Chapter 8: Omega by his side

Andrew wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs, watching her closely as he waited for her response.

He knew he had made a rushed proposal, especially considering everything Caroline had just been through, but he couldn’t bring himself to regret it.

She was his mate, and both he and his wolf could feel the strength of their bond. He had no intention of letting her slip away.

"Now, let’s get you to eat some porridge," Andrew said, as though their conversation hadn’t just changed the course of her life. He reached for the bowl on the table and brought it closer to her.

Caroline stared at him in bewilderment. She had heard plenty about Andrew Kensington and the kind of man he was. He was known for being ruthless and showing no mercy to anyone who crossed him. People feared being brought before him for their crimes because those who entered his custody rarely came out the same. His punishments were severe enough to leave even hardened wolves terrified of him.

Yet the man sitting beside her was being gentle with her.

How was that possible?

And more importantly, why did she even care about understanding him?

Caroline pushed the thoughts aside as Andrew began feeding her the porridge. She quietly ate each spoonful, watching him from the corner of her eyes.

There was something unsettling about his calmness. He barely showed his emotions, but every now and then, his jaw would twitch, revealing the anger he was keeping under control.

"Did you really send your men to bring Victor here? An Alpha can’t simply be dragged out of his own pack so easily," Caroline finally asked. She then glanced at the emptying bowl and pushed it slightly away. "And I feel full now. Thank you."

Andrew looked at the bowl and noticed that she had eaten almost all of it. He didn’t force her to take another bite and instead placed it back on the tray.

"Victor is already on his way here," he replied calmly. "I hold authority over the Alphas of the packs, so none of them can refuse my orders."

He poured a glass of water and handed it to her before continuing in the same composed tone, "Now, tell me how you want to see him die. Whatever you choose, I can assure you it won’t be an easy death."

Caroline grabbed the glass, her fingers tightening around it. "Can I really...?"

"Yes," Andrew replied promptly.

She gulped as she thought of the blood Victor had spilled from her parents and even the pup she had lost because of him. The pain of losing them still tore through her, but beneath that grief was a deep, burning hatred.

"I want him to tremble in agony every single second," she said, her voice filled with resentment. "I want him to cry for help, but find no one willing to lend him a hand."

She took a few slow sips of water, then accepted the pills Andrew handed her. She swallowed them with the water before returning the glass to him.

"Rest some more. It’s essential for your body to recover," Andrew said, setting the glass back on the tray. "And do think about my proposal. We will marry once you have fully recovered." Andrew gently brushed the loose strands of hair away from her forehead and cheek.

Caroline blinked rapidly under his direct gaze, but she couldn’t look away. For a brief moment, she noticed the unusual color his pupils had taken, leaving her slightly confused. She quickly lowered her eyes, unsure of what she had just seen.

"Why do you want me to be your Luna? I haven’t even felt the same bond with you," she said, trying to make him understand. "Yes, I’m helpless at the moment, but marrying someone is the last thing on my mind. I’ve already been betrayed by the person I loved, so I don’t think love can happen between us, even if I consider your proposal."

Her thoughts were clearer now, and she wanted Andrew to understand that her agreement couldn’t be taken for granted simply because she was vulnerable.

Andrew listened without interrupting. Instead of arguing with her, a slow smile appeared on his face as he rose from his seat.

"I’ll see you later."

He quietly walked out of the room, leaving Caroline staring after him in confusion.

As he walked down the marble-floored hallway, Andrew chuckled to himself. "Anyone would be dying to marry me."

~~~~

Inside the room, Caroline remained deep in thought as she considered the proposal Andrew had made.

"I always waited to marry Victor, a man who was too ashamed to even acknowledge me as his mate. But Andrew..." She paused, thinking about the powerful Alpha Prince who had entered her life so unexpectedly. "He’s the most powerful Alpha in these lands. He wants me to become his Luna without even knowing who I truly am. He simply wants an omega by his side... me."

As she murmured those words, the pain caused by Victor’s rejection and betrayal began to fade into the background. Caroline found herself thinking about something other than everything she had lost.

"To destroy Victor, I need power. I can’t fight him from where I am now." Her fingers tightened around the blanket. "He told me so easily that I brought nothing to him. That I was useless, and that my family was worthless because of my father’s debt."

Her thoughts returned to her father, and the ache in her chest returned with them. She hadn’t even been able to say goodbye to him or speak to him one last time. A tear slipped down her cheek as she lowered her gaze.

"I won’t let your sacrifice be in vain," Caroline whispered, wiping the tear away. "I’ll become stronger. I’ll show the entire world that even an omega can rise to power and become a Luna no one can look down upon," she whispered in determination, her eyes shone bluish in that moment.