Chapter 42 FORTY-TWO
Raven and Brienne sat close together on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder as his arms wrapped protectively around her. Hours had passed since Raven’s transformation, and the room was filled with a peaceful silence as they simply took comfort in each other’s presence.
"Are you hungry, darling? Have you seen the doctor?" Raven asked softly, his voice filled with concern. Brienne shook her head gently.
"I’m not hungry. And yes, I went to the doctor. Our child is fine," she said, a small, reassuring smile on her lips.
Hearing her say "our child" made Raven’s chest swell with joy. His heart felt lighter, despite everything they had been through.
"They all miss you back at the pack," he said quietly, taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers.
"What’s a pack?" Brienne asked, her voice curious as she tried to understand the world Raven came from.
"A pack is like a family," Raven explained gently. "It’s a group of werewolves who live and work together as a close-knit community, bound by loyalty and shared purpose," he added.
"So, it’s all werewolves?" Brienne whispered, her brows furrowing in thought.
"Yes, darling," Raven said with a soft smile. "But there are a few humans too—trusted friends who know about us and accept our existence," he added. She nodded slowly, processing his words before asking another question.
"Is being called Alpha part of werewolf culture too?" She had done some research but wanted to hear it directly from him.
"Yes," Raven said, his tone warm but proud. "The Alpha is the leader of the pack, responsible for guiding and protecting everyone. I’m the current Alpha of the Crescent Stone Pack. I inherited the role after my sister declined the title when it was offered to her," he added. Brienne studied him closely, sensing the weight behind his words.
"It sounds like a big responsibility," she said softly.
"It is," Raven admitted, his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes. "But it’s also an honor. Protecting my pack—and now you and our child—is my purpose." His hand reached for hers, and Brienne smiled, feeling his love and determination in his touch.
"What about the wolf I saw last time? The one you...killed?" Brienne hesitated, her voice barely audible above a whisper. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she avoided Raven’s gaze. Raven froze for a moment.
"I had to do it, Brienne," he said quietly, his voice heavy with emotion. "It was the only way to protect you… and the pack," he said.
"The wolf you saw was a rogue—one without a pack. Rogues are dangerous. They live outside our laws and have no sense of loyalty or restraint. They destroy and kill anyone who crosses their path, whether they’re innocent or not," he added. Brienne’s eyes flicked up to meet his, a mixture of fear and understanding in her gaze.
"So, they’re like… outlaws?" she asked softly.
"Exactly," Raven confirmed. "They don’t care about rules or lives—they’re ruled by chaos and greed. I couldn’t let him hurt anyone, especially not you or our pack," he added. Brienne nodded slowly, still processing the information she got.
"I u-understand," she said, her voice soft but shaking. Raven reached for her hand, holding it gently.
"I never want you to face that kind of danger again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he said.
Raven’s phone vibrated suddenly, pulling him from the quiet moment. Glancing at the screen, he smiled.
"It’s Mom," he said, holding up the phone. "She’s asking about you—wondering if we’ve made up yet," he added with a soft chuckle. Brienne’s face lit up at the mention of Raven’s mother.
"I miss her," she admitted, her voice filled with warmth. She had always enjoyed the older woman’s company, finding her kind and easy to talk to.
"And she misses you too," Raven replied, his tone affectionate. "She’s been asking about us every single day, wanting updates," he added. Brienne smiled, her heart warming at the thought.
"I want to see her," she said earnestly. "And… I need to apologize to Lily. I know I hurt her feelings when I left," she added, her voice growing softer as she recalled the pain on Lily’s face when she had distanced herself. Raven reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
"They’ll both be happy to see you again. You mean a lot to them," he said reassuringly.
"I don’t know what to say," Brienne admitted, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty. "Honestly, everything today has been a lot to take in. I’m not sure how I’ll react when I see them again," she added. Raven reached for her hand and squeezed it tight.
"Don’t push yourself, darling," he said gently. "If it’s too much, I’ll talk to them myself." He smiled at her, his eyes full of understanding.
"I’m sorry," Brienne murmured, looking down.
"You don’t need to apologize, darling," Raven replied, his tone steady but kind. "I understand," he added.
It meant everything to him that Brienne had forgiven him for keeping such a massive secret about his true nature. He also knew it wasn’t easy for her to consider returning to a pack full of werewolves, a world so vastly different from her own. He wouldn’t rush her, not after everything they’d been through.
"Janice and Sherry should be back from work soon," Brienne said, glancing at the clock.
"Should we order something for everyone?" Raven asked, his voice thoughtful.
"That sounds good. Let’s do it," Brienne agreed, and they began browsing through menu options together.
About half an hour later, Janice walked in, followed by Sherry ten minutes later.
"Have you two made up?" Janice asked, crossing her arms and raising a skeptical eyebrow.
"Y-Yes," Brienne replied, her voice hesitant. Janice’s face lit up, and she squealed in delight, rushing to hug her friend tightly.
"I’m so happy for you!" she exclaimed before stepping back. Her gaze dropped meaningfully to Brienne’s stomach. "Does he know about your...?" she asked, trailing off but clearly indicating her question.
"Yes, I told him," Brienne said, her voice steady this time. Janice smiled approvingly.
"Good," she said before turning to Raven.
"Thank you for everything you’ve done for Brienne," Raven said sincerely, placing a protective hand on Brienne’s waist. Janice waved him off with a warm smile. "She’s my friend—it’s nothing. I’d do it all again," she added.
The doorbell rang, and Sherry quickly answered it, returning with several bags of food. She set them down on the table and looked at the spread in surprise.
"What’s the occasion? This is way too much food!" Sherry exclaimed, her tone playful, making everyone laugh.
"I ordered it for all of us," Raven explained with a smile. "I hope that’s okay," he added, scratching the back of his head. Sherry’s eyes lit up as she grinned.
"Okay? I’m more than okay with this. Thank you so much! Can we eat now? I'm starving!" she exclaimed. Raven chuckled.
"Go ahead. I got a seafood mix and, as Brienne requested, lobster. I hope you like it," he said.
"You’re the best, Bree!" Sherry exclaimed, beaming at her friend.
"Girl?!" Janice spoke, giving Sherry a look of disbelief.
"What?" Sherry replied innocently, then grinned. "Come on, let’s eat. I still have my part-time job tomorrow, and I'm starving!" she added. Janice shook her head, sighing in exasperation before pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"Thanks for this, Raven, Bree," she said softly, her tone genuinely grateful.
"It’s nothing, Janice," Brienne replied with a warm smile.
"Eat to your heart’s content," Raven added, gesturing to the food with a friendly smile.
As they sat down to eat, the room was filled with laughter and chatter.