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

Chapter Thirteen

Darcy Mortlake

Today's the day we're heading to my alpha's parents' place, and I'm practically bouncing with anticipation. The past week seemed to crawl by at a snail's pace, but my excitement grew with each passing hour. Eddy was frantically busy getting everything in order for our trip, from packing to planning activities, and I could tell he was putting in extra effort to ensure everything went smoothly. Although my alpha was quietly fretting about closing the bakery for a week, his usual confidence was tinged with a hint of unease that he didn't dare show me.

I bounce up and down in Eddy's creaky old truck, my excitement almost palpable as I watched him secure the cabin doors and make his way over to me. When he slips into the driver's seat, the worn leather creaking softly, he turns to me with a questioning gaze and asks, “You ready?”

I give my seatbelt a double-check, making sure it's securely fastened around me. I tug the blanket Eddy lent me from his sofa tighter around my legs, seeking the comfort of its worn familiarity. My bag of snacks and treats, carefully curated for our long drive, rests in the footwell, and my freshly brewed thermos of coffee occupies the cupholder. “I'm ready, alpha,” a hint of excitement edging into my voice.

Eddy's large, calloused fingers graze my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine as his eyes crinkle at the corners with a warm, happy smile. His gaze is tender, his lips inches from mine, before he claims them with a gentle kiss. As our tongues dance together, I can't help but smile, my nervousness and excitement mingling in a heady mix. This is my first time meeting the family, and I'm not sure what to expect. What if they don't like me? The thought sends a shiver down my spine, but Eddy's reassurances echo in my mind - they'll love you ; he's told me. I take a deep breath and let go of my doubts, trusting in his words.

He pulls away, his cheeks flushed a warm pink from the kiss. “We've got a long drive ahead of us,” he says, his voice low and rough. “Let me know whenever you need to take a break to grab some food or stretch your legs. Or if nature calls, just let me know.”

I flash him a cheeky grin and give him a mock salute, while I say, “Yes, boss!” in a playful tone.

The darkness outside only adds to the sense of adventure as we hit the road, it was Eddy's decision to leave early, as to beat any crowds of traffic. He glances at the dashboard clock and smiles, “We should make it to Grizzly-Fields by tea time, if we're lucky.”

The darkness outside seems to swallow us whole, my eyelids begin to droop, the thrill of the journey still coursing through my veins like adrenaline. But it's a gentle, soothing fog that creeps into my mind, shrouding my thoughts in a warm, comforting haze. Just as I'm drifting off, I hear Eddy's soft voice whispering in my ear, “Get some rest, my darling Darcy.”

As I slowly come to, I'm greeted by a sharp crick in my neck from resting against the window and a numbness that makes me wince. But as I open my eyes, I'm distracted by the gentle rhythmic tapping of Eddy's fingers on the steering wheel and the soft hum of him off-key singing along to the radio. The sunlight streaming in through the windshield illuminates the passing landscape, and my stomach growls in protest, reminding me that it's likely nearing lunchtime. “Hey, can we stop for some food?” I ask, my voice husky from sleep .

His humming abruptly stops, and he turns his head to glance at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. “Sure thing, darling,” his voice gentle as he refocuses on the road ahead. The pause is brief, but I can sense his concern beneath the easy-going tone.

"Ish," I mumble, my jaw cracking open as I yawn. "My neck is screaming at me, and I'm starting to think napping in the car isn't the most brilliant idea."

We pull into a diner that's decent looking. It's midday, so I'm surprised it's not packed. Maybe we've found a hidden treasure, or maybe it's just crap. Either way, my stomach's growling and I need to use the restroom.

Eddy gets out of the car and comes around to open my door, his hand wrapping around mine as he pulls me out and leads me toward the diner's entrance. The instant I step inside, a wave of stale food and burnt coffee washes over me, making my stomach turn. The diner's interior is dimly lit, and the only sound is the hum of the neon signs outside. When I glance around, I'm surprised to see that it's completely empty – not a single customer sits in any of the booths or stools. “Is this place even open?” I whisper to Eddy, my voice barely audible over the silence.

He shrugs, his shoulders rising and falling in a slow, deliberate motion. “The doors were open, so I'm guessing so.”

"How about you order us something while I go to the bathroom?" I suggest, trying to hide my unease behind a casual tone.

Eddy nods and heads to one of the empty booths, his long legs unfolding as he settles into the worn vinyl seat. He picks up the menu, his expression twisting in distaste as he begins to scan the options. His fingers drum a faltering beat on the sticky table, a restless energy radiating from him like a palpable force.

I dash into the bathroom, my bladder screaming for relief. I quickly find a stall and do my business, trying to hurry up and get out of there before I lose my nerve. But as I'm washing my hands under the lukewarm water, I'm hit with a wave of unease. The cracked mirrors above the sinks seem to stretch and distort my reflection, making me look like a stranger. And the stench wafting from the toilets is so overwhelming that I can feel it clinging to my skin like a bad omen.

When I slide into the booth beside Eddy, I'm relieved to spot a bottle of hand sanitizer on the table. Double washing my hands hadn't done enough to banish the lingering unease from the bathroom, and the grimy atmosphere of the diner didn't exactly instil confidence. I squirt some sanitizer onto my palms and rub it in, trying to scrub away the memories of the toxic toilets.

"I wasn't sure what you were in the mood for, so I took a chance and ordered us both a coffee and a hearty English breakfast," Eddy says, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he offers me an unsure smile.

"Sounds great, thanks," I say, trying to hide my wariness behind a polite smile.

The waitress hurries over with our plates, and I'm surprised to find that my initial scepticism was misplaced. The eggs are cooked to perfection, with a runny yolk that oozes out when I cut into them, and the bacon is crispy and smoky, with just the right amount of saltiness.

As we finish our meal, I push my plate away and glance at Eddy, who's already checking his watch. "Ready to hit the road?" he asks, his tone practical and encouraging.

When I step out of the restaurant, I stretch my back and let the sun warm on my face, feeling the tension melt away. Eddy catches up to me a few minutes later, his wallet still in hand, and we make our way back to the truck together.

As we reach the truck, Eddy leans against the hood and wraps an arm around my shoulder, his warmth seeping into my skin. We linger there for a few moments, savouring the quiet comfort of each other's company, before reluctantly breaking apart to climb into the truck. After we settle into our seats, I glance at Eddy and ask, "How much longer?"

Eddy's voice is calm and reassuring as he replies, "If everything goes smoothly, only a couple more hours."

"Oh, right, the border issues," I say, my voice laced with a mix of concern and apprehension. I really hope we manage to pass through without any problems. To be honest, the thought of anything going wrong makes me nervous, even though I know Eddy will do everything in his power to keep me safe.

My anxiety levels spike, I can sense my alpha's awareness of my scent change. He notices the subtle shift in my pheromones and addresses it immediately. "Hey, don't worry," he says, his deep voice soothing. "Everything should be okay."

I know I've been complaining about it, but it's just frustrating that things have to be this way. It's not Eddy's fault the world is tough, and I wish things could be easier for everyone. I guess we just have to make the best of it, though.

"I propose we play twenty questions. It's a great way for us to get to know each other better while we're stuck in the truck, and it might make the time pass more enjoyably," I suggest.

Eddy starts off the questioning, inquiring about the basics. “Let's begin with the fundamentals,” he says, “So, what's your full name and age?”

I ponder the peculiarity of our situation, I realise it's strange that we've been practically glued together since we met and I still don't know his full name. “My full name is Darcy Mortlake,” I say, “and I'm twenty-eight. And you?”

Eddy's eyes flicker with amusement, but I sense a hint of wariness as he says, “Don't laugh at my first name, only my family uses it these days. My full name is Edgar Elwood, and I'm forty-one years old. ”

I try to stifle a laugh, but it escapes me anyway. “Edgar?” I ask, my voice trembling with amusement. “Who would have thought you were so... buttoned-up?”

Eddy's voice is laced with a gentle rebuke as he says, “Hey, I said don't laugh.” I feel a flutter in my chest as I realise how easily words can trigger dark thoughts in my alpha, but the slight curve of his lips betrays his amusement, telling me he knows I'm not laughing at him with malice.

I ask, curiosity getting the better of me, “How did you end up going by Eddy, anyway? I mean, it's a great name, but what made you opt for something so... unconventional?”

"I'm not entirely sure, but I think when I left the family home, I wanted to reinvent myself, and 'Eddy' just felt like a fresh start. Edgar can be a bit of a mouthful, and I've always found it a bit... pretentious, to be honest."

"I get it, you'll always be my Eddy. So, what else? Got any favourite movies or music? I'm always looking for new recommendations," I ask.

"I'm a total sucker for old romance films - I just can't choose between them. I've got a soft spot for Casablanca, Pride & Prejudice, and When Harry Met Sally. As for music, I'm a bit of a nostalgic - I love anything from the 80s and 90s. Give me some Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, or Nirvana and I'm set!"

"Honestly, I'm not really a film buff, so I've missed out on some classics and I haven’t seen any of those ones. I'm more of a TV guy myself.”

"Ha! You're kidding me, right? When Harry Met Sally is a total classic!"

I chuckle, expecting Eddy to join in. But instead, he shrugs and launches into a 27-minute summary of the entire film. When he finishes his impromptu recitation, his cheeks are flushed pink and a goofy grin spreads across his face. I can’t help but chuckle at the sight – it’s the most I'd ever seen him open up. The more we spend time together, the stronger our invisible thread seems to grow, until I can’t help but imagine that one day it will thicken into a sturdy rope, binding us together in a way that feels both exhilarating and comforting.

“Tell me about the other films?” I asked, eager to hear more of Eddy's thoughts. And so, he does, launching into a passionate discussion about his favourite movies, from classic rom-coms to cult classics. I listen intently, enjoying the way his eyes light up as he speaks, and the way his voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper when talking about his favourite scenes.

I rummage through our bags and produce the packet of tangy fizzers I'd packed, pulling my feet up to get cosy and settle in to listen to my mates’ favourite stories.

We spend hours lost in conversation, our words flowing effortlessly as we delve into our shared passions. The only pauses come when we approach the neutral land borders, where we reluctantly slowed to a halt. The customs officials, courteous and efficient, waved us through with warm smiles.

As dusk descends, I gaze out the window, only to notice that Eddy is driving at a pace far slower than the speed limit. My curiosity piqued, I lean forward and ask, "What's going on?"

“We’re just about to pass through non-neutral lands,” his voice calm, but with a hint of sternness.

I settle into my seat, checking that my belt secure, and close my eyes, focusing on the rhythm of my breathing. As I do, I hear Eddy's phone ringing with an incoming call, and an unfamiliar voice answers . The unfamiliar voice speaks in a hushed tone, before Eddy says, “Yeah, we're at the border now. Just stay on the line, please.” Then he places it face-down on the console between us.

His low tone sends a shiver down my spine as he instructs me, “Wrap your jacket a bit tighter around your neck for me, Darcy.” My hands tremble as I obey, yanking my jumper and jacket snugly around my body, hiding my unmarked neck from view.

Eddy's reassurances had been constant, but despite his calm confidence, a growing sense of unease had taken root in my belly. I trust him implicitly, yet the nagging doubt lingers, refusing to be silenced by his repeated promises that we'd be fine navigating the border.

As the truck comes to a halt, I jam my hands into my pockets to hide their tremble and turn to face Eddy, who flashes me a weak smile before leaning over the console and pressing his lips to mine. His fingers brush against my skin as he drags them over my neck and face, attempting to saturate me with his alpha scent in a frantic bid to calm my nerves.

A sudden pounding on the passenger side window makes my heart thud in my chest as I pull away from him. The sound of knuckles thudding against the glass is like a punch to the gut, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. Eddy's eyes flash with a warning as he subtly shakes his head at me, his jaw clenched in a tight line. He rolls down his window a couple of inches, and a faint hint of moonlight illuminates his face as he speaks, "Good evening, we're just passing through to visit family at Grizzly-Fields."

As the only light comes from the moon and distant stars, the darkness seems to swallow everything around us. The air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves as I strain to see beyond the shadows, trying to make out the features of the man outside. His imposing figure is shrouded in darkness, but his broad shoulders and muscular build hint at his alpha status. I can feel his eyes on me, like cold weights pressing against my skin, as he stands there, silent and unmoving

Suddenly, the man's patience wears thin as he points his finger at the window. His long finger extends like a rod, pointing straight at us. The air seems to vibrate with tension as he speaks, his words dripping with an air of menace, and I can feel the weight of his gaze like a physical force. "Roll that all the way down and give me your IDs," he demands, his tone cold and unyielding, as if daring us to defy him.

Eddy's hand darts across the console, his fingers closing around the passports like a vice as he extracts them from the glovebox. I'm frozen in place, my body tensed like a spring, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. The sound of the window rolling down is like a scream in my ears, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I force myself to take even breaths, trying to calm my ragged breathing and steady my racing heart as Eddy passes our passports to the man without looking at me, his movements mechanical and detached.

"Is the omega yours?" the man growls, his voice like a low rumble of thunder on a summer night.

Eddy's eyes flash with anger as he growls out the words, his nostrils flaring with indignation. "He's my fated mate.”

The man leans down and rests his forearms on the window, his biceps bulging with muscle as he peers into the truck. His hot breath washes over me, making me shiver. "Is he claimed?" he asks, his voice dripping with malice.

Eddy shakes his head, his jaw clenched in anger. "No."

The man's smile is a cold, calculating thing, his eyes glinting with malice as he leans closer to us. His eyes blazing with hunger as he sniffs at me like a predator sizing up its prey. His head dips lower, his hot breath washing over me like a wave, making my skin crawl. “You smell delicious, omega,” he growls, his voice low and menacing. My heart is pounding in my chest, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios as I stare up at him, frozen in fear. I can feel his eyes burning into me, like a brand searing itself onto my skin. The air seems to grow colder as he looms over me, his presence suffocating. I'm trapped and helpless, unable to move or speak as he gazes at me with an unnerving intensity .

“I’d appreciate it if you could just let us through, my family is expecting us,” Eddy tells the man.

The man's head snaps up, his eyes narrowing at my alpha before he examines our IDs with a savage scrutiny. The silence seems to grow louder, taking on a menacing quality that sends shivers down my spine. “I'd mark your omega before anybody else finds out an unclaimed bitch is roaming around,” he growls, his voice low and menacing. “I'd take that omega from you and make him beg for mercy. And I'd make sure you never see him again.” His words hang in the air like a threat.

As soon as the man stands up to his full height, he chucks our ID’s through the window and slams his fist against the door, Eddy floors it, the engine roaring as we speed away. The tires screech in protest as we hit the gas, sending us careening down the street like a wild animal on fire. A plume of black smoke billows behind us, a cloud of grey fog chasing us down like an avenging spirit. The truck’s tires shred the ground like a hot knife through butter, sending shards of concrete flying in all directions.

I wait until I can no longer see the man's menacing figure in the rear-view mirror before I exhale a shaky breath. My heart feels like it's been ripped in two, a dull ache spreading through my chest like a slow-moving fire. My throat clicks with dryness as I swallow hard, the sound echoing through my mind. The taste of fear lingers on my tongue, bitter and metallic. I'm aware of every ragged breath I take, every pound of my racing heart. My skin is slick with sweat, my palms feeling clammy against the leather seat.

"Are you okay?" Eddy asks, his voice low and gravelly, like a growl rumbling in the back of his throat. His meaty fingers wrap around the steering wheel like a vice, his knuckles white as he grips it. The angry scent of his adrenaline-fueled fury wafts through the cab, making my head spin .

I hesitate, my voice caught in my throat like a bird struggling to free itself from a trap. "I...I think so," I manage finally, my words barely audible over the pounding in my ears. His gaze flicks to me, his eyes blazing with concern, but I can see the tension still simmering beneath the surface, waiting to boil over at any moment.

I glance over at Eddy and I see his expression soften, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he apologises. His voice is low and gentle, like a warm breeze on a summer day, and I feel my tension ease ever so slightly. “I'm sorry,” he says again, his words dripping with sincerity.

“Edgar, are you alright?” The unfamiliar voice shouts through the phone.

“Yes, Dad,” my alpha responds warily. “We're through.” Eddy's eyes flicker towards me, his expression softening as he says, “We won't be long.” His voice is low and calm, but there's a thread of annoyance beneath it, like a guitar string vibrating with tension.

I block out the rest of Eddy's conversation with his father as I try to process the man's words from earlier. They still sting like a slap in the face, my insides feeling like they're tangled in a knot. My heart races with indignation and my mind reels with self-doubt. I've always prided myself on being strong, but now I'm not so sure. That word - 'bitch' - still echoes in my mind, making me feel like I'm nothing more than a fragile, insignificant thing. The stranger's treatment has left me feeling raw and exposed, like a wound that's been ripped open and left to bleed. As I sit there in the darkness, trying to make sense of it all, I realise that being an omega isn't just about biology - it's about being treated like dirt by people who don't understand or care.

Eddy's hand brushes against my leg, making me jump in surprise. I apologise hastily, my heart racing as I realise it's just him.

“No need to say sorry, Darcy,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. The words are like a gentle rain on parched soil, soothing my raw emotions. “I feel awful about what happened,” Eddy continues, his voice low and husky. “If I knew it would have been like that, I wouldn't have brought us here.” The sincerity in his voice is like a balm to my soul, and I feel a lump form in my throat as I try to process everything that's happened.

I shake my head, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me like a turbulent sea. I look at Eddy, his eyes searching mine for understanding. “No, it's fine,” I say, trying to sound convincing. “It's not your fault, plus I really want to meet your family.” Eddy's expression softens, his face relaxing into a gentle smile. He reaches out and gently brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

“You're sure?” he asks, his voice low and unsure.

I nod, trying to swallow past the lump in my throat. “Yeah, I'm positive.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles again, relief washing over me like a wave.

We drive in silence, I feel Eddy's fingers wrap around mine like a warm blanket, his touch a gentle reminder that he's still with me. The darkness outside seems to press in on us, but his calming pheromones waft in like a soothing balm, easing my tension and calming my racing thoughts. I glance over at him, his gaze is intent, his jaw clenched as he works to keep his emotions in check. His fingers tighten around mine for a moment before releasing, and I feel a pang of empathy for him. I know he's still angry with what happened earlier, and I want to reach out and reassure him that everything will be okay. But for now, we just sit in silence, the only sound is the soft hum of the engine and the creaks of the old truck. Eddy's touch is all that breaks the stillness - his thumb tracing gentle circles on my palm as he exhales slowly, releasing some of his tension into the night air.

When we pull up to the log cabin in the woods, I'm struck by its rustic charm. The darkness makes it difficult to see every detail, but I can make out the rough-hewn logs that form its walls, the steeply pitched roof that seems to disappear into the trees. The sound of crickets and distant hooting owls fills the air, and I breathe in deeply, taking in the scent of pine and damp earth. I smile, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. This is where Eddy's family lives - where they've raised him and his siblings, where they've shared countless memories. It's a place of comfort and security, where I feel like I belong.

I hastily vacate my seat and scramble onto Eddy's lap, his strong arms wrapping around me in a warm embrace. As I nestle into his chest, his body heat seeps into my chilled skin, calming my racing heart and soothing my frazzled nerves.

His warm breath whispers against my ear as he suggests, “Why don't we skip the introductions for now and get some rest? You can meet the family in the morning when you're feeling more refreshed?”

As much as I yearn to muster up the courage to face his parents, I know I’m not ready to put on a brave face just yet. “Is that really okay with you?” my voice barely above a whisper, as I cling to his chest.

He tightens his arms around me and I feel a sense of calm wash over me. “Of course it is,” he whispers, his breath caressing my ear. “Your comfort is my main priority right now.” A few more moments of tender intimacy passes, the scent of our entwined bodies mingling in the crisp evening air. When I finally feel ready to face the world again, Eddy helps me out of the truck, and we make our way towards the cabin, our bags slung over his shoulders.

I was expecting to find his parents waiting for us in the living room, but instead, the space is eerily silent. Confused, I turn to Eddy, who must have read my expression because he offers a gentle explanation. “My dad was on the phone with us earlier,” his voice low and soothing. “He heard everything that happened, so I think they're giving us some space to get settled in for the night.”

I gaze around the empty room, a twinge of guilt strikes me for intruding on his parents' space. But as I turn to Eddy, I can’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. The thought of pretending to be cheerful and carefree in front of his family right now feels overwhelming, and I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to process our emotions in private.