Chapter 108

Chapter 108
Raven’s POV

After dinner, I try to clear the table, but everyone immediately disagrees.

“Absolutely not,” Mum says, gently taking the plate from my hands. “You are a guest.”

“A guest?” I laugh. “But this is my family.”

“And that is exactly why you shouldn't be working on your first night home,” Hans says, earning a laugh from everyone.

Before I can argue, Raymond suddenly grabs my hand.

“We need to show you something.”

“What?” I ask, looking between him and Hans.

“You'll see.” Hans and Caleb follow us as Raymond leads me toward another building a short distance from the main house.

When we reach the door, Raymond stops.

“Close your eyes.” I stare at him suspiciously. “Why?”

“Trust me, little sis.” I smile and slowly close my eyes.

I feel Raymond take one of my hands, while Caleb gently takes the other. The moment our hands touch, warmth rushes through me. His familiar scent surrounds me, and my heart immediately skips, I smile. Having Caleb beside me somehow makes everything feel complete. Then that familiar pull between us grows stronger.

'Stop, baby,' Caleb says through the link, amusement lacing his voice. 'Focus.'

'I'm trying.' I say.

'You're not trying very hard.' I bite back a laugh.

That's the problem with the mate bond. Sometimes our emotions become so intertwined that hiding anything from each other is almost impossible.

“Walk slowly,” Raymond instructs.

I take a few careful steps, trusting him completely.

Then I hear a door opening.

“You can open your eyes now.”

I slowly open them.

My mouth falls open.

“Wow!” In front of me is a beautiful mini movie theatre. There are rows of comfortable seats, a huge screen covering almost an entire wall, soft lighting and even a little snack station at the side.

I stare at everything in disbelief.

“I've never been in a place like this before.”

“You have your own private cinema now,” Hans says proudly.

“Your own?” I repeat.

Raymond grins. “Well, technically it's ours. But you're family, so you have unlimited access.”

I turn around and look at them.

“You did all this?”

Hans shrugs. “We wanted to give you something special.”

My chest tightens.

For most of my life, I've wondered what it would feel like to have a family. Now I finally understand. It's not just about sharing blood. It's about people wanting to see you smile.

“Thank you,” I whisper. Raymond pulls me into a hug.

“Get used to it, little sis.” I laugh against his chest.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” he asks. I nod enthusiastically.

“Yes!” Raymond picks a movie, and we settle into our seats. For the next three hours, I forget everything else. I laugh at the funny parts, scream when something unexpected happens, and occasionally bury my face in Caleb's shoulder when the movie gets frightening. At one point, I look around at all of them. Hans, Raymond, Caleb ; my family. My heart feels so full that it almost hurts. I've never had a day like this. Not one filled with so much laughter, warmth and love. When the movie finally ends, everyone walks us back toward my room.

“Goodnight, Raven,” Hans says.

“Goodnight.”

Raymond points at Caleb.

“Remember, brother-in-law. Behave yourself.” Caleb raises an eyebrow.

“I always behave.” Everyone laughs, I shake my head.

“Goodnight, everyone.” They leave, and the moment the door closes, Caleb turns toward me.

“Finally.” Before I can react, he pulls me into his arms.

“I missed you all day.” I smile against his chest.

“I missed you too.”

“You looked so radiant today,” he whispers. “I've never seen you smile that much.”

I look up at him. “That's because I've never had a family like this.” His expression softens.

“You deserve every bit of it.” He leans down and kisses me softly. I wrap my arms around his neck, letting myself relax completely in his embrace.

“I love you, Raven,” he whispers, and my heart races. Each time he manages to make my heart flutter. I fall for him each and every day.

“I love you too.” He kisses me again, and for a moment, the rest of the world disappears. There is only him. The man who has stood beside me through everything. I feel myself getting lost in the moment when suddenly—

“Shit! Guys, sorry!” We jump apart. I stare toward the doorway. Raymond stands there, looking just as shocked as we are. My face burns with embarrassment. How long has he been standing there?

“Sorry!” he repeats, quickly looking away.

I pull the blanket around myself while Caleb lets out a frustrated sigh.

'It's okay, babe,'I tell him through the link, trying not to laugh. Raymond clears his throat.

“I actually came for my brother-in-law.” Caleb looks at him in confusion.

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” Raymond points toward the hallway.

“I prepared another room for you.” Caleb blinks.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

Raymond folds his arms, clearly pleased with himself.

“Did you really think you'd be sleeping with my sister under our roof?”

I cover my mouth to hide my laughter.

Caleb looks at me, then at Raymond, then back at me. I burst out laughing, Raymond grins.

“Not under my watch, brother-in-law.” He grabs Caleb by the arm and starts pulling him toward the door.

“Come on.” . Raymond says.

“Raymond... ” Caleb pleads

“Goodnight, little sis.”

He pulls Caleb away before he can even finish his sentence and the door closes behind them. I stare at it for a few seconds, then I burst into laughter I can't help it. My heart is filled with so many emotions at once, embarrassment and just a tiny bit of frustration.

I fall backward onto the bed, laughing into my pillow. So this is what having older brothers feels like. They tease you, embarrass you and protect you. And apparently, they make sure your mate doesn't get too comfortable, I smile to myself.

For the first time in my life, I have people who care enough to annoy me. And strangely enough... I love it. I close my eyes, still smiling. Today wasn't just a beautiful day. It was the beginning of something I'd spent my entire life wishing for.

A family, a home and a place where I finally belong.