father after all...but he doesn’t need to know that.
Of all the people that had to be my savior, why did it have to be him?
"Mama, Ethan’s here too. He’s paying for the cab and will be here in a minute..." Mia whisper to me.
Thank you, goddess. I can’t even imagine what would happen with Ethan here. He has black hair and looks more like Alaric... Alaric is bound to notice something.
I nod at Mia, soothing her unease, then turn to face Alaric.
“That’s none of your concern.” I say to Alaric coldly, slamming my eyes shut tightly, the light from the lamppost becoming too much for me.
“Excuse me? I just saved you, and this is the thanks I get?” Alaric replies coldly.
“I didn’t ask you to save me.” I respond lowly, rubbing my forehead. My head feels terrible, but I need to keep calm so I can get the kids out of here before things get worse.
“Just leave, Alaric. Just go,” I respond lowly.
My nerves feel raw, and the closeness to Alaric is making everything more sensitive, like I’ve been electrified. I can’t stand the sensations.
It’s all too much.
Alaric falls silent.
Mia peeks out from my arms, curiosity shining in her eyes as she tries to get a better look at Alaric. Gently, I pull them back into my embrace.
"Mommy...?"
I am doing my utmost, standing up, maintaining the posture that protects the child. My assistant is worriedly supporting me.
"We have caught the jerk who wanted to hurt you, Cara, and I think your brothers will be here soon," my assistant said.
I rub my forehead and answer, "Thanks, tell them I'm okay, I'll explain everything to them when I get home. Let us take Mia out of here first..."
“...You’ve changed, Cara.” Alaric suddenly says.
“And your problem, Alaric, is that you are exactly the same.” I say with a sigh, squeezing my eyes shut to fight the pain.
And it’s true. Alaric is still this big, imposing figure.
He’s still Alaric.The man whose thoughts I could never understand.
The light from the lamppost glares in my eyes and makes me hiss. When my eyes finally adjust, I see Mia pointing directly at Alaric.
At the man who has the same bright blue eyes that she has. The man who’s black hair is a perfect match to Ethan’s.
The man who is staring at me with an odd mixture of anger, concern, and something else… Something I can’t quite name in my hazy state.
“Mama,” Mia says to me, “Who is that uncle?”
