Rejected, And Became A Heiress (Cara)

Cara's POV

As the elders swarm around Alaric, I use the opportunity to back out and away

from that group.

Glancing around, I spot my brothers gathered around at one table in the corner. Knowing I'd be more comfortable there, surrounded by family, I point my feet that way and start walking.

Along the way, I'm stopped several times. Some of DarkWood's nobles are

admirers of mine, and they each want to take the time to praise me. It's nice to be recognized by my old pack, but I'm too weary and anxious to be overly friendly. While I remain polite and grateful, I do not stay over-long in any one conversation.

Traversing from group to group of people, I eventually make my way toward the

corner.

When I finally make it to the table, I'm ready to collapse if for no other reason, my feet hurt from standing in these heels for so long.

...I think I did my best, but I still haven't adapted to this kind of situation.

Yet before I can kick off my shoes or take a seat, my assistant arrives with Ethan and Mia in tow.

Ethan is wearing a little suit, complete with a coral tie.

Mia's dress is a miniature, high neck version of mine, with color matching my dress and Ethan's tie.

"Mommy!!!"

"Mommy! You're so beautiful tonight!"

My brothers immediately stand, each praising the new, little arrivals.

I kneel down and open my arms, happy when they each join me for a hug.

"You look so handsome," I tell Ethan. To Mia, I say, "And such a beautiful little princess!"

Mia beams at the praise. Ethan shuffles his feet slightly, like he's embarrassed by the sudden compliment. Especially when my brothers chime in.

"Such a dapper suit, Ethan," Ryan says.

"Agreed," Eamon says. "Do we go to the same tailor?"

"You do," I tell him.

"And a beautiful dress, Mia! "Aidan adds.

Mia twists and turns so that her dress swooshes around her. She spins and spíns, until I make her still, worried she's going to make herself too dizzy and fall down.

"Why don't we sit down a minute?" I say, both for her sake and for my own, my feet aching.

Eamon comes around and helps me with my chair, then he helps Ethan and Mia with theirs.

Mia insists on the seat next to mine, though these chairs have their backs to the ballroom. Because of this, Mia sits on her knees backwards in the chair, looking out at the rooms.

I'm perfectly happy to not to look at the crowd right now, needing to recharge my social batteries.

Mia leans over to me. "Mom," she says, a question in her voice.

"Yeah? What is it, honey?"

"...Is Uncle Alaric going to become our new daddy?"

Nearby, Eamon, who had been sipping at his wine glass, starts coughing.

The twins look at each other. Colin gives me a small smile.

I don't know what to say to Mia.

There was a moment just now when I wanted to tell Alaric about the two babies, but the elders interrupted.

I don't want to lie to her. But now is not the time for that conversation. So instead I give her a smile and gently pat her head.

"When you think of the perfect father, what kind of man do you think of?" I ask.

"Someone nice," Mia says.

"Someone with blonde hair," Ethan says.

"Blonde hair?" Eamon asks. "Why is that important?"

"And skinny," Ethan says.

"Skinny?"

"Brown eyes,

"Ethan adds. "And a beard."

"That's very specific," Ryan comments.

Slowly, I'm piecing things together. These qualities, they sound like the opposite of

tall, broad, and pale-eyed Alaric.

"He shouldn't be King," Ethan says, and that synchs it.

What's obvious to me, that Ethan is speaking directly against Alaric, is now clear to the rest of the table.

They all share a glance and then a short laugh.

"Maybe it's good to have specifics," Aidan says. Ryan elbows him.

Though everyone has a good laugh about it. Even I chuckle some, lightened by their antics.

Eamon rubs his forehead like everyone is giving him a headache, but there's a smile on his lips too.

Standing, I place a kiss on the top of each of Mia's and Ethan's head. I don't want them to feel like they were the butt of any jokes.

"What's the big joke?" says a new voice, approaching us.

It's new for the evening, but familiar.

Turning, I'm pleased to see Landon approaching the table.

"Landon! You are back!" I say.

The kids jump from their seats to rush to give him a hug.

"Uncle Landon!!!"

"Oh, my little ones!"

He lifts them both in a bear hug. As he sets them down, several napkins fall out of

his pockets.

"Are those... phone numbers?" I ask, as I help him collect them.

Landon gives me a guilty smile. "I might have been here for a minute, uh... socializing."

"With all the eligible ladies?" I ask him..

He shrugs. "Can't blame a guy, huh?"

Rolling my eyes, I hand him the napkins I've collected. He quickly tucks them into

his pocket.

"What are you doing here?" Eamon asks, patting him on the shoulder. "We weren't expecting you for another year."

"Some of the new friends I've made on my travels were very interested in this grand celebration!" Landon says. You guys have defiantly drawn curiosity with this joint pack collaboration. Most packs are at each other's throats."

"We're glad to pleasantly surprise them," Eamon says.

"Where are they?"

"Oh." Landon looks behind him and then all around. Spotting someone, he waves

them over. "Not 'they', just one.

"This is my friend, Noel!"

The man who must be Noel comes over toward Landon. He's blonde, with dark eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. Definitely not a king.

"Mom," Ethan whispers, but I shake my head at him. I have no intention of dating anyone from tonight.

Noel, as he comes closer, does appear incredibly handsome, especially when he smiles. That smile is relaxed and friendly, and it crinkles the skin near his eyes. Many ladies nearby steal glances at Noel, though he seems obvious to all of them, his focus on our group.noveldrama

His smile is fond and friendly as he looks at each of my brothers. "It's very nice to meet all of you. I've heard such good things, and what you've done with the pack is truly impressive. I'd like to extend my..."

Suddenly his voice trails off.

I've been looking at my kids, not totally paying attention to him, but when he cuts himself off, I glance up...

-And find Noel looking right at me.

His expression is strange. The friendly expression is still there but it's more open now, more affectionate. There's

a fondness growing in his eyes, and a sense of awe I don't quite understand.

"It's you..." he says.

“Uh, I'm Cara,” I say. "Nice to, uh... meet... you?"

Before I can finish talking, Noel walks right up to me and throws his arms around

me.

As he embraces me, he presses his cheek to mine.

I: "Wait, wait, what?!"

My brothers are too stunned to move. Even Landon, who is

"My mate..."

Noel says to me, squeezing me tightly. "I've finally found y

My brothers are too stunned to move. Even Landon, who is friends with Noel,

looks on in shock.

"My mate..."

Noel says to me, squeezing me tightly. "I've finally found you!

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Chapter 148 Chapter 148

Cara's POV