Caroline's POV
The country air felt refreshing as we drove back to my parents' farm, the car filled with packages from our shopping trip. I was still processing the encounter with Marcus, but somehow seeing him had lifted a weight I didn't know I was still carrying.
"You're smiling," Elle noted as we pulled into the driveway.
"Just glad to be back," I said, helping a sleepy Liam out of the car.
The moment we stepped through the front door, my senses went on high alert. That unmistakable scent of cedarwood and musk filled the air, sending my heart racing and Rory into an excited frenzy.
"He's here!" Rory howled inside me. "Our mate is here!"
I struggled to keep my composure. "He's not officially our mate, Rory."
"Tell that to your racing heart," she teased.
Liam suddenly perked up,
