CHAPTER 44: CHAPTER 44 STARTING OVER

Caroline’s POV

"Caroline,I’m glad you came," Joseph Taylor greeted me,his voice warm but professional. "After I heard about your dismissal,I called Ryan yesterday. He didn’t share details,but it seems Draven was being quite the hot-headed Alpha."

I sat across from him in his spacious corner office at Puma Global,feeling Rory tense inside me.

"Mr. Taylor,I wouldn’t call Alpha Draven hot-headed," I replied carefully."But I didn’t commit the offense I was accused of."

"I believe you," he said simply,leaning forward. "I’ve known the Paynes for decades. Alpha Gerald wouldn’t vouch for someone unless he was certain of their integrity. And if Gerald Payne thinks you’re trustworthy,that’s good enough for me."

The way he spoke,with such certainty,made Rory relax slightly within me.

Elle had dragged me out of bed this morning. When she suggested working at her company yesterday,I hesitated. Given Joseph Taylor’s business ties with Thorne Enterprises,I feared running into Alpha Draven again. Worse,I worried he might blacklist me across all Harbor Bay companies,and even Joseph Taylor couldn’t be immune to such pressure.

But Elle insisted,reminding me that Liam needed me to be strong.So I’d dressed in my most professional outfit,kissed my sleeping son goodbye,and let Elle drive us to Puma Global’s headquarters.

"Unfortunately," Mr. Taylor continued,"I can’t offer you a position as good as the one you had at Thorne Enterprises. But I need another person in the sales department. The salary is competitive,and with your qualifications,you’ll handle the work easily. If you want it,the job is yours."

I gave him a genuine smile,the first one since Draven had banished me from Storm Valley Pack.

"Thank you,Mr. Taylor. I accept your offer and appreciate this opportunity more than you know."

After our meeting,Elle walked me to Human Resources,her grace turning heads as we passed. I filled out paperwork while she waited,then she introduced me to my supervisor before heading back to her own department.

"Miss Bennett,the sales department operates with a pretty laid-back flow," Mr. Reeves explained as he led me through an open workspace. "What matters here is productivity,we need to generate revenue. We’re a pack,I mean,a team,and we work together,helping each other achieve the best results. That’s why we have this open floor plan. Each employee has their cubicle,and if someone needs help,the pack... team,always provides it."

I noticed his cedar scent,warm and reassuring in the office air.

"That’s wonderful,sir. Having supportive colleagues makes all the difference. I’m sure I’ll adapt well."

"I know you will. I like you already!" He smiled warmly. "You’ll make good friends here. Hope you like coffee,everyone here lives for it. There’s always someone offering a cup or bringing you one."

"Is this paradise?" I joked,making him laugh heartily.

After assigning my work and giving me a list of tasks to complete by the next day,he introduced me to the team and showed me to my desk. Everyone seemed friendly,and I felt the knot in my chest loosen slightly. Maybe this would be okay after all.

As Mr. Reeves returned to his office,I sat down to start my tasks. Minutes later,someone caught my attention.

"Hey gorgeous,you’ve already got about fifteen admirers just on this floor!"

I looked up to see a young woman with vibrant red hair,bright green eyes,and charming freckles across her round face,extending a coffee mug to me. Her sweet honeysuckle scent was warm and welcoming.

"You’re kind," I smiled,accepting the mug. "But I doubt there’s a single man on this floor who isn’t completely captivated by you. You’re stunning." I meant it,her energy was infectious.

"Oh,nonsense!" she laughed,tossing her fiery mane back. "I’m hardly standard beauty material,men don’t look at me that way. I’m Ruby,by the way."

I extended my hand. "Caroline Bennett. It’s nice to meet you."

Her desk was next to mine,and we chatted between tasks. Ruby was incredibly friendly,always smiling,and genuinely funny. She introduced me to several colleagues working in adjacent cubicles.

"You’ll get to know everyone gradually,Carrie," she said as she returned to her desk.

The day passed quickly. Despite the department’s bustling activity,the atmosphere felt like being part of a supportive pack,everyone helping each other,casual jokes flowing between cubicles,people dropping by to check if I needed anything. The work itself was straightforward compared to my responsibilities at Thorne Enterprises,but I was grateful for the simplicity.At day’s end,Ruby walked out with me. Her curiosity got the better of her.

"So,Carrie... do you have a mate?" she asked carefully.

"I’m a single mother," I replied,trying to keep my voice light. Ruby’s eyes widened.

"Really? You’re so beautiful,I’d think wolves would be lining up!"

I forced a smile,my heart clenching at the memory of Draven. After that heartbreak,the thought of opening up to someone new terrified me.

"Single mothers are amazing," Ruby continued warmly. "Is the father involved?"

"No," I answered awkwardly,hoping she wouldn’t press further.

"You know,my brother loves kids," Ruby brightened. "He owns this amazing bar downtown. You should come!The place is amazing,and there are some seriously hot guys. Let me introduce you."

"That sounds fun," I replied,not wanting to discourage her enthusiasm though I had no desire to socialize. "I’ll talk to Elle,her boyfriend arrives this weekend,so maybe next week?"

"Perfect! I’ll ask my brother to reserve a special table for us."

Elle joined our conversation in the parking lot and immediately loved the bar idea. After saying goodbye to Ruby,we headed home. It had been a good day,keeping busy had kept my mind occupied,though my heart still ached beneath the surface.

When we got home,Mabel greeted us with Liam,who rushed into my arms. His violet eyes sparkled with excitement as he babbled about his day at daycare.

"Mommy! I drawed a wolf today!" he announced proudly,holding up a colorful scribble that only vaguely resembled an animal. Then his expression turned serious. "When is Draven coming back? Everyone at daycare has a daddy. I want Draven to be my daddy."

My heart shattered.

"Sweetheart..." I began,struggling to find the right words.

After dinner,bath time,and tucking Liam in with his favorite stuffed wolf,I finally collapsed onto my bed. Despite the promising new job and Ruby’s friendship,the weight of everything crashed down again. Rory whimpered as tears began flowing.

"He doesn’t even know what he’s missing," she murmured within me. "Our pup needs his father."

"Draven made his choice," I whispered into my pillow,letting the tears come. "We’ll be okay without him."I’d convinced myself that Liam would be complete without a father. Eleanor’s endless love and support,combined with Nate’s genuine affection for him,should have been enough.

But hearing him ask about Draven today made me wonder,was my son secretly longing for his father? That mysterious man from that one night had disappeared,and now Draven had walked away too.

Maybe what Liam needed most was something I couldn’t provide,a father’s love?

I cried myself to sleep,my heart heavy with this realization.