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

Chapter Five

Darcy Mortlake

It’s been a couple of days since the official introduction with my fated mate. Every time I think about him, I remember that I sprinted away with my tail between my legs.

The thought of him being in a relationship with someone else feels like a punch to the gut. I feel a pang of jealousy, mixed with a dash of uncertainty. How had I never noticed that he was already taken? I’d been snooping in that forest for weeks, and yet I'd never seen his partner around. Maybe it was a new relationship, one that had started recently? The uncertainty gnawed at me, making me feel restless and anxious.

I burrow deeper into my blankets, the softness a poor substitute for the comfort I'm craving. Since I returned from Eddy's cabin, I've been trapped in this mansion, unable to muster the energy to venture beyond its grounds. Even my usual sanctuary, the calm atmosphere of my conservatory, feels like a prison cell today.

The memory of Eddy's cabin still lingers, haunting me with its serene silence and the gentle rustle of leaves. I recall the way the warm golden light of late afternoon filtered through the trees, casting spotted shadows on the forest floor that seemed to stretch out like tiny fingers. The scent of pine and woodsmoke that wafts through the air, like a sheet that soothes my frazzled nerves but only now serves to remind me of what I've lost.

As I relive those memories, I'm struck by the irony of it all. The peace and tranquillity I once found in those woods now feels like a cruel mockery, a reminder of all that I've failed to achieve. The shame and embarrassment I feel are like a heavy weight pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe.

The thought of Eddy's absence makes me feel like a threadbare sweater, worn thin and fraying at the seams. I can sense the invisible string that once connected us beginning to unravel, its tiny fibres snapping one by one. My heart is a heavy weight in my chest, a dull ache that throbs with every beat.

As I think about losing Eddy, I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The silence is deafening, a void that yawns open like a chasm. I can almost hear the thread of our connection whispering its final goodbye, the sound echoing through my mind like a mournful sigh.

The doorbell's chime slices through the stillness, jolting me awake from the weightless sleep that's become my default state. I didn't mean to drift off again, but with no purpose to anchor myself, my days have become a blur of aimlessness. The pillow still bears the imprint of my head, and I can almost smell the stale scent of my skin.

As I swing my legs over the side of the high-rise sofa, my feet dangle in mid-air, searching for a foothold as I rub my eyes, trying to shake off the haze of disorientation.

I drag myself off the sofa, my joints protest with a chorus of groans, and my skin feels parched and dry. The hallway is a blur thorough tired eyes, but I manage to make my way to the door, my fingers trailing along the worn countertop as if seeking comfort from the familiarity.

When I swing open the door, my mind is already racing with possibilities – who could be visiting me at this hour? – and my heart beats with a mix of anticipation and unease. Instead of a person, I'm met with an empty expanse of concrete steps, the only sound the faint rustling of the wind. My eyes scan the porch, searching for some sign of life, but the area is empty. Then, my gaze falls on the package perched at the top of the steps, a large box with my name scribbled in neat, black letters.

As I peer out into the darkness, my gaze falls upon the surrounding gates, still closed despite the lack of an intercom announcement. It's an unusual oversight, one that sends a shiver down my spine. Who could have left the package without alerting me?

I lift the box, its weight presses against my back, testing my strength. I make my way through the hallway and back into the conservatory, the silence of the room amplifying the sound of my footsteps.

I sink onto the sofa, wrapping the blankets around my shoulders as I regard the box with curiosity. The label bears my name, and apart from that, there's nothing overtly sinister about it. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I use my nail to carefully slice along the taped edges.

When I lift the lid, a sweet, nostalgic aroma wafts out – sugar cookies and fresh foliage – enveloping me in a sense of warmth and comfort. The scent is so potent that it's almost overwhelming.

I know the package is from my grizzly bear the moment I opened it. I can sense the familiar, rugged scent of my mate lingering on the box. I lean in closer, my nostrils flaring as I take a deeper sniff. The cardboard itself has a faint, generic aroma, but beneath that, I detect the unmistakable musky smell of my grizzly bear. It's a scent that always makes me feel a sense of warmth and comfort, like a gentle hug on a cold day.

The realisation hits me like a punch to the gut: my grizzly bear has come to my doorstep. He must have figured out who I am, and I'm left reeling from the thought. My mind is torn between two competing instincts: the urge to rush outside to see if he's still lingering and the need to examine the contents of the box before making any rash decisions. But my brain refuses to entertain the possibility that this box is a rejection gift.

I stand up and rush towards the front door, scanning the surroundings frantically. At first, I don't see him, but my heart is racing with the possibility that he's lurking just out of sight. He could be hiding, waiting for me to give up and leave. I take a deep breath and call out, my voice echoing through the quiet air. "Grizzly bear? Are you there?" But there's only silence. Undeterred, I try again, my voice a little louder this time. "Eddy?"

I move down the path, my nose twitching as I hone in on the scent of my alpha. I shut out the sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, and the chirping of birds, and focus all my attention on the subtle aroma that wafts towards me. A faint whiff of his distinctive scent tickles my nostrils, and I'm convinced I'm on the right track.

But my raven's words cut through my determination. ‘I don't get it,’ my raven snaps, his tone sharp with scepticism. ‘Why would he sneak here to just drop something off and then leave? Maybe it truly was a way for him to break our bond.’

I refuse to accept the notion. No, my Grizzly Bear wouldn't take the coward's way out, not if he truly intended to break our bond. If he wanted to sever our connection, he'd confront me head-on, not hide behind a flimsy cardboard box.

With my resolve firm, I stalk back to the mansion, my head held high as I slam the door shut behind me, the sudden noise echoing through the silent hall. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come.

I burst back into the conservatory, the memory of my mate's scent lingering in my mind like a tantalising promise. With a sense of trepidation, I rip off the lid, and the sweet aroma of my mate washes over me once more. My hands tremble with anticipation, my heart racing with excitement as I gaze into the mystery box. My heart skips a beat at the sight of a handwritten note nestled among the crimson tissue paper. The words, delicately written, seem to leap off the page, demanding my attention.

To Darcy. My darling Darcy. My little raven.

From the moment our eyes met, I knew there was something special about you.

The first time I saw you in your raven form, I was unsure if you were a shifter or a regular bird, but I knew we shared a connection that could be described as friendship.

I’m unsure how long you’ve been hanging around my property, but I want you to know that I’ve kept every gift you left at my doorstep and I’ll continue to treasure those trinkets for the rest of my life.

Even though the way we officially met may be seen as controversial, I can’t for one moment regret what happened. I hate that I’m the reason for your forced shift and I promise that if you give me the chance, I’ll spend the rest of my existence being the perfect partner and alpha.

One thing about me is that I’ve been waiting and dreaming of meeting my fated mate. Many people have called me delusional for waiting my whole life to meet you and I have to admit that sometimes I had my doubts that my perfect person was even out there. But I never lost hope.

I knew we would one day find each other.

Since that day, my heart has been brimming with an overwhelming desire for you and I know with every being of my soul that we are meant for each other.

I want to explain about what happened that day at my cabin. The female shifter you saw at my place was only a friend (an ex-friend) and I know she harbours some romantic feelings towards me, but I promise I have always kept things strictly platonic .

I’m so sorry she took your necklace, it was my mistake for not defending you. I thought about placing the necklace in this box for you, but I hope you don’t mind that I have it currently chained around my neck.

Please accept these gifts, each and every one of them were handpicked and reminded me of you, I hope that one day I can continue to add to the collection of special trinkets.

I hand delivered this box and I am currently hiding in the woods behind your mansion. Please don’t come and find me until you’ve had time to think about what you want from me, but know that my cabin is always open for you.

If and when you are ready to meet again, please come and find me.

Forever yours, Eddy Elwood.

I re-read the letter, my eyes sting with tears of joy. My heart is racing with excitement, but it's also filled with a mix of nervousness and relief. I can feel the butterflies fluttering in my chest, their wings beating wildly as they try to escape.

'He wants me,’ my ravens’ thoughts are like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, filling me with warmth and light. I feel like I'm floating on air, my senses heightened as I relive every moment we've shared.

I clutch the letter to my chest, feeling its softness against my skin as I let out a triumphant cry. It's like I'm finally home, finally where I'm meant to be. And as I stand there, holding the letter close and feeling its weight in my hands, I know that nothing will ever be the same again.

When I pull the jumper out of the box, I'm hit with a wave of lust. The soft material feels like a gentle caress against my skin as I unfold it. The dark green colour is muted and earthy, and I can smell the scent of Eddy all over it.

I pull the jumper over my head and breathe in deeply, feeling the fabric envelop me like a warm hug. The worn seams and frayed edges add to the sense of comfort, making me feel like I'm wrapping myself in Eddy's presence.

I bunch the neckline under my nose and take a deep breath, letting Eddy's scent fill my senses. My cock hardens as I inhale, and my hole slickens as I imagine Eddy's hands on my skin. It's almost like I can feel his solid body wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my bones.

As I close my eyes, I'm transported back to the moments we spent together, our bodies entwined and our hearts beating as one. The scent of Eddy's jumper is like a key that unlocks all those memories, flooding me with feelings of love and desire.

I force myself to pull away from the jumper's softness, I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. I need to look through the rest of the box before I can give in to my impulsive desire to rush over to Eddy's cabin.

I lift the jewellery box out, and my fingers brush against its smooth surface. It's heavier than I expected, but not unreasonably so. The lid creaks open with a gentle ease, revealing a gorgeous vintage bronze bear pendant necklace.

Instead of hanging from a chain, the pendant dangles off a black waxed cord material that catches my eye. The way the light reflects off its surface is fascinating.

Holding the pendant up to the light, I'm struck by its beauty and craftsmanship. It's clear that Eddy has put a lot of thought into selecting this gift for me, and I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me.

Darcy, this necklace has been specially made so that it contours to your body when you shift into your raven form, meaning it won’t snap.

As I look at the pendant, I'm struck by the realisation that Eddy must have done some research or asked around to find something that's tailored specifically to my needs. It's not just a generic gift - it's something that's been carefully curated for me. And that means the world to me.

I slip the pendant over my head, I feel a thrill of excitement. I've always loved jewellery, but there's something special about wearing something that's been made just for me.

The cord slides over my skin with a soft whoosh, and I feel a sense of anticipation as I tighten it into place. As I adjust the pendant, I feel a sense of satisfaction - it's not just any ordinary piece of jewellery, but something that's been tailored to my unique needs as a shifter.

When I look down, I'm struck by how beautiful the pendant looks against my skin. The way the light catches the bronze is mesmerising, and I feel a sense of gratitude towards Eddy for giving me such a thoughtful gift. It's not just a pretty trinket - it's a symbol of his understanding and acceptance of who and what we are.

I spend the next half an hour carefully looking through the box and by the time I have everything laid out on the countertop, I can hardly believe Eddy was able to find this amount of stuff in just a couple of days. I’m surprised by how much thought he's put into this gift - not just in terms of the quantity of items, but also in terms of their individual significance.

Some of the items are his own personal possessions, worn thin from years of use and infused with his scent. And yet, amidst these familiar comforts, there are also items that are clearly handpicked for me - jewellery that sparkles and shines, bottles of beautifully coloured nail polishes.

My eyes scan the collection of crystals, and my heart skips a beat as I spot the small, intricately carved card nestled among the stones. I usually find my crystals online, where I can scroll through endless rows of smooth quartz and shimmering amethyst. But these crystals are different - they're like nothing I've ever seen before.

The card is from the old bookshop in the village, Even though Eddy doesn’t know that I've spent countless hours browsing through shelves of trinkets and treasures. The message is handwritten in elegant script, and it reads: 'For my favourite shifter, with love and best wishes' . As I hold the card against my palm, I feel a surge of gratitude towards Eddy for going to such great lengths to find something that truly speaks to me.

Each crystal is unique, with its own shape and colour and texture. Some are clear as glass, while others are deep indigo or fiery orange. As I hold them up to the light, I feel a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of these tiny stones. And when I look at the card again, I'm reminded that this gift is not just about the crystals themselves - it's about the love and thoughtfulness that Eddy put into finding them for me.

As I hold up the Amazonite, I'm struck by its striking green-blue hue. It's like nothing I've ever seen before - a gentle blend of calm and serenity that seems to wash over me. The blue lace agate is just as beautiful, with its delicate swirls of blue and white. As I hold it up, I feel a sense of peace settle over me - a deep inner peace that feels like it's been absorbed into my very being.

But it's the black tourmaline that really speaks to me - its dark, mysterious energy feels like a protective shield around me, a reminder that I'm safe and sound. And then there's the rose quarts, which feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It's like my heart is beating in time with its gentle vibrations, reminding me of the power of love and connection.

I bend down, my fingers brush against the worn fabric of my sock, searching for the small, smooth shape of the clear quartz that's been my constant companion since my family left this earth. I remember the day they went - the feeling of being ripped apart, like my heart was being pulled out of my chest. I was so young, so lost and scared.

Before the midst of that chaos, my mother had given me a small gift - a clear quartz that she'd told me would protect me, keep me safe.

I've been carrying it with me ever since. It's a reminder of her love and presence, even when she's not here. And as I hold it now, I feel a sense of calm wash over me - a sense of connection to her, and to the world around me. It's like a tiny piece of her has been woven into my very being.

As I pull the clear quartz free from its hiding space, I'm met with a shocking sight - a jagged crack runs down its length, casting a sharp line of light through the crystal's normally translucent body. My initial reaction is a surge of fear and panic - I've always been attached to this crystal, and the thought of it breaking feels like a loss. But as I hold it in my hand, I'm reminded of my mother’s words - she told me that these crystals are tools for growth and transformation, and that sometimes they need to break apart to reveal their true power.

I think back to our conversations, and how she explained that the crystals' properties are tied to our intentions and emotions. She had shown me how to attune myself to their energies, and how to use them to manifest my desires and overcome my fears. And now, as I gaze at the cracked quartz, I realise that this breakage is a sign of its success - a sign that it's done its job in helping me release my attachment and move forward .

As I hold the cracked stone against my chest, I feel a surge of warmth and comfort wash over me. It's as if I'm being wrapped in a gentle hug, and the familiar sensation brings me a sense of peace. I close my eyes and let out a silent prayer, thanking my family for their protection and guidance even when they're no longer with me. I feel a lump form in my throat as I think about how much they've meant to me, and how much I've missed them since they left.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my grief settle into my chest. Even as I'm mourning their loss, I'm grateful for the gifts they left behind - these crystals that hold their energy and love.

I hold them up gently, feeling the smooth edges of their surfaces against my skin and I place them on the tables with my personal collection.

As my thoughts come into sharp focus, I know that I have to make a choice and take control of my destiny.