Taming the Beast novel Chapter 53

(Caroline's POV)

I stared after him shocked. I knew he was mad at Natasha, but I didn't think he would go that far. My new wolf senses picked up on everything and I was loving it, except Keegan was mad, and pushing me away because of it. I sighed and shook my head at the closed door that he slammed a few minutes ago before I went and sat on the couch. Gregg nudged my shoulder.

"It's great to have you back, Care," Gregg said, breaking the silence.

"What was it like?" Aiden asked curiously, jumping at the opportunity to ask. Lena sat next to me as my body went stiff as I remembered the pain coursing through my body and how bad it really was. I was looking off at a place beyond them as I remembered every gory and pain-induced detail.

"It was horrible," I whispered more to myself than them. "There was so much pain and I had to get in a lake," I said softly, suddenly looking at my hands like there was nothing more important.

"The lake? Oh, because of the accident?" Aiden asked. I almost forgot that he didn't know about my fear of water and bridges. I nodded as my eyes glassed over with unshed tears.

"During the change I-I... I almost didn't..." I trailed off as a tear finally slid down my cheek.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Lena cut in quickly, giving Aiden a pointed look. I shook my head.

"No, it's okay," I tried to assure her as I swiped under my eyes. "I'm glad I did it. I'd go through it all again if it meant keeping you guys around," I said, smiling softly at every single one of them. Aiden wrapped me in a hug and I let my head rest against his shoulder. It felt... brotherly. With him holding me, I knew that he would protect me no matter what.

Thank you, Aiden... for everything, especially for sticking around with our crazy pack, I tried mind-linking him. A soft smile spread onto his face and I knew he got it. It dawned on me that that was the first time I'd called it my pack. I smiled also as I just relaxed and took in everyone around me. I didn't ever want to lose any of them.

You're welcome, Care. You know I'd do anything for you right? He mind-linked back. My smile widened.

I know, that's why I'm thanking you dumbass, I joked. He laughed out loud and everyone looked at him confused before they shook it off and stared at me again like I might disappear or break down at any second. I tried mind-linking Lena next.

Keegan proposed to me... and I said yes, I said as I looked at her. A glint of happiness filled her eyes as she smiled and started squealing and bouncing up and down like Preston would've if he got excited.

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe he actually did it! I'm going to have grandbabies soon. Beautiful, beautiful grandbabies," she grinned. I laughed and shook my head at her in amusement. The guys looked at me in shock.

"Caroline... are you pregnant?" Trevor asked as he looked at my stomach. I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

"No! Keegan just proposed to me while we were at the lake house," I explained. All of the guys' eyes widened.

"Just?" Asher picked out.

"What did you say?" Aiden asked curiously. I smiled and shot him a wink.

"What do you think?" I hinted. He smiled and squeezed me tighter to him.

"I am so happy for you both!" he said. I laughed and tried to pry his arms off of me. This had been one day that was quiet the emotional rollercoaster.

~

The next day was Monday. I actually talked to people before lunchtime. I think it was the fact that I was floating on Cloud 9 at the moment from being a werewolf and a fiancé. Lunch was calm and I was just happy. I didn't see Keegan till lunch which was fine. I figured it was best to give him his space and let him cool off. I caught glares from Natasha whenever she would see me but I didn't care. I was the happiest girl in the world at the moment. I was happy to have Aiden by my side everywhere. I was happy that all of my senses were 1000 times better. I was happy that I would marry Keegan. I was happy that he was my family now.