Caroline’s POV
Mathias appeared, "Luna Caroline, we have help."
Beta Ryan, Investigator Magnus, and Jace entered, their expressions grave as they spotted me.
My shoulders sagged with relief.
"Thank the Moon Goddess," I breathed.
"Howard has Draven in the office," I explained quickly. "He injected him with wolf suppressant, so Draven can’t shift or access his wolf strength. Howard wants two billion dollars and the private jet."
"Caroline, you need to go back upstairs immediately," Ryan whispered urgently.
"No," I replied firmly. "I won’t leave my mate."
"And putting yourself in danger helps him how exactly?" Ryan asked, looking at my blood-stained clothes. "Caroline, you’re injured—"
"I’m already healing," I cut him off.
Jace started to speak up to persuade me as well.
"I’m staying," I insisted again. "Howard is holding my mate hostage, and I won’t hide while Draven’s life is at stake."
Magnus approached me. "We’re preparing to enter the office, but we need to know where the children are first."
"They’re upstairs with Mabel and another nanny," I said quickly. "But you can’t just storm in there. Howard has a gun to Draven’s head, and the wolf suppressant in his system means he can’t defend himself."
"We understand the situation," Magnus assured me. "We’ll handle this carefully."
"I’m coming with you," I stated.
Jace sighed heavily. "Fine. But you stay back, understood?"
We moved silently down the hallway toward Draven’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and Howard’s voice drifted out.
"You know, Draven, I’ve always loved this pack house," Howard was saying. "It’s magnificent. But it’s not just about money—you need the right bloodline, the right connections. You privileged Alphas with your exclusive little world."
Howard laughed harshly. "My plan was perfect. Ella would have married you, and I would have moved in. Then when I destroyed your company, I’d have taken over your pack and this house. But you and this no-scent bitch ruined everything."
Magnus silently tossed a small device into the room.
It landed with a soft thud, and when Howard instinctively turned to look, Jace shouted, "Down, Alpha Draven!"
Howard immediately fired shots toward Draven, and I instantly pulled out my gun and aimed it at Howard.
Three gunshots rang out in rapid succession.
When the smoke from the device cleared, I could see everything in the room clearly.
Draven lay on the floor near his desk, blood spreading across his chest. Howard was also down, cursing as investigators handcuffed him despite the bullet wounds in his leg and hand.
"Draven!" I screamed, dropping to my knees beside him. "Draven, please, stay with me." I cradled his face in my hands, tears falling.
"Caroline," he whispered, his voice weak. "My love...You’re safe."
Jace knelt beside us, pressing his wadded-up jacket against Draven’s chest wound.
"Stay with us, Alpha," Jace urged. "Keep your eyes open. I know it’s hard, but you need to stay awake. Focus on Caroline. Focus on your mate."
"He’ll pull through," she whispered fiercely. "Draven’s too stubborn to let that bastard win."
Joseph was already on his phone. "I’m arranging blood donors. We’ll have more than enough."
Clara took my hand. "The children are safe. I’ve spoken with Mabel. Extra security is at the house, and both Luke and Kyle are there helping with the little ones."
"Thank you," I whispered, my legs finally giving out as I collapsed into a chair. Now that the adrenaline was fading, the reality of what had happened hit me with full force.
Eleanor sat beside me, holding my hand tightly. "Breathe, Carrie. Just breathe."
Six agonizing hours later, a surgeon in blood-stained scrubs approached us. I rose to my feet, my heart pounding.
"Luna Caroline? I’m Dr. Wright. I performed Alpha Draven’s surgery." He looked exhausted but offered a small smile. "The surgery was successful. We removed the bullet, and while his condition remains critical, his prognosis is good."
"When can I see him?" I asked, my voice breaking.
"He’s in recovery now. Once he’s moved to the ICU, you can sit with him. He’ll likely remain unconscious for 24 to 48 hours while his body recovers from the trauma and blood loss, but he’s strong."
"When will we know he’s out of danger?" Ryan asked, his arm around my shoulders.
"If he remains stable for the next 12 hours, we can be cautiously optimistic," the doctor replied. "His wolf healing will help enormously once it returns;the suppressant should wear off within 24 hours."
I closed my eyes, relief washing over me. "Thank you, doctor."
As the doctor walked away, Eleanor squeezed my hand. "See? He’s going to be fine."
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. Draven was alive. My mate, my love, the father of my children was going to survive.
Now I just had to wait for him to open those beautiful violet eyes again.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline)