Page 12 of The Raven's Alpha

When I pull the jumper out of the box, I'm hit with a wave of lust. The soft material feels like a gentle caress against my skin as Iunfold it. The dark green colour is muted and earthy, and I can smell the scent of Eddy all over it.

I pull the jumper over my head and breathe in deeply, feeling the fabric envelop me like a warm hug. The worn seams and frayed edges add to the sense of comfort, making me feel like I'm wrapping myself in Eddy's presence.

I bunch the neckline under my nose and take a deep breath, letting Eddy's scent fill my senses. My cock hardens as I inhale, and my hole slickens as I imagine Eddy's hands on my skin. It's almost like I can feel his solid body wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my bones.

As I close my eyes, I'm transported back to the moments we spent together, our bodies entwined and our hearts beating as one. The scent of Eddy's jumper is like a key that unlocks all those memories, flooding me with feelings of love and desire.

I force myself to pull away from the jumper's softness, I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. I need to look through the rest of the box before I can give in to my impulsive desire to rush over to Eddy's cabin.

I lift the jewellery box out, and my fingers brush against its smooth surface. It's heavier than I expected, but not unreasonably so. The lid creaks open with a gentle ease, revealing a gorgeous vintage bronze bear pendant necklace.

Instead of hanging from a chain, the pendant dangles off a black waxed cord material that catches my eye. The way the light reflects off its surface is fascinating.

Holding the pendant up to the light, I'm struck by its beauty and craftsmanship. It's clear that Eddy has put a lot of thought into selecting this gift for me, and I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me.

Darcy, this necklace has been specially made so that it contours to your body when you shift into your raven form, meaning it won’t snap.

As I look at the pendant, I'm struck by the realisation that Eddy must have done some research or asked around to find something that's tailored specifically to my needs. It's not just a generic gift - it's something that's been carefully curated for me. And that means the world to me.

I slip the pendant over my head, I feel a thrill of excitement. I've always loved jewellery, but there's something special about wearing something that's been made just for me.

The cord slides over my skin with a soft whoosh, and I feel a sense of anticipation as I tighten it into place. As I adjust the pendant, I feel a sense of satisfaction - it's not just any ordinary piece of jewellery, but something that's been tailored to my unique needs as a shifter.

When I look down, I'm struck by how beautiful the pendant looks against my skin. The way the light catches the bronze is mesmerising, and I feel a sense of gratitude towards Eddy for giving me such a thoughtful gift. It's not just a pretty trinket - it's a symbol of his understanding and acceptance of who and what we are.

I spend the next half an hour carefully looking through the box and by the time I have everything laid out on the countertop, I can hardly believe Eddy was able to find this amount of stuff in just a couple of days. I’m surprised by how much thought he's put into this gift - not just in terms of the quantity of items, but also in terms of their individual significance.

Some of the items are his own personal possessions, worn thin from years of use and infused with his scent. And yet, amidst thesefamiliar comforts, there are also items that are clearly handpicked for me - jewellery that sparkles and shines, bottles of beautifully coloured nail polishes.

My eyes scan the collection of crystals, and my heart skips a beat as I spot the small, intricately carved card nestled among the stones. I usually find my crystals online, where I can scroll through endless rows of smooth quartz and shimmering amethyst. But these crystals are different - they're like nothing I've ever seen before.

The card is from the old bookshop in the village, Even though Eddy doesn’t know that I've spent countless hours browsing through shelves of trinkets and treasures. The message is handwritten in elegant script, and it reads:'For my favourite shifter, with love and best wishes'. As I hold the card against my palm, I feel a surge of gratitude towards Eddy for going to such great lengths to find something that truly speaks to me.

Each crystal is unique, with its own shape and colour and texture. Some are clear as glass, while others are deep indigo or fiery orange. As I hold them up to the light, I feel a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of these tiny stones. And when I look at the card again, I'm reminded that this gift is not just about the crystals themselves - it's about the love and thoughtfulness that Eddy put into finding them for me.

As I hold up the Amazonite, I'm struck by its striking green-blue hue. It's like nothing I've ever seen before - a gentle blend of calm and serenity that seems to wash over me. The blue lace agate is just as beautiful, with its delicate swirls of blue and white. As I hold it up, I feel a sense of peace settle over me - a deep inner peace that feels like it's been absorbed into my very being.

But it's the black tourmaline that really speaks to me - its dark, mysterious energy feels like a protective shield around me, a reminder that I'm safe and sound. And then there's the rose quarts, which feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It's like my heart is beatingin time with its gentle vibrations, reminding me of the power of love and connection.

I bend down, my fingers brush against the worn fabric of my sock, searching for the small, smooth shape of the clear quartz that's been my constant companion since my family left this earth. I remember the day they went - the feeling of being ripped apart, like my heart was being pulled out of my chest. I was so young, so lost and scared.

Before the midst of that chaos, my mother had given me a small gift - a clear quartz that she'd told me would protect me, keep me safe.

I've been carrying it with me ever since. It's a reminder of her love and presence, even when she's not here. And as I hold it now, I feel a sense of calm wash over me - a sense of connection to her, and to the world around me. It's like a tiny piece of her has been woven into my very being.

As I pull the clear quartz free from its hiding space, I'm met with a shocking sight - a jagged crack runs down its length, casting a sharp line of light through the crystal's normally translucent body. My initial reaction is a surge of fear and panic - I've always been attached to this crystal, and the thought of it breaking feels like a loss. But as I hold it in my hand, I'm reminded of my mother’s words - she told me that these crystals are tools for growth and transformation, and that sometimes they need to break apart to reveal their true power.

I think back to our conversations, and how she explained that the crystals' properties are tied to our intentions and emotions. She had shown me how to attune myself to their energies, and how to use them to manifest my desires and overcome my fears. And now, as I gaze at the cracked quartz, I realise that this breakage is a sign of its success - a sign that it's done its job in helping me release my attachment and move forward.

As I hold the cracked stone against my chest, I feel a surge of warmth and comfort wash over me. It's as if I'm being wrapped in a gentle hug, and the familiar sensation brings me a sense of peace. I close my eyes and let out a silent prayer, thanking my family for their protection and guidance even when they're no longer with me. I feel a lump form in my throat as I think about how much they've meant to me, and how much I've missed them since they left.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my grief settle into my chest. Even as I'm mourning their loss, I'm grateful for the gifts they left behind - these crystals that hold their energy and love.

I hold them up gently, feeling the smooth edges of their surfaces against my skin and I place them on the tables with my personal collection.

As my thoughts come into sharp focus, I know that I have to make a choice and take control of my destiny.