66

66
Raven’s P.O.V.

The morning light filtered through my window, illuminating the room in soft golden hues. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind replaying the plan over and over. It was a bold move, one that could make or break everything I had worked so hard for, but it felt like the only option left. With Kane’s silence stretching on and my patience wearing thin, it was time to take matters into my own hands.

A small part of me wondered if I was doing the right thing. I genuinely cared for Carden; I always had. But what I wanted, what I needed, was for him to see me as more than just his dependable partner. I wanted him to see me as the only person who truly understood him, who had been there through everything. I had given him my loyalty, my love, and my trust—and I couldn’t let him slip away now. Not after everything.

I got out of bed and dressed slowly, my mind still wrapped around how I would approach the next few days. If I could make this work, if I could convince Carden that he was going to be a father, it would change everything. He’d have no choice but to commit to me fully, to see me as his future. And Aria? She would become nothing more than a ghost of the past.

The idea of finally securing my place in his life gave me a thrill, one that replaced the doubts lingering in the back of my mind. I would do whatever it took to make sure he stayed by my side, that our bond grew stronger until there was no room left for anyone else.

\---

As I headed out of my cabin, I was met by a few of the pack members going about their morning routines. They greeted me warmly, their respect and trust evident in their smiles. I was well-liked here, trusted. That was something I had built carefully over time, a foundation I could always rely on. And it made me feel secure, knowing that when I finally put my plan in motion, I’d have the support of the pack behind me.

I made my way toward the training grounds, where I knew Carden would be. He always started his day with an early training session, pushing himself and the others to be stronger, faster, ready for whatever lay ahead. That determination was part of what had drawn me to him in the first place, and it was something I respected deeply.

When I reached the training area, I spotted him sparring with one of the younger wolves, his movements fluid and precise. There was a power in every strike, a quiet intensity that reminded me of how devoted he was to protecting the pack. My heart swelled with pride as I watched him, knowing that he was mine—or at least, he would be soon enough.

As the sparring session ended, Carden wiped the sweat from his brow and turned, noticing me standing at the edge of the training field. He gave me a tired but genuine smile, and I felt a rush of satisfaction.

“Raven,” he greeted, walking over to me. “What brings you here so early?”

I smiled back, keeping my voice light. “I thought I’d stop by to see how things were going with the training. It’s always impressive to watch you work.”

He chuckled, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Thanks. It’s been challenging, keeping everyone focused with all the tension around Kane. But they’re a good group.”

I nodded, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. The gesture felt natural, but there was a weight behind it—a message I hoped he would pick up on. “You’re doing an amazing job, Carden. The pack wouldn’t be the same without you.”

For a moment, his gaze softened, and I saw something there, something unguarded. But just as quickly, he seemed to catch himself, stepping back slightly. The distance between us felt like a reminder that he still wasn’t entirely mine, and it stung.

He cleared his throat, glancing away. “I appreciate that, Raven. Really.”

I forced a smile, masking my frustration. “We should spend some time together later,” I said casually. “It’s been a while since we had a chance to just relax.”

He hesitated, glancing down as if weighing his words. “I’d like that, but… things have been intense lately. There’s a lot to focus on, and I’m trying to keep distractions to a minimum.”

Distractions. That was what he saw me as, a distraction from the things that truly mattered to him. The word hit like a punch to the gut, but I kept my expression neutral, nodding as if I understood.

“Of course,” I said softly. “I didn’t mean to push. I know how important the pack is to you.”

He gave me a grateful smile, oblivious to the hurt simmering beneath the surface. “Thanks for understanding, Raven. I promise, when things settle down, we’ll make time.”

I forced a smile, nodding. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As I turned to leave, the bitterness inside me grew. I was tired of waiting for him to prioritize me, tired of being patient and understanding while he kept me at arm’s length. The plan I’d concocted started to feel even more necessary. If he wouldn’t come to me on his own, I would make sure he had no choice.

\---

Over the next few days, I began to put the first stages of my plan into motion. I became more reserved, more introspective, dropping subtle hints about not feeling well, about needing more rest. I caught Carden’s concerned glances whenever he noticed, and while he didn’t say anything directly, I could tell he was starting to pick up on the changes.

One evening, after a long day of training and meetings, I joined Carden for a quiet dinner in the pack house. The room was mostly empty, and the low lighting gave the space a warm, intimate feel. It was the perfect setting for what I had in mind.

I pushed my food around on my plate, my appetite feigned as I let out a soft sigh. Carden noticed immediately, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Raven, are you okay? You haven’t touched your food,” he said, his voice laced with worry.

I glanced up at him, giving a small, weary smile. “I’m fine. Just… tired, I guess. Maybe coming down with something.”

He leaned forward, his expression serious. “You’ve seemed off lately. If you’re not feeling well, you should take some time to rest. The pack will understand.”

I gave a slight nod, appreciating his concern but knowing that it wasn’t enough. I wanted more than his sympathy. I wanted his commitment, his loyalty. And if playing vulnerable was what it took, then that’s what I would do.

“I’ll be okay,” I murmured. “I just need some time to… adjust, I guess.”

He frowned, his gaze searching mine. “Adjust? Adjust to what?”

I hesitated, carefully choosing my words. “It’s hard to explain. Just… I don’t know. I feel different lately, like something’s changing, and I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Carden’s eyes filled with a mix of concern and curiosity, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. I knew he would start to wonder, start to question what I meant, and that was exactly what I wanted. If I could plant the seeds of doubt, let him believe that there was more going on, then he would be the one to bring it up eventually.

“Maybe it’s just the stress,” he said gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on mine. “With everything going on, it’s understandable. You’ve been under a lot of pressure.”

I nodded, allowing myself to lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hand against mine. “Maybe you’re right. It’s just… I’ve never felt this way before.”

He squeezed my hand, his expression softening. “Whatever it is, you’re not alone, Raven. You have me, and you have the pack. We’re here for you.”

His words stirred something inside me—a glimmer of the devotion I had been seeking. It wasn’t as much as I wanted, but it was a start, and I knew that with time, I could turn it into something more. I would make him realize that he couldn’t live without me, that I was the only one who truly understood him.

“Thank you, Carden,” I said softly, my voice filled with gratitude. “That means a lot to me.”

He gave me a gentle smile, but I could see the lingering concern in his eyes. I knew he wouldn’t forget what I had said, that he would keep wondering what was really going on. And as time passed, I would give him more hints, more reasons to believe that something was changing between us.

As the evening wore on, we continued to talk, the conversation flowing naturally. I kept my tone light, but every now and then, I let a hint of vulnerability slip through, making sure he saw the parts of me that I wanted him to see. By the time we finished dinner, I could tell that he was more invested, more attentive than he had been in weeks.

When we said goodnight, he lingered a moment longer, his gaze soft as he looked at me. “Take care of yourself, Raven. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

I smiled, nodding. “I will. Thank you, Carden.”

As he walked away, I felt a surge of satisfaction. The plan was working, slowly but surely. It would take time, but I was willing to wait. I was willing to do whatever it took to secure my place by his side.