Chapter 168

Caroline’s POV
Shortly after Alpha Arthur left,Draven also continued searching for Liam’s whereabouts.
Kyle entered carrying a tray of food which she placed on my lap.
“You need to eat something,” she said gently. “I know it’s the last thing you want to do, but you have to think about the little one inside you too.”
I nodded numbly, forcing myself to take small bites though everything tasted like ash. Kyle sat beside me, her usual playful demeanor replaced by serious concern.
“The human police have started investigating too,” she informed me. “They’re checking traffic cameras and have put out an AMBER Alert for Liam. And Draven she lowered her voice, “I’ve never seen him like this. He’s contacted every Alpha within five hundred miles. If those traitors try to cross into another territory with Liam, they’ll be caught.”
Draven returned to the office, his expression thunderous. He knelt before me, taking my hands in his.
“I’ve had Howard’s movements traced for the past week,” he said, his voice tight with controlled fury. “He’s been meeting with several pack Elders, including some from neighboring territories. We’re checking all their communications.”
“Why can’t you just bring him in and force him to talk?” I asked desperately. “You’re the Alpha!”
Draven’s jaw clenched. “Believe me, I want nothing more than to tear the truth from him. But pack law requires evidence before an Elder can be formally accused. Even an Alpha can’t ignore that without risking rebellion from other Elders.”
“But our son is missing!” I cried, my voice breaking.
“I know, my love.” His eyes flashed violet. “Alaric is barely under control. He wants blood. But if we move against Howard without proof and he’s not involved, we’ll waste precious time and resources that could be used to find Liam.”
Ryan entered, his expression grim. “The abandoned car has been found at the edge of our territory. It appears they switched vehicles there. We’re checking for scents, but everything was wiped clean.”
I felt my body begin to tremble uncontrollably. Draven pulled me into his arms, his warmth enveloping me.
“We will find him,” he promised fiercely. “I swear on my life, we will bring our son home.”
My eyes drifted to the window where Eleanor stood motionless, staring out at the darkening sky. Her slender frame was rigid with tension, her reflection in the glass showing tear tracks on her cheeks.
I suddenly realized how selfish my grief had been. Eleanor was Liam’s godmother; he adored her, and she loved him as her own. She must be suffering terribly too.
I gently extracted myself from Draven’s embrace and went to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. She turned, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
“I should have been there,” she whispered. “I could have protected him.”
“This isn’t your fault,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “None of us could have predicted this.”
“He’s my godson.Just last night he asked me to buy him delicious ice cream and building blocks to visit him at his new house.” she sobbed against my shoulder. “I promised to always protect him and I failed.”
“No, you didn’t,” I insisted, holding her tight. “You’re here now, and that’s what matters. Liam loves you so much, Eleanor. He’s going to need his Auntie Elle when we bring him home.”
She pulled back slightly, wiping her tears. “I’ve asked Sebastian to send our best trackers. They’re already on their way. We’ll find him, Caroline and we’ll bring him home.”
Rose entered with Carlos, both their faces etched with worry. Carlos bowed his head respectfully.
“Alpha, we’ve prepared the pack house as you requested. The command center is set up in the main hall.”
Draven nodded. “Good. We’ll move operations there immediately.”
“Girls, if you’re going to the pack house to wait for news about Liam, you need to rest,” Kyle ordered. “Eleanor and Ruby, your boss gave you a week off, so you’ll be staying with us. I don’t need to tell you that Joseph has transferred you here until this is resolved.”
“Girls, you don’t have to stay,” I said, trying not to disrupt their lives.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Ruby said to me with a smile.
“None of us are leaving until Liam is back,” Eleanor said.
“It’s no different, Caroline. Come on, lie down for a while.” Kyle helped me stand up, but I needed to go to the bathroom.
Shortly after, Dr. Molina returned, his expression concerned as he noted my trembling hands and Eleanor’s tear-streaked face.
“I need to give you both something to help you rest,” he said firmly. “This level of stress is dangerous, especially for you, Caroline. The baby needs you to stay as calm as possible.” The source of thɪs content is
“I can’t sleep while Liam is missing,” I protested weakly.
“You won’t help him by collapsing,” the doctor replied gently. “The medication won’t knock you out completely,it will just help you rest. Draven will wake you the moment there’s news.”
Draven cupped my face in his hands. “Please, my love. For our baby. Just a few hours of rest. I’ll be working with the search teams the entire time.”
After much persuasion, I finally agreed. Dr. Molina gave both Eleanor and me a mild sedative, and we were escorted to the pack house. In one of the guest bedrooms, Eleanor and I lay side by side on a large bed, holding hands like children seeking comfort from each other.
She whispered as the medication began to take effect.”The Moon Goddess will protect him until we do.”
I closed my eyes, tears leaking from beneath my lids as Rory whimpered inside me. My last conscious thought before the medication pulled me under was a desperate prayer to the Moon Goddess to keep my precious son safe until we could bring him home.