Chapter 218: Chapter 218 When Danger Strikes
Draven’s POV
It had been two days since Jace told me the Alpha Council investigators were closing in on Howard. I felt slightly relieved knowing they were making progress, but not entirely comfortable. I’d ordered Storm Valley Pack enforcers to track Howard’s whereabouts too, but Ryan reported no leads. Until we caught the traitor feeding Howard information from inside our pack or company, that bastard would remain free.
Caroline had reached the late stages of her pregnancy, and the quadruplets were taking a serious toll on her body. She was confined to bed most days, and I wanted nothing more than to stay by her side constantly. Pack and company business forced me to split my attention, transforming me from 24/7 availability to someone rushing through work just to get home quickly.
"Your mate-obsessed behavior is both amusing and sickening," Ryan joked as we reviewed quarterly reports in my office.
"Just wait until you find your mate," I shot back, signing another document. "You’ll be worse."
Alaric rumbled in agreement. "She needs us now more than ever."
I checked my watch for the third time in ten minutes. Ryan noticed and rolled his eyes.
"Go home, for Moon’s sake. I can handle the rest."
"There’s the meeting at four—"
"You can show up when the meeting starts," Ryan interrupted. "The pack won’t collapse if you spend extra time with your pregnant mate."
I couldn’t argue with that logic. Arriving home, I found Caroline propped up against pillows in our bedroom, reading a pregnancy book while Liam played with toy cars on the bed beside her. Her golden hair was tied in a messy bun, and despite her exhaustion, she looked beautiful.
"Daddy!" Liam squealed, abandoning his toys to launch himself into my arms.
"Hey, little wolf," I said, catching him and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Taking good care of Mommy?"
"I’m the bestest helper," he declared proudly. "I got her water and crackers!"
Caroline smiled tiredly. "He’s been amazing. Unlike these four troublemakers who won’t stop kicking my bladder." She rubbed her enormous belly.
I settled Liam back with his toys and sat beside Caroline, placing my hand over hers. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I’m carrying a wolf pack inside me," she sighed. "Dr. Molina says everything looks good, but I’m so uncomfortable I can barely sleep."
"Just a few more weeks," I reassured her, though I worried constantly about the risks of a multiple birth.
Caroline must have sensed my concern because she squeezed my hand. "I’m fine, Draven. Bored out of my mind, but fine."
"I could work from home more—"
"And drive me crazy with your hovering?" she laughed. "No thanks. Mabel has been wonderful, and Eleanor visits daily."
We spent the afternoon together, with Liam chattering about his adventures with Mabel while I caught up on emails.
By late afternoon, duty called me back to the office for a meeting.
"I’ll be back for dinner," I promised, kissing Caroline goodbye and ruffling Liam’s hair.
"Don’t rush," she said. "We’re not going anywhere."
At Thorne Enterprises, I plowed through pending issues with Ryan over coffee in my office.
"The Vancouver contract is secured," Ryan reported. "But the Chicago merger is proving problematic. Their Alpha is reluctant to partner with us after hearing rumors about Howard’s allegations."
"Damn it," I muttered. "Schedule a video call with them tomorrow. I’ll handle it personally."
My phone rang – Jace Monroe’s number flashed on screen.
"Investigator Monroe," I answered. "Any progress?"
His voice was tight with urgency. "Alpha Draven, something’s happened. Nate was attacked outside his offices. He’s been severely injured and rushed to Harbor Bay Memorial."
My blood ran cold. "What? When?"
"About an hour ago. He was ambushed in the parking garage. Security found him unconscious with severe injuries. He’s in surgery now."
"Howard?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"Almost certainly. The attack wasn’t random."
"I’ll gather everyone and meet you there. Have you notified Eleanor?"
"Not yet. I thought you might want to tell her in person."
"Good call. Keep me updated." I ended the call, heart pounding.
Ryan had heard everything with his enhanced hearing. "That son of a bitch," he snarled.
"Call security, increase protection at the pack house immediately," I ordered, already dialing Mabel. "I’ll get everyone together."
"Mabel, listen carefully. Don’t alarm Caroline, but don’t let her answer any calls except from me. Keep her phone and tablet away. Say they’re charging or something."
"Is everything okay, Alpha?" she asked, concerned.
"Just a precaution. I’ll explain later. And don’t leave the house for any reason."
Next, I called Kyle, Ava, and Ruby from different departments, instructing them to meet me immediately. We needed to collect Eleanor from Puma Global before she heard about Nate from someone else.
The drive to Joseph’s company felt endless. Ryan kept making calls, arranging for extra security and canceling appointments.
"Eleanor doesn’t know yet?" he asked.
"No, and I need to tell her before she finds out some other way." My knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "Howard’s targeting our loved ones now. He’s getting desperate.We’ve been so focused on protecting the women, we forgot about ourselves."
We arrived at Puma Global to find Eleanor chatting with colleagues in the main lobby. Her smile fell instantly upon seeing our expressions.
"What happened?" she demanded, crossing her arms. "And don’t lie to me, Draven. Your face looks like someone died."
Joseph appeared from the elevator, clearly confused by our presence. "Thorne? What brings you to my doorstep?"
"We need to talk to Eleanor. Privately," I said.
Joseph recognized the gravity in my voice and led us to his office. Once inside, Eleanor’s professional composure crumbled.
"Is it Caroline? The babies?" she asked, panicked.
"No, they’re safe," I assured her quickly. "It’s Nate. He was attacked in the parking garage after a meeting with clients. He’s at Harbor Bay Memorial in surgery now."
Eleanor’s face drained of color. "What? No, that’s not... he just texted me an hour ago saying he was heading home..."
"Elle, we need to go to the hospital now," I said gently.
"How bad is it?" she whispered, tears forming.
I hesitated, which told her everything.
"Tell me!" she demanded.
"It’s serious. The doctors are doing everything they can."
She swayed slightly, and Ryan moved to support her.
"Howard did this, didn’t he?" she asked, her voice hard despite her tears.
"We believe so."
"That monster," she spat. "I’ll kill him myself if anything happens to Nate."
Joseph was already grabbing his coat. "I’m driving you. All of you look too upset to be behind a wheel."
The drive to the hospital was tense, with Eleanor alternating between shocked silence and furious tears. "He attacked Nate because of me, because I helped with Liam’s rescue," she whispered. "This is my fault."
"No," I said firmly. "This is on Howard, no one else. Nate would never blame you."
We arrived at the hospital to find Jace in the waiting room with Investigator Magnus. Their grim expressions confirmed our worst fears.
"How is he?" Eleanor asked, rushing forward.
"Still in surgery," Magnus answered. "The doctors will update us when they can."
Eleanor collapsed into a chair, her face a mask of anguish. "He has to be okay. He has to be."
I sat beside her, placing an arm around her shoulders. "Nate is strong. He’ll fight through this."