Page 7 of The Raven's Alpha

As I stare down at the ground, I'm vaguely aware of his hand reaching out to wrap the jacket around my shoulders, but my vision is hazy and my heart is heavy. I can feel the warmth of the jacket seeping into my chilled skin as his fingers brush against my shoulder, but it's a fleeting comfort against the cold, dark despair that's settling in my chest.

The alpha's warm, musky scent envelops me, a rich aroma that makes my senses reel and my knees tremble. I feel myself losing balance, I reach out, desperate to steady myself, and my fingers wrap around his arm like a lifeline. When his skin touches mine, I feel a sudden rush of heat, like a spark has been lit within me, and my skin prickles with goosebumps. The sensation is intoxicating, I'm drawn closer to him, our bodies pressed together like magnets. His touch is like a fire that ignites my very soul, leaving me breathless and trembling.

I press my face against his soft chest, my senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent that envelops me. The warmth of his body radiating against my cold skin, and the subtle scent of pine and musk are teases to my senses, like a whispered secret. It's like a symphonyof sensations, each note harmonising with the others to create a sense of rapture that leaves me breathless and helpless. I can’t help but stick my tongue out and lap against his skin, the taste is like a sweet, heady wine, and I'm drunk on it.

I peer up at him, my heart racing with anticipation, my eyes lock onto the fierce intensity that burns in his gaze. His pupils are blown wide and his nostrils flare like a wild animal sensing prey, as if he's inhaling the very essence of me. I wonder what kind of scent I emit, that seems to be having such a profound effect on him. His eyes burn with a look that makes me shiver, and I'm torn between desire and fear as he pulls me closer. The air is thick with tension, and I can sense the weight of our fate hanging precariously in the balance. He doesn't look happy at the realisation of who I am – or rather, what we are – and I can't help but wonder if this is the end of everything.

'MATE.' 'MATE.' 'MATE.'The raven's squawks echo through my mind, jarring me back to reality. The alpha's head snaps back as if he's been slapped and his eyes narrowing into a scowl as he tries to clear the haze from his mind. At that moment, my gaze darts around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, and my eyes linger on the open garage door, the driveway, and the house, before coming back to rest on the alpha's face. His frown is still etched on his features, and I can feel my heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear. I'm still standing in his driveway, stark naked, and his lady guest is probably waiting for him in his bed.

"This isn't right," I gasp out as I turn back towards the cabin, my eyes scanning the familiar outlines of the wooden structure. The rough gravel crunches beneath my feet as I stumble back, the tiny rocks biting into the tender skin of my soles. My gaze is fixed on the alpha's face, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity that makes me weak. I take a hesitant step back, my eyes fixed on the cabin and then another, my legs moving of their own accord as I try to put distance between us. The air is thick with tension, I can feel theweight of our unspoken words hanging in the balance. I'm torn between the desire to flee and the need to stay close, but my mind is made up. "I-I've gotta go," I stammer out, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm sorry."

As I turn to run away, the echoes of broken trust and unmet expectations linger in my ears, their heavy silence pressing down on me like a physical force.

My birth family abandoned me, leaving me with nothing but a hollow ache in their wake. My chosen family was ripped away from me, leaving me with no one to turn to. And now, my fated mate doesn't even want me. I'm left with nothing but the echoes of my own failures, my heart heavy with sorrow and regret. I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of rejection, the waves crashing against the shore with every cruel reminder that I'm unworthy of love.

I sprint away from the cabin, my footsteps pounding against the forest floor as I try to outrun the ache in my chest. I've never felt so lost and alone, like I've been left with nothing but the weight of my failing life. I can hear his footsteps behind me, echoing through the trees as he tries to catch up. I'm not sure what he's going to say if he catches me, but I know it won't be good. I glance back over my shoulder, my heart racing with every step I take away from him.

My body feels like it's disintegrating, atom by atom, with every step I take away from the alpha. His shouts echo through the forest, but I'm too far gone to turn back now. I quicken my pace, my eyes fixed on the path ahead, refusing to acknowledge the sound of his voice. I can feel his presence back at the cabin, like a statue frozen in place. Every step I take is a betrayal, a rejection of the love and loyalty that once burned so bright between us. But I'm too broken to go back now, too shattered by the weight of my own mistakes.

Chapter Four

Eddy Elwood

Watching my fated mate sprint naked down the road after a forced shift, is not how I expected my day to go. For years I’ve been dreaming about meeting my one and only. I’ve rejected Goddess knows how many omegas because I’ve been saving myself for the special someone.

Even before I discovered the raven's secret, I sensed a connection with the bird that went beyond mere friendship. But I wrote it off as a fleeting feeling, unaware that it was actually a harbinger of something more profound. When I finally learned that the raven was a shifter and my fated mate, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. How could I have been so blind? As soon as he shifted, I was consumed by a strange, dreamlike trance. I'd heard the stories about the instant connection between fated mates, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of my emotions. Instead of swooning into love, I stood frozen in shock, unable to process what was happening.

I've botched things, and now I'm left wondering if the raven will ever return to me. The truth is, I desperately need him to come back. Not just because I've made a mistake, but because I've come to realise that my connection to him is far deeper than I initially thought. I've hurt him, and I know that I must make amends if I'm to have any chance of rekindling our bond.

As I stand there, lost in thought, the creaking of the cabin's door echoes through the forest, jolts me back to reality. My gaze driftstowards the movement, and my heart skips a beat as I remember that Cleo, the pesky cat shifter, is still lurking about. My mind reels with guilt as I realise that I'm neglecting to defend my fated mate against Cleo's taunts. The thought sends a pang of regret through me.

Cleo's flirtatious advances have been a persistent issue in the past. Despite her bold attempts, I've repeatedly made it clear that we're better suited as friends. And yet, driven by her own desires, she persists. As I stand here, my calm demeanour suddenly shatters. I'm consumed by a white-hot fury, a rare and intense emotion that threatens to overwhelm me.

I burst through the cabin door, my anger simmering just below the surface. My eyes scan the room, already knowing what I'll find. And when I get to my bedroom, I see her, sprawled on my bed, her piercing gaze locked onto mine. The air is thick with tension as I stride towards her, my heart racing in my chest.

"Cleo, get out," I snarl, my voice low and menacing. Her eyes flash up at me, defiant and challenging. But I'm not in the mood for games. "You're not welcome here," I growl. "Leave now."

Cleo's smile is a slow burn, spreading across her face like a wildfire. She knows exactly how to push my buttons.

"You're just mad because of that stupid raven," she says, her voice dripping with malice.

I take a step closer, my fists clenched at my sides.

"Stupid?" I repeat, my voice cold and deadly. "Thatstupidraven is my fated mate!"