Page 15 of The Raven's Alpha

Being an introvert, I tend to reserve my energy for the people and things that matter most to me, and that usually means saving my social reserves for the people closest to me. I'm not one for big crowds or loud social gatherings, but when I'm with people I care about, I find my energy levels surprisingly resilient. It's rare for meto venture out into the busy streets of Everlong, where the noise and chaos can be overwhelming. But meeting Darcy has been a gift, a reminder that there's still so much beauty and possibility in the world. I'm feeling a sense of gratitude and wonder that I've never felt before, as if Darcy has awakened a part of me that I never knew existed. As I get to know him better, I'm worried about whether he'll still be interested in me once he discovers the full extent of my alpha tendencies.

Darcy slides up next to me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. His cheeks are flushed from the heat of the bakery, but also from the way he's been beaming with joy all day. He grins at me, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "I've had the best day ever. I haven’t felt this carefree in ages," he says, his voice full of enthusiasm. "I really appreciate you letting me hang out here today."

Darcy's hand wraps around mine, his touch sparking a jolt of electricity through our bond. Our shared reaction is a collective gasp, followed by a gentle moan from Darcy. The sounds we make are soft and intimate, but I struggle to keep my body from responding. My desire to connect with him on a deeper level is overwhelming, but I'm not sure we should take things further here, where we're not alone. I'll just have to wait until we're somewhere more private before I can give in to my urges.

“W-What time do you finish?” Darcy questions.

I take a moment to collect my thoughts before responding, "I usually stick around till late, finishing up the day's tasks and prepping for the next morning." But tonight, I'm not going to be able to stay late. I know that once I'm done, I'll want to spend some quiet time with Darcy - without the distractions of work hanging over us.

"Can I see you tonight?" I ask, trying to sound casual despite the excitement building inside me.

"Of course," Darcy replies with a smile. "Your place or mine?"

I shrug, feeling a little self-conscious. "I'm yours, whenever and wherever you want."

Darcy's eyes light up with amusement. "Good answer," he says, his voice low and husky. "I'll come to your place, what time works for you?"

I think for a moment before responding, "I'll be home at five-thirty."

Darcy glances at the clock hanging on the wall and nods thoughtfully. "Six sounds good to me," he says, his eyes shining brightly.

“Are you ok getting home? Do you want me to order you a taxi? Or I can close up shop for half an hour and drive you?” I’d carry him on my back and march through the frigid air if he wanted me to.

Darcy grabs my hand and pulls me towards the kitchen and out the back door. He strips off his clothes and I nearly choke on my tongue. Darcy reveals his smooth chest and soft abs. I'm struck speechless by the sight of him, my heart skipping a beat as I take in the delicate lines of his torso. My eyes linger on his toned physique, drinking in the sight of his smooth, creamy skin.

I pause, my feet rooted to the spot, as I struggle to resist the urge to reach out to him. I know that as soon as I touch him, I won't be able to let him go - and now isn't the time for that. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart and focus on the task at hand.

Darcy turns around, his face turned towards me with a tender curve of his lips. But the softness of his eyes is quickly compromised by a spark of mischief igniting in his gaze. I'm acutely aware of the game he's playing, and I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect.

I gaze back at him, my heart racing with anticipation. His eyes seem to burn with a quiet intensity, and I know exactly what he's after. I can sense the tension between us, like a live wire hummingwith electricity. A shiver runs down my spine and I can't help but wonder what will come next.

“Do you mind taking these back to your cabin for me?” he asks, as he nods towards the tangled mess of his shirt and pants. His voice is low and smooth, and I can't help but feel a flutter in my chest.

I'm torn between keeping my gaze fixed on his face and allowing my eyes to wander over his naked body. His eyes are locked on mine, and I don't want to come across as a creep, but it's hard to resist the temptation to take in the sight of him. He's smaller than I am, his body is toned with smooth, unblemished skin. As an omega, I was expecting him to be smaller everywhere, but the thing swinging between his legs is a pleasant surprise. It's hard to describe, but there's something about the way it moves, that makes me clench.

I'm trying to keep my eyes focused on his face, but my gaze keeps drifting down to his body. His dick is pointing up towards his belly and it’s hard. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to taste him, to experience the same rush of pleasure that I get from his scent. The thought of dropping to my knees and licking him makes my heart race with excitement. I'm trying to resist the temptation, but my mouth is watering at the prospect of exploring his body.

“Grizzly?”

I choke back a cough and stammer, trying to cover up my embarrassment. “Uh, yeah? Sorry, what?” I manage to mumble, my eyes darting away from Darcy's face. I'm mortified at being caught staring at him. I try to play it cool, but my face is burning with heat.

Darcy's amused expression only makes me feel more awkward. He raises an eyebrow and flashes me a smirk, “Are you okay taking my clothes back with you?” he asks again, his voice dripping with amusement.

I nod, my eyes locked on Darcy as he approaches me with a stealthy pace. For a small guy, he exudes a sense of quiet confidence, his movements almost feline in their precision. It's unnerving, butnot unpleasant. I'm used to omegas fawning all over me before scurrying away like they've been burned, but Darcy is different. He's stalking towards me like he owns me, his gaze never leaving mine. My dick is straining against my pants, reacting to the intensity of his gaze.

I fight to keep my eyelids from drooping as his lips brush against my chest, the gentle touch sending shivers down my spine. I'm annoyed with my own stupid t-shirt and apron for blocking the sensation of his mouth on my skin. The sweet scent of him wafts up to me, filling my lungs with its warmth. When he pulls back, I force my eyes open, and instead of Darcy's face looking back at me, I'm met with the dark, pointed features of my little raven. He's standing in the snow, his eyes gleaming with mischief, and for a moment, I'm disoriented.

He lets out a soft squawk and springs up from the floor, landing on my shoulder with a gentle thud. I feel the soft brush of feathers as he settles into the crook of my neck. He pitter-patters down my arm, his hooked claws digging gently into my skin as he searches for a comfortable spot. When he reaches my forearm, he pauses, his eyes bright with curiosity. I reach out with my other hand, hesitantly stroking his head with my fingers. His feathers are softer than I expected, like the finest velvet, and he tilts his head into the touch, releasing a contented sigh.

My little raven's head turns, his eyes drinking me in as he savours the moment for a few seconds before he lets out a triumphant cheep and takes to the skies. I watch, mesmerised, as he soars away from me, his wings beating with a rhythmic whoosh as he gains speed and altitude. The wind ruffles his feathers, and his dark silhouette becomes a fleeting shadow against the bright blue sky, leaving me to feel the sudden emptiness of his absence.

I've always thought the notion of fated mates was romanticised, a myth perpetuated by fairy tales and ancient legends, but as I standhere, my heart racing with an intensity that's both exhilarating and terrifying, I'm beginning to understand the whispers of those who've spoken of this phenomenon. The feeling in my chest is like nothing I've ever experienced before - a deep, primal connection that defies explanation. It's as if my very soul has awakened, responding to the presence of this little raven in a way that's both beautiful and overwhelming. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I'm both thrilled and terrified by the prospect of what this might mean for my future.

I'm drenched in sweat by the time the last customer leaves, my body tense with pent-up energy. I can feel my bear's growl of frustration building inside me, his voice echoing through my mind like a constant drumbeat:'Hurry up, hurry up! Don't keep our mate waiting!'

My heart is racing, my senses on high alert, as I count down the minutes until I can finally leave this chaos behind and get to the one place I've been thinking about all day.

As I reach for a bag to collect Darcy's clothes, my eyes inadvertently scan the pile, and that's when I see it - a frilly snippet of fabric peeking out from between the folds of his jeans. My gut tells me to look away, to respect his privacy, but my curiosity is already racing ahead, urging me to investigate. I try to resist the urge, telling myself it's none of my business, but my fingers seem to have a mind of their own. Before I know it, I'm gently tugging the fabric free, and my heart is racing with a mix of excitement and guilt.