Chapter 23 TWENTY-THREE
Brienne woke up to the sound of chirping birds outside her room. She stretched her arms and looked beside her. She immediately saw Raven sleeping soundly. Fortunately, it's Saturday, and she doesn't have work today. Brienne carefully removed Raven's hand from her stomach.
Brienne looked at the small bump on her stomach and smiled. She caressed it but immediately stopped when she felt Raven move.
"Where are you going, darling?" he asked, placing his hand on her waist.
"To the bathroom, I wanted to pee," Brienne shyly said.
"Hmm," Raven said. "Okay, come back faster, please. It's Saturday; let's stay for an hour, then we'll tour the town," he added, eyes half-close.
"Alright, sleepyhead," Brienne said and walked towards the bathroom. She first expressed gratitude to God for the absence of her morning sickness today, as she was unsure of what to say to Raven if he asked.
After finishing her business in the bathroom, Brienne exited the bathroom and settled into the bed. Raven immediately pulled her closer to him, inhaling her heavenly scent.
"What do you want to eat?" Raven asked and kissed her shoulder blade.
"Pancakes, bacon, and hot chocolate milk, please," she said, and she felt her stomach grumble. Raven chuckled and kissed Brienne's cheek before standing up.
"Alright, darling. I will have it made," he answered. "Stay here; I'll bring it to you," he added, wearing his shirt. Raven went out of the room, leaving Brienne alone.
"Isn't he sweet?" Brienne whispered while caressing her tummy. "That's your dad right there," she added.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell it to him yet, my love, but I will, I promise," Brienne said. The door burst open, and Raven entered with a tray filled with food in his hand. His smile was so contagious that Brienne couldn't help but smile too.
"You didn't have to do all of this," Brienne said as he put the tray on the bed.
"But I want to. I want to do this," Raven said. "Eat, darling, and we'll go after," he added. The smell and sight of the food in front of Brienne made her mouth water, prompting her to quickly devour the pancake.
"Slowly, darling. Just tell me if you need more," he said. Brienne's forehead creased.
"What about yours?" she asked. "Come and join me," she added.
"I'm okay with eating later," Raven said, but Brienne took the bacon and fed it to Raven.
"Eat," she said. Raven's smile widened, and he gladly ate what Brienne gave. The two enjoyed their little breakfast session.
Raven looked at his watch while waiting for Brienne. He glanced upstairs when his ears picked up the sound of Brienne's sandals made as she walked down the stairs.
"Are you ready?" he asked. Brienne nodded her head and Raven intertwined their fingers. They went out, and Raven opened the umbrella for Brienne. The town is cool because of the trees surrounding it. There were small cafés, a town library, and everything a town needed.
"Good morning, Alpha," a passerby greeted, and Raven just smiled.
"Alpha? Is that your nickname here?" Brienne asked. Raven looked at her and nodded his head.
"Yes, sort of," Raven said, scratching the back of his head.
"I like the town. It's peaceful," Brienne said.
"I'm glad you like it," he whispered.
"Are there wolves... I mean, have you actually seen any in the forest?" Brienne asked, her voice wavering with unease. New to town, she had heard from Raven that the forest was part of a wildlife reserve and home to wolves. When Raven stayed silent, her curiosity turned to quiet apprehension.
"I have," Raven replied. "But the area is well protected, so there’s no need to worry about them attacking, and they don't wander too close to town," he added, smiling reassuringly at Brienne.
"Okay," Brienne replied. During the hour they spent touring the town, Brienne noticed that Raven was well-known there, but she didn't think much of it—she knew he was wealthy and practically lived in a mansion, and the town was small.
"Are you tired, darling?" Raven asked.
"Just a little," Brienne said.
"Let's get inside the café to cool down," he insisted. They entered the café, and the staff promptly provided assistance to both of them.
"Alpha..."
"We would like to order your bestseller for today," Raven said, cutting off the staff. Although he had fully ordered the pack through his beta about Brienne's arrival, he cannot suddenly change what his members are accustomed to.
"Of course, sir. We will serve you our shop's bestseller," she said, smiled, and walked away.
"Darling, where do you want to go next?" he asked. "There's actually a lake near here; do you want to go there?" he added.
"Really? I would love to!" Brienne replied, excited about it. Hearing about the lake made Brienne reminisce about her memories with her late father. When she was young, her father wanted to bring them to the lake, but it didn't happen because her sister got in an accident and they had to cancel. After that, her father never discussed the lake again.
"Okay, alright. We'll go home first and go to the lake," he said.
After they served the food, Brienne ate happily, and Raven enjoyed watching her. His pack members inside the shop couldn't help but be surprised that their Alpha was capable of showing emotions. Raven was not a tyrant, but rather, he's a serious individual, and they understand because Raven only wanted what's best for the pack. And seeing him laugh with a woman he brought eases them.
"How was the food, ma'am?" the staff asked. Brienne smiled at her and spoke.
"It's good! I wanted to bring some home, but we still have to go to the lake."
"Oh, the lake. Good choice! Our lake's beautiful, and you will definitely enjoy it. As for the food, we can deliver it to the packhouse—I mean, sir Raven's house, and it's on the house," the staff said.
"What? Really?" Brienne asked, surprised.
"Yes, ma'am. It's our way of saying thanks that you chose our small town to live," she said. Brienne gazed at Raven, questioning if it was indeed acceptable to accept the food.
"It's alright. You can take it. They really like you," Raven said.
"Thank you so much," Brienne whispered.
"No, ma'am, thank you," the staff said. Raven paid for the food, and they both left the shop.
"The people here are kind," Brienne said.
"They should be," Raven whispered, because if they ever hurt Brienne, they would face his wrath.
"What? I didn't catch that one," Brienne said, glancing at him.
"Nothing, darling. Let's go to the lake!" Raven exclaimed as he placed his arm over Brienne's shoulder.