CHAPTER 96: CHAPTER 96 STANDING MY GROUND

Caroline’s POV

After they left, I tucked Liam into bed, kissing his forehead as he drifted off clutching the stuffed wolf Draven had brought him. When I returned to the living room, my parents were waiting with knowing smiles and warm cups of tea.

"So," Dad began, "were you planning to tell us that the man pursuing you is an Alpha? Not just any Alpha, but the Alpha of Storm Valley Pack?"

I almost choked on my tea. "Dad—"

"Draven was very forthcoming," Mom added, her eyes twinkling. "He mentioned he wants you to join his pack... as his Luna."

I set my cup down carefully. "We’re still figuring things out."

Dad’s expression grew serious."Baby girl, do you understand what this means? When an Alpha chooses someone, it could be for life."

"I know," I whispered, feeling Rory stir inside me. She’d been ecstatic since Draven’s visit, almost singing with joy.

"He told us everything," Mom said gently. "About the misunderstanding, how you left, and how desperately he’s been trying to make things right."

Dad nodded. "He spoke very highly of your skills too. Said you were exceptional during the Thorne Enterprises financial audit. That you have natural leadership qualities."

"He said that?" I couldn’t help the small smile that formed.

"Caroline," Mom reached for my hand, "I know you’ve struggled with being an scentless wolf. But being Beta’s daughter means you’ve had training most pack females never receive. Don’t let your insecurities hold you back from becoming the Luna you were clearly born to be."

"You’ve always been stronger than you give yourself credit for," Dad added. "The way Draven looks at you and Liam... that’s not something an Alpha fakes."

Rory was howling in agreement inside me. "See? Even they can tell he’s perfect for us!"

"His wolf, Alaric, sounds quite taken with you too," Dad continued with a knowing smile. "Draven mentioned he’s been quite difficult to control since you left."

"Rory’s been the same," I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm.

Mom squeezed my hand. "Love like that doesn’t come along often, sweetheart. Don’t let pride or fear stand in your way."

I took a deep breath. "I’m trying. It’s just... after everything with Marcus, I’m scared."

"Speaking of that worthless excuse for a wolf," Dad growled, "we ran into his father at the market last week."

"Oh?" I said, slightly interested.

"That marriage is a disaster," Mom said, shaking her head. "Selina doesn’t know how to do anything around the house. Her mother goes over daily just to make sure they eat something besides takeout."

"That would explain his disheveled appearance," I murmured, thinking of our encounter.

Dad scoffed. "He’s turned to drinking, from what I hear. Started chasing other women too—including some eighteen-year-old receptionist at his new job. Your uncle mentioned Marcus verbally abuses Selina constantly, telling her she’s fat, calling her horrible names, even suggesting the baby isn’t his."

"That poor baby," Mom sighed.

Despite everything, I felt a twinge of sympathy for Selina. "I guess karma really does come around."

"You dodged a silver bullet with that one, sweetheart," Dad said firmly. "Some wolves show their true nature only after you’ve bonded with them. At least you discovered his before it was too late."

"And now the Moon Goddess has sent you a true Alpha," Mom added with a smile. "One who wants both you and Liam."

We chatted a while longer before I headed to bed, feeling lighter than I had in months. My parents’ approval of Draven meant more to me than I’d realized.

The next morning followed our usual farm routine. Liam woke early, excited to help Grandpa milk the cows and collect eggs with Grandma. His little face glowed with happiness as he carefully carried a basket with three eggs back to the kitchen, beaming with pride.

"Look, Mommy! I got eggs for breakfast!"

After a hearty breakfast, we were relaxing in the living room when the front door burst open without warning. My aunt Diana stormed in, her face contorted with rage.

"You shameless hussy!" she snarled at me. "You’ve barely been back in town for a day and already you’re chasing after Marcus again! He’s a married man and very happy with my daughter!"

"Lower your voice in my house, Diana!" Dad immediately stood, his authority filling the room. "You will not speak to my daughter that way."

"You’re blind when it comes to your precious daughter, Robert," she spat. "She’s nothing but damaged goods who got pregnant and doesn’t even know who the father is, yet you still defend her."

"I said enough!" Dad’s voice had taken on the edge of command.

"I won’t be silenced! This little woman went after my son-in-law, throwing herself at him, offering to be his mistress! Marcus told Selina everything about your desperate little display at the store."

Liam had scurried behind my legs, frightened by the shouting. I felt something snap inside me as Rory growled, protective and fierce. The days of letting people walk all over me were done.

"Listen carefully," I said, my voice deadly calm."First, you’re not my aunt anymore—you’re just my mother’s sister who happens to share our blood. Second, I never pursued your pathetic excuse for a son-in-law. In fact, it was your daughter who slept with him while he was still my boyfriend."

Diana’s eyes widened as I continued, stepping closer to her.

"But honestly? I should thank Selina for showing me what a worthless wolf he is before I wasted more time. As for Liam’s father..." I paused to look at my son, who was watching me with innocent eyes. "It’s none of your business if I know who he is or not. I’m an independent adult who pays her own bills. I don’t live off anyone’s money, so I’ll do whatever I want with my life."

I picked up Liam and carried him to the door. Before leaving, I turned around one more time.

"I don’t owe you a good morning, Diana, much less any explanations. And if you ever insult me or my son again, you’ll find out exactly what happens when you provoke a mother wolf protecting her cub."

As I walked out, Liam stuck his tongue out at Diana over my shoulder, making both my parents burst into surprised laughter.

"That’s my boy," I whispered, kissing his cheek as we stepped into the sunshine.

Rory was strutting with pride inside me."Nobody messes with our family," she purred. "Not anymore."

I smiled, feeling stronger than I had in years.