Chapter 4

Caroline's POV Life after giving birth to Liam turned out to be smoother than I had anticipated. My exceptional performance at BuildRight Corp had caught the attention of Alpha Gerald, who even offered me a promotion within the company. The only downside was that my child had inherited my scentless wolf trait. However, every time I gazed into his violet eyes, reminiscent of his father's, my heart melted. One afternoon, as I was preparing Liam's meal, Rory stirred restlessly within me. "Be careful, Caroline. I sense trouble coming." Sure enough, Aunt Diana pushed through the door, her eyes gleaming with hostility. "Well, well, if it isn't the pack's little embarrassment," she sneered, striding into my apartment uninvited. I swallowed my anger. "What brings you here, Aunt Diana?" Her gaze swept the room before landing on Liam, who was playing in his activity area. Her face twisted in disgust. "Another scentless wolf. What a waste of pack resources." "Liam is my son, and he deserves everything," I said firmly. Diana let out a harsh laugh that made Liam flinch. "Deserves what? To be another burden on the pack? Scentless wolves can't even form basic pack bonds." "We contribute in other ways. At BuildRight Corp—" "Oh yes, your job," she cut me off. "Speaking of which, did you hear? Selina's pregnant." Her eyes landed on Liam's new premium toys. "About that... does a scentless pup really need things this nice?" My hands clenched into fists. "Why don't you give all of Liam's things to Selina's baby?" she said with false sweetness. "Consider it a gift for your nephew. He'll be a purebred wolf, unlike some... fatherless stray." "Diana!" My mother appeared in the doorway. "Get out!" "Just being honest, sister. A single mother's child can't compare to ours." Diana turned to leave but delivered one final blow. "For the pack's sake, Caroline, before you become an even bigger embarrassment..." The door slammed shut, leaving me trembling as I held Liam close. "She's wrong," Rory whispered. "We are strong. We don't need their approval." Looking into Liam's beautiful violet eyes, I made my decision. In our world, where bloodlines meant everything, Liam would always face judgment for being scentless and fatherless. I had to protect him. The Blood Moon Pack had been kind to me, despite my being born scentless and unable to scent my fated mate. But for Liam's sake, I had to leave. The next day, I requested a meeting with Alpha Gerald. As I waited outside his office, my heart pounded in my chest. "Come in, Caroline," Alpha Gerald's deep voice called out. I entered, my back straight and my head held high. "Alpha," I greeted, bowing my head slightly in respect. He gestured for me to sit. "What can I do for you, Caroline?" Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. "I've come to request permission to leave the Blood Moon Pack." His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Leave? May I ask why?" I hesitated for a moment, then decided honesty was the best approach. "As you know, Liam and I are both scentless wolves. While I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had here, I believe it would be best for us to find a place where we can truly belong." Alpha Gerald leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. "I see. And where do you plan to go?" "I'm not entirely sure yet," I admitted. "But I believe a fresh start is what we need." He nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I understand your position, Caroline. Your work here has been exemplary, and I'd hate to lose you. However, I also want what's best for you and your son." Relief washed over me. I hadn't expected him to be so understanding. "Thank you, Alpha," I said sincerely. He held up a hand. "Before you make your final decision, I have a proposition for you. I have contacts at Thorne Enterprises, a company that belongs to the Storm Valley Pack. Their CEO and Alpha is a very impressive young man. I met him a few years ago at the Alpha's formal dinner hosted by our Blood Moon Pack. Caroline, with your qualifications, I'm confident you'll do great." My eyes widened in surprise. "You'd recommend me to another pack's company?" Alpha Gerald smiled. "I believe in rewarding hard work and loyalty, Caroline. You've shown both during your time here. This could be an opportunity for you to not only advance your career but also find a new pack that might be more... accepting of your unique situation." Rory's excitement bubbled up within me. "This could be our chance, Caroline! A new start, a new pack!" I couldn't help but smile. "I... I don't know what to say, Alpha. Thank you for this opportunity." He added, "Joining his company means severing ties with the Blood Moon Pack and leaving Maplewood completely." I was shocked into silence, hesitating. He nodded and handed me a business card. "Take some time to think it over. If you decide to pursue this, I'll make the necessary arrangements. Please send your response to the address on the card, whether you're declining the position or accepting an online interview." Over the next few days, I weighed my options carefully. The thought of leaving Maplewood, the only home I'd ever known, was daunting. But as I looked at Liam, playing happily with his toys, I knew I had to do what was best for him. Finally, I sent my application and interview request to the email address on the business card. I returned to Alpha Gerald's office to inform him of my decision, and he promptly processed not only my resignation from the company but also arranged the pack severance ritual. Alpha Gerald arranged a small, private ceremony behind the Pack House with only a few elders present. Following tradition, I stood in the circle while the elder made a small cut on my palm. I placed my bleeding hand on the pack's sacred oak tree, just as generations before me had done. The effect was immediate. The pack bond that had been part of me since birth began to fade. Rory whined softly as our connection to the Blood Moon Pack weakened, then disappeared completely. The elder finished the ritual words, and just like that, the separation was complete. I was officially released from the Blood Moon Pack. "If you ever find Storm Valley Pack isn't the right fit, know that you'll always have a place here," he said softly. "Thank you, Alpha Gerald," I said gratefully. As I prepared to leave, I began searching for tickets from Maplewood to Harbor Bay, planning both our move and the upcoming interview. "Surprise!" Eleanor appeared suddenly, making me jump. "What are you doing here?" I gasped. "You really thought you could steal away my godson just like that?" She crossed her arms, pretending to glare at me. "My dad already arranged an interview for me with Mountain Cat World in Harbor Bay. I'm moving there with you!" "What?" I blinked in disbelief. "What about Nate?" "He's applied for a transfer to the branch there. He starts in two weeks," Eleanor beamed. "This is a fresh start for the three of us!" Seeing me speechless, she added, "Don't stress, I've got it all handled. Nate will drive us there. Until you find a daycare that works, I can help watch Liam. I already shortlisted three great centers, and my dad helped us secure a fully furnished apartment downtown..." "Eleanor..." My voice cracked as my eyes welled up with tears. "Hey," she nudged me gently with her elbow, "learn to accept the gifts life throws your way. Now come on, we've got to say goodbye to your parents." At my parents' house, the mood turned quiet and somber when I told them I was leaving tomorrow. "Mom..." I wrapped my arms around her. "Go," she whispered, wiping her tears. "For Liam. For yourself. Just promise you'll keep in touch." The farewell wasn't easy, especially watching them press tender kisses to Liam's forehead, knowing they wouldn't see him for months. But with the new salary, I could finally afford to fly them out for visits during holidays and Pack events. Thanks to Eleanor and Nate, Liam and I settled into our new apartment quickly. Tomorrow would be my interview at Thorne Enterprises. Later that night, I opened a box and began unpacking. At the bottom was a smaller box—the one that held all the memories from that masquerade night. I opened it slowly, my fingers grazing the fabric of the dress I'd worn. I sighed softly, holding the perfume bottle in my hand. "Maybe... I should wear it again sometime?" I placed the perfume on my vanity, closed the box, and climbed into bed, heart fluttering with a strange blend of nerves and anticipation. Tomorrow is a new day.