13 Chapter 13 Refusing the Alpha's Dinner Invitation Caroline's POV 1 Clara and I had spent the last few hours going through trip reports , and the day was finally coming to an end . Just as we started packing up our belongings , Alpha Draven emerged from his office while Ryan materialized at my door . " Ladies , your day of hard work is done ! " Ryan announced with his signature bright smile . " Alpha Draven and I are heading to Bella Vita for dinner . We'd love for the two most beautiful women in the company to join us ." Bella Vita was the city's most prestigious Italian restaurant , famous for both its steep prices and exceptional cuisine . Eleanor had been urging me to try their renowned gnocchi and house - made wine this weekend , insisting I needed to get comfortable with such upscale venues now that they might become part of my work routine . " I'm so sorry , Ryan , but we already have plans and people waiting for us . Maybe another time ? " Clara replied gracefully , referring to our dinner plans at my place . I smiled and thanked him politely but couldn't miss how Alpha Draven's expression darkened , his violet eyes turning stormy . " You would decline dining with your Alpha ? Some might consider that disrespectful , " he said , his voice sharp with displeasure . Rory stirred uneasily within me at his tone . Even without being part of his pack , I could feel the dominance radiating from him . " Draven , stop being grumpy , " Clara said with the easy familiarity of an old friend . " Last - minute cancellations would be far more discourteous . We can have dinner together tomorrow , right , Caroline ? " " Yes , of course , " I agreed , then immediately wished I hadn't added , " But if Alpha Draven considers it important , I'm sure my friends would understand ." His eyes locked with mine , something wild and possessive flickering in their violet depths . His jaw tightened visibly . " That won't be necessary . I wouldn't dream of disrupting your plans . Enjoy your evening , Miss Bennett . Just ensure you're punctual tomorrow . " He strode away , his footsteps echoing his barely contained anger . From the elevator , he called curtly to Ryan , " We're leaving . " Ryan gave us an apologetic grin before hurrying after his Alpha . As I stood there confused by his intense reaction , Clara's soft laughter caught my attention . " His wolf really doesn't handle rejection well , even for something as simple as dinner , " she said with a knowing smile . When we arrived at my house , Eleanor greeted us warmly . The entire place was filled with the enticing aromas of her amazing cooking . Liam , who had been playing on the living room floor , jumped up and ran to me with open arms . I lifted him up and introduced him to Clara , whose expression changed peculiarly as she studied my son . " Caroline , your son is absolutely gorgeous ! " Clara exclaimed , her eyes widening slightly . " And you're right , he does have the exact same violet eyes as Draven , " she added thoughtfully . 07.37 7/2 She and Eleanor clicked immediately , as if Clara had always been part of our group . She spent time playing with Liam , who proudly displayed his entire toy collection and had already started calling her " Auntie Clara ." After putting Liam to bed , we gathered in the living room . Eleanor opened another bottle of wine and shared news about her father's position on the Alpha Council , along with her excitement about her new job at Harbor Bay . Clara talked about working with Alpha Gerald , describing him as both funny and approachable . Then Clara turned to me suddenly . " Carrie , what's your son's father's name ? " I felt my cheeks flush , embarrassed about what I needed to confess . " It's complicated , Clara , " I admitted , fidgeting with my wine glass . " I don't know his name ." She watched me intently as I continued . " I had been drinking , and he asked me to dance . Between the music and conversation , we never properly introduced ourselves . At the masquerade ball , I only saw those distinctive violet eyes and that smile that ... " I paused , remembering how my wolf had reacted that night , " that smile that made me forget everything else . " Rory whined within me at the memory . After Marcus rejected me because of my scentless nature , I knew I could never form a true mate bond . Even my destined mate wouldn't recognize me without a scent to identify me . " This is incredible ! " Clara exclaimed , leaning forward eagerly . " It's like something from a romance novel , a passionate encounter with a mysterious masked stranger . My wolf is dying to hear more Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!