Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

30. Chapter 30

Chapter thirty

Locke

A s soon as I step inside of my house, I clench my fists. I shouldn’t even be here, I should be with her, but I called in Callum to set up outside of Raven’s apartment so I could silence my wolf. Declan steps out from the kitchen with a sandwich in his hand and before he can open his mouth, I’ve charged him. I slam him against the wall, causing the massive Picasso painting to crash to the ground and the wooden sofa table to split in half. He reacts quick, shooting out from underneath me with his speed.

“What the hell, Locke?”

I move quick, catching him on the chin.

“Did you touch her?” I growl.

My wolf is trying to force his way to the surface and I’m seconds away from shifting. I can already feel my bones starting to dislocate.

“Locke it’s me.”

His hand reaches out to grip my throat as he slams me back against the wall, leaving my feet dangling beneath me. I’ve never admitted it out loud, but Declan is stronger than me when it comes to fighting in my human form. He could snap my neck in a heartbeat, which I would heal from quickly, but it would hurt like a bitch.

“Answer me,” I grit out.

“No, I didn’t touch her,” he scoffs.

“What the hell is going on?” Nyko and Hendrix barrel out from the basement.

“I’m your best friend.” Declan meets my eyes. “You know I would never.”

My body slacks, and he drops me on my feet. I gasp, bending down to catch my breath.

“Everything alright?” Hendrix asks.

“It’s fine.” Declan holds up a hand. “Just a misunderstanding.”

She’s making me crazy. This need for her. This want . This ache in my chest at her pain. For her to think I could ever choose someone else over her.

“Locke this is getting out of hand.” Declan sighs. “You act like she’s your….” He gives me a knowing look without finishing his sentence.

“Oh shit,” Nyko mutters. “She’s your mate.”

I walk to the bar and pour a glass of whiskey.

“But the curse. There’s no way.” Declan stares at me. “I mean I know you like her but….”

“I’m telling you right now, Locke. She’s your mate.” Nyko shakes his head.

If she’s really my mate. What does that mean? And what the hell am I going to do about it?

I’m just about to clean up the mess I made when my wolf bristles, a deep growl filtering from his mouth. He paces back and forth.

She’s in trouble.

His behavior has me picking up my phone, dialing Raven's number. It goes straight to voicemail, so I dial Presley.

I saved her number just in case I couldn’t reach Raven.

She answers with a sleepy voice. “Hello?”

“Is Raven there?” I rush out.

“Professor?” I can hear rustling. “I’m pretty sure she’s asleep.”

“I need you to check, Presley. Please.” I squeeze the phone and motion to Declan.

“She’s not in her room.” Presley calls out for Raven. “She’s not here.”

Shit. “Lock the doors, Presley.”

I hang up as Declan picks up the painting.

I turn to Hendrix who’s making a sandwich. “I want surveillance pulled from the gala.”

“Where are you going?” Declan calls.

“Raven’s in trouble.”