Chapter 72 SEVENTY-TWO
"Have you packed your bags?" Janice asked while dragging her suitcase behind her.
Brienne nodded and pointed at Raven, who was carrying them for her. Janice pouted her lips playfully.
"Okay, don’t make me jealous," she teased. "I want someone to do that for me too." She let out a dramatic sigh. Brienne chuckled.
"No luck finding love in Bardabos?" she asked, gently rubbing Janice’s back in comfort.
"I met a few guys, but there was no spark," Janice said, shaking her head. "You know what I mean, right?" she asked.
Brienne nodded knowingly.
"Maybe he just wasn’t in Bardabos," Janice added with a groan. They looked at each other before bursting into laughter. After a moment, Janice turned serious and took Brienne’s hands.
"On a serious note, thank you for bringing me here. I had an amazing time. Every bit of it was unforgettable," she said. Brienne smiled warmly.
"We’re coming back here with my godchild, okay?" Janice said, squeezing her hands.
"Yes, Nice. We’ll definitely come back," Brienne promised. Bardabos had become special to her too, and she knew she would return someday.
"Are you guys ready?" Raven asked, glancing between Brienne and Janice. "I called a cab, and it's already waiting outside," he added. Brienne looked at him and nodded.
"Yes, we’re ready," she said, reaching for Janice’s hand as they stepped out of the villa together.
The warm Bardabos breeze brushed against their skin one last time as they made their way to the car. Brienne and Janice slid into the backseat while Raven took the front.
Before heading to the airport, they made a quick stop to pick up some food to bring home. After securing their souvenirs, they drove straight to the airport, checking in for their long journey ahead.
The eight-hour flight felt exhausting, but Brienne found comfort in resting against Raven’s shoulder, his hand protectively placed over her belly. Janice, despite her usual energy, dozed off for most of the flight.
When they finally landed, the three of them took a cab to drop Janice off at her home first.
"Thanks again, guys," Janice said as she stepped out of the car. "Safe trip back home, and text me when you get there, okay?" she added.
"We will," Brienne promised, giving her a quick hug.
With a final wave, they watched Janice disappear inside her apartment before continuing their trip back home to Crescent Stone Pack.
Brienne felt her breath hitch as they neared the Crescent Stone Pack’s territory. The sight of the towering trees and distant howls sent a shiver down her spine. Werewolves still terrified her, even though Raven had assured her countless times that no one in the pack would harm her.
As they drove through the cemented road the packhouse came into view. Raven parked the car in front and quickly stepped out to open the door for Brienne. She took a deep breath before accepting his hand, stepping out carefully.
"You're safe here. No rogue will ever harm you," Raven reminded her softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Together, they walked inside the packhouse, where Ravena was already waiting. Without a second thought, Ravena threw her arms around Raven, hugging him tightly before turning to Brienne with a warm smile.
"Welcome home," Ravena said, pressing a gentle kiss on Brienne’s cheek which she returned.
Brienze’s eyes flickered to Cecil, who stood near the staircase. Without hesitation, she broke away from Raven and ran straight into Cecil’s open arms.
"It's alright, Mom," she whispered, her voice shaky but full of emotion. Cecil held her tightly, stroking her hair in comfort.
"Welcome home, sweetheart," she murmured. "How are you? Did you enjoy there?" she added.
"I did," she answered.
After a moment, Brienne pulled away and wiped the corner of her eye. She turned to Raven, taking a deep breath.
"Can I see him?" she asked softly. Raven nodded.
"Of course. I'll take you to him," he said.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the room where Arthur lay unconscious, uncertain when he would wake up.
"He sustained a deep wound while fighting Jasper's father, Derrick," Raven said, his voice heavy with guilt as he recalled the battle while looking at his father.
Brienne listened intently, her fingers gently rubbing his hand in comfort.
"I was fighting another rogue at the time," Raven continued. "By the time I defeated him, Derrick came at me out of nowhere. He was relentless, taunting me over and over…" Raven's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. Brienne squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"You did your best," she whispered, but Raven shook his head.
"I tried… I was searching for Dad, but Derrick was too strong. He overpowered me," Raven admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was too weak to stop him. Dad came to my rescue and killed Derrick, but… he was gravely wounded in the process," he added. Brienne could see the pain in his eyes, the guilt weighing on him like a heavy chain. She cupped his face gently, forcing him to look at her.
"You are not weak, Raven," she said firmly. "Your father made a choice to protect you, just as you would have done for him. This isn’t your fault," she added. Her heart ached for both of them. Raven let out a shaky breath, leaning into her touch.
"I just wish I had been strong enough to stop it," he admitted. Brienne gave him a small, reassuring smile.
"Your father is a fighter. He’s still here, and that means there’s hope," she said. Arthur will wake up, she was sure of it. "He still needs to see his grandchild after all," she added with a warm smile. Raven smiled back, grateful for her words.
The afternoon was filled with warmth and laughter as Brienne handed out souvenirs from Bardabos. Natasha and Carter arrived with their child, making the packhouse feel even livelier.
"Welcome home, Luna," Carter greeted with a respectful nod. Brienne smiled and handed him a small pouch.
"Carter, this is for you," she said sincerely. "Thank you… for everything," she added. Carter accepted it with a grateful nod.
"You're always welcome," he replied, taking a seat beside Natasha. Brienne had learned from Ravena how much Carter had done—how he had stood by Raven’s side, never wavering, even when things seemed hopeless. She was truly grateful.
As the servants began serving food, Brienne caught sight of Lily and smiled warmly at her. When she returned after being kidnapped, she had taken the time to talk to Lily, forming an unexpected friendship with her.
Brienne took a deep breath, looking around at the people gathered. It felt good to be home. There was still healing to be done—wounds to mend, fears to conquer—but she was surrounded by people who cared, people who had fought for her, for each other, and for a future free of fear.