Chapter 4

RAVEN

” 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 m y hair , and I won’t deny 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 fallen and I was in my room , m y stuff hadn’t really been touched since I had p gone and I was doing a clear out . I will bin what I don’t want , and what I do , I’ll 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 , singling 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 from 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 s o 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 t o 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 a this words . An influx of voices came through the link a s 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 , not missing the way he looked me over . It was then 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 c eyes had been removed . My stomach churned and I clamped a hand over my mouth feeling sick . ” The teeth have all been taken too .

” The Delta , Zack said quietly . I knew him as he was only slightly younger than I was . ” What the fuck happened ? ” Liam’s voice came from behind us , I turned to see him shirtless and clearly , he had been in the middle of a shower .

He glanced at me , his frown deepening when he looked at Damon before he brushed past us both .

Sparks flew through me at his touch and my breath hitched .. Fuck …. ” Scour the area . Did anyone witness anything ? Who found the body ? ” He asked , his Alpha aura whirling around him . ” Ralf … his brother . ” Zack said , motioning to the side with a jerk of his head .

I turned to see a boy around twelve or thirteen sitting under a tree , shaking , and rocking himself . An omega child . Shit , why the hell was no one comforting him ?! I hurried over to him and sat down next to him , wrapping my arms around him . ” Hey , it’s ok , I got you . ” I whispered , seeing his hands tangled tightly into his hair , ” It’s not true . It’s not true . ” He muttered repeatedly . Liam approached , looking down at him ” When did you find him ?

” He asked . The boy continued to mutter , not even hearing Liam , who frowned . ” Can’t you see it has affected him greatly and you’re asking questions ? ” I asked icily . His gaze snapped to me , and his eyes flashed . ” And didn’t I say to everyone to stay inside .

” He growled . ” You did . ” But that doesn’t mean I would listen ! I looked away from him , feeling two pairs of eyes on me , but they could look and get as mad as they wanted , because right now I was more concerned about this kid who had seen his brother in that horrifying state . I knew his face would haunt my dreams too .

” Scour the area , track any scent that lingers here , and I want anyone whose scent is here to be brought in for questioning . Maybe they saw something … This doesn’t look like a normal killing .

” What was the cause of death ? ” ” No fucking idea … ” ” ” Maybe poison . Request an autopsy . ” Liam muttered . ” There’s no strange scent from him … ” ” Wait , what is that ? ” Damon said suddenly making me look up sharply as h e bent down and took a piece of paper from the man’s hand . The group of men fell silent , and I looked a t them curiously . ” What does it say ? ” I asked .

No one spoke , and I frowned . ” ” Tell me . ” Damon turned , his eyes meeting mine , and he frowned , holding it up . ” Who’s next ?