Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

36. Chapter 36

Chapter thirty-six

Locke

R aven and Declan follow me out into the back garden. It’s lined with rose bushes, and a path that winds its way through the rows of abstract flowers and plants. I don’t really have a green thumb, but Frankie comes out here at least twice a month to work her magic. Literally. Her kind are very in tune with nature, and she uses a lot of these plants for herbs and mixtures.

I turn, not being able to keep my hands from Raven. Reaching out I land them on her shoulders and squeeze lightly, relieved when she doesn’t flinch away.

“Whatever you see, please know I would never hurt you. Don’t be scared of me.” I slide my hands down and back up. “Declan will be right here.”

She side eyes him. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Can’t he like, drain my blood and leave me for dead?”

Declan chuckles. “I could, but I’ve been clean and sober for years now. No human blood for me.”

“So do you drink blood at all?” She asks.

“Animals.” He shrugs. “A deer is rather scrumptious.”

“You’re a Bambi killer?” She lifts a brow. “That’s almost worse.”

“I have a heart, Raven. Even if it’s technically dead,” Declan scoffs.

“You’re safe. Dec would never hurt you either.” I cut my eyes at him. “He knows I’d kill him if he lays a hand on you.”

Her eyes widen at my words, and I step back. I move to the button on my jeans, flicking it open before I lower my zipper. I can feel her eyes on me. Hear the pounding rhythm of her heart as I drop them to the ground, standing in nothing but my gray boxers.

“Remember, I’m still me, baby.” I take three steps back.

She nods and squares her shoulders like she’s ready for battle. Closing my eyes, I let the shift take me. My bones crack, my skin sprouts a thick coat of fur before my canines descend. My vision changes when I complete the transformation into my wolf form.

“Holy shit.” Drops from Raven’s lips and I let my eyes meet her wide blue ones.

I can smell her sweet scent, and I revel in the fact I don’t smell her fear.

“He’s….” She sucks in a breath. “Beautiful.”

“I guess he’s alright for a dog.” Declan smirks. “Smells like shit though.”

I let a low growl rumble and Declan laughs.

I take the chance, slowly placing one paw over the other as I move towards Raven. She remains in her spot, no sign of distress as I get closer.

It’s me, Rae.

I stop in front of her and watch the rise and fall of her chest. I’m a large wolf, so my eyes are almost level with her neck. She doesn’t reach to touch me, but I ache to feel her soft fingers sift through my fur. I need her touch to solidify that she knows it’s me. As an alpha bloodline, it’s hard to be the one to submit. Alphas don’t submit. We rule. I was born to rule, but it was stolen. Torn from my grasp and although I may not be the one who leads the pack, the power and instinct is still flowing through my veins.

So going against my true nature, I bow my head, and bend my legs, crouching down to rest my head at her feet with a whimper. I’m submitting. Giving her the power. The control. I’m hers.

I let my snout, brush against the side of her leg, then follow by rubbing my head against the same spot.

A rumble from deep within my soul escapes me when I feel her delicate hand land on my fur. She strokes the top of my head and whispers my name.

“Locke.”

I immediately lift my head to meet her eyes. The ones swimming with emotion. She strokes me again before regarding Declan. “It’s him.”

“It is.” Declan leans up against one of the large trees that frame the entrance to the garden. “He likes it when you scratch behind his ears. But careful, you get too handsy he might try to hump your leg.”

Raven’s hand stills, and I jerk my head, giving Declan a hard glare and puff air through my nose.

Raven’s light laughter has me warming, my eyes watching the curve of her lips.

“Ok. I...” She peers down at me. “Can you come back?”

I’ll always come back to you.

Turning and trotting a few feet away, I allow the shift to transpire, my wolf more settled than he’s ever been.