CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28 WHO’S THE FATHER?

Draven’s POV

I couldn’t sleep and spent the night pacing around my apartment. Alaric was also restless. At five in the morning, I went down to the building’s gym, needing to release all the tension built up inside both of us. I spent the next hour kicking and punching a punching bag until my knuckles were raw. By seven, I was already at Thorne Enterprises.

I took the opportunity to call Arthur White, a fellow Alpha from the Northern Territories. I knew him well and was aware that he was the type of wolf who woke with the sun and started working before most packs even stirred, so I didn’t mind the early hour. We talked for a good while as I briefly explained the situation within my company and that approaching him had been Caroline’s suggestion. His interest peaked noticeably at her name.

"Caroline Bennett? Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a while," he said, his voice warming. "She was a valuable asset during that BuildRight investigation. Her insight was crucial in finding the evidence we needed."

After speaking with Arthur, I received a message from Caroline asking if she could be late, as she needed to wait for the babysitter since her son couldn’t go to daycare. I replied immediately.

[Caroline, stay home with your son today.]

Her response came quickly.

[That’s not necessary, Alpha Draven. My son’s fever is gone, and the babysitter is very experienced and completely trustworthy. If anything happens, she’ll let me know immediately.]

I smiled at that; she was a dedicated mother.

I was about to reply when I saw Clara entering my office.

"Here so early, pup?" she said with a knowing smile. Clara never lost the habit of calling Ryan and me ’pups,’ even though we were grown wolves and I was now an Alpha, which always made me smile despite myself.

"Couldn’t sleep," I admitted, Alaric rumbling in agreement inside my mind. "So I decided to come to the office early."

"Yeah, you look like you’ve been wrestling with your thoughts all night," she said, examining me like a caring pack elder. "You’re worried about the company, aren’t you?"

"That too, but I know we’ll control this damage before it threatens the pack’s security. Caroline’s idea was brilliant. I’ve already talked to Arthur, and he’s eager to help us. Our meeting tomorrow is set." I paused, remembering his enthusiasm. "By the way, he holds Caroline in very high regard."

"Who doesn’t? That she-wolf has a very special spark about her, even without a scent!"

"Yes, she does," I agreed. "She’s... captivating. But what about you? Why did you arrive so early?"

"To get ahead with matters regarding the evacuation of the lower floor. And what else kept you awake?" Her eyes narrowed perceptively. "Your wolf seems unsettled."

I looked at her, knowing she wouldn’t let it go until I spoke; she knows me too well. So I decided to ask, "Clara, why didn’t you tell me that Caroline has a son?"

"Because it wasn’t my place to tell. Pack gossip isn’t my style." She tilted her head. "And why did that keep you and Alaric up all night?"

"Clara, you’re not naive and you know me too well. You know Caroline made quite an impression on both of us."

"I’d say it was more than that, Draven. But what’s the problem with her having a pup?"

"It’s not a problem that she has a son," I answered honestly, Alaric huffing in agreement. "But it... unsettled me."

"Wait until you meet the boy then," she said.

"I met him yesterday." I quickly told her how things happened, and when I mentioned the doctor’s misunderstanding about me being the father, Clara laughed heartily.

"He’s a very clever and talkative little pup. Very welcoming," Clara commented. "He reminded me of you when you were a child."

I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s where this strange sense of familiarity I feel toward the boy comes from—a kinship Alaric seemed to recognize instantly.

"Yesterday he was very drowsy. The doctor said it was because of the fever and the medicine the nanny had already given him."

"So you didn’t see his eyes?" Clara asked.

"What about his eyes?" I frowned. "If they take after his mother’s, they must be beautiful."

"Yes, they are beautiful," Clara replied carefully, but I got the distinct impression she was deliberately withholding information.

"Clara, what do you know about the boy’s father?" Alaric growled within me, suddenly possessive at the thought of another male.

"I know everything, but I’m not going to tell you. That’s something very personal to her, and if Caroline thinks you should know, she’ll tell you herself."

What the hell is this mystery all about? Is the kid’s father some kind of rogue Alpha? I would have to contain my curiosity until Caroline decided to talk to me, though the wolf inside me was growing increasingly restless, this curiosity eating us alive.

Ryan walked into the office next, his beta energy filling the room, looking like he’d had a wonderful night’s sleep and wearing his usual cheerful demeanor.

"Well, well, two of my favorite pack members together so early. How are my Alpha and our wise elder doing?" he said while giving Clara a respectful nod and brushing his shoulder against mine in wolf-like greeting.

"Your Alpha here is exhausted, didn’t sleep," Clara said, piquing my friend’s curiosity.

"Alpha Draven, we’ll sort out the company situation, relax. The pack’s finances are secure."

"I know, Ryan," I said.

"So what kept you up? Miss Caroline?" Ryan asked playfully.

"Would you look at that, you got it right!" Clara responded with a knowing smile.

"Cut it out, you two," I growled softly while they shared knowing looks. "She has a son."

Ryan looked at me surprised, and I told him everything again, adding the information that Clara already knew.

Ryan gave me a serious look and asked, "And what’s the problem, Draven? You’re not some traditionalist Alpha who judges she-wolves for being single mothers. Or are you going to pull that dominance crap on Caroline?"

"Of course not," I snapped. "I don’t care that she has a son. It only makes her more incredible, stronger. Raising a pup alone isn’t easy in any pack, you know that well, Clara, and I’ve always seen how hard you fought to raise your daughters without a mate."

"Then I don’t understand the problem?" Ryan pressed, confused.

"Neither do I, my friend," I admitted, "but something about it is bothering both me and my wolf, and I don’t know why."

When I finished speaking, Caroline knocked on the door and came in, her delicate form filling the doorway.

"Good morning, everyone! Alpha Draven, I just arrived. Thank you for understanding my delay."

She looked tired, with slight shadows under her eyes, and probably hadn’t slept. She should have stayed home with her pup.

"Don’t mention it, Caroline. How’s Liam?" I asked.

"Much better, thank you. Fortunately, pups recover quickly." She smiled sweetly.

"Carrie, you mean you have a little cub? You have to introduce me, I’m an amazing honorary uncle to all the pack youngsters!" Ryan said, making everyone smile.

"I bet you are, Ryan," she laughed. "How about this? When he’s feeling better, we’ll have lunch at my place so you all can meet him properly. Just don’t teach my son to howl at female pack members, okay?!" she responded with a widening smile.

"I can’t promise anything!" Ryan winked at her, incorrigible as always. "Caroline, you’re not alone here. You’ve already submitted your pack application, and once Alpha performs your joining ceremony, you’ll have a formal pack bond with us. So count on us for whatever you need."

She looked at him with slightly teary eyes and thanked him.

Before everyone left, I informed them about my conversation with Arthur, mentioning how much he respects Caroline, which made her smile. I confirmed our meeting would be held at my house on Saturday, telling Caroline she could skip this one.

"No way, Alpha Draven! I’ve never neglected my obligations to any pack, and that hasn’t stopped me from being a good mother. I’ve already arranged everything with the babysitter, and Elle will also be home tomorrow. My son will be well protected, so I will be working."

Her firm determination only increased my respect for her.