CHAPTER 95: CHAPTER 95 REUNITED HEARTS

Caroline’s POV

The country air felt refreshing as we drove back to my parents’ farm, the car filled with packages from our shopping trip. I was still processing the encounter with Marcus, but somehow seeing him had lifted a weight I didn’t know I was still carrying.

"You’re smiling," Elle noted as we pulled into the driveway.

"Just glad to be back," I said, helping a sleepy Liam out of the car.

The moment we stepped through the front door, my senses went on high alert. That unmistakable scent of cedarwood and musk filled the air, sending my heart racing and Rory into an excited frenzy.

"He’s here!" Rory howled inside me. "Our mate is here!"

I struggled to keep my composure. "He’s not officially our mate, Rory."

"Tell that to your racing heart," she teased.

Liam suddenly perked up, his little nose twitching. Before I could stop him, he wiggled out of my arms and bolted through the house.

"Draven!" he shrieked with pure joy. "You came!"

I walked to the living room, following his voice.Draven was down on his knees, hugging my son tight while Liam clung to him like he never wanted to let go.

"Of course I came, little wolf," Draven said, holding Liam close. "I missed you and your mommy way too much."

My mom stood nearby with a knowing smile that said "I told you so," while my dad looked both surprised and amused. Behind them, Elle was staring open-mouthed as Nate walked toward her with a sheepish grin.

"What is this about, Nate?" Elle crossed her arms, pointedly not embracing her boyfriend.

"We couldn’t bear being away from our girls," Nate shrugged, looking at Elle with puppy-dog eyes. "Especially this little guy," he added, ruffling Liam’s hair.

"But I didn’t tell you where I was going," Elle narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed at the surprise intrusion.

"You and Caroline going away for the weekend together?" Nate rolled his eyes. "There’s only one place in the world you two would ever escape to."

I remained frozen, too stunned to speak. My father’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he invited everyone to sit around the table. Draven approached me with Liam still perched happily in his arms, and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead that sent tingles down my spine.

"Hello, beautiful," he whispered, his violet eyes intense with emotion. "I couldn’t stay away from you another minute."

His scent was so close and familiar. It made Rory whimper inside me, begging, "Tell him we missed him too!" But I held back.

As we settled around the table, my father cleared his throat.

"Baby girl," he said with twinkling eyes, "this young Alpha claims he wants to court you properly. Didn’t even need to scare him cause he straight up said he wants you as his mate. Says he doesn’t believe in taking things slow."

Dad looked at Mom. "Looks like someone finally knows how to love you right."

Thinking about my parents’ love story, I grabbed a towel and hit Draven playfully. "I told you I needed time!"

Before I could continue my mock outrage, a small figure with serious violet eyes planted himself between us, hands on his tiny hips.

"No, Mommy! Don’t be mean to Draven," Liam said, looking super serious.

Everyone laughed at how protective my little boy was being.

"That’s right, little wolf," Draven knelt next to Liam and whispered loud enough for all to hear while staring at me, "Tell your mommy how much I care about both of you."

"Mommy, he likes us very, very much," Liam said all serious, and my heart just melted watching my baby defend the man we’d both fallen for.

I couldn’t keep pretending to be mad. I picked up Liam with a laugh, and Draven grabbed his chance to hug us both tight, surrounding us with his warmth and scent.

"Don’t be upset," he whispered into my hair. "I just missed my two favorite people."

"I asked for space, Draven," I tried to sound mad but couldn’t, especially when Rory started purring at his touch.

"It’s been seven whole days," he said in that sexy voice that made me weak. "I was going crazy without you both."

"Come on, daughter," Dad laughed. "Give the poor Alpha a break."

"Yes, honey, he’s clearly suffering," Mom added, obviously loving him already.

"Looks like Mr. Grumpy has his own fan club now," Elle said with a smirk as she finally let Nate hug her.

We all sat back down while Mom got snacks. Turns out Draven and Nate showed up right after we left, giving Draven plenty of time to win over my parents. By how comfortable they all were together, he’d done a pretty good job.

"There’s something that’s been puzzling me," my father said suddenly, studying Draven and Liam who sat side by side. "I can’t help noticing how much Liam resembles you, Draven. Especially those distinctive violet eyes..."

I got what Dad was hinting at. "Yes, Dad, they look alike, but Draven isn’t Liam’s real father, if that’s what you’re asking."

"Who said I’m not?" Draven’s strong voice made everyone at the table look at him.

"I may not be his biological father, Robert," Draven continued, staring right at my father, "but I intend to formally adopt Liam as my son through pack law as soon as your stubborn daughter accepts my claim. I’ve loved this boy since the moment I saw him—it’s a connection I can’t even explain."

His words made my heart skip. Rory was going crazy with happiness inside me.

"He wants us both! Our family!" she howled with joy.

Dad nodded, looking impressed. "Well, that’s something only Caroline can decide, but I’m glad you care about my grandson as much as his mother." He looked between Draven and Liam. "But they really do look so much alike..."

My parents made everyone stay for dinner. While the guys talked outside, Elle and I helped Mom cook.

"Your Alpha is amazing, honey," Mom said while cutting vegetables. "And he’s so good with Liam."

"Yeah, he is," I smiled. "They loved each other right away."

While cooking, Elle told Mom all about our life in Harbor Bay. Mom couldn’t stop laughing at Elle’s stories, especially about how Draven kept chasing after me. Dinner was perfect, full of laughing and fun. Having Draven here with my family just felt right, like everything was finally complete.

"Draven, are you sure you won’t stay with us tonight?" Dad asked as dinner ended.

"Thank you, Robert," Draven said politely, "but since I came without warning, I already agreed to stay at Starlight Pack as Nate’s guest. I have to keep that promise, but I’d love to stay here next time."

I felt a little sad but got why he had to follow wolf rules. An Alpha had to be proper when visiting other territories.

"Our home is your home, Alpha," Dad said warmly. "Next time, then."

"Linda, Robert, are you sure you won’t come to lunch at my parents’ tomorrow?" Elle asked.

"We can’t, dear," Mom said. "We have people coming from next door. But Caroline and Liam will go with you."

"Then we should go," Nate stood up. "We’ll get you and Liam at ten tomorrow, Carrie."

As everyone got ready to leave, Draven pulled me aside and put his hands on my waist.

"I know I promised to give you space," he whispered, his purple eyes looking into mine. "But my wolf couldn’t stay away from you both. Alaric has been crazy all week."

I felt Rory react when he mentioned Alaric. "Rory’s been just as bad," I said softly.

Draven smiled sweetly and brushed my hair back. "So you missed me too?"

Instead of answering, I got on my toes and kissed him gently, feeling better after that awful thing with Marcus.

"I’ll take that as a yes," he whispered against my lips, holding me tighter.