CHAPTER 103: CHAPTER 103 BACK TO THORNE ENTERPRISES

Caroline’s POV

"Miss Caroline, your desserts are here," said the delivery boy from The Elegant Bakery, my favorite fancy bakery in Harbor Bay.

I smiled as I took the beautiful white box with its gold ribbon. Inside were delicious chocolate truffles, macarons, and small cakes that I loved so much. A small card with Draven’s unique writing said, "Something sweet for my sweet mate. Missing you today. Love, D."

Rory purred contentedly inside me. Even apart, Draven always made me feel special.

I was about to text him thanks when my phone rang with his name on screen, making my heart flutter.

"I see your timing is perfect as always," I answered, smiling.

"Does that mean my surprise arrived?"

"It did. Thank you for the desserts. You’re spoiling me."

"That’s exactly my plan, sweetheart." I could hear him smiling. "Want to have dinner tonight?"

I sighed sadly. "Sorry, but tonight is ’club night’ with the girls. Mall shopping then sleepover at my place."

"So I get neither my mate nor my son?" Draven’s playful whine made me laugh. "Your friends must be plotting against me."

"Hang out with Ryan and the guys, they probably can’t see their mates either. We’ll meet tomorrow," I chuckled.

"Alright, I know better than to fight the woman squadron."

"woman squadron?"

"Yes, squadron. You’re a scary pack of females with clear ranks, ready to fight anytime. I’d rather stay on your good side." His teasing made me laugh hard.

"But Caroline," he got serious, "no hanging out with Jax and his bar crew."

His possessiveness made Rory happy. "Don’t worry, just us girls."

After we hung up, another delivery came. It was the afternoon snacks Draven had been sending for me and the office girls since we became friends, including Nina who had joined our group.

When we arrived at the mall later that evening, we introduced Nina to Kyle, and to our surprise, Ava already knew her.

"How do you two know each other?" Eleanor asked, looking between them curiously.

"I used to work at the cosmetics counter, and Joseph would constantly hang around watching Ava at the clothing boutique across the way," Nina explained with a knowing smile.

"Then she sold him this incredible makeup kit filled with premium cosmetics, skincare products, and perfumes. He gave it to me as a gift last weekend. Must have cost him a fortune," Ava laughed.

"You should have seen his face when he saw the total," Nina added, grinning. "But now I’ve landed a job that pays well, and I’m loving every minute of it."

"Ladies, Joseph is absolutely shameless," Ruby said, laughing. "But listen up, Nina is our new project since Caroline and Draven have worked things out. We need to transform this diamond in the rough. I promised to introduce her to a high-caliber wolf—you know, handsome, charming, and hot like our mates."

"And I’m guessing you already have someone in mind?" Kyle asked with a knowing look.

"You bet I do." Ruby’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

"So, Nina, are we free to work our magic on you?" Ava asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Just don’t damage my braces," Nina replied with a shy smile. "Everything else is fair game."

"Nina, couldn’t your orthodontist switch you from fixed to removable braces? Your teeth look almost perfect already," Eleanor said, gently tilting Nina’s chin to examine her smile.

"My evaluation appointment is scheduled for next month," Nina explained.

"Oh no, it’s not. We’re rescheduling that for this week," Eleanor declared with authority.

The girls’ night was absolutely fantastic. "Project Nina" quickly became our collective mission, and we were determined to make it successful. We swept through the dress boutiques, lingerie stores, shoe shops, and makeup counters. We scheduled appointments at the salon for manicures, pedicures, hair styling, facials, and waxing. Eleanor also promised to accompany Nina to the orthodontist to insist on switching to removable braces.

We left the mall laden with shopping bags, but we were transforming Nina into what Kyle called "a total knockout." Back at my apartment, we experimented with different makeup looks on Nina, who good-naturedly became our living mannequin. It was the most fun, quintessentially girly night I’d had in ages.

The following day, Draven arrived at Puma Global to take me to lunch.

"I couldn’t bear being away from you any longer, sweetheart," he said, pulling me into his arms.

"I missed you too," I murmured, breathing in his intoxicating cedar and musk scent.

"How was your night?"

"Oh, it was really fun. And yours?"

"The usual. The guys, whiskey, and poker at Ryan’s place."

"I found it quite interesting that you invited my brother and his friends, Alpha Draven," Ruby commented.

"What do you mean?" I asked, surprised.

"We invited Jax and his pack friends to join the game. All to keep that particular group far away from our mates," Draven replied with a self-satisfied grin. "They’re actually decent guys—the only issue is they want what belongs to us."

"You’re telling me you invited them just to keep them away from us?" I asked incredulously.

"You know the saying, sweetheart, better safe than sorry!" Draven’s wide grin made us all laugh at their possessiveness.

During lunch on Thursday, we went to the salon instead of meeting our mates for lunch. When they complained, we told them we wanted to look prettier for them. That seemed to make their wolves happy.

The week had been perfect. Work was going well, Draven stayed at my apartment every night except for girls’ night, and Liam was becoming more and more attached to him. My son was glued to Draven’s side whenever they were together.

But as Friday arrived, I found myself at a crossroads. I had already discussed my dilemma with the girls on Tuesday, and they had offered their support. I’d even consulted with my supervisor and Joseph.

When Draven came to pick me up after work, I suggested dinner at a quiet restaurant, and he eagerly agreed. We went to an intimate bistro with soft candlelight illuminating the tables and gentle instrumental music creating a romantic atmosphere.

After we finished our main course and Draven ordered our favorite chocolate dessert, I decided it was time."I’ve made a decision," I said, looking at him.

"Really? About what?" He looked interested but confused.

"I said I would give you an answer today."

He leaned closer, his violet eyes serious. "Are you coming back to Thorne Enterprises?"

"Yes, I’m going to work with you again," I smiled.

His face lit up with joy as he kissed me quickly across the table.

"You’ve made me the happiest Alpha in the world. When do you start?"

"Monday." His smile got bigger. I leaned in and whispered, "Now, tell the waiter to pack that dessert to go. We’ll have it at your place."

He quickly called the waiter, asked for our dessert to go, and got the check. We left with his arm around my waist, hurrying to the car.

"I can’t wait for my real dessert," Draven whispered while buckling my seatbelt, his lips on my skin making me shiver.

Rory purred happily, and I knew we were in for a special night.

It wasn’t easy deciding to return to Thorne, but Ava had helped me choose.

"Caroline," she had told me during girls’ night, "I know about Alpha Draven’s company problems. He needs people he can trust. Plus, he had the office completely redone, I watched over it myself. He cared about every detail, especially your space."

Now, with Draven’s hand on my thigh as he drove us home, I knew I’d made the right choice. Our bond grew stronger each day, and working together would make it even better, both at work and in life.