Page 7 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
“Sure, I’ll get someone to set up a room for you there. Liam stays there, too, since he’s come back…” She frowned, and I tried not to react to the mention of Liam. “He’s changed a lot, hasn’t he?”
“Yeah…”
“Surely there must be a reason behind that,” Aunty Red said lightly, popping the tray into the oven before she turned to me, her sharp eyes fixed on me. “Would you have any idea what that reason might be?”
Down by the River
Raven
Her question took me by surprise, but I simply shrugged.
“I haven’t been around for ages, Aunty.” She smirked.
“You girls do know, you and Kia,” she stated. “But if you don’t want to tell me right now… that’s fine, but nothing stays hidden. Besides, I have my assumptions.” Trust Aunty Red to say that. She wasn’t dumb, I had to give her that. I really didn’t want to ask her what she assumed because I might give something away…
“Aww, well, I hope you do get to figure it out. Aunty, if you ever need this little gummy bear babysat, I will do it willingly. She is so adorable!” I smiled at Azura, who was playing with my hair, and I wouldn’t deny that I liked it. She was so cute.
“Oh, I’ll definitely hold you to that,” Aunty said, smiling.
“Good,” I replied, thinking this place felt so much better to spend time at.
Night had fallenand I was in my room. My stuff hadn’t really been touched since I had gone and I was doing a clear out. I would bin what I didn’t want, and what I did, I’d pack it up. I needed to tell Mom and Dad about me moving, too… but the moody look on Dad’s face had put me off. I didn’t want more drama.
I put on some Disney classic songs, singing along to ‘Colours of the Wind’ as I began on my wardrobe. Some of this stuff was way too childish. My phone rang and I hurried over to it, smiling when I saw Kia’s name pop up on the incoming video call.
“Kiki!” I said, answering it. “Ahh, and my babies!”
Kiara laughed as she sat there, feeding one of them. Goddess, those two were gorgeous. They were about three months now and were like two little dolls.
“I thought I’d video call whilst I’m feeding. How are you?” she asked. I plopped onto my bed and smiled.
“I’m great, I am going to start training tomorrow. I saw Liam and Damon, both are doing great, and I asked your mom about moving to the packhouse,” I ended with a whisper. She smiled gently, but from the knowing look in her eyes, I knew she saw past my façade. Over the years, Kiara had become so much more observant. She didn’t fall for my fake smiles.
“You are brave,” she said softly. “You got this.”
“Thanks, hun,” I whispered.
“I’m going to try to visit in a few weeks’ time,” she said.
“Really? I can’t wait to meet these two munchkins.” I had only seen them when I visited her pack with Aunt Angela.
“I’m sure they want to see their aunty, too,” Kiara replied with a small laugh.
We sat there, chatting and talking like we did often enough. Although Kiara had an entire pack to run, and as Queen it was more than just a pack, we still found time to talk to each other and it felt good. After a good half hour, we said goodbye and I returned to clearing out my wardrobe. I had just finished when a panicked voice came through the link.
Someone’s been killed down by the west side of the river!The man sounded fearful, and my own heart was thudding at his words.
An influx of voices came through the link as I rushed to my window. Opening it, I jumped out, not even realising I was barefoot until the stones beneath my window poked into my feet, but I was too worried to care as I rushed down towards the river.
It’s covered. No one panic and stay in your homes,Liam’s cold voice came through the link, sending a rush of warmth through me. I missed it… missed the mind-link with them…
I ignored his command as I approached the spot, slowing down to see several men standing around looking at something on the ground. My heart thumped as I stepped closer. Damon was there, and when I approached, he looked up. I didn’t miss the way he looked me over. It was then that I realised I was only in my leggings and a crop top. My heart thudded, but I tried not to focus on him as I stepped closer.
“Don’t come closer, Raven.” His deep seductive voice made me stop. “It’s not pleasant.”
“I can handle a lot more than you think,” I said, quietly stepping forward.
But maybe not. The face of the body had been cut from ear to ear, and the eyes had been removed. My stomach churned and I clamped a hand over my mouth feeling sick.
