CHAPTER 148: CHAPTER 148 CHOOSING TO LEAVE

Caroline’s POV

Rose’s tea had a calming effect, but it couldn’t heal the wounds in my heart. Once home, I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as memories of Draven flooded my mind. Every smile, every touch, every whispered promise—all of it felt like a cruel joke now.

At some point, exhaustion won over my racing thoughts, and I drifted into a restless sleep.When I finally stirred, I found Eleanor sitting beside my bed, watching over me like a guardian angel.

"Well, hello there, Sleeping Beauty. Finally decided to join the land of the living?" Elle teased gently.

I looked at her, feeling my composure crumbling. "Elle, it hurts so much," I whispered, then fell into her embrace, clinging to her as if she were my lifeline.

Elle stroked my hair soothingly. "I know, sweetie. Kyle told me everything."

I pulled back,wiping away tears I didn’t even realize had fallen."I’ve realized something terrible, Elle. I’m still completely in love with Draven. No one has ever made me feel this way. The moments of happiness with him outweigh everything I’ve experienced in my entire life before him."

Eleanor listened silently, her eyes full of compassion.

"You know what’s the worst part?" I continued."When I found out he had a missed fated mate, I was jealous but secretly hopeful they’d never find each other. I told myself his mating ceremony with Ella wasn’t his choice, that Kyle said he was doing it for the sake of some political alliance. But now this Liz woman shows up..." I choked back a sob. "It’s killing me, Elle. I’m never going to be his only one."

Elle squeezed my hand. "Carrie, I completely understand. If Nate ever cheated on me, I’d probably cut off his manhood and feed it to the forest creatures. Honestly, you’re being so gentle about this.I’m surprised you haven’t taken scissors to Draven’s dick yet."

Her ridiculous comment startled a laugh out of me despite everything. I wiped my eyes, grateful for her ability to lighten even my darkest moments.

"Elle," I said. "I’m leaving Harbor Bay."

Eleanor studied my face carefully. "Sweetie, are you sure? You’ve made wonderful friends here, and you have a great job."

"I know," I sighed. "But as long as I’m living on Storm Valley Pack territory, I’ll keep running into Alpha Draven, and my heart will never heal. Especially now that..." I placed a hand over my stomach. "I’m carrying his child."

Rory whimpered inside me. She had been unusually quiet since the incident, sharing my heartache in silence.

Elle was thoughtful for a moment. "Do you know where you’ll go? I’ll support whatever you decide, but I want to make sure you’ve thought this through."

"Originally, my father recommended Storm Valley Pack because he thought the pack atmosphere would be accepting—that no one would discriminate against you for being scentless or a single mother," Elle continued."But after all this time, you haven’t even joined the pack officially. I’m starting to think my father made a mistake."

I quickly hugged her. “Alpha Gerald meant well! It’s just... my complicated thing with Alpha Draven. I don’t usually jump into relationships, but there’s something about him. Every time I see him, I feel this pull, like some invisible force dragging me in. And before I know it...” I blushed. “I’ve already ended up in bed with him.”

Elle tapped me playfully on the head. "You’re such a horndog! Completely seduced by those violet eyes and that mysterious Alpha charm."

Talking with Elle had already improved my mood considerably. The heavy weight on my chest felt slightly lighter. "But I’m serious about leaving Harbor Bay. The world is big—I can find work anywhere."

"I know," Elle nodded thoughtfully. "How about this? Let’s take Liam on a vacation, just disappear for a while. You’ve been under so much stress lately. Maybe after some time away, you’ll have a different perspective."

I hesitated, considering her suggestion.

"Sometimes when things around you are bad, getting away for a bit helps clear your mind." Elle added wisely.

She was right. I felt a spark of energy return to me, the first I’d felt since seeing Liz throw herself at Draven.

"Let’s do it!" I declared with newfound determination. "Let’s be selfish for once."

Elle nodded enthusiastically. "We’ll block them all out—just us, the little one, and a beautiful island getaway."

For the first time in days, I felt hope fluttering in my chest. Maybe distance was exactly what I needed to heal and figure out my next move. Harbor Bay had brought me both incredible joy and unbearable pain,but perhaps it was time to write a new Chapter somewhere else.

But I thought I needed to resolve another emotional issue before leaving.