Chapter 216: Chapter 216 Quadruple Surprise
Caroline’s POV
Since finding out Howard killed his mate, Draven hasn’t let me out of his sight for a second. He’s been dragging me everywhere—pack meetings, company conferences, even bathroom breaks seem negotiable to him. I can barely breathe without him hovering nearby.
Ryan’s started teasing us mercilessly about it. Just yesterday during lunch he smirked, "Looks like my position as Alpha Draven’s Beta might need some adjustments. Unlike some people, I can’t manage 24/7 surveillance duty."
"At least you’re useful for something besides bad jokes and eating all my food," Draven shot back with a grin. "Besides, Caroline’s company is significantly more pleasant than yours."
I secretly appreciated Draven’s protectiveness. With Howard still on the run, knowing my mate was constantly watching over me and Liam eased my anxiety considerably. Rory was also calmer when Draven was around, though she still bristled occasionally at his domineering attitude.
"He’s only trying to keep us safe," I reminded her.
"I know, but would it kill him to give us five minutes alone?" Rory grumbled back.
The week passed quickly. We worked hard, but thankfully everything remained calm. Friday morning, Carlos informed us the pack house renovations were complete.
"Everything from your penthouse has been moved to the pack house," he told Draven. "We’ve upgraded the security system and completely renovated the nursery."
"Perfect timing," I said, resting my hand on my slightly swollen belly.
We decided to move over the weekend and invited our friends for a Sunday pool party to celebrate. The weather cooperated beautifully, giving us sunshine and perfect temperatures.
I wore a new loose dress to accommodate my growing bump. At four months pregnant, my regular clothes were already becoming uncomfortable. Last week, I’d gone shopping with Elle and the girls for maternity wear.
My energy levels were dropping rapidly though. Draven kept insisting I stop working until after the baby was born.
"I don’t want to quit," I argued. "With Liam, I worked right up until delivery without any problems."
"This pregnancy is different," Draven countered. "You’re exhausted all the time, and you’ve had every pregnancy symptom in the medical textbooks."
He wasn’t wrong. I was considering slowing down, at least. My appointment with Dr. Molina the following week would hopefully provide some guidance.
When appointment day arrived, Draven was practically vibrating with excitement. He kept checking his watch, tapping his feet, and asking if we should leave early. We arrived at the hospital twenty minutes ahead of schedule.
"My favorite couple!" Dr. Molina greeted us warmly. "Caroline, your belly is quite prominent already. When you were carrying Liam, you weren’t showing this much at four months."
"This pregnancy feels completely different," I admitted. "I’m exhausted constantly and gaining weight like crazy. I’m hungry literally all day and night."
Both Draven and the doctor laughed.
"Each pregnancy is unique," Dr. Molina explained. "I’ll collect samples for testing, and while we wait for results, we’ll do the ultrasound. Sound good?"
"More than good," Draven answered, squeezing my hand.
When Dr. Molina started the ultrasound, his expression suddenly turned serious. My heart rate spiked.
"Draven, please grab that chair and sit down," the doctor said firmly.
My mate’s face paled. "What’s wrong?" he asked, obeying immediately.
I clutched Draven’s hand, imagining worst-case scenarios. Dr. Molina pointed to the screen.
"See these sections here? There are two amniotic sacs."
"Twins?" I whispered.
Dr. Molina smiled. "No, Caroline. They’re quadruplets."
"What?" Draven looked stunned. "That’s impossible. With my enhanced hearing, I should have detected multiple heartbeats."
"Quadruplet heartbeats often synchronize," Dr. Molina explained. "Plus, fetal heartbeats are extremely faint in early stages, especially with multiple pregnancies. Technology picks up what even werewolf hearing misses."
"Four babies?" Draven repeated, staring at the screen. "Look here and here," the doctor pointed. "Two on this side, two on the other."
Suddenly, Draven’s expression transformed from shock to pure joy. "Four babies! Goddess above! We’re having four babies, Carrie! This is incredible!"
Tears filled my eyes. "How am I supposed to take care of four babies at once?"
"We’ll take care of them together," Draven promised, kissing my forehead. "Everything will be fine."
"Would you like to know the genders?" Dr. Molina asked.
We both nodded eagerly.
"There’s a boy and girl in each sac. Two boys, two girls. Would you like to hear the heartbeats?"
When those rapid little thumps filled the room, Draven completely broke down. Tears streamed down his face as he pressed his lips to my stomach.
"Looks like Carlos will need to expand that nursery," he whispered. "And I was so convinced we were having just one boy."
Dr. Molina explained how rare quadruplet pregnancies were and the associated risks. I’d need to be on strict bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy to prevent premature delivery.
"These babies could come early regardless of precautions," he warned. "We need to monitor you very closely."
We left with prescriptions for vitamins and a list of restrictions. Draven refused to let me walk even from the exam room to the car.
Back home, Draven called everyone over for dinner that evening. Elle kept begging for details about the appointment, but he insisted it was a surprise.
We told Liam about his siblings first. His little face lit up with excitement.
"Brothers to play with!" he exclaimed, kissing my belly. "Hi babies!"
By dinner time, Draven had purchased an electric wheelchair for me.
"If you refuse to stay in bed, this is the compromise," he insisted.
When our friends arrived, Elle rushed over, face white with concern.
"What’s happening? Why are you in a wheelchair? Is everything okay?"
"I’m fine," I assured her. "Dr. Molina put me on strict bed rest, and my overprotective husband is enforcing it."
"Bed rest? What’s wrong?" Elle demanded, looking between us.
"I’ll let my grinning Alpha explain," I smiled. "He’s been acting like a kid with a secret all day."
Draven knelt beside me with Liam in his arms. "Liam, help Daddy tell them."
"I’m gonna have lots of little brothers!" Liam announced proudly.
"Not lots, sweetie. Just one," Elle laughed.
Then she caught Draven’s grin. "Wait... twins? Are they twins? Oh my god, Fred, hold me! There’ll be another godchild for someone!"
"Don’t be selfish, Eleanor," Kyle interjected. "They have other friends who could be godparents too."
"Actually," Draven said, building the suspense, "my beautiful mate is expecting quadruplets. Since Elle and Nate already have Liam, our other four couples will each have one baby as a godchild."
The room went silent with shock.
"You’re joking," Elle finally said. "Tell me you’re joking."
"Two boys and two girls!" Draven confirmed proudly.
Everyone stared at me like I was some rare exhibit. No one could manage a word.
"I’ll have Carlos serve dinner," Draven announced with a satisfied smile. "Just wait until I tell the in-laws!"
I sank back in my wheelchair, wondering how my life had become so wonderfully chaotic. Four babies. Four tiny lives growing inside me. Terror and joy battled for dominance in my heart, but looking at Draven’s radiant face, joy was definitely winning.