Caroline's POV I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress one last time.The champagne-colored gown hugged my curves perfectly, and my hair was styled into an elegant updo that showed off the gentle line of my neck. Tonight, Marcus said he had something important to announce at the pack gathering. Four years.We'd been together since high school.Even though I was a scentless wolf, Marcus never seemed to care. He always told me my kindness and heart mattered more than any scent ever could. "You look stunning, Carrie," Eleanor,my best friend and our Alpha's daughter,said from behind me. "Marcus is already waiting in the Pack Hall. Everyone's there."She walked over to fix the hem of my dress."As your bestie,I have to be your maid of honor." "It has to be you!" I said with a smile. I took a deep breath, steadying the nerves and hope fluttering inside me. After tonight, I'd officially be Marcus's mate.We would complete the bonding ritual and make our eternal vow. The Pack Hall was glowing with light. Every member of the pack was gathered there, my parents, cousins, and elders. I smiled as I walked through the crowd, searching for Marcus. Suddenly, the sea of people parted. And there Marcus was, kneeling in the center of the hall. My heart skipped a beat... but froze the next second. Because standing in front of him.was my cousin, Selina. "My dearest Selina," Marcus said softly, eyes full of emotion, "will you be my mate? Will you accept this ring as a symbol of loyalty between wolves, and be bound to me forever?" Time seemed to stop as I watched the sparkling diamond ring I'd dreamed of wearing slide onto Selina's finger instead. Applause and cheers erupted all around us,but it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head. "Marcus." I choked out."Marcus, we're mates.We've been together for four years." The hall fell into stunned silence. Marcus stood, and Selina proudly clung to his arm. "Mates?" Selina laughed with mockery."Carrie, you never completed the mating ritual. And by pack law, an unmarked bond can still be rejected." Then Marcus finally looked at me,his eyes colder than I'd ever seen. "I'm sorry,Caroline,"he said."But Selina's a better fit.She doesn't have your. issues.We're getting married next week." And then, in front of the entire pack, he spoke the words that shattered me,"I, Marcus Larson, reject you, Caroline Bennett, as my mate." The moment the words left his lips, pain exploded in my chest like a blade being driven straight through my heart. I gasped, stumbling back as a burning ache tore through me.Rory howled inside me,a sound of heartbreak, of unbearable loss. It wasn't just emotional.It was physical.Every nerve in my body screamed as the mate bond shattered. My knees buckled. I barely kept myself upright. Whispers filled the hall. "She's scentless. No wonder." "Poor girl. she never stood a chance." I couldn't breathe. My vision blurred. But I wouldn't fall. Not in front of them. Not in front of him. I turned and ran, heart pounding, throat tight, Rory thrashing inside me in agony. My mother's voice called after me, but I couldn't stop. I needed to get away before the pain drowned me completely. After Marcus rejected me at the proposal, I felt like I'd lost my soul.Every day after work, I'd cry myself to sleep. Even in class, tears would come without warning.Four years of love,so easily thrown away by him. One afternoon,I came home from work to find a pale pink envelope on the kitchen table,Selina and Marcus's wedding invitation. My heart twisted."They actually sent this?" I asked. "It's only proper. Your father and I think you should attend," my mother said gently. "I will never go to that bitch's wedding!" I shouted. "Caroline Bennett, watch your language!" my father growled. "I said I'm not going," I repeated. "Enough, Caroline. Stop being so childish," my mother snapped."Poor Selina. It was Marcus who pursued her. Everyone in the pack already knows he cheated. People are already calling Selina a homewrecker who stole her cousin's mate." "Oh, Mom,because that's exactly what she is! Don't act like she's the victim." I lost my patience."Everyone in the pack knows Selina's nothing but a slut." "Don't be that rude," my father interrupted."After you stormed out that day, Eleanor slapped both Marcus and Selina in front of the whole pack. It turned into a public scene." "Selina is pack family," Mother continued. "She's my sister's daughter. Your cousin. You will attend her wedding." "She's nothing to me!" I snapped. "I'm not going!" Rory whimpered in my mind.'They can't seriously force us to go. can they?' Father's Beta presence pressed down."That's an order. We're your parents and you will obey." "I'm sorry, Dad, but I won't," I clenched teeth."I've always followed your rules. I've trained, worked hard, made you proud. But this? I can't do it. They humiliated me. And now you want me to smile and clap while they get celebrated? You're making me a joke in front of the entire pack!" "Enough!" my father roared. Rory and I both flinched."You will attend that wedding. That's final." "But Dad-" "Not another word! Pack unity comes first. You're going. Period." I cried myself to sleep. The next day,I sent a mind-link to Eleanor, and she said, "Next Friday is the Alpha's formal dinner, followed by the Moonlight Masquerade Ball.You can go to that instead of your cousin's wedding. It's the biggest event of the year for the Blood Moon Pack. Every major werewolf entrepreneur and heir will be there. Our professor even offered to introduce us. It's perfect for your career." I hesitated. "My parents will never agree." "Leave it to me," Eleanor said confidently. "I'll handle everything.You just need to come with me." The thought of standing there, watching the two people who betrayed me stand at the altar and promise forever, while I was expected to smile and bless them? I would rather die than attend their wedding. "I'll come," I told Eleanor. By Friday, we were at her place, getting ready for the ball. "Wow, girl! You look absolutely stunning!" Eleanor handed me a silver-white mask, detailed with delicate lace. I slipped it on. The off-shoulder lavender dress hugged my figure, and the mask matched perfectly. "Ready?" she asked, grinning. I hesitated. "Yes,but Elle, you know I don't have a scent. What if someone notices?" "Don't worry," she said, handing me a tiny glass vial. "It's a special perfume.It mimics a wolf's scent. No one will notice." I took the bottle, still unsure. "Are you sure this works?" "Trust me, Caroline. Tonight is your chance. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet your fated mate." She winked. I sprayed the perfume on my neck and took a deep breath."Alright. Let's go."

Caroline's POV When Eleanor's boyfriend, Nate, saw us, his eyes lit up. He gave Eleanor a kiss and grinned. "Damn, girls! You look incredible. I bet you'll leave this party with new boyfriends, Carrie." "If a good guy shows up, you can bet I'll grab the chance and enjoy the moment," I said with a smile. As soon as we stepped inside, Eleanor pulled me toward the bar, leaning in to whisper, "It's an open bar tonight. Time to drink until you forget all that pain." Eleanor handed me two tequila shots, clutching two more herself. "Let's knock these back!" Rory stirred within me. "Come on, Carrie, let loose a little." She was clearly excited by the atmosphere. We tossed back the shots fast, and soon Nate was sliding two cosmopolitans our way at the bar. I lost count of how many drinks I had. I hadn't felt this kind of freedom or happiness since the rejection. Eleanor dragged me onto the dance floor. I found myself actually enjoying the music. When a slow song started, Nate and Eleanor began dancing, leaving me free to head for the buffet, but I didn't make it there. A hand grabbed mine. I turned, and there he was-a man in a black mask, his smile both charming and dangerous. He kissed my hand and pulled me close, his deep voice whispering, "Surely the most enchanting woman in the room won't refuse me this dance, will she?" For some reason, the moment our hands touched, a jolt of electricity surged through my body. Rory stirred confusedly within me. I couldn't bring myself to say no. Smiling, I said, "Why not? Let's dance." I barely caught my breath when he grabbed my wrist and got closer. He was tall, at least six foot four, with broad shoulders. His golden-brown hair fell around a defined face, and those violet eyes were so intense. His lips were sinfully tempting, curving into a genuine smile that melted all my defenses. People kept stealing glances at him while we danced, and I could feel my heart racing. When the music changed its rhythm, he pulled me firmly against him. I placed my hands on his chest, feeling the well-defined muscles beneath. "From the moment you walked in, I haven't looked at anyone else," this mysterious man whispered in my ear. "You're stunning." "You're kind. But you're not from the Blood Moon Pack, are you?" He had a powerful presence, radiating authority. I couldn't help but wonder if he was an Alpha from another pack. "You caught me. A friend dragged me to this ball, but honestly... I'm glad they did." "Funny, I was pulled here by friends too." "Looks like we're both lucky tonight then." "Oh? Why's that?" I smiled, feeling a flutter in my stomach. "Because if I hadn't come, I wouldn't have met you." As his warm breath brushed against my ear, I got goosebumps, feeling my face flush and my body tingle. "You can tell even with the mask on?" "The mask only makes me want to lift it more... to see if you're as captivating underneath as I imagine." "You're quite the talker. Bet you say this to a lot of people." "Maybe, but I only want to hear one answer. Have I won you over?" "Of course you have. Charming and dangerously handsome." "I'm glad you like what you see." "And what do you do for a living, handsome?" I felt a bit dizzy, not sure if it was from the drink or the intoxicating scent of cedarwood and musk that enveloped me. I ended up stumbling over my own feet. "Are you okay?" "I think I need some air." "Come with me." He took me into an empty room. "I really want to kiss you. May I?" he asked. I nodded yes. He held the back of my neck, and our lips met. Electricity surged through my body again. I jerked away in surprise and stared at him. "What... what was that?" "What was what?" He placed his hands on my shoulders and slowly glided them down my arms until he intertwined our fingers. "That... that feeling," I stammered as I fought to focus. "You mean this?" His voice turned sultry as he moved in for another kiss. It started slowly but deepened. He pressed me against the wall, and I sighed contentedly. I had never felt such an overwhelming sensation in my entire life. He released my hands, and I threw my arms around his neck. I did not want this kiss to end. He ran his hand down my waist to my thigh and pulled my leg up to his waist. I went crazy with desire and pulled him closer, wrapping my leg around his waist. I pushed closer to him as his hands roamed my upper body. Everywhere he touched, sparks ignited. This was not fair, I decided, and started tugging on his shirt. I wanted to feel him too. He quickly unbuttoned his shirt, and I feasted my eyes on his naked torso. Without planning it, I licked my lips as I glided my hands over his pecs and six-pack. Without breaking eye contact, he unhooked my bra and tossed it aside. The warmth of his palms covering my breasts was so overwhelming that I gasped for air. I put my arms around his neck and pressed my breasts against his chest, moaning in exhilaration from the skin-to-skin contact. His touch was so soothing that I did not protest as he slipped his hand under my dress, pulling it up and reaching my panties. He tore my panties and caressed my entrance. I shuddered in delight when his fingers came in and out of my vagina and a thumb still pressed onto my clit. "Oh! Baby, you're so hot, so wet!" All my coherent thoughts and reasoning evaporated. All I needed at that very moment was this man. I was not ashamed that he could feel how moist and ready I was for him. His movements became stronger, deeper, and faster. "Shit... I... I don't think I can..." Suddenly, it was as if my brain exploded and screamed as waves upon waves of pleasure shook my body. "So sexy..." he groaned. "I'm gonna make you come again." I nodded dumbly, my vision coming back after that mind-blowing orgasm. Without waiting for instruction, I removed my underwear while he unzipped his pants. He got closer and started gliding the head of his dick over my pussy lips. I was still pretty sensitive from the orgasm and sobbed when he touched my clit. His breathing was heavy. "Fuck... I don't know if I can hold on for long." "...Feels... so good." He rubbed his dick over my pussy and picked up the pace. I was already aroused. As if asking for permission, he looked into my eyes and asked, "What do you want me to do?" "I want you inside me now!" I responded shamelessly, already panting with desire. I couldn't resist those violet eyes and that husky voice. I'd never been like this before. Usually, I would have pulled away the moment he grabbed my hand, but tonight was different. I couldn't resist him, and I'd promised myself to enjoy life if someone interesting appeared. So here I was, living in the moment. Rory's excitement mingled with my own, heightening every sensation. Let go, Carrie. Enjoy this moment. "Oh, dear heavens, yes," I moaned as he entered me slowly. I leaned my head against the wall, savoring every inch of him. He was huge. My eyes fluttered shut on their own. He groaned as he placed an arm around my lower back and another around my neck as he pulled my mouth to his. When he was fully inside, he paused and whispered between kisses in my ear, "Now I'm going to move." He held my waist with both hands and slowly started moving in and out of me. I sobbed, my nails digging into his arms. At first, his thrusts were slow and deep, but he quickly picked up speed. My breasts moved in rhythm with his hips. He pulled out only to thrust back in with full force, and it was incredible. Everything about him was a fucking turn-on. "Please don't stop..." I said to him, wrapping my legs around him to keep him close. The world ceased to exist. All I was aware of was him and what he was doing to my body. I felt a haze in my eyes as my orgasm began to build, and I moaned softly in his ear. At that moment, he seemed to go crazy, and he started pleasuring my clitoris as he thrust harder and deeper into me. Pleasure coiled deep within me, winding tighter and tighter until it snapped and I cried out my orgasm. He kept thrusting until a deep growl escaped from his chest and I felt his hot release inside me. We stayed there, bodies still pressed against the wall, catching our breath. His forehead rested against mine, and as he kissed me, he began to withdraw slowly, leaving me completely satisfied. I smiled, and he looked into my eyes, kissed me gently, and murmured, "You're incredible." He lowered my legs with care until I was standing again, then smoothed my dress, adjusted himself, and wrapped me in his arms. There was such tenderness in that moment, unexpected after everything so wild and intense. He didn't just take; he held me, cared for me. I'd never experienced anything like it. Until now, I'd only been with my ex, who never hugged me afterward, never cared if I finished, never made it about more than himself. But this man... he was different. He made sure I was okay. He made me feel seen. He kissed the curve of my neck and whispered with a smile, "So, gorgeous... are you ever going to tell me your name?" It took a few seconds for reality to catch up with me. I'd just slept with a total stranger, and I didn't even know his name. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, he pulled out his phone and said, "Give me a sec, I need to take this." He stepped a few feet away, and though I couldn't hear the whole conversation, his voice suddenly sharpened. "What did you just say?" he barked into the phone. Then, without another word, he turned and took off-like he'd completely forgotten I was even there. Or maybe... like he was running from the girl he'd just hooked up with at a party. Of course you're an idiot, Caroline. But so what? To hell with it, I was just having fun too. He didn't know who I was, and I didn't know who he was. Fair game. I pulled myself together, scanned the room for my underwear-which had completely vanished. No idea where I'd tossed it. Back at the table, Eleanor and Nate were tangled in a kiss. They quickly broke apart when they saw me. "Elle, I think I just met the Big Bad Wolf," I said with a laugh. She burst out laughing too. "When we get home, I want every single detail." "Of course you do," I replied. "Nate, I think it's time to go. You ready, Carrie?" "Ready when you are," I said, downing a glass of water to compose myself. "Let's roll then, ladies," Nate grinned, leading us out. We'd barely stepped through the front door when Eleanor rounded on me. "Okay, talk. Who was he? What happened? I want everything, start to finish!" I laughed and spilled it all-from the room to the kiss to the moment he disappeared. By the time I finished, Eleanor was staring at me like I'd grown two heads. "Please tell me you used protection." My stomach dropped. No. We hadn't. I shook my head slowly, the weight of that realization crashing over me like cold water. "Carrie, hey, it's okay," she said quickly, stepping closer. "Don't panic. I'm sure it's fine. But get tested, just to be safe. I'll make us some tea, okay? You're okay."

Caroline's POV When I met Eleanor for Monday lunch, she handed me an elegantly wrapped bag. "My mother heard you love this perfume she made," Eleanor said. "She said it suits you perfectly." I opened the bag, and my heart skipped a beat. Inside was the perfume I wore on the masquerade night. The scent brought back everything-his violet eyes, his touch, and how wildly Rory had reacted to him. "Thank Luna Marla for me," I said, hoping that magical night had left me with sweet memories rather than an STD. "I'll stop by later to thank her personally. But first, I need to schedule those tests we talked about." After lunch, I called the laboratory. They needed a doctor's prescription for insurance coverage. Thankfully, BuildRight Corp, our pack's company, had excellent health benefits. Our finances were comfortable as a Beta family. My father handled pack logistics and security with Alpha Gerald, while Mother assisted Luna Marla with territory matters. We lived well, but as a college student, I wanted to manage my own expenses and be independent. The earliest appointment I could get was two weeks out. Each passing day made me more anxious, though Eleanor did everything she could to keep me calm. When the day arrived, she accompanied me to the doctor's office, arranged my lab work, and insisted on staying by my side through all of it. Three weeks had passed since the masquerade ball when I finally completed the tests. Five days later, the results came in, and I returned to the doctor with Eleanor beside me, her hand squeezing mine for support. The doctor looked over my results, then met my eyes. "Miss Bennett, you're healthy. Everything looks good." I let out a relieved breath. Then she added, "But you'll need to take better care of yourself from now on." I nodded, already expecting the talk about unprotected sex I deserved. Not using protection was stupid-I could have caught something serious. But then she smiled warmly. "Congratulations, you're pregnant! I'm sending you to our pack's OB-GYN for prenatal care..." Her words blurred as my heart pounded. Pregnant? Me? The responsible Beta's daughter who always thought things through? The one who always considered the consequences? The first time I gave in to impulse, and now I'm carrying a pup from a stranger I don't even know? Rory whined in my mind, equally shocked. "A pup... we're having a pup, Caroline. What are we going to do?" I swallowed hard, struggling to find words to comfort her. How could I, when I could barely breathe myself? Eleanor gripped my hand tighter, repeating over and over, "Don't freak out, Carrie. Everything's going to be okay. I'm right here. We'll get through this together." How could anything be okay? I didn't know who the father was. I would have to tell my parents. As a daughter of the Beta, pregnant without a mate. Not only would it bring shame to my father in the pack, but it would break my parents' hearts. I was already looked down on for being a scentless wolf. Then my boyfriend cheated on me... and now this? Moon Goddess, how much worse can this get? My parents would be devastated, disappointed-maybe even banish me from the pack. How could I explain that I didn't even know what my pup's father looked like beneath his mask? My breathing became shallow and rapid. The doctor took my hand. "Easy now, dear. From what I can see, the situation isn't ideal, but getting this upset will harm your pup. From this moment forward, you must think of the little one. I'm sure your pack and family will support you, but you need to calm yourself because only you can ensure this pup develops properly and is born strong. Do you understand?" I looked at the kindly older woman with her glasses and nodded. Something in her eyes sparkled with an understanding that soothed both me and Rory. She called for her assistant to bring me some chamomile tea infused with calming herbs specific to pregnant she-wolves, and while I sipped it, she provided Eleanor with all the necessary information about wolf pregnancies and prenatal care. After leaving her office, Eleanor took me to a quiet diner at the edge of our territory, insisting I needed to eat something. The moment we sat down, tears started flowing. Eleanor wrapped her arms around me. "The only thing I'm certain of right now," I spoke between sobs, "is that I want you and Nate to be my pup's godparents. I know you'll support them and shower them with love when I can't be enough." Her eyes lit up, and she began crying too. "I'll be the most devoted godmother in the entire Blood Moon Pack," she promised. "And our pup will always know they're loved! Nate will be thrilled too-he already treats you like a pack sister." Eleanor assured me she would stand by my side through everything and made it clear that I wouldn't face any of this alone. She promised to accompany me when I spoke with my parents. My parents... the thought made my stomach clench. I decided I wouldn't hide this from them for even a day; I would tell them that very night. I would skip my evening training and go straight home. "Let's go then," Eleanor said without hesitation. "We will face it together." When we arrived at my house, my parents were startled to see us. My mother came over, her eyes showing worry. "Girls, didn't you have evening training today? Is everything alright?" she asked. "Not really, Mom. I need to speak with both of you." We sat in the living room. My hands trembled as I twisted them in my lap. "What is it, dear?" Mom asked. I took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant." The silence that followed was deafening. Mom's face drained of color while Dad's jaw clenched tight. "Is it... is it Marcus's?" Mom's voice quivered. Dad's fists clenched. "That bastard got you pregnant and then married your cousin? I'll kill him-" "No!" I cut in quickly. "It's not Marcus. I... I don't know who the father is." Mom's eyes widened. "What do you mean you don't know?" "It was at the masquerade ball," I whispered, unable to meet their eyes. "It was just one night... he wore a mask..." Mom burst into tears, sobbing on the couch. Dad opened his mouth several times, but no words came out. Seeing my parents' distress, Eleanor hurried to the kitchen and returned with a special herbal tea that would help calm a wolf's nerves. Finally, my father spoke. "You've made a grave error, and there's no reversing this path now." My parents were respected members of our pack. My father was tall and commanding, while my mother resembled an older version of me, both carrying themselves with the dignity expected of Beta wolves. Hearing my father emphasize my mistake made my heart ache even more intensely. Rory whimpered within me as I started crying. "I know, Dad. I was irresponsible. But there's nothing I can do now except face the consequences. I'll drop out of college to raise my pup. And I'm going to pack my things..." "Pack your things? You're mistaken if you believe you're leaving this house," he interrupted. "You made a mistake, and yes, you've disappointed us, but we love you. We'll handle this together and help you. You are not alone, my daughter! And neither is this pup!" My heart swelled with hope as Rory finally settled inside me, soothed by my father's words. "But Dad... I've brought shame to our family," I whispered, "To your position in the pack." He looked at me. "You're not the first single mother in this pack, and you won't be the last. Yes, we hoped you'd have a mate by your side. You've always been so careful, so responsible. But if this is the Moon Goddess's path for you, then we walk it with you. As a family. As your pack. You're not giving up your education. Now more than ever, you need to push forward, for your pup. Being a lone mother means your duty to the pack doubles. But you won't carry it alone. We'll be here. It won't be easy, but we endure. That's what we do." Eleanor was already crying. "Beta Robert, Linda, you can count on me and my family. I'll help with everything! As this pup's godmother and Carrie's best friend, I'll always be present. The Blood Moon Pack protects its own." My parents thanked her for helping. Looking at these three people who promised to support me, I felt so lucky to have them in my life. I loved them so much, and I was starting to feel love for my pup too-a special connection I never knew about before. Even though being a single mom would be hard, I didn't regret that night at the ball. Those violet eyes looking at me with desire during our passionate encounter and everything my body had experienced-I would cherish those memories always. The next few months were hard. I kept everything from that night-the dress, shoes, mask, and the perfume from Eleanor's mother-in a special box. When I had bad days, I would open the box and think about that night. Remembering it made me feel stronger. Everything was fine with my pregnancy. The pack's whispers and judgment were harder to bear than any physical discomfort. Worse still, after their mating ceremony, Marcus and Selina moved in with her parents, who happened to live on the same block as my family. They loved passing by just to sneer. "Oh look, it's the single mother," Selina mocked, loud enough for others to hear. But the worst was Aunt Diana, my mother's own sister. One afternoon, she walked in without knocking. "Well, I just dropped by to see how you're holding up. Must be hard, raising a pup without knowing who the father is." My mother stiffened beside me but said nothing. Diana kept going, "Thank the Moon Goddess Selina turned out better. She found a real mate. A strong, respectable wolf. Not like you. You sleep around. No wonder Marcus rejected you." I clenched my fists. She conveniently ignored the truth that her daughter had stolen my mate. I tried to stay calm and not get angry. Fighting with people wasn't good for my pup, so I ignored the mean comments. I didn't want my stress to affect my pup. As time went by, I loved my pup more and more-more than I ever thought I could. Everything I did was for my pup now. I would do anything to protect and keep my pup safe. Even though some people were unkind, other things in my life were going well during my pregnancy. Alpha Gerald, as the CEO of BuildRight Corp, was surprisingly understanding about my situation. He even gave me a small raise, which honestly helped a lot! Eleanor and Nate spoiled me with attention, completely in love with their godchild even before we knew if it was a boy or a girl. They insisted on setting up the nursery themselves, turning a room in my parents' house into something out of a dream. Eleanor came with me to every pack doctor visit and test. She never missed a single moment. She even planned two celebrations. One was with my work friends, and the other was with our family. My pup would be born into a world full of love, from both sides of my life. When I learned I was having a boy, I decided to name him Liam. And so it was that Liam Bennett was born healthy, with a pair of striking violet eyes that would forever remind me of the night that changed my life-the best night I'd ever experienced! I would never forget that mysterious man with the violet eyes, though his identity remained unknown to me. From his first breath, my son was surrounded by love. My parents, once disappointed, now doted fiercely on their grandson. Eleanor and Nate visited daily, always there to help. Even Alpha Gerald and Luna Marla became like family, calling me their daughter and showering Liam with gifts, including the finest stroller. On Liam's birthday, they brought moonflowers and balloons. After maternity leave, Liam stayed with my mother while I balanced work and college study. Thanks to my parents and godparents, I never missed a semester and graduated alongside Eleanor. With my diploma, I was ready to build my career and succeed. I was determined to give Liam everything he needed.