Chapter 32 THIRTY-TWO
"You're what?!" Raven exclaimed, his eyes widening. After taking Brienne to the office, he's now conversing with Carter in the packhouse, and he can't believe what he's just discovered.
"I'm a freaking father, Raven! And she's the most beautiful kid I've ever seen," Carter said, his eyes beaming with happiness.
"Congratulations man! Damn, so you two are back together?" Raven asked. Carter's smile vanished and shook his head.
"No, she said to focus on our daughter and not our relationship. I messed up, Raven," Carter replied. Raven tapped him on his shoulder.
"I will pursue her," Carter said, determined to win Natasha's heart again. "Not just for our daughter, but also for me. I still love her," he added and heaved a sigh.
"I understand you," Raven said, completely sympathizing with his beta. "But I also understand my cousin. I'm rooting for you, man. I hope you win her heart," he added.
Raven's phone suddenly rings. He took it out of his pocket, and his forehead creased when he saw the caller's name displayed on the screen.
"Hello, dad?" he said after pressing the button.
"Raven," Arthur said, his voice carrying authority. "What is this news that I heard from the elders? You've brought a woman into the pack, and she's a human?" he asked, his voice rising. Carter looked at him, and his eyes darkened.
"What about it, dad?" he asked, not backing down.
"Son, we're almost there. Let's talk once we arrive," Cecil said, Raven's mother. Raven clenched his hand into a fist.
"Alright, I'll wait in the packhouse," he answered and ended the call.
"They really did tell Alpha Arthur," Carter said.
"So fcking what? I still won't leave Brienne," Raven answered. Sensing that the mood had totally shifted, Carter tapped Raven's shoulder in return.
"It'll be fine," he said.
Thirty minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the packhouse. The driver, the previous Alpha of the Crescent Stone, Arthur, went out and opened the door for his wife, the previous Luna, Cecil.
"Let's go," Arthur said. He opened the doors and grabbed Cecil's hand.
"Good morning, Alpha Arthur, Luna Cecil," Lily and Maribeth both said. "Alpha Raven is in his office," Lily added.
"Good morning, Lily and Maribeth," Cecil said with a smile on her face.
"That son of mine! He didn't even bother greeting us?!" Arthur angrily said.
"Hon, it's because of your attitude in the call with him. Now, let's go," Cecil said. Arthur pursed his lips and followed his wife. They went upstairs, where Raven's office is, and Cecil knocked.
"Come in," Raven said. Cecil looked at her husband and pushed the door open. Raven is seen sitting in his swivel chair, holding a paper.
"Mom," Raven said and stood up. He walked towards his mother and embraced her. "It's wonderful to see you. How was the trip?" he added.
"Oh, it's fine. Your dad and I enjoyed it very much," Cecil said and embraced her son back. "I brought you gifts. They'll arrive here in two days," she added.
"You didn't have to, mom," Raven said. Arthur cleared his throat. It seemed that he was being deliberately ignored inside the office. Cecil looked at her husband, her eyebrow raised.
"Son, I am also here," Arthur said.
"Oh, I didn't see you there, dad," Raven said, grinning. Arthur made a face and playfully tapped Raven's shoulder.
"You purposely ignored me," Arthur said.
"Nah, I didn't," Raven said.
"Now, my boys. Let's settle down," Cecil said. The three sat on the couch, and Cecil put her hand on Raven's hand.
"Son, is it true?" Cecil asked.
"What?" Raven asked.
"Just tell the truth," Arthur said.
"It is; Brienne's living in here, and she's a human. The human that I want and love," Raven answered.
"Cecil, I believe your son is dreaming," Arthur said, pointing at Raven. "Really, Raven? You're not kidding?" he added seeing the serious expression on his son's face.
"I am, dad. I'm damn serious about her," Raven said. Arthur and Cecil looked at each other and smiled.
"About time! Where is she? When can I meet my daughter-in-law?" Cecil asked, her eyes shining.
"Who's the woman who captured my son's heart?" Arthur asked and crossed his arms.
"Wait...you guys weren't angry?" Raven asked; his face was full of confusion.
"And why would we be?" Cecil said. "We've been eagerly anticipating the meeting with your woman. It's the first time that you did all of this; we're curious," she added.
"But dad..."
"Me? I'm just asking out of excitement. Do you know how much Elder Joaquin pestered me to talk to you? I hung up on him the second time he called me," he said and shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't care if she's a human. My concern is for your feelings, as you are my son. If you are in love with that woman, who am I to interfere? Arthur said.
"If Ravena hears about this, she'll definitely come home," Cecil said and squealed. Raven made a face. Ravena is his eldest sister, three years older than him. She didn't want to inherit the pack, and it naturally falls in Raven's hand. She's everywhere, traveling for her work.
"No, don't tell her," Raven said, almost begging. The last thing Raven wanted Brienne to meet was his sister. Who knows what Ravena will do?
"Okay, I will not," Cecil said. "So where is she?" she added.
"She's working, mom. She'll be here later," he answered. "What did Elder Joaquin say, dad?" he added, looking at his father.
"He talked about the consequences of bringing a human to the pack and that I should speak to you to send away your woman blah blah blah. He's muttering rubbish things, so I hang up," Arthur answered.
"Does Brienne know?" Cecil asked. Raven shook his head.
"Son, you didn't tell her?!" Arthur said, his voice rising. "You should have told her about us!" he added.
"I know! I'm looking for a chance to say it to her. I don't want her to hate me," Raven said.
"Oh, son," Cecil said. "Tell her about our kind. Hiding that secret is never good. She deserves to know what kind of person she was living with," she added.
"I will tell it to her, mom. I promise," Raven said.
"You better be, because if you're not, I will personally do that," Arthur said, glaring at Raven. "You have put her in danger because you chose to hide it," he added. Raven bowed his head. He was ashamed that his father's words were right.
"Let her meet us later, son," Cecil said. "We should head towards our room, Arthur," she added. Arthur nodded and followed his wife, leaving Raven inside the office while he contemplated how to inform Brienne.