Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221: Chapter 221 Under the Nose

Caroline’s POV

After my parents returned to Maplewood, I told Draven I wanted to visit Nate at the hospital. He wasn’t thrilled with the idea, insisting I needed rest, but I reminded him I wouldn’t strain myself since I had the wheelchair.

"I’ll be fine. The wheelchair makes it easy," I argued, rubbing my enormous belly where the quadruplets were restlessly shifting.

Draven finally agreed to accompany me. When we arrived, Nate was with Teresa. Despite the brevity of our visit, seeing my friend recovering lifted my spirits considerably.

"You look good, Nate," I smiled, watching him perform his physical therapy exercises with determination.

"Getting stronger every day," he replied, wincing slightly as he stretched. "The doctors are impressed with my progress."

Teresa touched my shoulder. "How are you feeling, dear? You look exhausted."

"Four babies will do that to you," I laughed. "But we’re managing."

Since we were already out, I decided to push my luck. "Draven, could we stop by the mall? There are still some things we need for the babies."

His violet eyes narrowed with concern. "Caroline—"

"Please," I begged, making my best puppy eyes. "I’m going crazy staying at home all day. I promise to stay with the security guards. Eleanor and Ruby will meet us there."

Rory gave a supportive growl inside my head. "We need some fresh air before we go insane."

Draven sighed, clearly recognizing defeat. "Fine. But stay close to security at all times. No wandering off."

"Yes, Alpha," I teased, earning a playful growl from him.

At the mall, Ava and Ruby were waiting by the entrance. They both hugged me carefully, mindful of my condition.

"Look at you!" Ava exclaimed. "Those babies are getting huge."

"Tell me about it," I groaned. "I feel like a walking planet."

We headed straight to the baby boutique. While the girls went wild grabbing adorable outfits, I wheeled myself toward a rack of tiny dresses near the storefront window. As I examined a delicate pink onesie, a strange chill ran up my spine. I turned toward the window but saw nothing unusual among the shoppers passing by.

"You okay?" Rory asked, sensing my unease.

"Just jumpy," I replied silently.

After making our purchases, hunger struck—as usual.

"Food court?" I suggested hopefully.

Ava laughed. "The mama needs feeding."

They left me at a table while they fetched our food. I watched a mother with twin boys laughing over French fries, imagining myself with my four little ones soon. Suddenly, I felt something brush against my hair. I whipped around, heart pounding, but saw only a man in a black coat and cap walking away.

"Did you feel that?" Rory growled, hackles raised.

"Something’s wrong," I whispered back.

When the girls returned with trays of food, I tried to appear normal, but my appetite had diminished considerably.

"I need to grab a book for my cousin from the bookstore," Ava mentioned after we finished eating. "Want to come in?" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

The bookstore looked crowded and stuffy. "I’ll wait out here," I replied. "There’s an ice cream stand right there, and the security guards are with me."

One of Draven’s men got me a vanilla cone while I waited. As I took my first lick, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number,

"Enjoy your ice cream while you still can."

My blood ran cold. I scanned the area frantically but saw no one suspicious among the crowd. Just as Ava and Ruby emerged from the bookstore, I received Draven’s mind-link, his voice echoing in my head.

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