Chapter 70 Phantom Island's New Home

Rachel's POV

I was sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to put my shoes on when a sharp pain jolted through my side.

This morning, my little one kicked me right in the belly. I gasped softly, placing my hand over the spot where the kick had landed.

"Rose? Are you okay?" Selena's concerned voice came from the doorway. She rushed over, her eyes filled with worry.

I smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. The little one just kicks me."

Selena's face softened with understanding. I remained seated, needing a moment to recover. The baby had been particularly active today, each movement a reminder of the miracle growing inside me.

I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation of life flourishing beneath my heart.

My thoughts drifted to Nathan. Would he place his strong hands on my belly if he were here? Would he wait patiently to feel our cub's movements?

I wondered if he would marvel at our cub's growth and development like other Alpha fathers, or if he would simply see this life as an extension of his power—his heir—without appreciating how precious it truly was.

"You sure you're alright? You seem lost in thought," Selena's voice pulled me back to reality.

"Just thinking about the baby," I answered, my hand still resting protectively over my belly. "I can sense the heartbeat with my wolf senses. It's comforting."

Selena nodded, then switched topics. "Have you thought more about Carter's job offer?"

The question brought me back to my predicament. After spotting Daniel in Eclipse, I knew I needed to leave as soon as possible.

But where could a pregnant she-wolf with no money and no identity go?

"I'm still not sure," I confessed. "I hardly know Carter, and I don't know if I'm qualified for the position."

Selena sat beside me. "It's a good opportunity, Rose. You can care for your little one while managing the property. I've worked in Phantom before—it's a beautiful place."

"What exactly would I need to do?" I asked hesitantly.

"Do you have experience with household management? Cooking? Caring for others?" Selena questioned.

I nodded to each question, thinking of my years running my father's household.

"Then you're qualified," she said with a smile. "Your Alpha bloodline gives you natural leadership abilities, Rose. You'll do just fine."

Her confidence boosted my spirits. Maybe this was exactly what I needed—a fresh start, away from both Nathan and my past.

"I think I'll try," I decided. "But I need to ask some questions first, especially considering Phantom is enemy territory to Ironjaw."

That evening, I wore a simple green dress to dinner, choosing it for the loose fit that accommodated my growing belly. As I entered the dining room, Carter's eyes flickered slightly gold.

"You look lovely tonight, Rose," he said, his voice warm.

I noticed the fatigue in his posture. "You look tired. Rough day?"

He nodded. "Territory business meetings all day. Nothing interesting, just exhausting."

When Scarlet brought in our dinner, Carter's expression immediately brightened. "Seafood pasta? This is my favorite!" He inhaled deeply, clearly enjoying the aroma. "My chef usually refuses to make this—says it's too labor-intensive."

He took a bite and closed his eyes in appreciation, his wolf scent radiating satisfaction and pleasure. "I need to compliment the chef. This is exceptional."

Scarlet and I exchanged glances and started giggling. Carter looked between us, confusion evident on his face.

"This was a test dinner," I explained, unable to hide my smile. "Since you seem to like my cooking, I've decided to accept your job offer. Selena helped me prepare a few specialty dishes, including tonight's pasta."

Carter put down his fork in surprise. "You're accepting the position? You'll look after my territory?"

I nodded. "If you still want me to."

His eyes instantly brightened to a vibrant gold. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy I could hug you right now." He caught himself and quickly added, "But I won't cross that line, of course."

His excitement was contagious, and I found myself smiling genuinely for what felt like the first time in ages.

"You and your little cub will love it there, I promise," he continued enthusiastically. "Do you trust me, Rose?"

I looked into Carter's eyes—eyes so similar to Nathan's yet so different. They held the same strength but were gentler, the same depth but more open.

"I do trust you," I answered truthfully.

Carter reached across the table and gently patted my hand. "I'm glad you're staying. We haven't known each other long, but you're like a breath of fresh air in my life."

Then Carter pulled back, suggesting we continue enjoying our meal.

I knew we were just friends, and I was certain I wasn't ready for anything more—perhaps I never would be. My baby was all that mattered now, the only companion I truly needed.

Two days later, after a three-hour boat journey, we arrived at Carter's private dock on Phantom Island. The moment my feet touched the island's soil, I felt an odd resonance, as if my heart was responding to the land itself.

"Welcome to Phantom," Carter said proudly as he guided me from the dock.

His estate was much larger than I'd anticipated. He showed me the main house, training grounds, and various facilities.

I was amazed by the scale and luxury, realizing Carter was more influential than I'd initially thought, though he didn't carry himself with the aggressive dominance typical of most Alphas.

"Where will I be staying?" I asked after touring all the areas I'd be responsible for managing.

Instead of answering directly, Carter's lips curved into a slight smile. "Follow me."

We walked along a cobblestone path, our shadows stretching across the ground. The air smelled of salt and pine, a refreshing combination that made my heart stir contentedly.

At the end of the path stood a small white villa with a wraparound porch. Green vines cascaded from the roof and wound around the porch columns, with moonlight daisies dotting the corners.

A bright blue front door seemed to be waiting for my arrival. It was the most beautiful building I'd ever seen, like something out of a werewolf fairy tale.

"It's absolutely gorgeous," I whispered, drinking in every detail, my fingers trembling slightly as I took in the flawless craftsmanship. "Who lives here?"

Carter's eyes sparkled with mischievous golden light. "You do."

I stood there speechless, my heart pounding against my chest.

"This cottage is prepared for you, if you'd like it," he explained. "It's close enough to the main house for work but gives you and your cub the privacy you need."

"This is too much," I protested, shaking my head. "I can't accept—"

"What, would you rather live in the same house with me again?" Carter teased.

I blushed, and he laughed.

"You're working for me, Rose. You need somewhere to live, and this cottage was sitting empty anyway. If you like it, why not use it?" He added with a gentle smile, "Besides, your baby will need somewhere to run free."

Thinking of everything I'd been through—from being sold by my father to Nathan's cold treatment, to this unexpected kindness—tears filled my eyes.

I couldn't understand why Carter was being so kind to me when we'd known each other for such a short time.

"I'm sorry," Carter said quickly, handing me a white handkerchief. "I didn't mean to upset you."

I shook my head and laughed through my tears. "You might be the nicest Alpha I've ever met."

When I looked up at Carter, the last rays of sunset illuminated us both, and my heart felt a strange sense of peace.

In that moment, on enemy territory of all places, I felt safer than I had in a very long time.