Page 22 of Raven

“We could buy a tent. Make it kind of cosy.”

She pushed herself up, propping herself to look down at me. “I can’t tell if you’re joking or being serious.”

I reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Half joking.”

"But half serious," I added, threading my fingers through hers as I looked up at her. I didn’t have the answers for her, but I promised I’d find a way. "We'll figure it out, Tia."

She let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh, her shoulders drooping in what looked like relief. "I hope so," she murmured, snuggling back into my side. Her heart thrummed against mychest, the soft rhythm lulling me towards sleep. "I don't want to lose this."

She fell silent after that, and we lay there, staring up into the dark sky. Her breathing grew soft, and I shifted slightly. "Are you falling asleep on me?"

She snapped her eyes open, a smile playing on her lips. "No, I don't know what you mean."

"Yeah, right. Come on, get dressed. We can grab some coffee in the next town over before we have to face the world."

The next town overwas a thirty-minute ride through unlit country lanes. Tia clung to me from the back of my bike as I navigated the familiar bends effortlessly. I had driven these roads countless times.

I was taking her to a coffee shop that stayed open all night. Positioned just off the main road before it connected to the motorway, it attracted a steady flow of customers. I’d been there a few times myself but never inside. Despite the sign that read "All served" with a society-approved stamp in the corner—implying everyone was welcome, shifters and Humans alike—its hospitality wasn’t as genuine as it claimed. These establishments didn't operate from the goodness of their hearts; they did it because the Society either paid them fees or, like Spy Glass, they saw the benefit of allowing others in.

Either way, it didn’t much matter to us. As long as we got served and there was no trouble.

It wasn’t that busy when we pulled up; I could see only three tables occupied. The lights were bright, and the large sign by the road confirmed it was open.

Tia removed her helmet and handed it to me. “How did I not know this place was here?” She gawked at it, dazzled by the bright lights and big signs. There was even a gift shop attached, giving it the vibe of those American diners I’d seen in movies. I think that was the look they were going for. It worked.

"Because you don’t drive? You can’t get here unless you have a vehicle."

"Well, that sucks."

"Yeah, but it keeps out the riff-raff."

She cocked a brow. “Are you calling me riff-raff?”

We ordered coffees and cake. As shifters, we didn’t typically consume much Human food, but there were a few exceptions. Cake was definitely one of them. When the plate was set down in front of us, complete with two forks, Tia eyed it warily.

“We’re eating that?”

“Yep. You’ve never had cake?”

“No. If my father caught me eating that, he’d have my backside.”

“Good job he isn’t here, then,” I joked.

We chose a table in the corner, away from everyone else. It was in the designated 'Other' section, reserved for those like us. But I didn’t mind. Sitting in a mixed area would just have us stared and glared at.

I sliced a small bite and carefully offered it to her. “Taste it.”

She hesitated, looking at me sceptically before opening her mouth to accept the forkful of cake. As the cake made contact with her tongue, a look of pure wonder bloomed on her face. Her eyes widened, sparkling under the harsh fluorescent lights. "Oh my god," she murmured. “That’s incredible.”

“Right?” I replied with a satisfied smile.

She picked up her own fork, using the side of it to take another delectable bite of the cake. I put my own fork down andwatched her, content to just be there in that moment. “I can’t believe I’ve been denied this all my life.”

I had strategically positioned myself to face the door. As I watched Tia, that very door swung open. Perhaps Tia sensed my sudden tension, or maybe her panther sensed mine surge to the forefront. It could have been the low growl that rumbled from my throat.

She paused, her fork hovering just inches from her mouth. "What is it?" she whispered.

I shook my head, my heart pounding fiercely in my chest—but not with excitement. Far from it. The sardonic smile on the face of the man who locked eyes with me spelled nothing but trouble.

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