Chapter 220: Chapter 220 Family Matters
Caroline’s POV
Thank Goddess,Nate’s surgery was successful. After thorough examination, the doctors discovered his spinal damage wasn’t as severe as they initially feared. He wouldn’t suffer permanent disability.
Thanks to his Alpha’s remarkable healing abilities, after a week in the hospital, he was already slowly walking around.
I video called Nate and Eleanor every day. Eleanor hadn’t left his side since he was hospitalized. Both she and Teresa, after their initial breakdown on that first horrible night, quickly bounced back into battle mode, ready to tackle any obstacle in their path.They were truly remarkable women.
"Looking much better today," I commented, balancing my tablet on my enormous belly while lounging by the pool.The quadruplets were particularly active this morning.
Nate take cautious steps across his hospital room while Eleanor hovered nearby.
"Still moving like an old wolf," Nate grimaced, "but the doctors say I’ll be back to running in packs within a few months."
Eleanor’s face appeared on screen. "He’s being modest. The physical therapist says his recovery is nothing short of miraculous."
"How are you holding up?" Eleanor asked, eyeing my exhausted expression.
"Like I’m about to pop any second," I sighed. "Dr. Molina says everything looks good, but honestly, I can’t wait for these four to make their appearance."
Rory, my wolf, agreed enthusiastically. "We’re ready to meet our pups."
"Where’s Draven?" Nate asked.
"Security meeting with Ryan. Howard’s attack on you has everyone on high alert."
The mere mention of Howard sent a chill through me. The monster was still out there, plotting his next move. Draven had doubled security around the pack house and assigned guards to everyone connected to us.
After ending the call, I closed my eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peace. My mother sat in the lounge chair beside me, reading a novel. The sound of her phone ringing broke the tranquility. She glanced at the screen, frowned deeply, and answered with a curt "No" before hanging up.
"What’s wrong, mom? Who managed to crack your zen facade?" I asked.
"Nobody important," she replied, returning to her book.
"Mom." I gave her a pointed look. "What’s going on?"
"Nothing to worry about."
We remained locked in silent standoff until Draven and my father emerged from the house. They immediately picked up on the tension.
"Is everything alright?" Draven asked, his violet eyes scanning between us.
My mother sighed heavily. "If you must know, my sister Diana won’t stop harassing me about talking to Caroline."
"And what does she want with me?" I asked, immediately annoyed. My aunt Diana and I had never gotten along.
"To discuss Marcus," my father growled. "Since that miserable excuse for a wolf was arrested, she’s been tormenting your mother non-stop."
"Call her, mom. Give me the phone."
"Caroline, no!" My mother protested. "In your condition—"
"Call her, Lena," Draven requested calmly. "She’ll keep pestering you otherwise. Let’s address this once and for all."
"Fine." My mother reluctantly dialed and handed me the phone. I put it on speaker as my aunt answered.
"Lena, you need to understand we’re family..."
"Now you remember we’re family, Diana?" I interrupted before she could launch into her usual manipulation.
"Caroline! Watch how you speak to me. I’m your aunt."
"You’re nothing to me except my mother’s sister. What do you want? Why are you being so persistent?"
"Ungrateful girl!" she snapped. "Now that you’ve trapped a wealthy Alpha, you think you’re too good for family? You didn’t even invite us to your mating ceremony!"
"Diana, if you’re calling to complain about not getting an invitation, save it. Don’t expect to be included in any future events either. You’re not part of my life. If that’s all, goodbye!" I moved to end the call, but her shout stopped me.
"Wait, Caroline! Please don’t hang up!"
"Say what you want," I replied coldly.
"Caroline, Marcus is Selina’s mate. My grandson was born and doesn’t know his father. You must help him!"
"I don’t have to do anything, Diana. He should have considered the consequences before kidnapping and chaining my son."
"Caroline, have some compassion!"
"Compassion? For someone who only caused me pain? For a monster who abused a child — MY SON?" My voice rose with each word. "No. I have no compassion to spare."
"Then do it for my son!" My cousin’s voice suddenly replaced my aunt’s. "Please help me get his father out of the dungeon. We were like sisters once, Caroline."
"I thought we were sisters, Selina, but you betrayed me, humiliated me, and took every opportunity to hurt me. I feel sorry for your son who’s innocent in all this, but I won’t lift a finger to help the man who kidnapped Liam."
"He’s sorry, Caroline. He wants to apologize," Selina whined unconvincingly. "Give me your address. I’ll visit with my baby so our children can meet."
"Don’t you dare!" I snarled. "Show up at my house and security will throw you out. I’ll call the police. I’ll—"
Draven gently took the phone from my hand, his expression thunderous.
"This is Alpha Draven of Storm Valley Pack, Caroline’s mate," he stated authoritatively. "I’m giving you one warning—stay far away from my family. Disrespect my Luna again, and I’ll ensure you join Marcus in dungeon. I have the resources and connections to make that happen very easily."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"If Lena wishes to maintain contact with you, that’s her choice. But you will not approach my mate or my children. Is that perfectly clear?" Draven hung up without waiting for a response and handed the phone back to my mother before kneeling beside me. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
"I’m fine," I sighed, taking his hand. "They’ve always caused me pain, and now they have the audacity to demand loyalty they never showed me."
"I’m sorry, mom," I added, seeing her distress.
"Look, Lena, I apologize," Draven said to my mother. "But I won’t allow them to disrespect or upset my mate, especially not in her condition."
"You have nothing to apologize for," my mother assured him. "I completely agree with you. That’s precisely why I didn’t want Caroline speaking to them. Diana and I are sisters by blood, but we’ve never gotten along. I severed ties permanently when Liam was kidnapped. She’s the one who keeps calling."
"Beta Robert," Draven addressed my father, "are you certain you need to return to Maplewood tomorrow? I’m concerned for your safety."
My parents had been staying with us since Nate’s attack, but were planning to head back to Blood Moon Pack territory.
"We need to resume our duties, son," my father replied confidently. "We’ll be fine."
"I’ve already dispatched security teams to your home," Draven reminded him. "You’ll keep them with you until Howard is apprehended?"
"Yes, we’ve agreed to your protection detail," my father confirmed, causing both Draven and me to exhale in relief.