Caroline’s POV
My scream echoed through the office as I stared in horror at the mutilated doll inside the box. Its head had been viciously torn off, one eye gouged out, an arm ripped away with stuffing spilling from the ragged opening. The once-white fabric was stained with what looked like blood, and worst of all, the doll strongly resembled Liam’s favorite toy.
Nina quickly covered the box and pulled it away from , but not before I snatched the card tucked inside. The office door burst open as Draven rushed in, Ryan right behind him. Seeing my tear-streaked face, Draven dropped to his knees beside , cradling my face in his hands.
"What happened?" he demanded, his eyes flashing violet with concern.
I couldn’t speak through my sobs. Terror for Liam consud .
"It’s my fault, Alpha," Nina said, guilt heavy in her voice as she held the box. "I should have insisted she wait."
Ryan approached Nina and lifted the cover, revealing the grotesque contents.
"What the fuck is this?" he hissed, as Draven stood to examine the box.
Nina explained how the package had arrived addressed to with no sender information. She’d been suspicious but I’d opened it anyway, thinking it might be a surprise gift.
"There’s a c-card," I managed between sobs, my hand shaking as I clutched the small envelope.
"Let see, sweetheart." Draven gently took it from my grip and read it. His face darkened with rage, a low growl rumbling from his chest.
"Nina, take this to my office and call Bonfim imdiately. Get Alpha Arthur too," he ordered, his voice deadly calm—the kind of calm that preceded violence.
"I’ll handle this, baby," Draven promised, squeezing my shoulders.
"Show the card," I demanded, noticing him trying to pocket it. "Don’t hide it from ."
He hesitated but handed it over. The printed ssage inside made my stomach drop,
"Caroline, I heard you’re carrying a child. You’re nothing but a worthless bitch who interfered with my plans. What I did to this doll is rely a preview of what awaits your children. All these security guards won’t save you, because eventually, you’ll co to ."
"Liam!" I gasped, panic surging through . "Draven, we need to check on Liam!"
Draven imdiately pulled out his phone, calling Mabel who confird everything was fine at ho. She sent a photo of our son contentedly watching cartoons. Simultaneously, Draven mind-linked Mathias, the head of our pack house’s security team.
"Mathias, double the security at the pack house. Focus on Liam’s protection. No one gets near him without direct approval from or Caroline. Full shift rotation, no gaps."
"Yes, Alpha. What’s happened?" Mathias replied through the link.
"Threat delivered directly to Luna Caroline. Details later. Just protect my son."
"With my life, Alpha."
Draven broke the link and turned to . "I don’t want you going anywhere today. Cancel girls’ night and go straight ho."
"Actually," Ryan interjected, placing a hand on Draven’s shoulder, "I think it might be good for Caroline to go out with the girls. To distract herself." He lowered his voice. "Ruby ntioned they’re going to Social Club, which is pack territory. I can call ahead, explain the situation, and arrange extra security."
I nodded gratefully. "So normalcy would help, love."
Draven’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Fine. I won’t restrict your movents. Nina, call Ruby and Ava here. And Kyle too. We need to talk to everyone."
Ryan was already calling Jace, explaining what had happened and how shaken I was. When he hung up, concern etched his features.
"What is it?" Draven asked sharply.
"Jace raised a good point. We’re worried about Caroline and all the girls. They’re protective of each other. Howard might target one of them to get to Caroline."
"Then we’ll assign security to all of them," Draven stated firmly. "I’ll contact Joseph and arrange protection for Eleanor. Caroline, why don’t you get so tea from Rose while we set this up?"
"No," I said, taking a deep breath and steadying myself. "I need to know the plan. These are my friends in danger because of ."
We moved to Draven’s office where everyone gathered. Joseph, Eleanor joined via video call, along with Nate and Jace. Draven quickly explained what had happened and announced his decision—security details for everyone, no exceptions.
"Arthur, any progress tracking our informant? Too much information is leaking from inside," Draven asked.
"It’s challenging, Draven. They’re well-hidden, but we’ll find them," Arthur assured.
"Bonfim, arrange security for the won and find out how that package bypassed our protocols," Draven ordered. The head of security nodded gravely.
"I’m deploying patrol cars to Social Club tonight," Jace said. "I’ll also station units at your ho and building permanently. We’ll catch this bastard."
"Ladies," Ryan addressed the group, "stay vigilant. Keep us inford of your whereabouts, companions, and schedules. It might seem controlling, but your safety is paramount." He turned to Ruby. "Ruby, you’re moving in with , non-negotiable."
"Ryan, that’s excessive," Ruby protested.
"Either you co to my place or I’m camping at yours," Ryan insisted.
I reached for my friend’s hand. "Please, Ruby. I’d feel better knowing you’re safe."
She sighed but agreed.
"Nina, Ava," Draven continued, "you should stay with us for now. Living alone isn’t safe."
"I’ll take care of the shorty," Jace volunteered quickly. Nina’s eyes widened in surprise.
"And Ava stays with ," Joseph added opportunistically.
"Are you insane, Joseph?" Ava snapped.
"Look, Ava," Joseph’s patience clearly wearing thin, "I’ve been exceedingly patient despite my mistakes. You’re staying at my house until this blows over, or I’ll throw you over my shoulder and lock you in my bedroom."
"Rude! Caveman!" Ava huffed, making everyone laugh despite the tension.
"At least she’s entertaining us," Eleanor chuckled.
"It’s settled then," Draven concluded. "Security details for everyone, effective imdiately."
"Let my team handle Eleanor and Kyle’s protection," Joseph offered. "They know their routines. I’ll have my security chief coordinate with yours."
"Agreed," Draven nodded. "Ladies, enjoy your night out, but stay alert. The guards will keep their distance but remain vigilant."
As the eting dispersed, Draven pulled into his arms, his forehead touching mine. "I won’t let anything happen to you or Liam," he promised, his voice thick with emotion. "We’ll find Howard and end this threat."
I relaxed into his arms, feeling stronger because of his confidence. But even though I felt better, I was still scared. Soone had already gotten through all our security once. What would stop them from doing it again?
And why did I have the sinking feeling this was just the beginning?
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