Free Web NovelChapter 144: Chapter 144
Gunnar’s POV
"Being an Emberwyn does not make you untouchable, Carian," I said firmly, my voice lower now, more serious than before.
She didn’t argue. She didn’t get defensive.
Instead—
She smiled.
That same calm, knowing smile that always made it hard for me to stay angry at her.
Before I could say anything else, she stepped closer to me. Too close.
Her hands came up, resting lightly against my chest, and before I could react—
She kissed me deeply, slowly, and deliberately.
The kind of kiss that made it hard to think straight.
The kind that always made me forget what I was about to say.
My hands instinctively went to her waist, pulling her even closer as I kissed her back, even though I knew exactly what she was doing.
After a moment, I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.
"Are you bribing me with this?" I asked.
My voice was rough, but there was a small hint of amusement in it.
She didn’t deny it.
She just smiled again.
"Is it working then?" she asked quietly.
I shook my head slightly, even though I knew she could already see the answer in my eyes.
"You’re impossible," I muttered.
Before she could reply—
A small voice filled the room.
"Mommy, I’m ready!"
We both turned at the same time.
Summer stood at the doorway, dressed and excited, her eyes bright as she looked at us.
Carian’s expression softened instantly.
"There you are," she said warmly.
She stepped away from me and walked toward Summer, reaching down to take her hand.
Summer smiled up at her, then looked at me.
"Daddy," she said happily.
I forced a small smile."Be careful," I said.
Carian glanced at me over her shoulder."I told you, we’ll be fine," she replied.
I didn’t respond.
I just watched as she turned and walked out with Summer, their hands linked together.
The door closed behind them. And just like that—
The room felt empty again.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the door.
Then I let out a quiet sigh and ran a hand over my face.
"She’s too stubborn," I muttered. "And Summer is just like her."
I walked back toward the chair and sat down heavily, leaning forward slightly as I pressed my fingers against my temple.
Something didn’t feel right.
I couldn’t explain it. But I didn’t like it.
After a few seconds, I reached for the small bell on the table beside me and rang it once.
It didn’t take long before the door opened again, and my Beta stepped in.
He was also the one who handled most of our driving and security movements, someone I trusted completely.
"You called, Alpha?" he asked respectfully.
I nodded.
"Yes," I said.
I stood up again, facing him directly.
"Carian just left with Summer," I said.
He nodded slightly. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"I want you to follow them," I continued.
His expression sharpened immediately. "Follow them?" he repeated.
"Yes," I said firmly. "Keep your distance. Don’t let them see you. But I want eyes on them at all times."
He didn’t question it."Understood," he said.
I stepped closer slightly. freёwebnovel.com
"Do not lose sight of them," I added. "Not even for a second."
"Yes, Alpha," he replied.
"If anything feels off, you come back immediately," I continued.
He nodded again."I won’t miss them," he assured me.
I held his gaze for a moment longer, making sure he understood the seriousness of what I was saying.
Then I nodded."Go," I said.
He turned and left immediately.
The door closed again and silence returned.
I exhaled slowly and sat back down, reaching for the book I had been reading earlier.
But my focus wasn’t there anymore. Not really.
My mind kept drifting.
Back to her.
Back to that look in her eyes.
Back to the way she said nothing could harm her.
I didn’t like it.
Still—
I forced myself to read.
Minutes passed. Then more.
I turned pages, but I couldn’t even remember what I was reading.
Time went by slowly. At some point, I leaned back slightly, staring at the ceiling.
"They’ll be fine," I muttered to myself. "They always are."
But even as I said it—
I didn’t fully believe it.
Hours passed and the room grew darker.
I didn’t notice when evening turned into night.
I was still there, still trying to distract myself with books, when suddenly—
The door burst open.
My head snapped up immediately and my Beta rushed in, breathing hard.
Something was wrong. I could see it in his face instantly.
I stood up quickly. "What is it?" I demanded.
He didn’t answer right away.
That alone made my chest tighten. "What happened?" I barked, my voice sharper now.
He swallowed hard. "It’s..." he started, then hesitated.
My patience snapped. "Say it!" I shouted.
"It’s Carian," he said quickly.
My heart dropped. "What about her?" I asked, stepping closer.
His face looked tense. Worried.
"She’s..." he began again, struggling to get the words out.
My fists clenched."What about her?" I demanded again.
Then he said it."She’s on the verge of death."
