Raven’s POV
After what seems like a long time of relaxing in each other's embrace and soothing each other. Asher finally spoke
“If we remain here, we won't finish the tour. Not that I'm complaining or anything, but I did promise you a tour” he says
“I just love the serenity of this place. But that tour is needed.”
“I need to familiarize myself with this mansion”. I say standing up and taking his hand in mine.
Asher just chuckled at my words and let me pull him up.
He gently removes his hand from mine and places it on my waist, leading me out of the garden.
We got to the library, and I was again left astonished by how huge it was.
If not for the peace that comes with the garden, the library would have been my favorite place.
It's so huge. Different books adorn the shelves, from historian to modern to fantasy, all you could imagine.
I've always been a lover of books, t
Asher's POVAfter listening to Raven’s story, I just want to rip out her father’s neck and all the people involved in torturing my mate.My wolf was furious and blood thirsty, it’s taking a lot for me to control the blood lust.The pain in her voice broke something in me, she suffered a lot at my pack, the feeling of betrayal from people you hold as family is heartbreaking.Raven tried so hard to shield her pain, but I could feel it, so raw and bone wrenching.The gasps in her breath, trying so hard to breath with the pain only served to fuel my anger.Losing control now won’t help either of us and the council will just see more reason to bring me down.I’ll get my revenge from Nicholas, he better watch out, no one hurts my mate and goes scott free.Sending a message to my betas through the mindlink, telling them of the things Raven told me. Dale was the first to reply
Asher's POVLiam, one of the pack’s enforcers comes into the dinning as we were rounding up our breakfast.“Alpha” he greets, bowing his head“Liam, what brings you here?” I askHe stares at Raven's direction, probably wondering if he could talk with her here.Raven noticed this and stood up, planning to leave. “Maybe I should let you guys discuss, I'll be at the garden” she says“No, sit down Raven. Liam you can say anything in front of her. She's now a member of the pack.”“Raven, this is Liam, one of the pack's enforcers” I introduce him“Nice to meet you Liam” she says, holding out her hand for a handshake.My wolf growls at that, not wanting another male hands on her. Liam heard the growl because he just bows his head in acknowledgement.“Miss Raven” he greets. Raven takes back her hand and blush at his greet
Raven's POVReading one of the books from the library as I swing gently on the swing in the garden.I feel at peace and my wolf sighs in contentment. This is so peaceful, something I've always wanted.I suddenly remembered Maya, I miss her so much, she would have been so worried for me.She would have asked if I was doing okay, hounded Asher with so many questions and I'm sure she would have liked DaleHe seems like her type, all flirty and playful.I need to ask Asher to get me a phone, I'll try to see if I can contact her.I also want to go out and explore the pack, I want to meet other pack members and talk to themI must ask Asher about leaving the house.As if I had conjured him, he walks into the garden looking like every girl's dream.Wearing a scarlet designer shirt that shows off his muscles and stretch leather pants.As usual, leaving the first two buttons open, showing off his c
Asher's POV“Alpha, it's time to leave.” Derek says as he steps into my office.“Fine, let's go. Where is Dale?”“He's waiting by the car with Marcel”“Alright then, let's go”.We walked out of the office together and were almost at the door when I remembered I didn't tell Raven I was leaving.“Is there something you forgot?” Derek asks when I suddenly stopped“Not really, I just want to inform Raven” I say. He clears his throat and smirks at me.Narrowing my eyes at him I ask “Do you have something to say?”“Me? Not at all. I'm just not used to seeing you being all domestic that's all”“Whatever, I'll meet you guys outside” I said, going to look for Raven.I found her in the library. Nose buried in the book she's reading, didn't even notice my presence until I cleared my throat.&l
Raven's POV Rounding up on the book I'm reading, I take a deep breath and check the time. It's been about an hour now.Stretching my legs as I stand up. I leave the library, I need to find Liam or one of the enforcers to accompany me out.I get to the kitchen and Matilda is doing the dishes, while humming. She doesn't know I'm in the kitchen so engrossed in her chore.“What song is that?” I ask as I neared her“The gods!” She says, holding up her hands in fright. I must have startled her.“I'm sorry I scared you” I apologize. She laughs “oh no, it's fine miss Raven, I must be getting old now” she says, waving me off.“Oh please drop the title, just call me Raven”“Okay Raven. What did you ask earlier”“I asked what song you were humming”“It's a popular song back in my pack. We usually sing it during festivities.Some mother's sing it to their children to put them to bed” She says, with a dreamy look in her eyes. She must miss her pack.I wonder how things turned bad and she ended up
Asher's POV “Alpha, you have a visitor”. Connor says as he enters my office.“Who is it?” I ask, not looking up.“Alpha Nicholas” he says. This had me pause and look up at him. Why is he here? I wonder.Just a few days ago I announced my mating ceremony at the council meeting.So what could he be here for? Well, since he's here, I might as well use the opportunity to ask all the questions I have for him.It's a good thing Raven is out with Liam, something about seeing Jessie, John's daughter.It seems she had developed a bond with the little girl, they've become so close these past few days.“Send him in,” I tell Connor. I sent a quick message to my betas.“Nicholas here”“What! Why?” Derek asks“Connor just informed me and I sent him to call him in”“What could he possibly want?” Asked Dale“Maybe it's in regards the mating ceremony” Derek says“Probably, just be on alert. I don't trust him” I tell them“Noted Asher” Dale answers“On my way to your office now.” Derek says. I don't r
Raven's POV It's two days to the mating ceremony, I can't help but be nervous about it. Asher's out for a business meeting with Derek and Dale.I'm here sitting in the garden and wondering how everything is all going to go. The last time a ceremony was held for me was my 18th birthday, the night I was meant to shift but I didn't and that night didn't end well.What if something happens again? What if it all goes wrong during the mating ceremony?All these questions I keep asking myself. My wolf growls silently within, her way of saying she's always with me.Sometimes I feel like I can hear her speak to me, like I can hear her voice in my head, like she's protecting me.After a while, I get up and go to the kitchen to get something to snack on.Matilda clearing some dishes away and humming that same song I heard from her before.“Morning Matilda” I say as I enter the kitchen so I don't startle her again.“Morning Raven, did you sleep well?” She asks, turning to me.“I didn't, was res
Raven's POV Today's the day of the mating ceremony. The day me and Asher will be bound together, the day we finally become one.The day I become the Luna of the Shadow pack. Nerves wrack my body, I can't seem to shake it off.Anticipation of how today's gonna be like and how it will go. I take a deep breath and count 1,2,3 then breathe out again, an attempt to calm.my nerves.I will myself to be brave and strong for today. I will walk out with my head held high, I say to myself.I've nothing to be scared of, nothing to hide either. Everyone knows I'm a latent wolf, so it's not a new thing.I just won't be able to run in my wolf form with my mate after the mating ceremony. My wolf has been oddly quiet today.That's a new thing, she hasn't said anything, though I can feel her presence but it's like she is preparing for something but her quietness is freaking me out.I try to prod her and see if I can get her attention but she ignores all my attempts.A knock on the door brings back my
Raven's POV Whoever said life was easy, lied. It's hard as fuck and sucks too, and the crazy thing is, nobody has the mind or gut to admit to it.Everyone, I mean everyone likes to live in their little delusion. Everyone has a secret to keep and a story that needs to be told.Hurt is everywhere, for both humans and shifters, we both practically drown in its essence.Yet we all pretend like it doesn't exist or matter and we are fine, when deep down we decide ourselves.But everything within us screams in agony and outrage. Our soul pleads that we should be honest and true to ourselves at least once in our lives.It begs for us to tell one person and the very second that we do that, everything becomes better.But the moment that one person we became vulnerable to shatters everything we struggle to admit.Then the world becomes nothing but emptiness and darkness.For a moment, life isn't as hard as it seems, we only make It so.“Jesus Raven!” Maya calls from the doorway, making me star
Asher's POV I watch Raven slowly leave from the corner of my eyes. Tears escape from the corner if my eyes and I wipe them away.Ever since the death of my parents, I've never shed a tear for anything or anyone until now, until Raven.Raven ripped out my heart, broke our mate bond just like that. She didn't even think twice before doing it, before ripping us into shreds.My wolf howls in pain, pain unlike anything I've ever felt before.The pain was so blinding and heart wrenching, I thought I would lose it. But she just walked out the door, leaving me all alone here.Derek and Dale helped me to meet. “Asher,” Derek starts, but I cut him off by holding up my hand.I don't say a word neither do I want to hear anything from them. I walk up to my roon, into our bedroom.Raven's scent still lingers in the room. She didn't even bother to take any of her belongings with her.She really wanted to escape this place,vecape me. I huff out a sad chuckle.Am I such a bad person that Raven need
Raven's POV Asher looked up at me dumbfounded with hurt in his eyes.“Okay, I think we all need to calm down now. Raven please calm down. You're hurting right now and we all know it.Let's not say hurtful things now, things we'll regret later.” Dale says, trying to douse the tension.“No, I'm calm now, calmer than I've ever been before.” I say, wiping away my rears furiously.“It's all Asher's fault. If he had only believed me when I told him Bryon was innocent.If he had trusted me enough and let my brother go, he wouldn't be dead now. My brother would still be alive by now, here with me.” I yell.I keep pacing back and forth the room, raking my fingers through my hair. Asher walks up to me slowly but I back away from him. “I can't, I can't right now. I can't do this anymore, Asher.”“What're you saying Raven? What do you mean by "you can't do this anymore?” He asks, breathing heavily.I shake my head, slowly drawing farther away from him.“It hurts too much. Everytime I see you,
Raven's POV Dead, dead, dead, those words keep ringing in my ears. My mouth hangs open and eyes widen in shock.I can feel the color drain out of my face. Asher tushes over to my side, trying to tell me something, I can't hear him but I see his mouth moving.It seemed like air was being sucked out of me. I struggle to breathe at the moment.“Raven, Raven, Raven!” Asher snaps and yells in my face. I turn to look at him.“That's it,” He says. “Just look at me and breathe with me. In…out, okay, just like that.” I follow his steps, breathing in and out until enough air gets into my lungs and I can finally breathe well.“Very good, you're doing well.” He commends with a sad smile.My brother, Bryon, is dead. “No, not Bryon. Bryon isn't dead. He's still waiting for me.” I say, hysterical.I try to get out of bed but as soon as my legs touch the ground, I stagger on my feet. A wave of dizziness hits me at once, causing me to sit back down on the bed. Asher and Dale move towards me at once
Asher's POV Arianna and King have been attending to Raven since we got back home.She looked so pale now, marks and bruises covered all her body. I could see the mark of a footprint on her stomach and rib cage.Those motherfuckers, I should have dragged out their death, made them suffer more before killing them for hurting my mate like this.I keep pacing back and forth in the room. Raven is deadly still and it scares me.“Alpha, I would need you to excuse us. Your pacing back and forth is distracting.” Arianna tells me.“I'm sorry, I'm just anxious and worried. She…she's not moving.” I muttered.“She'll be fine, we are doing our job but we can't keep getting distracted by you packing around, back and forth.” She gives me a stern look.I n9d my head, raising my hands in the air. *I'll excuse you, but I'll be right outside the door if you need me.“Thank you” she says, gesturing to the door for me to leave.I leave the room with Arianna slamming the door behind me. Damn! I can't even
Asher's POVFrom the movement Raven told me it was a trap set by Axton and Torren, I became cautious.I knew Axton had taken her but I didn't know he had someone with him too.Torren Shade, Raven's ex. Lucian had him investigated on our way and sent all his details to me.He was the lying and cheating ex who betrayed Raven. My guess is that he wants Raven to pay for leaving him.The bastard's not going to beg for mercy when I'm done with him. Raven's hurt, I can feel it.Axton, that motherfucker, I should have made sure he died in the building.“What's the plan now?” Dale asked as we neared the location on the tracker.“We go all in but be very cautious. It's a trap meant to lure me in and kill me and I'm sure it won't be easy.”“Then we stay alert and move as one.” Derek says, cocking his gun and checking the bullets.Luckily we still had some silver bullets we took from Alpha Nicholas guards during the last attack.“Okay, let's bring this motherfucker down once and for all.” Dale gr
Raven's POV Oh no, Asher's close, I can feel it. I struggle against the binds. “Let me go, let me go.” I shout.“Gag that bitch.” Axton commands “No, no, you can't.” I muttered. Torren comes over, placing a piece of cloth in my mouth, sealing my lips.I shout but it sounds muffled. “They are here, take her away and don't forget—” a look passes between them.Don't forget what? What are they planning to do to me?Torren loses the rope binding my legs, pulling me to my feet with my hair. I grunt out.“Move bitch.” He growled out, pulling me with him. I try to steel my feet, hoping to see Asher but Torren doesn't let me, he keeps dragging me away.I see Axton lay out some weapons before I'm finally pulled away from his view.We move deeper into the forest and stop at one point.The night air crackled with tension, fear of the unknown. Torren rips out the clothing from my mouth with force, causing me to wince in pain.I swallowed the knot in my throat, looking all around us in fear. T
Raven's POV I jolt awake, feeling disoriented, my head aches as I try to move. My legs and hands are tied together, preventing me from moving.Shit! Where am I? Who took me? And are we moving?I try to check my surroundings, but the space I'm in is so small, it looks like the trunk of a van.I'm in a moving van. Oh no! I've been kidnapped. Realization dawns on me on the situation I found myself in now.Asher! I need to tell him where I am, he must be worried about looking for me.But how can I tell him where I am when I can't even see. Nevertheless, I trace our connection.It hurts a t first, probably because of what I was injected with. But with the help of my wolf, I'm able to get to him “Asher, Asher.” I call softly. Asher's reply came immediately. “Ih thank the goddess Raven.” I wine a little as he speaks, it hurts in my head and a wave of dizziness threatens to pull me under.I clench my teeth, fighting hard to stay conscious. “Where are you? What happened?” He asked frantic
Asher's POV I was in the control room with Lucian, Liam and Derek when we heard Raven's panic button go off.The room fell silent. “Shit! What's going on?” I asked no one in particular “Do you have eyes on her inside the cell? Why would she press the panic button?” I asked Lucian.He typed away on his system, I kept pacing back and forth in the room, Raven's emotions were all over.I felt the sudden spike in her heart rate. Fear. Something bad is happening.“Come on Lucian, speak to me.” I urged him.“Here, she's not in her brother's cell.” He said, showing me the footage of the cell.“Check around, check all the wings, everywhere. She must be somewhere.” I said panicking.I tried reaching out to her, trying to communicate with her but she didn't respond.Her heart rate drops suddenly. She's unconscious.“Dale, Liam, come with me now to the dungeon, someone had knocked her unconscious. Let's go”. I commanded.“I'll inform you if I see anything or notice movements.” Lucian calls out