Chapter 229 Never Say Goodbye To Me

Chapter 229 Never Say Goodbye To Me
Rachel's POV

The morning sun painted golden streaks across the meadow as I watched Mateo play. His tiny legs carried him with surprising speed as he chased after a butterfly, his delighted giggles warming my heart.

Nathan stood nearby, his protective gaze never leaving our son, while Victoria and Apollo sat on a nearby bench, taking a rare moment of peace in what had been weeks of chaos.

I sensed Carter's approach before I saw him.

"Uncky!" Mateo called out, abandoning his pursuit of the butterfly to wave enthusiastically at Carter.

A genuine smile spread across Carter's face as he approached, kneeling down to kiss Mateo's chubby cheek. "Hey there, little warrior."

"Mower!" Mateo demanded, pointing toward the swing set at the edge of the garden.

"More swings? Is that what you want?" Carter asked, ruffling Mateo's dark hair.

Victoria stood up and walked over to us. "Come on, little prince. Uncle Apollo and I will take you for some swings."

She scooped Mateo up, throwing a meaningful glance my way before heading toward the playground with Apollo following behind.

Once they were out of earshot, I turned to Carter. "You look better now," I observed, noting the healthy color that had returned to his face.

Carter grinned. "Of course! Not many people get fed the precious blood of a woman chosen by the Moon Goddess herself for an entire week! My God, my body is full of energy. I feel ten years younger!"

"Your intelligence level reflects that too," Nathan commented dryly.

"I take that as you being jealous of my youthful vigor, brother. Not brave enough to face the challenge?" Carter replied with a smirk. "Why don't we run through the woods to the river? We can watch the sun finish rising there."

I studied Carter's face, sensing this wasn't just a random suggestion. Something about the way his eyes lingered on the horizon told me this meant something special to him.

"Sounds like a good idea," I said softly.

Nathan nodded. "You're asking for it."

I quickly prepared a change of clothes in a small backpack, and within moments, the three of us shifted into our wolf forms. The cool morning dew dampened our paws as we raced across the expansive grounds.

The forest welcomed us with winding paths bordered by towering pine trees and bright berry-laden bushes.

I ran just behind the two brothers, watching with amusement as they pushed and shoved each other, trying to gain the advantage.

Despite their mutual antagonism, there was something undeniably playful about their interaction now—something that hadn't been there before.

After about thirty minutes of running, the sound of rushing water reached my ears.

I inhaled deeply, catching the fresh scent of the river, feeling invigorated by the crisp morning air.

Nathan reached the riverbank first, turning to give Carter a smug look. Carter responded by shoulder-checking him, sending Nathan tumbling a few feet into the cold water.

Nathan burst from the river, shaking his fur vigorously and spraying water all over Carter. I couldn't help but giggle at their antics.

I ducked behind some bushes to shift back and change into my clothes, then handed the backpack to Nathan and Carter so they could do the same.

Soon, we were all sitting on a large rock overlooking the water as the sun finally crested the horizon.

In the distance, Emerald City gleamed in the golden morning light, like something from a fairy tale or a dream.

"Remember when we were kids back in Ironjaw territory?" Carter said suddenly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We used to race to the river all the time."

"I remember," Nathan replied. "I always won."

"Hey, you were much bigger and stronger than me," Carter said, a hint of the old resentment in his voice before it softened. "You were my big brother. The toughest guy in the world. I thought... you could do no wrong."

Carter's expression darkened. "Then after the thing with Dad... I couldn't understand how you could do what you did. You seemed so... evil to me." He paused, swallowing hard. "After I left, I heard stories about how ruthless you were. It hurt more because I had once idolized you. I felt... betrayed."

Nathan sighed, looking down at his hands. "Carter, I owe you an apology... I'm sorry I ruined your childhood." He looked up, his eyes hardening slightly. "However, I don't regret anything I did."

Carter nodded slowly. "I know. I understand it all now." He took a deep breath. "I plotted with Dylan on Vortex Island to bring you down. I'm sorry I tried to help David destroy you."

"You tried and failed. We're both fine now," Nathan replied coolly.

Carter laughed. "Well... brother, don't get too big-headed. That apology was for Rachel, not you." His laughter rang out over the water, and I couldn't help but smile at his ability to break the tension.

I reached out and gently took Carter's hand. "I've already forgiven you."

Carter's expression became serious again as he turned to Nathan. "Nathan, it took me a long time and a lot of experiences to get here... but I've finally come back to how I felt as a kid, when you were my big brother who I really admired."

He met Nathan's gaze steadily. "I admire and respect you, Nathan. That's why this time... when you beat me to the river, as much as it stings to lose, I'm glad the prize is yours."

I felt my cheeks grow warm, realizing he was referring to me.

"And just because I know you won fair and square doesn't mean I'm going to sit around and watch you enjoy your prize easily," Carter continued. "I've been thinking about exploring the uninhabited forests in the west. Or maybe the southern jungles. The southern mountain pass, perhaps."

"Carter, are you saying you're leaving?" I asked, feeling a warmth behind my eyes.

"Hey, it's not that bad. At least you won't have to listen to me cry at the wedding, right? Or worry that I'll be that fool who stands up when they ask if anyone objects?" He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "There will be a wedding, right?"

"Why don't you stay and find out?" Nathan asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Carter dramatically clutched his chest. "Brother! Are you missing me already? I knew it! If you're willing to share—"

"Not in a million years, get lost!" Nathan growled.

"Ah, brother, driving me away again. So cruel!" Carter replied, the joke successfully breaking the moment of sentimentality and making both Nathan and me laugh.

Nathan sighed. "I'm not very good at goodbyes."

"Then don't say it..." Carter shrugged. "Come on, we're not living in ancient times where going to the continent takes forever. Trains, cars, seaplanes..." He winked at me, reminding me of our first meeting.

"Promise me you'll come back to visit us!" I said, my vision blurring slightly.

"This time, you can trust my word!" Carter assured me.

He stood up, and Nathan moved forward to embrace him tightly. I joined them, wrapping my arms around Carter, knowing I would miss him. He had become an important person to me and to my family.

When Carter stepped back, he raised his hand one last time, his gaze lingering on me before he turned, leaped into the air, and shifted into a magnificent wolf, bounding away.

I watched him go, tears streaming down my face. Nathan put his arm around me, and we stood there until Carter disappeared completely from view.

"I'm sorry, baby... I know you care about him," Nathan said softly.

"I do... but I hope... at least you will never say goodbye to me," I replied.

Nathan's arms tightened around me. "You can count on that, Rachel. I will never, ever leave you again."