Chapter 61 He Invited Me to Dinner

Rachel's POV

I'd been in Eclipse territory for three days now, recovering in this peaceful room adorned with fresh flowers that filled the air with their subtle fragrance.

I should have felt relieved. Free. I'd escaped Nathan and his plans to kill me after I gave birth. Yet my heart wasn't at peace.

Each time his image flickered through my mind, my chest tightened until I could barely breathe.

I need to move forward.

I need to start a new life here.

But the voice in my head knew I needed more time. When left alone with my thoughts, they inevitably drifted back to Nathan—his touch, his scent, his rare smiles that seemed reserved only for me. I needed something, anything, to keep busy.

Otherwise, his face was all I saw.

A soft knock interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

"Come in," I called, grateful for the distraction.

A woman entered with a warm smile. "I am Katherine, the Eclipse territory doctor, How's my favorite patient feeling today? Better than yesterday, I hope."

"Yes, much better than before," I replied, shifting slightly on the bed. "Some movements still hurt, though."

She examined my healing bruises with gentle, practiced hands. "Your recovery speed is impressive—much faster than a human's would be. I'm pleased with your progress."

"Does that mean I can get out of bed?" I asked hopefully.

Katherine nodded. "You don't need to stay confined to bed rest anymore. Some light activity would actually be good for you." She patted my hand. "But don't stand for too long periods, and avoid any strenuous activities. We need to protect that little wolf cub."

Another knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," I called again.

A young woman entered, carrying several books. She smiled shyly. "Rose, I am your maid."

I still wasn't used to responding to my fake name. "Hi, come in."

"I'm sorry, Katherine. I didn't mean to interrupt your examination," the woman said, looking apologetic.

Katherine waved dismissively. "Not at all! We've just finished. Everything's healing nicely, Scarlet. Rose has strong werewolf healing abilities. She should be completely recovered in a week or two. I'll check again next week." She gathered her things. "Have a lovely day, both of you."

"Thank you!" Scarlet and I responded in unison.

After Katherine left, Scarlet approached my bed, placing the books on the nightstand. "Alpha Carter thought you might be bored staying in your room for days. He sent these books about Eclipse territory history and werewolf legends."

She smiled. "He'll be returning from border patrol tonight and wanted to know if he might have the honor of dining with you. He'd like to see how you're doing."

Although Carter had been incredibly kind and had saved my life, I'd learned to be cautious. I wasn't sure I could comfortably converse with an Alpha werewolf I barely knew—especially one who looked so disturbingly similar to Nathan.

"Dinner? With him?" I asked, unable to hide my uncertainty.

"Yes, with Alpha Carter." Scarlet noticed my hesitation. "Don't worry. He's an unusually gentle Alpha, nothing like those brutal rulers from other territories."

I forced a smile. "Umm—of course. Your Alpha is very kind."

"Wonderful! I'll tell Alpha Carter. He'll be thrilled! He rarely gets to chat with new friends." Scarlet's enthusiasm was genuine. She glanced at the window. "The sun's beginning to set. I should start preparing you for dinner."

An hour later, Scarlet returned carrying a light green dress.

"Alpha Carter will be back at the territory in about an hour. We should start getting you ready."

The dress was knee-length with short sleeves, made of a soft cotton blend. Its loose design wouldn't press against my slightly rounded belly.

It was nothing like the elaborate gowns in Emerald Castle—this was warm, approachable, comfortable.

While helping me dress, Scarlet applied a mixture of herbs to subtly conceal the bruises that hadn't completely healed.

As she worked, my fingers instinctively found Nathan's moonstone pendant around my neck...

A gentle knock pulled me from my thoughts.

Carter stood at the door holding a bouquet of white wildflowers that smelled of the forest. He'd changed from his patrol gear into dark casual clothes.

His appearance was still startlingly similar to Nathan's, but his smile was warmer, more genuine, and his scent was different—pine rather than the cold winter forest I'd grown accustomed to.

"Wow! Rose, you look beautiful. Green suits you," he said appreciatively.

I avoided his gaze, looking at the flowers instead. "Thank you, Carter. The flowers weren't necessary... You look nice too."

"I just changed out of my patrol gear." He handed me the bouquet. "I picked these from the forest edge. They smell nice, don't they? Don't worry, Scarlet will put them in a vase while we eat. Shall we? The kitchen prepared fresh food, and we shouldn't let it get cold."

After handing the flowers to Scarlet, I joined Carter in the hallway. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner."

"My pleasure. Eclipse territory rarely has visitors, especially guests like you. And honestly, I don't enjoy eating alone," he admitted.

"I'll be a good listener," I promised.

He smiled. "Hold the railing. We'll take it slow. I'll stay beside you to make sure you don't get uncomfortable or fall."

The dining room was warm and inviting. Unlike Nathan's lavish dining hall, this space felt cozy and natural. The table was set with simple but elegant dinnerware, and the walls displayed beautiful landscape paintings.

The meal consisted of roasted venison with fresh vegetables and herbs—a high-protein feast typical of werewolf preferences. As we ate, Carter asked Scarlet about her day and her artwork.

"Scarlet's a talented painter," he explained. "She captures Eclipse territory's beauty like no one else."

I admired the forest landscape hanging on the wall, particularly drawn to a small wooden cabin in the background. "These are yours? They're beautiful."

Scarlet blushed. "Thank you, Rose."

As dinner progressed, Carter turned his attention to me. "Rose, what do you enjoy doing to pass the time?"

"I like knitting and singing," I replied, thinking of the peaceful moments I'd spent doing both.

"That's impressive. Are you making anything for the baby?" he asked.

My heart clenched. "I was... but I couldn't bring it when I left."

The memory of learning to knit at Nathan's castle flooded my mind—Victoria teaching me, giggling as I dropped stitches, Nathan's surprised expression when he'd caught me singing softly to my growing belly.

Carter noticed my mood shift and changed the subject. "By the way, that moonstone pendant you're wearing is beautiful. Is it a traditional werewolf talisman?"

I felt my blood freeze, my fingers automatically reaching for the stone. "It's from... someone important to me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry into your privacy."

"No, it's fine," I assured him. "I was just worried it would be taken when I was attacked."

"I completely understand. No matter how precious an item is, it's never worth more than your safety."

I nodded, though in my heart, this pendant and my baby were the only traces of Nathan I had left.

As we finished our meal, Carter's expression grew more serious. "Nothing in this world is more precious than the little life you're carrying."

I realized he was referring to my child. "Yes, of course."

"Don't misunderstand me, Rose. I'd be delighted to have you stay in Eclipse territory longer. Having a beautiful guest like you is a pleasure. Once you're settled, you're always welcome to visit."

"Carter, you've already helped me so much. I don't want to be a burden."

"You're absolutely not a burden," he said firmly. "Any werewolf who considers a pregnant mother a burden should rethink their values. In Eclipse, we cherish every mother and child. It's my honor just to know you."

His sincerity touched something inside me. "I appreciate that, truly."

"I'll help you in any way I can, Rose. Not just because I sympathize with your situation, but because now that I know you, I consider you a friend."

I said, "Thank you so much."

"Excellent! I'll be staying in the territory for a few days. Perhaps we could tour Eclipse together, so you can get to know the place better. If you feel up to it, of course."

Looking at his genuine smile, I found I couldn't refuse. "I think I'd like that."