Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

44. Chapter 44

Chapter forty-four

Locke

I walk into my house to the smell of garlic and instantly grin. Not only is Raven apparently cooking, but she’s cooking something that would make it so Declan can’t walk into the house. Not without pain at least. Garlic is not a vampire’s best friend.

Following the scent and the low music I make it to the entryway of my kitchen to see Raven spinning in a circle, wearing nothing but one of my black long sleeve t-shirts, with a wine glass perched in her hand. After spinning, she sways over to the range, carefully picking up a wooden spoon and dipping it into what appears to be marinara sauce in a pan on a burner.

“Mmm.” She hums to herself before dropping the spoon.

I lean my shoulder up against the door jam and watch her. Like I have for weeks. She bobs her head to the music, swinging her hips as she turns back to the island. Bringing her glass up to her lips, a wide grin spreads across her face when she sees me.

“Still stalking me, professor?" She takes a sip. “Are we not past that?”

I push off the door frame. “I’ll never stop watching you, Rae.” I move swiftly around the island, wrapping my arm around her waist. “Not now. Not ever.”

She hums again. “I kind of like that you’re obsessed. Be careful, might give a girl a complex. Might give me the idea that you...”

She stops, clearing her throat. Her eyes dart to the island. “Sorry for the mess.”

I watch the blush move from her neck to her cheeks. I think I know what she was about to say.

Give me the idea that… you love me?

I cast my eyes to the bar, documenting the disaster spread across it. Empty jars of sauce, a cutting board with remnants of chopped mushrooms. Broken spaghetti noodles, butter, parmesan cheese, and multiple bowls of crushed garlic.

“I like seeing you in my kitchen,” I murmur.

She slaps my chest with the back of her hand. “Don’t get used to it. I can’t cook for shit. I just got bored and Arthur wouldn’t quit blowing up my phone. I’m sure he was alerted I wasn’t in class today.”

“Who’s Arthur?” I tense.

“My father. Or well…. whatever he is.” She places her wine glass on the granite. “I don’t even know who I am anymore, Locke.”

“I know who you are.” I use my arm to drag her to me, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “You’re beautiful.” Kiss. “Smart.” Kiss. “Stubborn.” Kiss. “Strong.” Kiss. “And my favorite?” I move my lips to hover over hers. “Mine.”

“You’re arrogant, you know that?” She quips.

“I’ve been told. When you’re an alpha it comes with the territory.”

“Ah. So, wolves are the jocks of the supernatural world?”

I chuckle. “I guess you could say that.”

The slam of the front door sounds in the distance. Raven doesn’t hear it, but I do. I can tell by the light footsteps who it is.

“Our company has arrived.”

We both face the doorway when the petite woman steps into view. If you didn’t know Francesca Moretti, you’d think she was as ruthless as her piercing green eyes. She carries herself in a way that makes her seem unmovable. Stern. Calloused. But I knew the real Francesca, just like I knew the real Raven. Both had such hard outer shells, but on the inside, they’d do anything for the people they loved. Which is why I wanted them to meet. If there was anyone who could mentor Raven through this change, it was her.

“Frankie.” I give a nod.

She shoots me a wink before tossing her bag onto the table, ignoring my welcome.

Her eyes pin on the woman plastered to my chest and she smiles. “I’ve been waiting a long fucking time to meet you.”