The Raven’s Alpha (Nature’s Embrace #1)

Chapter Three

Darcy Mortlake

I've been spending most of my time at the grizzly bear's cabin, which has become my refuge. I usually return to my home at the top of the hills when the bear is away during the day. I enjoy exploring the woods and town, searching for hidden treasures or interesting trinkets. However, I avoid being alone in my large family home for too long. The silence and emptiness of the space are overwhelming, and it's difficult for me to shake off the painful memories of that fateful night when everything changed.

The thought of ever truly leaving my family's home is a painful one, weighing heavily on my heart. It's true, the grandeur can be overwhelming at times, but it's also where I've made my own little haven. I've added a conservatory, where I've nurtured a lush garden filled with plants from around the world. The shelves are lined with books that speak to my soul – a mix of LGBTQ+ literature and occult texts – as well as my treasured collection of crystals. The room is aglow with fairy lights and I've curated a cosy nook with plush chairs. It's a space where I can be myself, surrounded by the things that bring me joy and comfort. I'm content to keep it just to myself, for now, it's my sanctuary.

Since the day I spotted the shifter through the bakery window, his enigmatic smile captivating me, I vowed to make him happy, no matter the cost. And so, I began my anonymous quest, leaving tokens of my affection in the hopes that he might catch a glimpse. It's been a trial-and-error process, but one thing has become clear: the alpha's eyes light up with joy when I leave him something small yet precious – a rock or crystal that catches his eye. It's as if these humble treasures have the power to unlock a deep sense of happiness within him. And though I remain hidden, I take solace in knowing that even from afar, I can bring a smile to his face.

I prepare today's gift, my mind set on a treasured necklace of mine. I've typically scavenged for unique finds in the woods or browsed online marketplaces, but today, I'm willing to take a risk. I've decided to part with my most precious piece of jewellery, something that holds sentimental value to me. The thought of giving it up is daunting, but I'm convinced he'll cherish it as much as I do. It's a gamble, but I'm willing to take the chance, knowing that the potential reward will be a smile on his face and a sense of connection between us.

As I perch, holding the silver sterling necklace in my beak, the radiant green Moss Agate glimmers in the diamond-cut shape. It's not my most valuable piece, but it's one that holds a special place in my heart. I wait patiently, watching the sun-kissed sky, my intuition telling me that the alpha will soon return from work. The sun dipped below the horizon an hour ago, and I've learned to gauge his routine by the timing of the sunset. I expect him to arrive within the next few minutes and I'm eager to see his reaction when he receives this special gift.

Taking a deep breath, I'm surprised to find myself feeling more daring than usual. I've decided to take the plunge and hand-deliver the necklace to him. I'm not sure if he's aware of my true nature as a shifter or simply thinks I'm a regular bird, but he's always been friendly, waving at me whenever he sees me perched in his backyard trees. It's a small gesture but it's something that's made me feel seen and appreciated. I'm hoping to build on that connection today.

The rumble of his worn truck breaks the silence, snapping me back to reality. My heart begins to flutter with a mix of nerves and anticipation as I prepare myself for the moment of truth. The instant the grizzly opens the door, I take a deep breath and launch myself off the branch, I soar towards him with reckless abandon. I land with a gentle thud on the roof of his truck, my claws digging into the worn metal.

The grizzly's eyes widen in surprise but his expression quickly transforms into a warm smile when he recognizes me. “Hey there, friend!” he says, his voice laced with amusement. I smooth my feathers and proudly stomp my feet on the rusted truck, my beak clamped tightly around the necklace. If I weren't already holding this precious gift, I'd let out a triumphant squawk of greeting.

The alpha's eyes crinkle at the corners as he says, “Ah, you're a cheerful little fellow, aren't you?” He reaches out a massive hand, his fingers spread wide, and asks, “What's that you've got in your beak?”

Just as I'm about to deposit the necklace into his palm, the passenger door swings open and a figure emerges from the truck.

My head whips around and I freeze, a stunning woman emerges from the passenger side. I emit a disbelieving chirp, my gaze darting back to the alpha as my mind struggles to process this unexpected development. For a moment, I'm frozen, wondering if I've misinterpreted everything. I've been waiting for this moment, for who knows how long, and I've never seen anyone else around here. Especially not someone as captivating as this young woman. But...no, I must be wrong. The alpha is mine. We're meant to be together, I'm certain of it.

The woman's expression darkens as she regards me, her hand fluttering dismissively as if she's trying to shoo me away. I'm not sure if she's aware of my true nature but the pungent scent of cat wafting from her is unmistakable. It makes my feathers stand on end, I instinctively take a few steps back, my grip on the necklace falters dropping it from my beak .

The alpha's eyes widen in surprise as he lunges forward, his hand closing around the necklace mere inches from the ground. The goofy grin I'd been hoping to see flashes across his features, but it's short-lived, as the woman's hand shoots out and snatches the necklace from his grasp. Her fingers wrap around it like a vice, leaving the alpha empty handed and scowling.

A sharp, piercing cry erupts from my beak, a loud, unmistakable squawk that sounds like a defiant shout: 'Hey, that's not yours!' The words are more than just a noise, they're a declaration of ownership, a warning to the woman to keep her hands off the necklace.

The woman's gaze lingers on the necklace, her eyes scrutinising it with a mix of disdain and boredom. “Oh, how quaint. The little birdie thinks it's a gift, doesn't it? Ha! What's it doing here, anyway? Dropping off its little trinkets like some kind of feathered lackey? Ugh, get it away from me."

As I glance at the alpha, his gaze meets mine. For a moment, we lock eyes, I can sense the tension build in his chest as he takes a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as he sniffs the air. The realisation dawns on him, and his eyes narrow as he takes in the sight of me, a shifter, not just some ordinary bird. His expression darkens, and I can feel the weight of his gaze like a physical touch, weighing me down.

The alpha's gaze lingers on me, his brow furrowing as he scrutinises every detail. His attention is soon diverted by the woman's imperious tone, “Come on, Eddy, let's go inside.” I turn to her, my eyes narrowing in dismay. She's wearing the necklace, its delicate chain glinting against the smooth expanse of her skin. Her complexion is flawless, a stark contrast to my own dull skin. The sight of her flaunting my gift, one I'd given him in good faith, only adds to my growing rage.

Eddy's gaze remains fixed on me, his expression unreadable as he asks, “You're the one who's been leaving me gifts by my door? ”

I nod, my neck stretching in an awkward motion. His eyes narrow slightly as he continues, “And you're the one who's been flying around the back of the woods when I'm out for a run?”

I nod again, my movements stilted as I try to maintain eye contact with him.

I'm taken aback by the sudden flush that creeps up Eddy's neck, his rugged features softening as his cheeks pinken. The goddess above must be smiling upon me, for I hadn't expected such a reaction from this imposing man.

The cat shifter turns to leave, Eddy's gaze follows her, his eyes lingering on the seductive sway of her hips. “You know where to find me,” she says, her voice husky with promise, and with a flutter of her painted red nails, she disappears towards the cabin.

Not for the first time, I'm begrudgingly aware of the inconvenience of being naked when shifting back into human form. The more I want to extract information from Eddy about the mysterious woman, the more I'm dreading the awkwardness of exposing my vulnerability – literally – on top of his rusty truck. As I hesitate, I'm torn between my curiosity about Eddy's relationship and my desire to avoid an embarrassing encounter.

Eddy's fingers rub against his chin, his eyes clouding over as he worries at his bushy beard. As he does, I realise that if I find him attractive, then desperate Daisy in there must think he's hot too - which only infuriates me further. Eddy huffs a confused sigh, his bright blue eyes squinting in concentration. I was supposed to be the one he found attractive, not her. My frustration grows as I watch him, my mind rebelling against the fact that this alpha, who was supposed to be mine, could have such an obvious effect on another person.

Maybe I've been fooling myself, thinking that Eddy's kind of confidence and charisma would make him immune to the advances of other omegas. It's not hard to see why they're drawn to him - he has a presence that's hard to ignore. As I look at him, I can't help but feel a twinge of envy. I've always been drawn to men who exude power and control, but there's something about Eddy that makes me feel like I'm just a tiny part of his universe. If I'm being honest, I'd probably be tempted by him too - he's got a way of making me feel like I'm the only one in the room.

Eddy's eyes drop down, his jaw clenched as he apologises, his voice laced with guilt, "I'm so sorry she took your necklace." His words barely above a whisper. "I promise I'll get it back for you. It was a stupid mistake, I know." His hands hover over the hem of his shirt, as if he wants to physically wring out the tension in his body.

As I think about the locket, my chest feels heavy with a mix of disappointment and sadness. The silver chain with the tiny charm that brought me so much comfort is now gone and I can't help but feel a sense of loss. I remember the way the sunlight reflected off the locket's silver chain and now it's disappeared, leaving only an empty feeling in its place. The memory of our first meeting, which was supposed to be a joyful celebration, is now tainted by this loss.

I've been lucky for the past couple of years - I've managed to avoid any involuntary transformations. But when I'm consumed by a mix of anger and sadness, my control starts to slip. The worst part is that I don't even notice it's happening until I hear the alpha's gasp and then cough. As I listen to the sound of his choking and struggling to breathe, I feel a wave of panic wash over me as I realise what's happened. I'm standing in the midst of chaos, the sound of shattering glass echos in my mind and internal screams filling my ears. My heart is racing, and my mind is reeling with the implications of what I've just done.

As I stand there, the biting wind whips around me, sending shivers up my legs and making my skin ache with cold. The cold breeze on my junk just solidifies my predicament. I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling the weight of my situation settle heavily on my shoulders. "Well, this is just great," I mutter under my breath, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

The alpha's deep, rumbling laughter echoes through the air as he slips the jacket off his shoulders. He looks up to the sky, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he holds the coat out to me. "I think you'll find this more... comfortable," he says, his voice dripping with amusement. I hesitate, feeling a surge of apprehension as I take in the alpha's outstretched coat.

His polite actions feel like a thin veneer over a deeper indifference, and I can't help but wonder why he's even bothered. I'm just a reminder of something he'd rather forget, and the weight of that realisation is crushing me. The cold air stings my skin, but I can't muster the energy to shiver.

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 symphony of 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 the weight 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.