28 Chapter 28 Who's The Father ? Draven's POV 1 I couldn't sleep and spent the night pacing around my apartment . Alaric was also restless . At five in the morning , I went down to the building's gym , needing to release all the tension built up inside both of us . I spent the next hour kicking and punching a punching bag until my knuckles were raw . By seven , I was already at Thorne Enterprises . I took the opportunity to call Arthur White , a fellow Alpha from the Northern Territories . I knew him well and was aware that he was the type of wolf who woke with the sun and started working before most packs even stirred , so I didn't mind the early hour . We talked for a good while as I briefly explained the situation within my company and that approaching him had been Caroline's suggestion . His interest peaked noticeably at her name . " Caroline Bennett ? Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while , " he said , his voice warming . " She was a valuable asset during that BuildRight investigation . Her insight was crucial in finding the evidence we needed . " After speaking with Arthur , I received a message from Caroline asking if she could be late , as she needed to wait for the babysitter since her son couldn't go to daycare . I replied immediately . [ Caroline , stay home with your son today . ] Her response came quickly . [ That's not necessary , Alpha Draven . My son's fever is gone , and the babysitter is very experienced and completely trustworthy . If anything happens , she'll let me know immediately . ] I smiled at that ; she was a dedicated mother . I was about to reply when I saw Clara entering my office . " Here so early , pup ? " she said with a knowing smile . Clara never lost the habit of calling Ryan and me ' pups , even though we were grown wolves and I was now an Alpha , which always made me smile despite myself . " Couldn't sleep ," I admitted , Alaric rumbling in agreement inside my mind . " So I decided to come to the office early . " " Yeah , you look like you've been wrestling with your thoughts all night , " she said , examining me like a caring pack elder . " You're worried about the company , aren't you ? " " That too , but I know we'll control this damage before it threatens the pack's security . Caroline's idea was brilliant . I've already talked to Arthur , and he's eager to help us . Our meeting tomorrow is set . " I paused , remembering his enthusiasm . " By the way , he holds Caroline in very high regard . " " Who doesn't ? That she - wolf has a very special spark about her , even without a scent ! " " Yes , she does , " I agreed . " She's ... captivating . But what about you ? Why did you arrive so early ? " " To get ahead with matters regarding the evacuation of the lower floor . And what else kept you awake ? " Her eyes narrowed perceptively . " Your wolf seems unsettled . " 0741 1/4 I looked at her , knowing she wouldn't let it go until I spoke ; she knows me too well . So I decided to ask , " Clara , why didn't you tell me that Caroline has a son ? " " Because it wasn't my place to tell . Pack gossip isn't my style ." She tilted her head . " And why did that keep you and Alaric up all night ? " " Clara , you're not naive and you know me too well . You know Caroline made quite an impression on both of us . " " I'd say it was more than that , Draven . But what's the problem with her having a pup ? " " It's not a problem that she has a son , " I answered honestly , Alaric huffing in agreement . " But it ... unsettled me ." " Wait until you meet the boy then ," she said . " I met him yesterday ." I quickly told her how things happened , and when I mentioned the doctor's misunderstanding about me being the father , Clara laughed heartily . " He's a very clever and talkative little pup . Very welcoming , " Clara commented . " He reminded me of you when you were a child ." I couldn't help but wonder if that's where this strange sense of familiarity I feel toward the boy comes from - a kinship Alaric seemed to recognize instantly . " Yesterday he was very drowsy . The doctor said it was because of the fever and the medicine the nanny had already given him ." " So you didn't see his eyes ? " Clara asked . " What about his eyes ? " I frowned . " If they take after his mother's , they must be beautiful ." " Yes , they are beautiful ," Clara replied carefully , but I got the distinct impression she was deliberately withholding information . " Clara , what do you know about the boy's father ? " Alaric growled within me , suddenly possessive at the thought of another male . " I know everything , but I'm not going to tell you . That's something very personal to her , and if Caroline thinks you should know , she'll tell you herself . " What the hell is this mystery all about ? Is the kid's father some kind of rogue Alpha ? I would have to contain my curiosity until Caroline decided to talk to me , though the wolf inside me was growing increasingly restless , this curiosity eating us alive . Ryan walked into the office next , his beta energy filling the room , looking like he'd had a wonderful night's sleep and wearing his usual cheerful demeanor . " Well , well , two of my favorite pack members together so early . How are my Alpha and our wise elder doing ? " he said while giving Clara a respectful nod and brushing his shoulder against mine in wolf - like greeting . " Your Alpha here is exhausted , didn't sleep , " Clara said , piquing my friend's curiosity . " Alpha Draven , we'll sort out the company situation , relax . The pack's finances are secure . " " I know , Ryan ," I said . " So what kept you up ? Miss Caroline ? " Ryan asked playfully . " Would you look at that , you got it right ! " Clara responded with a knowing smile . 07 41 2/4 28 Chapter 28 Who's The Fatner ? " Cut it out , you two ," I growled softly while they shared knowing looks . " She has a son . " Ryan looked at me surprised , and I told him everything again , adding the information that Clara already knew . Ryan gave me a serious look and asked , " And what's the problem , Draven ? You're not some traditionalist Alpha who judges she - wolves for being single mothers . Or are you going to pull that dominance crap on Caroline ? " " Of course not ," I snapped . " I don't care that she has a son . It only makes her more incredible , stronger . Raising a pup alone isn't easy in any pack , you know that well , Clara , and I've always seen how hard you fought to raise your daughters without a mate . " " Then I don't understand the problem ? " Ryan pressed , confused . " Neither do I , my friend ," I admitted , " but something about it is bothering both me and my wolf , and I don't know why ." When I finished speaking , Caroline knocked on the door and came in , her delicate form filling the doorway . " Good morning , everyone ! Alpha Draven , I just arrived . Thank you for understanding my delay ." She looked tired , with slight shadows under her eyes , and probably hadn't slept . She should have stayed home with her pup . " Don't mention it , Caroline . How's Liam ? " I asked . " Much better , thank you . Fortunately , pups recover quickly. " She smiled sweetly . " Carrie , you mean you have a little cub ? You have to introduce me , I'm an amazing honorary uncle to all the pack youngsters ! " Ryan said , making everyone smile . " I bet you are , Ryan , " she laughed . " How about this ? When he's feeling better , we'll have lunch at my place so you all can meet him properly . Just don't teach my son to howl at female pack members , okay ?! " she responded with a widening smile . " I can't promise anything ! " Ryan winked at her , incorrigible as always . " Caroline , you're not alone here . You've already submitted your pack application , and once Alpha performs your joining ceremony , you'll have a formal pack bond with us . So count on us for whatever you need . " She looked at him with slightly teary eyes and thanked him . Before everyone left , I informed them about my conversation with Arthur , mentioning how much he respects Caroline , which made her smile . I confirmed our meeting would be held at my house on Saturday , telling Caroline she could skip this one . " No way , Alpha Draven ! I've never neglected my obligations to any pack , and that hasn't stopped me from being a good mother . I've already arranged everything with the babysitter , and Elle will also be home tomorrow . My son will be well protected , so I will be working ." Her firm determination only increased my respect for her . 07.41 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!