Draven’s POV
It had been two days since Jace told me the Alpha Council investigators were closing in on Howard. I felt slightly relieved knowing they were making progress, but not entirely comfortable. I’d ordered Storm Valley Pack enforcers to track Howard’s whereabouts too, but Ryan reported no leads. Until we caught the traitor feeding Howard information from inside our pack or company, that bastard would remain free.
Caroline had reached the late stages of her pregnancy, and the quadruplets were taking a serious toll on her body. She was confined to bed most days, and I wanted nothing more than to stay by her side constantly. Pack and company business forced me to split my attention, transforming me from 24/7 availability to someone rushing through work just to get home quickly.
"Your mate-obsessed behavior is both amusing and sickening," Ryan joked as we reviewed quarterly reports in my office.
"Just wait until you find your mate," I shot back, signing another document. "You’ll be worse."
Alaric rumbled in agreement. "She needs us now more than ever."
I checked my watch for the third time in ten minutes. Ryan noticed and rolled his eyes.
"Go home, for Moon’s sake. I can handle the rest."
"There’s the meeting at four—"
"You can show up when the meeting starts," Ryan interrupted. "The pack won’t collapse if you spend extra time with your pregnant mate."
I couldn’t argue with that logic. Arriving home, I found Caroline propped up against pillows in our bedroom, reading a pregnancy book while Liam played with toy cars on the bed beside her. Her golden hair was tied in a messy bun, and despite her exhaustion, she looked beautiful.
"Daddy!" Liam squealed, abandoning his toys to launch himself into my arms.
"Hey, little wolf," I said, catching him and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Taking good care of Mommy?"
"I’m the bestest helper," he declared proudly. "I got her water and crackers!"
Caroline smiled tiredly. "He’s been amazing. Unlike these four troublemakers who won’t stop kicking my bladder." She rubbed her enormous belly.
I settled Liam back with his toys and sat beside Caroline, placing my hand over hers. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I’m carrying a wolf pack inside me," she sighed. "Dr. Molina says everything looks good, but I’m so uncomfortable I can barely sleep."
"Just a few more weeks," I reassured her, though I worried constantly about the risks of a multiple birth.
Caroline must have sensed my concern because she squeezed my hand. "I’m fine, Draven. Bored out of my mind, but fine."
"I could work from home more—"
"And drive me crazy with your hovering?" she laughed. "No thanks. Mabel has been wonderful, and Eleanor visits daily."
We spent the afternoon together, with Liam chattering about his adventures with Mabel while I caught up on emails.
By late afternoon, duty called me back to the office for a meeting.
"I’ll be back for dinner," I promised, kissing Caroline goodbye and ruffling Liam’s hair.
"Don’t rush," she said. "We’re not going anywhere."
At Thorne Enterprises, I plowed through pending issues with Ryan over coffee in my office.
"The Vancouver contract is secured," Ryan reported. "But the Chicago merger is proving problematic. Their Alpha is reluctant to partner with us after hearing rumors about Howard’s allegations."
"Damn it," I muttered. "Schedule a video call with them tomorrow. I’ll handle it personally."
My phone rang – Jace Monroe’s number flashed on screen.
"Investigator Monroe," I answered. "Any progress?"
His voice was tight with urgency. "Alpha Draven, something’s happened. Nate was attacked outside his offices. He’s been severely injured and rushed to Harbor Bay Memorial."
My blood ran cold. "What? When?"
"About an hour ago. He was ambushed in the parking garage. Security found him unconscious with severe injuries. He’s in surgery now."
"Howard?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"Almost certainly. The attack wasn’t random."
"I’ll gather everyone and meet you there. Have you notified Eleanor?"


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