Chapter 205: Chapter 205 Balancing Act
Caroline’s POV
The morning after the shifting ceremony, I arrived at Thorne Enterprises earlier than usual, determined to catch up on work before the day’s meetings began. With my new Luna duties taking up evenings, I needed to be more efficient during office hours.
I was reviewing quarterly reports when Ryan knocked on my office door.
"Morning, Luna," he grinned. "How was your first ceremonial duty?"
"Surprisingly not a disaster," I laughed, motioning him in. "Though I’m still figuring out how to balance everything."
Ryan settled into a chair across from me. "The entire pack’s talking about how you handled those twins. Apparently, you’ve set a new standard for shifting ceremonies."
I blushed at the unexpected praise. "I just did what felt right."
"That’s why you’re perfect as Luna," Ryan said earnestly. "You lead with your heart."
Our conversation was interrupted by Draven striding into my office, looking every bit the powerful CEO in his tailored suit. My wolf Rory purred with appreciation at the sight of our mate.
"Good morning, beautiful," Draven leaned down to kiss me softly. "And good morning to you too, Ryan," he added dryly.
Ryan laughed. "Don’t worry, Alpha, I know better than to flirt with your mate. I value my limbs too much."
"Smart man," Draven growled playfully before turning back to me. "I need you in the executive meeting at ten. The elder council wants updates on both company matters and pack security."
I nodded, trying not to show my anxiety about addressing elder council.
After Draven and Ryan left, I immersed myself in preparation for the meeting. An hour later, I headed to the conference room, nearly colliding with Clara in the hallway.
"Luna," she smiled warmly, "I’ve prepared all the documents for today’s meeting. And may I say, the pack is absolutely thrilled with how you handled the ceremony last night."
"Thank you, Clara." I felt a rush of gratitude for her steady support. "I couldn’t have done it without your guidance."
The conference room was already filling with executives when I arrived. Draven sat at the head of the table, radiating authority. As I took my place beside him, I noticed several council members eyeing me with renewed interest after last night’s ceremony.
"Let’s begin," Draven announced once everyone was seated.
"First agenda item—quarterly financial review."
As the meeting progressed, I presented my department’s findings confidently. When questions arose about the financial irregularities Howard had created, I answered with detail, earning approving nods from several council members who had previously doubted me.
"Luna Caroline has implemented new security protocols that have already identified three additional accounting discrepancies," Ryan added supportively.
Draven’s hand found mine under the table, giving it a squeeze of pride. Through our mate bond, I could feel his approval and something more—desire.
I shot him a warning look, knowing full well how quickly his thoughts could turn inappropriate during business meetings.
"Focus on the meeting, Alpha," I teased through our mind link.
"Hard to focus when my mate is so impressively competent," he replied.
After the meeting concluded, Draven pulled me into his office, closing the door firmly behind us.
"You were magnificent in there," he murmured, backing me against his desk. "Do you have any idea how much it turns me on to see you take command like that?"
"Draven," I protested weakly as his lips found my neck, "we’re at work."
"I’m the boss," he reminded me, his hands sliding possessively down my sides. "And you’re my mate. I think we deserve a little... executive privilege."
Just as his lips claimed mine in a heated kiss, my phone buzzed insistently. I groaned, pulling it from my pocket to find a message from Liam’s daycare center.
"Draven, Liam’s running a fever. We need to pick him up."
Instantly, Draven switched from passionate mate to concerned father. "I’ll have Ryan reschedule my afternoon meetings. You finish what you need to here, and I’ll get Liam."
"Are you sure?" I asked, surprised by his offer.
He cupped my face tenderly. "We’re partners in everything, Caroline—company, pack, and family. I can handle our son while you finish your work."
As he left, I felt a profound wave of gratitude for my mate. Somehow, between us, we would make this complex balancing act work.
Later that evening, I found Draven in Liam’s room, reading our son a bedtime story. Liam’s fever had broken, and he was nestled contentedly against his father’s chest, his purple eye heavy with sleep.
I leaned against the doorframe, watching them together. My heart swelled at the picture they made—my powerful Alpha husband gently cradling our son, reading with different voices for each character.
When Liam finally drifted off, Draven carefully tucked him in and joined me in the hallway.
"You’re amazing with him," I whispered, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"I missed so much time," Draven replied softly, pain flickering across his face. "I never want to miss another moment."
We moved to our bedroom, where Draven pulled me into his arms. "How are you feeling about everything? Luna duties, work, motherhood,it’s a lot to balance."
"Honestly? I’m exhausted," I admitted. "But also... fulfilled. For the first time, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I’m meant to do."
"You were born for this role," Draven murmured, pressing his forehead to mine. "The pack already adores you. Did you know the Morgan twins’ parents came to thank me today? They said their daughters’ shifting was the least traumatic they’d ever witnessed because of how you guided them."
I smiled, remembering the joy on the girls’ faces when they’d successfully shifted. "I just treated them how I would want Liam to be treated when his shift time comes."
Draven’s arms tightened around me."That’s still years away."
He leaned down and kissed me, and I skillfully wrapped my arms around his neck, hooking my legs around him.
He lifted me up smoothly and placed me on the bed.
He smiled and said,"Now it’s time for you to fulfill Luna’s most important duty,satisfying your Alpha."
I pressed against his chest, desire coursing through my body.
"That depends on whether this Alpha can deliver," I teased back.
He deliberately pressed his hardness against my entrance.
"Want to find out?"