14 Chapter 14 Shadows of His Past Caroline's POV 1 I shared with Clara about my encounter with Liam's father , how that night changed everything , and my decision to avoid relationships afterward . Her smile faded suddenly as a thought struck her . " You remind me so much of Draven . He's the same way about love . He met someone special once , but lost her the same night his parents died . When he tried to find her later , she had disappeared completely . He couldn't track her scent anywhere . He's never recovered from either loss ." " What happened to his parents ? " I asked , feeling Rory stir with interest . " They were killed in a rogue wolf attack while returning from the Blood Moon Pack Alpha's dinner . His father had received urgent pack business and needed to head back immediately . Draven was still at the ball with this woman , and when his parents couldn't find him to say goodbye , they left a message through mind link with Ryan . During that ball , Draven learned about their deaths . " Clara's voice wavered with emotion . " He was never the same after that . He never truly connected with another female wolf again . He has his occasional encounters , but nothing beyond meaningless nights ." 3 " That explains his intensity , " I said softly , my heart aching for his loss . " Losing his parents so suddenly must have been devastating . " " It was . He wasn't ready to take the Alpha position yet , but he had to face it . It was either that or leave it in Howard's hands . As pack elder and financial director of Thorne Enterprises who worked closely with Draven's father , Howard had the skills to assume leadership . At that time , Draven hadn't even entered company management , still focused on Alpha training , but his father was always by his side teaching him everything about leading both the pack and company . He decided he wouldn't leave his legacy and territory in the hands of others and would take over as Alpha no matter what . I remember Howard was very upset , saying he couldn't handle it , that he was just a spoiled pup who would run the pack into the ground . They had a huge dominance fight , and since then he only tolerates Howard because he wanted to keep all the pack members who served his father . Howard thought he would become second - in - command then , but Draven brought in Ryan . They had always been friends , bonded like brothers since they were cubs . It was the best thing Draven ever did . The two of them breathed new life into the pack and business , and it's grown even stronger since then . Ryan and I are the closest thing Draven has to family now ." Eleanor and I were stunned . Eleanor had tears in her eyes and asked Clara , " But Clara , how long ago was this ? " " About three years ago . Draven and Ryan are now thirty - one . They were very young when they took over leadership of both the pack and company . " " And how long have you been with them ? " Eleanor was very curious . " I've been with the Storm Valley Pack for thirty years . I changed Draven's clothes after his first shift . I started as the ex - Luna's advisor when I was twenty , having just completed my mating ceremony . Two years later , I gave birth to twin cubs . A year after that , my mate rejected me for some omega female . I raised my daughters alone , and Draven's parents helped me tremendously . I soon became senior advisor to the ex - Luna . Before Alpha and Luna died , it was already settled that I would go to London to run the overseas pack branch there , but I didn't want to leave Draven , and we agreed that once he had the reins of the pack firmly in his grip , I would go . And now the time has come . " 07 38 313 " Clara , I didn't know you had children . Do they live with you ? " I asked , feeling guilty for not having taken the time to know her better . " No , they live in London . They went to study at Oxford and found their mates there . They're both mated now and have already given me three beautiful grandcubs , " she said proudly , taking out her phone to show us the photos . " That's why I'm moving to London , to be closer to my family . But my heart aches to leave my Alpha . " " That's wonderful , Clara . Pack bonds are so important ," I said , remembering my own parents and feeling a pang of homesickness for my birth pack . " But doesn't Alpha Draven have any other family in the pack ? " " Only very distant relatives he barely acknowledges in the pack hierarchy . Like his parents , Draven is an only child . But Carrie , tell us how it was meeting Alpha Draven , because according to Ryan , it was quite a show of dominance . " Eleanor immediately raised an eyebrow , clearly intrigued by the news . I told them everything that happened , and Clara kept highlighting parts of the story she had witnessed . It was a lovely evening , sharing stories and laughing together like our own little pack . Eleanor had us in tears with tales from her workplace , especially about her boss's embarrassing gift mix - up that had the whole company gossiping for weeks . After lots of good conversation , Clara said goodbye and went home . While we were cleaning up , Eleanor was quick to ask , " Spill it , Carrie . I want to know all the details that Clara doesn't know about . " " What do you mean , Elle ? " " Don't play dumb with me , Caroline Bennett . You sent me a text saying your Alpha grabbed you - clearly there's more to the story than what you just told . Come on, talk . " There was no escaping my best friend's intuition . I told Eleanor about how worked up my Alpha got when he held me and how he got me all hot and bothered just by touching me . Eleanor looked at me and understood I was really in trouble , but she couldn't help laughing at my situation . " Elle , do you think Alpha Gerald would really welcome me back to Blood Moon Pack ? " " Girl , my father said if you want to return to Blood Moon territory , you'll have a place . He wouldn't leave you hanging as a rogue - you won't be packless . But why ? Do you think Alpha Draven is going to banish you ? " " I don't know , Elle . But when he gets close , I feel different . My wolf Rory gets restless , like she recognizes something in him . I was instantly attracted to him in such an intense way . I kind of lose my human control ." " I'm not sure I follow , Carrie ." " You know how I am , Elle . I always think about the consequences of everything , never act on instinct , always keep my wolf in check , but around my Alpha , it feels like I'm going to lose control . I feel my body burning with something that feels deeper than desire , you know . " My friend let out a howl of laughter , put her hand on my shoulder , and looking into my eyes , said , " Carrie , that's called being moon- touched by an Alpha . Your wolf recognizes something in him ." We burst out laughing . Eleanor always found everything so simple , seeing connections where I saw complications . But it was comforting to know I wouldn't end up a lone wolf if this pack position didn't work out . 07:38 213 " Oh , Carrie . I almost forgot , my mom recommended a caretaker for us since we'll need someone for emergencies now . I've already hired her , hope you don't mind . She'll pick up Liam from the cub center every day and stay with him until we get home . I arranged for her to have him bathed and fed . And on full moons , she can stay if needed , including nights if we have to attend any pack gatherings . So I've already arranged for her to watch Liam on Saturday so we can run together . Don't worry , she's great and used to be my caretaker when I was a pup . She's very experienced , has already met Liam , and they formed an instant connection . You'll meet her tomorrow . And her payment is on me . Her name is Mabel . " " Elle , what would I do without you ? I was worried about making it in time to pick up Liam from the cub center . It'll be great to have someone to help with him . Thank you ! But let me pay Mabel's salary . " " No way ! I'm paying . He's my godson , and I want you to be able to run with me on full moons in the forest , so I'm paying ." I decided not to argue ; it would be pointless with an Alpha's daughter . I'd find a way to make it up to her later with expensive gifts . But it was a relief that she found this caretaker , and if Luna Marla recommended her , I could rest assured she'd be an excellent pack member to trust with my cub . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!