Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

54. Chapter 54

Chapter fifty-four

Locke

I waited until Raven was asleep to slip out from the bed, then shift, before I spent an hour roaming the forest. I was angry with myself for almost losing control. Almost marking her. Even after what I had just found out from my mother. It was reckless. My entire relationship with her had been from the start. But I’ve had no control to stop it. I was barely able to pull my mouth from her tonight. The urge was almost overwhelming. I could have killed her.

A deep ache weaves inside my chest. I know what I need to do to protect her. At least until I figure out how to alter the curse. Until then, I’m nothing but a danger to her. Probably more dangerous than Elias or Malikiah ever thought about being. But my love is what will kill her. My mark. The bond that was anointed before either of our times.

“Hey.”

I peer over my shoulder from my position on the chair that overlooks the garden. Raven exits the patio door, wearing nothing but my white sheet wrapped around her body.

“Hey, baby,” I murmur.

She comes around, sitting on my lap. Her brows are furrowed while her finger traces my nose. “You want to talk about it?”

I watch her eyes. The way they search my face, pleading with me to open up. It’s the bond. It’s getting stronger. She can sense when things aren’t right with me just like I can with her.

“Everything is fine.”

She blows out a breath. “Locke. I understand you have things going on I may not understand, but I’m your partner. You can trust me. Even if it’s just to lighten the load of your worries.”

My hand reaches up to cup her jaw, my thumb caressing her skin. “I meant what I said. You know that right?” I swallow thickly before pressing a kiss to her lips. “I love you.”

Her forehead leans against mine. “I love you too.”

I thought hearing the words would heal my heart, but all it did was stab a fucking knife square in the middle. Because come tomorrow, she’s going to hate me.

“How long?” Declan asks.

“Not sure. A few days.” I toss my duffle into the back of my Range Rover.

“She’s going to be pissed. You know that don’t you?” He asks.

“I’m aware.” I drop my hands to my hips.

“And you just want me to stay here with the fire queen when she’s severely pissed off? You know how that turned out last time? She killed my yard,” he scoffs.

“Declan. Your old age has you turning soft.” I shut the back hatch. “Can’t handle a little witch?”

“Little witch.” He rolls his lips. “I have her blowing shit up and Presley…”

“Presley what?” I urge.

“Nothing.” He tosses his hands up. “It’s fine.”

Declan has been on edge. It isn’t lost on me it’s usually when the colorful ball of sunshine is around.

“You have the whole team. I’m sure all of you can manage,” I say as I walk to the driver side. “The meeting with Malikiah and Elias isn’t until next week. I’ve got time to get back.”

He nods. “Should I be offended that you’re taking Kingston instead of me on your little brother bonding trip?”

“I’m leaving the most important thing in my life here with the person I trust the most,” I tell him with sincerity. “I love her, Declan. And I love you. You're my brother. Always.”

“Fuck you, Locke.” He swats the air. “You know I can’t stand that mushy shit.”

I chuckle and reach out for a brotherly hug. “A week tops.”

He slaps my back. “Do what you got to do.”

Sliding into the front seat, I pull out of our circle drive just before daylight. I said my goodbye while she slept, and let my lips hit hers one last time before I drove away. I had one more stop before Kingston and I were headed to find some answers.