CHAPTER 143: CHAPTER 143 AT WORST, I’LL WALK AWAY

Caroline’s POV

The news hit me like a punch to the gut. Dr. Molina’s words kept ringing in my ears, and I felt the ground cracking beneath me. Everything I’d built since moving to Harbor Bay was falling apart.

Eleanor drove me home, insisting I needed rest. As soon as we arrived, she began making calls. Within an hour, my living room filled up—Kyle, Ava, Ruby, and Nina showed up, all looking worried.Nina looked different these days,more confident since starting at Puma Global.

Mabel had already put Liam to bed before leaving, thoughtfully preparing some snacks and drinks for us.

“Thanks, Mabel,” I whispered.

“You take care, Miss Caroline,” she said softly. “Little Liam needs his mama strong.”

After she left, my friends formed a circle around me. Eleanor handed me a glass of water and settled beside me.

"Tell them, Carrie," she said softly."They need to know."

I took a shaky breath, hands trembling.

“I’m pregnant,” I finally said.

The silence lasted only seconds before eruptions of gasps and whispers filled the room.

"Oh my goddess!" Kyle exclaimed, her eyes wide. "You’re having another pup!"

"Liam’s going to have a little brother or sister," Ava said.

Ruby leaned forward."How far along are you?"

"About four weeks," I replied.

Ava’s expression suddenly changed as realization dawned on her."The father... is it...?"

"Alpha Draven?" Kyle finished.

I nodded slowly, unable to form the words.

"Are you going to tell him?" Ava asked carefully.

Before I could answer, Eleanor jumped in."She’s not planning to. Not with that Ella flaunting her pregnancy and upcoming marriage."

She crossed her arms ."And Nate can’t know either. You know how men are,they share everything with their pack brothers."

“They’re like glue,” Kyle rolled her eyes. “Ryan’d know in minutes, and Draven right after.”

Nina,quiet till now, finally spoke up.“Caroline, whatever you decide, we’ve got your back. But are you sure hiding this from Draven is the right call?”

I wiped away a tear."What choice do I have? He’s an Alpha, Nina.He has responsibilities to the pack." My voice cracked. "If Ella really is pregnant, and they mate... my child would be what? The illegitimate pup? The scandal? The mistake?"

Rory growled inside me, disagreeing with my words. She knew our pup wasn’t a mistake, but she also understood my fear.

"I love this baby already," I continued."Just like I loved Liam from the moment I knew about him. I’ll do anything to protect my children."

Ruby spoke up. "What about Jax? Can I tell my brother?He was really into you."

I nodded slowly. “I’ll tell him myself. He deserves to hear it from me.”

Nina asked. "Have you thought about what you’ll do, Carrie? Practically speaking?"

"The only option I see is to leave," I admitted."Take Liam and this baby somewhere new. Maybe back to Maplewood..."

"That’s insane!" Kyle protested. "Running away won’t solve anything. Alpha Draven loves you, Carrie. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you."

“Love?” I laughed, bitter. “What kind of love is this? Stuck between his mate from that masquerade and his duty to Ella? Where do I fit in all this? If love means this much pain, maybe I’m better off without it.”

Eleanor wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "You don’t have to decide anything tonight. We’re here for you, whatever you choose."

The mood shifted as Ava started talking about Joseph, trying to lighten things up. “He’s taking me to meet his parents next weekend,” she said, nervously.

“That’s huge!” Ruby said. “Joseph ‘Eternal Bachelor’ is getting serious!”

Their chatter helped distract me from my anxiety until Kyle brought up the topic again.

"So, assuming Ella’s pregnancy is fake," she said, "would you tell Draven about yours?"

I sighed. "Even if it’s fake, he’s still an Alpha with pack duties. And I’m still just... me."

"Stop that," Kyle snapped. "You’re Caroline Bennett. You raised an amazing kid while finishing school and building a career. You’re not ’just’ anything."

"Alpha Draven loves you," Nina said.

"Then why is he marrying someone else?" I asked bitterly. "Why wait until now to check Ella’s DNA tests? If he loved me, why didn’t he fight harder?"

No one had an answer.

"I’ll tell you why," I whispered. "Because love isn’t enough. Not for an Alpha. His responsibilities come first. And I won’t let my child feel second best."

"So you’re really leaving?" Ruby asked quietly.

"I don’t know yet," I admitted. "But I have to be prepared."

The conversation gradually shifted as they tried to cheer me up, fighting over who would be godmother to my unborn pup. Their playful arguing made me smile despite everything.

“I’m already Liam’s,” Eleanor said. “Someone else should get a turn.”

“I have great taste in clothes,” Ava bragged. “This kid’s gonna be the best-dressed wolf in three territories.”

“I’m the responsible one,” Kyle said.

“That’s not helping, Kyle,” Nina teased with a smile.

Ruby smiled softly. “I’d be honored, but Eleanor deserves it. She’s been with you through everything.”

By the time they left, I felt a little lighter. But the weight of it all still pressed down on me.