Chapter 9 NINE
Raven frustratingly put his phone down, and Carter watched him play with his fountain pen while he arranged some documents.
"What's wrong?" Carter asked.
"She's been ignoring me for two days," Raven replied, sighing as he put his fountain pen down.
"You didn’t see her in the office? You’re always there," Carter asked.
"She asked for sick leave. Bree fainted, and I was so worried that I messaged her, but she’s been ignoring my calls and messages," Raven said.
"Give her time. She may have a problem that she doesn’t want to share with anyone," Carter said. "Anyway, Dave discovered wolf markings near the border. We suspect rogues," he added.
"There were a few sightings, but none attacked. They were fcking scared," Carter said, making Raven smirk.
"They should be, or they’ll become an example for the rogues not to mess with my pack," Raven said. They were interrupted by successive knocks, and Siv, an elite warrior under Carter, entered, panting.
"Rogues on the border, Alpha," he said.
"I take back what I said earlier. They’re fcking fools. About time for my exercise," Carter said, looking at Raven. "Let’s go, Rave," he added. The three went out of the packhouse.
Siv was the first to transform into his wolf, followed by Carter. Raven looked at his two warriors, removed his shirt, and started to feel the changes in his body. His bones began to crack and stretch, hair sprouted across his skin, his hands turned into claws, his teeth sharpened into fangs, and within moments, Raven was no longer in his human form but a fully grown black wolf. Raven shook his head and howled. He ran, overtaking Siv and Carter, going at full speed as he entered the forest.
Meanwhile, Brienne finally gathered the courage to leave her room and went straight to the hospital. She headed to the OB-GYN department and checked in for her appointment. Brienne sat in the waiting area, nervously anticipating her turn. When the doctor called her name, Brienne went inside and received a warm greeting. Brienne explained everything that had happened, and the doctor listened carefully before instructing her to take another test. The confirmation of her pregnancy left Brienne feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to react. Everything seemed like a blur. After spending an hour in the hospital, she walked out, carrying the medicines she had just bought.
Brienne called for a taxi. "To the mall, please," she said and closed the door.
Brienne got out of the taxi and entered the mall. As her feet dragged her to the baby section, she looked around. Brienne picked up some clothes and smiled.
"We'll be alright," she whispered. Her pregnancy happened because of her recklessness, but she would make sure to give everything to the baby, even if Raven didn’t want it.
Brienne went home, bringing a bag of healthy food for her and the baby, as her doctor recommended. She sat on the chair and took out the meal she had been craving. Brienne licked her lips and began eating. Her phone then vibrated, and she put the spoon down to read the name on the screen.
"Raven," she whispered. Brienne heaved a sigh and answered the call.
"Hello?" she said.
"Baby! Finally, you answered my call," Raven said. Brienne felt her heart skip a beat, and her hand automatically went to her stomach.
"What do you want?" Brienne asked.
"Are you okay? I heard you took a sick leave. I was worried, baby," he began. Brienne bit her bottom lip.
"When you fainted, I immediately went to the clinic, but urgent matters concerning my business came up, and I had to leave. Then you kept ignoring my calls. Did I do something wrong, baby?" Raven asked.
"Let’s stop this, Raven," she said.
"What?" Raven said.
"Let's stop this setup," Brienne said.
"What the... baby, please," Raven said. "Where are you? I’m coming to you. Please tell me," he added, begging.
"Raven..."
"Please, baby. Just see me one last time," Raven said. Brienne felt something tug at her heart and, in an instant, told Raven where she was staying.
Half an hour later, Raven arrived at Brienne’s place. He frowned as he looked around. This wasn't the best place to stay for a woman like Brienne. The neighborhood wasn’t exactly friendly, and the security was lacking.
Raven entered the lobby and mentioned Brienne’s name. The owner didn't even bother to check his ID, and she immediately told him her location.
"Fck, I need to get Brienne out of this place," he whispered. The conversation earlier hadn’t made him give up; he was determined to make Brienne his. Raven knocked on the door and cleared his throat, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
The door opened, and Brienne looked at him. Raven's breath hitched. Brienne was gorgeous even in her casual wear.
"Baby," he said. "These are for you," he added, handing her the flowers.
"What’s this for?" Brienne asked, frowning, though she felt the opposite. She took the flowers and smelled them. "Thanks," she added.
"May I come in?" Raven asked. Brienne nodded and stepped aside, giving Raven space to enter her room.
"Raven..."
"I know, baby, but please, I can’t let you go," Raven said, embracing Brienne from behind. "I'm fcking serious, Brienne," he added. Raven turned Brienne to face him, and he saw her eyes watering.
"What is it, hmm? Tell me, baby," he said, wiping Brienne’s tears away. Brienne shook her head. She wouldn’t tell Raven about her pregnancy, not now. Raven cupped her face and brushed his lips against hers.
"Baby?" he whispered.
"Okay," she said.
"Okay, what?" Raven asked.
"I will give you a chance," Brienne said. Raven's eyes lit up, and he happily lifted Brienne, spinning her around.
"Raven! I'm dizzy!" Brienne said. Raven carefully put her down and kissed the top of her nose.
"You don’t know how much you’ve made me happy, baby," Raven said. He leaned forward and kissed Brienne on the lips. It was slow and passionate. Brienne couldn’t help but wrap her arms around Raven’s neck as she kissed him back.
Raven lifted Brienne and sat on the bed, only to hear it creak. He cursed under his breath and broke away.
"What was that?" Brienne asked.
"It seems your bed needs replacing, baby," Raven said. "Do you really want to live here? It’s not safe. You can live with me," he added. Brienne got down and cleaned her table, hiding her blushing cheeks.
"That’s a bit..." Brienne heaved a sigh.
"I know it’s not an easy decision, but I will wait," Raven said, helping Brienne.
"Thank you, Raven," Brienne said. Raven nodded and sat on a chair. First and foremost, he needed to send warriors to the area to protect Brienne from harm.