Chapter 47 FORTY-SEVEN
Brienne woke up to an empty hotel room, sunlight streaming through the curtains. Turning her head, she noticed a tray of breakfast neatly placed beside her, along with a folded note resting on top. Curious, she picked it up and read Raven’s familiar handwriting.
“Going home real quick, darling. I’ll be back before lunch.”
The gesture was thoughtful, reminding her of how attentive Raven always was. She glanced at the food—a delicious spread of fruit, toast, and eggs—and sighed in relief. For the first time in days, the sight of a meal didn’t make her stomach turn.
Brienne leaned back against the headboard, placing a hand on her abdomen.
"Good morning, little one. What should we do today?" Brienne said with a soft smile. She picked up her phone and checked her calendar, seeing there were no appointments for the day.
Getting up, she wrapped herself in a robe and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool air brushed her face as she looked down at the busy city below. Cars honked, and people moved around, filling the streets with life. She leaned on the railing, enjoying the quiet moment while gently touching her belly.
Meanwhile, Raven sat through a long and tiresome meeting. Beside him, his father Arthur listened intently, while a few warriors and pack elders, including Joaquin, occupied the room. Raven's jaw tightened every time his eyes wandered to the smug elder sitting quietly in the corner.
"That's all," Carter, one of the warriors, said as he wrapped up his report and took his seat. Arthur turned to his son, his tone soft yet firm.
"Raven," he called, drawing Raven’s attention. "Before you head back to Brienne, let's stop by the house. Your mother would love to see you, and we need to talk," he added. Raven nodded his head.
"Alright, Dad," he said without hesitation. As the meeting concluded, Carter approached Raven with a broad grin on his face.
"Bro," Carter greeted warmly.
"Brother," Raven replied, standing to fist-bump him. A genuine smile crossed his face. "How have you been? I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to meet your daughter yet. Things have been... hectic," he added apologetically. Carter shook his head, brushing off the apology.
"It’s fine; I get it," he said. He was there when it happened, so he knew. "I’ve been good—still trying to win Natasha over," he added with a teasing grin. Then his expression shifted to curiosity.
"Alpha Arthur mentioned that you and Brienne patched things up?" he asked. Raven’s face softened at the mention of her name.
"Yeah, we did. And she knows that we are werewolves," he said, recalling the moment when he revealed his wolf form to her. "I have some more news, though," he added, his lips curling into a wide grin.
"What is it?" Carter asked, his interest piqued. Raven leaned in slightly, his excitement clear.
"I’m going to be a father," he said, his voice filled with pride. Carter’s eyes widened in shock before a huge smile broke across his face.
"Man, that’s incredible! Congratulations, brother," he said, tapping Raven on the shoulder. "It’s crazy, isn’t it? We were just a couple of troublemakers running around the pack, and now... fathers," he said, shaking his head in disbelief but with genuine happiness for his friend.
"Time flies, doesn’t it?" Raven said, his tone reflective yet full of joy.
"It sure does," Carter said with a grin. "I better get going, Rave. Your dad’s waiting for you," he added, nodding toward the car parked outside.
Raven nodded back and patted Carter on the shoulder. "Send my regards to Natasha and your little one. Once Brienne comes back to the pack, we should all hang out," he suggested.
"Will do, Alpha," Carter replied before heading off. Raven walked to the car, where Arthur was waiting in the driver’s seat.
As they drove home, the silence between them was comfortable. Soon, they arrived, and both stepped out. Entering the house, they found Cecil sitting on the couch, her hands skillfully working on a crochet project.
"Mom," Raven greeted, walking over to her.
"Son," Cecil replied with a warm smile. "How was the meeting?" she asked, setting her crochet down briefly.
"It was fine," Raven said, sitting beside her. Arthur leaned in and kissed his wife’s forehead before taking a seat himself.
"Ravena called earlier," Cecil said. "She found out about Brienne and said she’s coming home next week," she added, her gaze fixed on Raven. Raven groaned and cursed and ran his hand through his hair.
"Oh, no," he muttered under his breath.
"Raven, she’s your sister! Don’t act like that," Cecil scolded, her voice gentle but firm.
"Exactly, Mom—that’s why I’m worried. She’s my big sister, and I know how she is," Raven said, his tone exasperated. Cecil chuckled softly, waving a dismissive hand.
"It’s not that bad," she teased, though Raven's skeptical expression said otherwise.
Changing the subject, Cecil held up her crochet work, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Look at this! I’m making a onesie for my grandchild. Do you think Brienne will like it?" she asked, her fingers lightly brushing the soft yarn. Raven’s expression softened, his heart swelling at the thoughtfulness of his mother.
"She’ll love it, Mom. She’ll absolutely love it," he said sincerely, reaching out to touch the delicate fabric.
Cecil beamed at the response and went back to her work. Arthur looked on fondly, and for a moment, the house was filled with warmth and the quiet anticipation of a new life soon to join their family.
Back at the Red Moon Pack, Jasper parked his car in front of the packhouse. He stepped out, whistling a cheerful tune as he approached the door.
"You seem to be in a good mood," Derrick said, closing the book he had been reading in the living room. His sharp eyes followed Jasper’s every move.
"Father," Jasper greeted casually, shutting the door behind him. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone light as he strolled into the room.
"Waiting for you," Derrick replied curtly, his gaze unwavering.
"Didn’t Jao tell you? I had some things to handle," Jasper said, plopping down on the couch with a smirk. He crossed his legs and leaned back. "I did take care of your orders, though," he added confidently. Derrick narrowed his eyes.
"So, where exactly have you been?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
"Just visiting a friend," Jasper replied with a nonchalant shrug. Derrick’s expression darkened instantly.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to be out in public like that?" he snapped, his voice rising. "Why would you risk meeting a friend? I didn't give you a fcking medicine and bribe the jailguards to get you out of prison just for you to land yourself back there, you fool!" he added. His glare bore into Jasper like a sharp blade. Jasper waved a hand dismissively, unfazed by his father’s outburst.
"Relax, Father," he said smoothly. "Reagan is a trusted friend. He knows how to keep his mouth shut," he added.
"You’d better make sure of that, Jasper. If your carelessness brings the police here, it won’t just be you facing the consequences," he warned, his voice low and threatening. With a final glare, Derrick straightened and walked out of the room, leaving Jasper behind.
Jasper watched his father leave, smirking . He stretched out on the couch, his mind already racing with plans, unconcerned by Derrick's anger.