Chapter 66 That Is The Enemy's Island!

Rachel's POV

"You practically bought out the entire store. This is too much!" I said, wide-eyed as Carter carried several bags out of the small boutique and into the bustling Eclipse marketplace.

Carter's eyes sparkled with amusement as he adjusted the packages in his arms. "This is just right. I'm in a great mood today. Very wise choices, if I do say so myself."

I tilted my head, confused by his enthusiasm. "I don't understand?"

"The best thing I did today was all this shopping," he explained with an infectious grin. "First, you're happy. Second, the old lady behind the counter made enough money to end her day early, so she's happy too. I've made two she-wolves happy in one day—nothing could be better than that!"

I couldn't help but laugh softly at his reasoning, my hand instinctively resting on my growing bump.

"Thank you," I said with genuine appreciation. "I promise to pay you back once I find work."

Carter slowed his pace to look at me directly, completely ignoring the second half of my sentence. "You're welcome."

He glanced at his watch before returning his gaze to me. "It's still early. Rose, do you have the energy to see more of the market?"

I nodded eagerly, relishing this rare opportunity to wander through crowds and shops without fear or restriction.

For a moment, it almost felt like I was just a normal pregnant woman enjoying a day out, not a fugitive hiding from a murderous Alpha.

The market extended from the territory's central plaza all the way to a bakery tucked in the corner. Stalls lined the streets where werewolf merchants sold their wares in the fresh open air.

Shops on either side beckoned customers with displays of food, moonstone jewelry, and clothing.

I was captivated by my surroundings—the tantalizing aromas of roasted meats and sweet pastries; the casual chatter of adult wolves mingling with the laughter of cubs and the calls of vendors haggling with customers.

"Do you like the shops here?" Carter asked, watching my face with evident pleasure at my reaction.

"Yes," I answered, immersed in Eclipse's vibrant beauty. "I can't help but be drawn to the life here. It's so different from what I'm used to."

"Indeed, it's spectacular in its own way," he agreed. "Eclipse is the freest wolf pack territory in the Eastern lands. I guess I've been here a while, so I don't notice its beauty as much anymore."

I observed the interactions of people around us and the cubs playing in the streets, their joyful shrieks filling the air.

I could easily imagine myself walking these streets with my child, enjoying carefree afternoons in the warm sunshine.

The thought made my heart ache with longing for a future that still seemed so uncertain.

"Hey Rose, I want to check something over there," Carter said suddenly, pointing to a shop across the way. "Do you mind browsing the next few stalls on your own?"

"Of course not. Go ahead," I replied, grateful for his trust in me.

"Alright, be a good she-wolf and stay out of trouble, okay?" he teased with a wink. "I'll be back soon."

I smiled at his playfulness. "I promise I'll be right here when you return."

After Carter left, I stood in front of a clothing shop, examining a dress displayed on a rack outside.

With my belly growing larger every day, I desperately needed more comfortable clothing.

As I was checking the fabric of a loose-fitting dress, I suddenly froze. Across the street, I caught a glimpse of someone from my nightmares long ago—a dark past I thought I'd escaped.

"It can't be... Daniel..." I whispered, my blood turning to ice.

I wasn't sure if he had seen me, but I wasn't willing to take that chance. Moving as inconspicuously as possible, I quickly entered the store, weaving through several customers toward the back.

Thankfully, the bright sunlight outside made it difficult to see clearly into the shop. I hid behind a clothing rack, praying Daniel wouldn't spot me.

My heart raced as I tried to figure out what to do next. I realized Carter hadn't returned yet, and even if he did, how would he know I was in here?

Just as I was trying to formulate my next move, someone blocked the entrance to the store.

"Rose." Carter's voice made me jump.

I whirled around, relief washing over me. "You're here! Is everything okay?"

"You weren't where we agreed to meet." His eyes flickered slightly gold. "What happened?"

I was momentarily speechless, forcing myself to smile. "Uh—yes. I'm sorry, I should have waited outside. How did you find me?"

"No problem at all. I can find you anywhere," he joked. "Honestly, my lady, your scent is quite unique, so it was easy to track which direction you went. So, did you find anything?"

His comment made me blush. "You're too kind."

I quickly cleared my throat, trying to pretend nothing had happened. "Yes, but I'm having trouble deciding which of these two dresses I should buy."

"That's simple," Carter smiled. "Both, of course. Wait—let me check them."

I sighed. Just as expected. But I didn't argue with him.

I glanced outside again. Thank the Moon Goddess, Daniel was nowhere to be seen.

Carter returned with another bag. "Thank you so much," I said with a smile that quickly turned anxious as my eyes instinctively scanned the area.

Carter noticed my tension. "You seem uncomfortable. Would you like to go back?"

I nodded, giving him a weak smile. "I'm sorry, just a bit tired now. I'm looking forward to sitting down when we get back."

"You don't need to apologize, Rose. Pregnancy isn't easy for a she-wolf," he said softly.

I followed Carter back to his luxury car where his Gamma, Lucas, was already waiting for them.

Thankfully, there was still no sign of Daniel.

Once in the car, I let out a breath of relief, trying to calm myself. My heart finally began to relax, but I could still feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"So did you find what you were looking for earlier?" I asked, noticing Carter watching me.

"It's a secret," he said, winking twice at me, successfully lightening my mood. "God, I'm terrible at keeping secrets! So I got you something—" He reached into a large bag. "Well, for your little cub, actually."

My eyes widened as I saw the exquisite Moon Goddess silver charm in Carter's hand. It was crafted in the shape of a small wolf, gleaming in the sunlight with a delicate chain threaded through it.

On the back of the charm was engraved the word "Eclipse."

"Carter, it's beautiful," I whispered as he placed it in my palm. "You didn't have to—"

"I know, I know. I didn't have to, but I wanted to," he interrupted. "I thought, since you're staying in Eclipse, a talisman named after it would be a good representation of where your cub will grow up. The Moon Goddess will protect it."

"You're too generous. Thank you!" I said, genuinely touched.

Although Carter's gift warmed my heart, knowing Daniel was also here made Eclipse no longer a viable option for long-term settlement.

I was the reason Daniel had gotten hurt in the first place. If he found me, I couldn't imagine what he might do to me and my child for revenge.

The thought overwhelmed me with paralyzing fear.

"Something happened at the market, didn't it, Rose?" Carter suddenly asked.

I sighed. "Carter... no, it's nothing. You've been amazing in every way, but now that I'm fully recovered, I think it's time for me to find a place to settle down."

"I've actually been thinking about this for the past few days," he replied. "I promised we'd make a solid plan for you. Let's talk about it inside."

After the car arrived at the house, Carter opened the door for me and led me to the living room.

After pouring me a glass of warm water, he sat beside me and explained his proposal in detail.

"I have a private territory," he began. "As you know, I travel frequently, so I'm not there most of the time. I'm looking for someone to take care of it. Someone I can trust."

"It's a quiet place, not as busy as Eclipse, so I'm not sure if you'd like it there. But I wanted to at least ask if you might be interested." He added with a smile and a wink, "And I pay well. You can be sure of that."

My eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected offer.

"It would be a huge help to me if you accepted," Carter said, giving me a sincere look.

"Thank you so much for the offer. May I think about it?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.

"Of course!" he replied, seemingly pleased that I hadn't immediately refused.

"What's the name of the place?" I asked, curious.

Carter's eyes met mine. "It's Phantom."

Phantom?!

That is the enemy's island!