Chapter 98

Chapter 98
Caleb’s POV

The anniversary party lights up the entire pack grounds, fairy lights strung across the courtyard, lanterns swaying gently with the breeze, music humming warm and low as pack members mingle. Wolves laugh, glasses clink, and for the first time in a long time, everything feels alive.

But nothing in this place is more beautiful than the woman walking beside me.

Raven’s hand is wrapped in mine as we step into the venue. She’s wearing the soft green dress we chose together, her hair flowing freely down her back. She looks ethereal… like someone carved from light and moonfire. And everyone sees it.

Heads turn, conversations pause, people whisper her name, in awe.

Good, let them stare, let them all see who stands next to me.

I tighten my arm around her waist and lower my voice. “Ready to be shown off, my love?”

She blushes immediately, swatting my chest lightly. “Caleb!”

“What?” I grin. “This party has food, music, and the perfect woman in my arms. I’m allowed to be happy.”

She melts into a reluctant smile. “Fine. Maybe I want to show you off too.” That does something to me, something dangerous.

We move toward our table, one of the big round ones near the front. I pull out Raven’s chair like a gentleman and sit right beside her, refusing to leave even a sliver of space. My hand finds her knee under the table, and she places her hand over mine, squeezing gently.

Before long, pack members start approaching, introducing themselves, welcoming her, congratulating us.

Then a warm older couple steps forward graying hair, gentle smiles, clothes that show they’re visitors but still part of our family.

“Beta Caleb,” the man greets with a respectful nod. “It’s been too long.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Jones,” I greet, rising to hug them. “I didn’t know you’d be making the trip.”

“We wouldn’t miss an anniversary celebration,” Mr. Jones says with a smile.

His wife practically beams at Raven. “And I think we arrived just in time to meet your lovely partner.”

Raven stands, offering her hand politely. “It’s so nice to meet you both.”

But Helen Jones doesn’t take her hand at first. She just… stares. Her eyes soften, then glisten, then tremble slightly.

“Oh,” she breathes. “My goodness… you’re… beautiful.”

Raven blinks, shy. “Thank you.”

“You remind me so much of...” Helen’s voice cracks suddenly.

Mr. Jones gently places a hand on her shoulder. “Helen…”

But she shakes her head, brushing a tear with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect...”

Raven looks startled, worried she’s done something wrong. I squeeze her waist before stepping closer to the couple.

“They resemble each other, don’t they?” I tease lightly, trying to brighten the mood. “Especially the eyes. I thought the same thing when I first saw Raven tonight.”

Mrs. Jones inhales sharply, too sharply and

Her lips tremble, her eyes gloss over instantly.

Mr. Jones lowers his gaze, jaw tightening.

And that’s when memory hits me like a punch.

Their daughter, the one they lost more than twenty years ago... Lost when I was a child. A child who vanished one night without a trace, leaving the Jones family shattered and half-hollow ever since.

Oh goddess, I exhale slowly, guilt washing over me. “I’m… sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

Helen gives a tiny, brittle smile. “No, no… it’s alright. It’s just…” She looks at Raven again, her voice breaking softly. “For a moment, I saw her - our Macy, Just for a moment in her eyes.” She explains.

Raven’s eyes widen, then soften with empathy.

"What happened to her?" Raven asks, her voice shaky as well.

"We lost her my darling..." Helen answers softly.

Raven steps forward gently. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Helen’s breath hitches, and she pulls Raven into a sudden, emotional hug. Raven freezes for half a second, surprised, then wraps her arms around the trembling woman.

Mr. Jones wipes a quiet tear away before anyone can see.

I swallow hard, Raven pulls away slowly, offering the older woman a small, warm smile.

“You must miss her very much,” Raven whispers.

Every line on Helen’s face seems to age and heal all at once. “Every day,” she says. “But… seeing you tonight… feels strangely comforting, thank you.”

They excuse themselves soon after, not wanting to break down in the middle of the party. We watch them walk away, Mr. Jones guiding his wife with protective hands, the way a man carries heartbreak that has lived in his bones too long.

Raven sits back down, eyes lingering on them. “Caleb… they look so sad.”

“They are,” I admit. “Losing a child… that kind of pain never truly leaves.”

She nods slowly, touching her own chest. “I can feel it… like it sits in the air around them.”

I slide my hand into hers under the table. “You were wonderful with them.”

Raven leans her head on my shoulder. “I just spoke from the heart.”

“That’s why I love you,” I whisper, kissing her hairline.

The party swells around us, music, laughter, dancing but for a moment, it’s just the two of us.

And despite the shadows that always seem to follow our story…

Tonight feels bright.