Chapter 28 TWENTY-EIGHT
"Are you ready?" Raven asked. Morning arrived in the Crescent Stone Pack, bringing light and warmth as the world stirred awake to begin a new day.
Brienne, who was checking her bag, nodded her head and walked towards Raven. He immediately put his hand on her waist and kissed her cheeks.
"Let's go," she said. They went out of the packhouse, and Raven opened the door for Brienne. Raven drove to the hospital, and when they arrived, he parked the car in the VIP space in the hospital. They got out and headed inside inside. The nurses, doctors, and staff welcomed the two of them.
"You really are known in here," Brienne whispered. Raven chuckled.
"Not really, darling," he replied. They went to Sam's office, and Raven knocked.
"Come in," Sam said. Raven opened the door and pushed it. They immediately saw Sam, with his glasses on, writing on the piece of paper.
"Sam," Raven called to get his attention.
"Oh, Raven...Brienne, it's you guys," he said and put the pen down. Sam cleared his throat and stood up.
"Let's get started. Shall we?" Sam said and turned his head towards Brienne. Brienne nodded her head and looked at Raven.
"Stay here. I'll be fine," Brienne said. Even though Raven didn’t want to, he nodded and smiled at the woman.
"Alright," he said. "Sam, take care of her," he added. Sam raised his thumb and opened the door for Brienne.
"You can stay in this private room for a while. This is where you'll have your ultrasound and other tests," he said.
Sam wheeled the portable ultrasound machine to Brienne’s bedside and began examining her.
"Let’s have a look, Brienne," he said, adjusting the probe on her abdomen. Brienne watched the screen anxiously.
"Is everything okay?" she asked. Sam smiled reassuringly as the heartbeat came into view.
"There it is—strong and steady. Nothing to worry about," he answered. Brienne visibly relaxed, her shoulders easing.
"Thank you, Sam. I needed to hear that," she said. Brienne was actually worried for her unborn child.
"Anytime," Sam replied. "Just rest for now while we wait for the blood and urine test results. I will be back, Brienne," he added. Brienne nodded and watched the young doctor leave the room. She lay down on the bed and closed her eyes while her hands slowly caressed her belly as she hummed a lullaby.
About one and a half later, Sam came back with papers on his hand.
"What is it, Sam?" Brienne asked.
"Hmm, it's clear. Just continue taking what your OB prescribed and don't forget your prenatal checkup," Sam said. Brienne nodded her head and thanked the doctor.
"I will do that," she said.
"Let me take you back to Raven. I know that guy is already missing you," he said, chuckling. Brienne couldn't help but blush at the doctor's statement.
The two walked back to Sam's office and went; he opened it. They saw Raven, sitting on the couch, patiently waiting for them.
"Raven," Brienne called. Raven looked at her and rushed to her side, completely ignoring Sam's presence in the room.
"Darling, are you alright?" he asked and held Brienne's hand. Sam had to clear his throat for the Alpha to notice him.
"Sorry, Sam," Raven said. Brienne elbowed him and glared. "Didn't see you there," he added and pulled Brienne closer to him.
"Brienne's fine, Alpha," Sam said. "I meant Raven, sorry. Brienne's test results are fine. She's alright," he added.
"That's good," Raven said. "Thanks, Sam," he added.
"Alright, just visit the hospital if you feel any pain or discomfort," Sam said, which Brienne understood.
"Thank you, Sam," Brienne sincerely said. The two went out of the hospital and got inside the car.
"Where are we going?" Brienne asked as she put her seatbelt on.
"Back home, darling. Carter's been calling me nonstop. It seemed important. I have to go to his house to talk to him after I take you home," he said.
"Oh, okay," Brienne said. "Send my regards to Carter," she added.
"I'm sorry, darling. I'll make it up to you," Raven said.
"It's alright. You have done everything for me; I'm really thankful," she said and smiled. Raven grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it.
"I'll make it up to you," he whispered. Raven parked the car and opened Brienne's door. He kissed her in the forehead.
"I'll be back," he said. Brienne nodded. "Go inside, darling, and rest," he added, opening the door of the packhouse. She went inside, and as the door closed, she saw Raven's serious face.
Raven entered Carter's home and saw his beta sitting on the couch, talking to someone on the phone.
"Yes, Elder, I understand," he said and dropped the phone on the couch.
"What do the Elders want?" Raven asked and crossed his arms.
"They want to talk to you...today," Carter said. "It's about Brienne. They found out about what happened," he added.
"Are they only going to talk now? I've been introducing Brienne as my woman, and now they want to intervene?" Raven asked, his voice rising.
"You know them Elders, Rave. They'll do everything to keep humans out of the pack, and Brienne is no exception for them," Carter said.
"Ha! That's a ridiculous rule they have set themselves. I won't allow it," Raven said, determined to face the Elders.
"Let's go to the Elders council room. They are waiting," Carter said. They drove to the building where the elders were. Raven and Carter entered.
"Raven." Raven looked at the head Elder, his face void of emotion aside from annoyance.
"Head Elder Joaquin," he said.
"We've heard about the woman human you brought," Joaquin said.
"Brienne. She has a name, and it's Brienne, Elder Joaquin," Raven said. He won't allow the Elders to talk to Brienne like they want.
"Does Arthur know about this?" Joaquin asked. Arthur was the previous Alpha of Crescent Stone Pack and Raven's father.
"What does my father have to do with this? I'm perfectly capable of having decisions of my own, and Crescent Stone is under my leadership. I am the current Alpha of this pack," Raven said with full authority, which even made Carter gulp.
"And we know that, but Raven, you brought a human to the pack and even claimed that she'll be your mate. That's ridiculous!" Joaquin exclaimed, seconded by the Elders inside the council room.
"And what's wrong with that?! I love her!" Raven spat back.
"You aren't thinking! She's a human! What will you do when she finds out and betrays you and our kind? You are the Alpha; you should know better and what's best for the pack," Joaquin angrily said.
"Brienne is not like that," Raven said, calming himself as his beast wanted to take over him. "And I will assure you, I know what's best for the pack. I've been doing that for three years, and I will continue doing it with Brienne by my side. Have a good day, Elders," he added and walked out of the council room. Carter followed him, and when they got out, Raven slammed his fist on Carter's car.
"I will charge that in your name," Carter said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, go ahead," Raven said and went inside the car. "Let's leave. My mood's fcking sour. I want to see Brienne," he added. Carter nodded his head and followed his Alpha. Raven crossed his arms. The Elders have been criticizing him since he took over the Alpha position, and he didn't bother caring, but Brienne is a different story. He'll do anything for her.