Chapter 107

Chapter 107
Raven's POV

I smile after pouring my heart out to my parents. I feel so much lighter now, as though a weight I've carried my entire life has finally been lifted from my shoulders.

I want to know everything about my family.

I want to know where I came from, what my childhood would have been like, and all the little things I missed while growing up without them.

"Do I have any siblings, Mum?" I ask.

The word Mum still feels strange on my tongue. But I know I'll get used to it. Maybe one day, saying it will feel as natural as breathing.

"Yes, my darling." Mum smiles warmly. "You have two brothers. Hans and Raymond."

My eyes widen.

"Wow! I can't wait to meet them." I grin. "Am I older than them?"

Dad chuckles softly.

"No, my darling. Your brothers were adopted before you were born."

"Oh." I nod, my excitement growing even more. "I can't wait to meet them. Where are they?"

"They're abroad," Mum explains. "But as we speak, they're on their way home. They want to meet you."

My heart skips.

"They're coming home for me?"

"Of course, baby."

I don't know what to say. There is something so beautiful about knowing that two people I've never met are already eager to know me simply because I'm their sister.

Mum reaches for Dad's hand.

"Let's leave you to rest, darling. Make yourself comfortable. You're home now, my baby." She smiles before leading Dad toward the door.

They leave, closing the door gently behind them.

I stare at the door for several seconds.

I'm home.

The thought still feels like a dream.

I look around my room, taking in every little detail. The beautiful furniture. The soft curtains. The photographs on the walls. Everything feels warm and peaceful.

Yet something feels different about my body. I can't quite explain it. Maybe it's just everything that's happened today. I'll think about it later.

For now, I need rest.

I lie back on my bed, breathing in the beautiful, calming scent that surrounds me. My eyelids grow heavier with every passing second.

Before I know it, sleep carries me away.

\---

A soft kiss lands on my forehead, my eyes flutter open. For a moment, I'm confused. Then I see him.

"Caleb?"

He's sitting beside me, smiling.

My heart immediately fills with happiness.

"Babe?!" I sit up, both surprised and excited. "I didn't know you were coming today."

He helps me sit upright before brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

"I couldn't spend any more time without you," he says softly. "So I finished my work and rushed here." His eyes soften.

"I missed you." I smile.

"I missed you too." I lean forward and kiss his lips softly.

At first, it's gentle and sweet. Then the kiss slowly deepens, and for a moment, the rest of the world disappears.

Until... "Ahem." We freeze, a throat clearing brings us both crashing back to reality.

"Sorry for interrupting, guys." We pull apart and turn toward the voice.

A man stands at the doorway, and damn, he is huge.

He's the tallest and most built man I've ever seen. His presence alone commands attention. His hair is tied back, revealing a strong jaw and sharp features. Tattoos cover his muscular arms, disappearing beneath the sleeves of his shirt.

Then he flashes a wide smile, revealing brilliant white teeth.

"Shit, where are my manners?" he says with a chuckle. "I'm Raymond, and I presume you are Raven and..." His eyes shift toward Caleb.

"Caleb," Caleb supplies, his arm immediately wrapping around my waist. "Raven's mate."

His tone carries just enough possessiveness to make me smile. Raymond raises an eyebrow before grinning.

"Ah. The mate." I can't help but laugh.

Then it hits me.

Raymond.

My brother.

I don't even think.

I jump out of bed and rush toward him.

"Brother!"

I throw my arms around him.

"My brother," I whisper, overwhelmed by the emotion flooding through me.

Raymond's arms tighten around me.

"Little sister."

His voice cracks slightly.

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

I can't believe it.

This man is my brother, My family.

I've spent my entire life wondering if anyone out there would ever call me theirs.

And now I have a brother holding me like I've always belonged here.

I pull back slightly, looking up at him through tear-filled eyes.

"I'm so happy to meet you."

"Me too, little sis."

"Wait a minute!"

Another voice comes from the hallway.

"Why are you two getting this party started without me?"

I turn toward the doorway.

It must be Hans.

Raymond laughs and steps aside, giving him room.

Hans walks toward me with a huge grin before pulling me into his arms.

"Little sister!"

I laugh as he lifts me completely off the ground.

"You are way too skinny, siz!" he declares.

I burst out laughing.

"But don't worry. Big brother Hans is going to feed you properly."

He lowers me back onto my feet.

"You're going to regret saying that," I tease.

"Never." I wipe away the happy tears escaping my eyes.

I had imagined meeting my brothers so many different ways. Awkward introductions, silence, maybe even uncertainty. But this? This feels natural, Like something that should have happened years ago. I'm so glad.

I turn toward Caleb.

He's standing a few feet away, watching us.

His eyes look watery.

He's happy for me.

I know he is.

"Let's head downstairs, siz," Raymond says.

They each take one of my hands and begin escorting me out of the room.

Caleb follows behind us.

I'm happy for you, baby.

His voice echoes softly inside my head.

I smile.

Me too, babe.

\---

They lead me downstairs and out into the garden.

The moment I step outside, I stop in my tracks.

The entire garden has been transformed.

A long table sits beneath the evening sky, covered with more food than I think I've ever seen in one place.

There are different kinds of meat, vegetables, fruits, bread, desserts and countless other dishes.

My mouth waters.

I turn toward my brothers.

"Did you guys do all this?"

Raymond grins.

"Do you like it?"

"Like it?"

I stare at the table in disbelief.

"This is amazing!"

My eyes immediately land on the mountains of meat.

"How did you know I love meat?"

I practically jump with excitement.

Hans laughs.

"We did our research."

"We had to know about you, my darling," Mum says from behind me.

I turn and see my parents smiling.

My heart warms, they really wanted to know me.

They had taken the time to learn about my likes, my dislikes and the little things that make me happy.

Raymond pulls out a chair.

"Come on, siz. Sit." I sit beside him.

Mum takes the seat on my other side, while Dad sits beside her. Hans settles beside Raymond. Caleb takes the seat at the far end of the table. For a moment, I simply look around.

My family, All of them, my mother, my father, My brothers and my mate. The people I've spent years believing I would never have. Despite the happiness, a wave of fear washes over me. These are the people I'd give my life for. All I wish is for their safety, nothing more.

The sun slowly begins to set, painting the sky with beautiful shades of gold and orange. Everything feels perfect. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement, Adrian, he's standing a little distance away, watching us. A small smile plays on his lips, our eyes meet, for a brief second, neither of us looks away. Then he quickly turns his gaze elsewhere. I frown slightly, something about that moment feels strange. I don't know why.

But before I can think about it, Hans places a huge piece of meat onto my plate.

"Eat, siz." I laugh.

"You're serious about feeding me, aren't you?"

"Very serious."

Everyone bursts into laughter.

And as I look around the table, surrounded by people who are finally mine, I realize something. Maybe this is what happiness feels like. Maybe this is what it means to finally come home.