by Gift .
“The darkness, it’s gone!” Rayne exclaimed suddenly as she jumped up out of my arms, I could hear Wynter howling in Raynes mind. “Wynter’s back too! It’s really gone, all of it!” Rayne Exclaimed with tears in her eyes.
“The void, the despair of losing my mate bond, it’s gone too?” She said curiously as she put her hand over her heart almost like she was trying to feel the void.
Raphael slowly sauntered over to us, he was looking at the ground, head held down in shame. I thought Rayne was going to lose it again, but to my surprise she didn’t.
She walked over to Raphael, and embraced him. I was surprised at her actions, she was so caring and forgiving, a side of her I had seen before many times.
He slowly wrapped his arms around her, and whispered something in her ear. I could hear Wynter in the background agreeing with whatever it was that Rayne whispered back. She then pulled away from his embrace and they locked eyes.
Raphael moved her hair from her face and smiled. “Thank you, beautiful,” He said, then he turned to me. I’m truly sorry, brother. I never should have interfered. Once the darkness took over I was helpless to control my actions. I know that is not an excuse, but I hope someday you can forgive me.” He said. I could tell he was being sincere. Then he materialized out of the arena.
Rayne made her way over to Roman who was still extremely upset but in shock at the same time. He grabbed her into a tight bear hug, while apologizing over and over.
I could hear her consoling him, “I would do it again if the need arose.” She said, I could see tears in Romans eyes. “Thank you, Rayne” He stammered.
She let go of him and locked eyes with Alpha Drake, I saw a small smile creep onto his lips, and they nodded at each other as if understanding an unspoken word. She wasn’t using the mind link because I couldn’t hear anything, and then she walked back my way.
“Let’s go home,” she said. She grabbed my hand, and materialized us to my room.
Chapter 58
(Rayne)
I felt like I was floating, strange I thought. I swear I was just being hurtled through the ground but this was a bit different. It was dark, I was basically wandering around in the nothing. I could suddenly feel the icy chill to the bone of the shadows, but I couldn't see or hear them.
Was I dead? A pang of guilt flooded through me as I thought about Raziel, and all the pain I must have caused him, especially if I was dead. I couldn’t control the darkness, but it was my own fault I let it in to begin with.
I was distracted from my thoughts when I noticed a little further out I could see what looked like a door, with a light casting behind it. That was the only thing around me, so I walked towards it.
I was surprised when it opened and I walked through to find myself in Raziel's arms. We locked eyes and I saw surprise on his face but not fear. My eyes must have been back to normal. In fact I couldn’t feel the darkness at all.
“Are you ok?!” He asked me, worry filling his words. “Raziel, I’m fine” I stammered, catching my breath. He pulled me into his chest and held me tightly. “What is your price?” Raziel asked the shadows.
I had only just noticed that the shadows were everywhere, they were saying something about a life for a life and the price was paid, that they owed me, but I was so distracted by Wynters internal dialogue that I wasn’t paying full attention. Wynter was back! The darkness was gone!
“The darkness, it’s gone!” I exclaimed suddenly and I jumped up out of Raziel’s arms, Wynter was howling in my mind, a sound I had missed so much. “Wynter’s back too! It’s really gone, all of it!” I Exclaimed with tears in my eyes.
“The void, the despair of losing my mate bond, it’s gone too?” I said curiously. I put my hand over my heart, trying to feel the void, trying to feel any part of it, but it was as if it was never gone. Not one ounce of despair, suffering or pain to be felt. I was my old self again! How is this possible I thought?
That's when I noticed Raphael heading our way. He was ashamed, you could tell because he was looking straight at his feet while he slowly made his way to me. I was expecting some sort of emotion, anger, fear, anything to push through at the sight of him, but instead all I felt was an overwhelming need to forgive him.
I walked up to him and took him into my arms, he slowly put his arms around me pulling me into a tight embrace. “Rayne, I am so fucking sorry, I have no idea what came over me, I just, you are just so incredible, I couldn’t help myself, I never wanted to hurt you.” He was struggling to get the words out, “I’m sorry, can you ever forgive me?” He asked, with worry and sincerity in his voice.
“Raphael, I understand, and while i’m still upset at you, I do forgive you.” I said back to him. Wynter agreed in my mind. I pulled away from the embrace and we locked eyes. Raphael moved my hair from my face and smiled. “Thank you, beautiful,” He said, then he turned to Raziel.
"I’m truly sorry, brother. I never should have interfered. Once the darkness took over I was helpless to control my actions. I know that is not an excuse, but I hope someday you can forgive me.” He said. He sounded sincere, then he materialized away from the arena.
I decided it was time to confort Roman, he looked like he had been crying, hard, and I could tell he was still in shock. I walked over to him and took him into a bear hug. “Rayne I’m so sorry, I froze, I didn’t know what to do. I never meant to get you killed, i’m so sorry.” Roman Stammered, tears filling his eyes again.
“I would do it again if the need arose.” I said back. And that was the truth, I definitely would. I wouldn’t even hesitate, I would do anything for my pack members, even give my life again if that were the cost. I let go of Roman as he thanked me.
I looked behind him and locked eyes with Alpha Drake. We didn’t say anything because there was nothing to be said, but I knew he was proud of me.
I knew my sacrifice was something a Luna would have done for her pack. I may not be the Luna of this pack, but I would fiercely protect it as if I were. I knew he knew that, and we nodded to each other in understanding.
After I had made my rounds, there was nothing else left to be said or done, I grabbed Raziel's hand. “Let's go home” I said, and materialized us to his bedroom.
I was exhausted, dying and then being reincarnated by the shadows really took its toll. I can tell you though, my mind was racing, I had Wynter back, I was still upset at Raphael, but the hatred I was feeling before was gone.
I couldn’t help but think the darkness made it worse, made it seem like a bigger deal, made the feelings of anger, grief, despair, fury, all worse in order to get me to act on them. It worked too.
It was like they made my pains worse so when I finally got relief from them it seemed like the only option because I never wanted to feel that low again. I definitely had normal emotions now.
I was lost in thought when Raziel took me into his arms and I felt a pulse of lightning run through my body. How did that happen? I no longer bore his beautiful crescent moon mark.
Raphael had shattered it from my face using the darkness. Raziel felt it too and he looked deep into my eyes. I could feel so many emotions running through his mind, but his eyes held their gaze as if they were scanning me for any trace of the darkness.
“Ours,” Nero said, and I could hear him... For the first time I actually heard him! It was the only power I had really struggled with, and now it was coming to light! “Yours,” I said back to Nero, much to Raziel’s surprise.
“You heard him?” Raziel said as a smile lit up his face. “It’s about time!” He chuckled. He picked me up and spun me in a circle, pulling me down into a kiss that sent chills up my spine. I didn’t need his mark to know who I belonged to.
We spent the rest of the night just enjoying eachothers company. I was laying in his arms and we were just talking, about everything and anything.
I went through everything I was feeling and thinking when the darkness had control. I talked about the power I had, and how it felt. I went ov
er how I felt about Raphael, and why I saved Roman.
I told him what happened when I was dead and where I went which to me seemed like the nothing, the place where the shadows came from possibly. I told him about the door and how I walked through to wake up in his arms and I had a whole different perspective on things.
“Why did you forgive Raphael?” Raziel asked, curiosity clear in his voice. I thought for a moment before answering.
“Raphael honestly didn’t mean me any harm. He didn’t mean to hurt me, he was just trying to find happiness again. Once the darkness took over there was no stopping it, and I understand that feeling. Honestly, if the darkness had never consumed him, he would have left us alone. He wouldn’t have continued to pursue me. I believe that with my whole heart. And while I'm still mad he wouldn't just take no for an answer the first time, I understand his pain and his want, no his need, to fill the void.” I said carefully, trying not to upset Raziel.
I never wanted him to think his brother would be a threat to our relationship. “You are incredible” He said as he kissed the top of my head. “I could learn a whole lot from you, that is for sure” He said softly.
We talked into the late hours of the night. I was trying to savor every moment I had with Raziel, because for the past few months I had been solely focused on myself and the darkness I hadn’t given him the attention he deserved.
After what seemed like hours, I finally fell asleep tucked safely in Raziels arms.
Over the next week I went and repaired burned bridges and worked things out with my pack. We had an agreement that I would still attend training and patrols but I didn’t have to stay on pack lands, I could go home anytime I pleased.
“Your home here within the Obsidian pack, will always be your home should you want or need it” Alpha Drake said, and then he made some snarky comment about if I ever changed my mind regarding the Luna position, It would be open for me. I laughed, “In your dreams Alpha” I snickered back. “Oh you can bet on it.” He said with a smirk.
I was actually happy that me and him had an actual relationship now. I spoke with Roman, he was free from his contractual bond of our friendship, allowed to return to his pack, but to my surprise he asked to stay on the condition that he could bring just his family to join our pack.
Alpha Drake agreed, and Roman had left to retrieve his family. His pack was a bit further away than ours, but the trip was worth it he said. Everything was coming together, life was returning to normal and I was content.
Raziel was staying pretty busy as well, he kept popping in and out but wouldn't tell me what he was doing. It was a surprise he kept saying.
My thoughts drifted to my birthday. It’s tomorrow, and I will be turning 21. Losing my mate bond made the day seem less exciting, but luckily I was handling it well.
I didn’t care what it took, I was going to have a great day!
Those were the last thoughts I had before I drifted off to sleep next to Raziel.
Chapter 59
When I woke up in the morning Raziel was not in bed, he wasn’t even home. That is strange, I am turning 21 today and for him to not be here when I woke up? He must be busy with whatever his surprise is.
I jumped in the shower, and when I got out I noticed an outfit picked out for me sitting on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed. It was an extremely pretty gold dress with a slit on one side up to my upper thigh. The top was backless with a higher neckline and a strap that just went around my neck It was glittery and gorgeous.
I put my hair in Beachy waves as I knew Raziel liked it that way. It must be a brother thing I thought, then laughed for thinking that and Wynter laughed too. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAYNE!” She shouted.
“Thank you” I said back “I’m sorry about the mate bond, I know today would be a whole different type of day if things were a little different.” I said to her, surprised that I didn't feel the dull ache of the void when I talked about it.
“I know, It’s ok, we are fine! Who needs a mate anyway? We have Raziel” Wynter shot back playfully. She wasn’t wrong, we didn’t need the mate bond anyways, it would just cause more problems.
I was now feeling lucky that I wouldn’t have to reject my mate like I had practiced so many times before. That was one good thing to come out of this! I threw on the dress and the matching gold sandals I just noticed on the floor underneath it.
I saw a note fall onto the chaise attached to a small gold box, it was in Raziel’s handwriting. “Happy Birthday darling! Get dressed, you're going to breakfast with Roman. I had some business to take care of, I will meet up with you soon. Love Raziel”
His words were written in 14k gold on a piece of parchment. Of course they were, and his handwriting looked like that of an angel. Perfect calligraphy lined the page making me question if he was honestly even real.
I set the note aside and opened the box. Inside was the most beautiful gold necklace. It was a crescent moon with filigree and vines. It was an exact replica of his mark, but on a necklace that was solid 14k gold. It was even glittering in the light, it was absolutely beautiful.
My heart fluttered at the thought of being marked by him, but for real this time. I hadn't asked him to mark me again since everything happened. I knew when the time was right he would mark me again, on his terms.
And I was ok with that. I put the necklace on and of course it complimented my outfit perfectly. I did one last mirror check. I couldn’t help but admire Raziel’s taste in clothing and jewelry.
“Well, here’s to 21!” I said to Wynter. She was satisfied with my appearance as well, and then I headed out the door to find Roman waiting outside for me.
To my surprise he was wearing a gold and black suit, perfectly matching my dress. Raziel must have picked out his outfit as well, I thought with a grin.
He must have thought I looked stunning judging by the look on his face. "Happy Birthday!!! My god you look amazing!" He said enthusiastically. I smiled, "Thank you!" I said back and playfully curtseyed to him, laughing.
We hopped into Romans neon orange Toyota Supra, and headed out for breakfast. To my surprise he took me outside of pack territory, to a place I had never been before.
It was a small mom and pop shop called Stix, and the food was amazing! Probably the best breakfast I had ever eaten. I wasn’t even hungry thanks to my Reaver abilities, but I can always eat anyways.
It’s almost like once I eat, then I realize how much I love to eat. I ordered an omelette, with a side of fresh fruit. Roman ordered bacon, eggs and pancakes, but he had like four sides of bacon. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“What? I love bacon.” He chuckled, taking a piece and shoving it into his mouth greedily. I took a second to appreciate Roman, he was still so young but he had a lot of experience with life under his belt from his past experiences.
“Why did you decide to stay in the Obsidian pack?” I asked him. I was genuinely curious as to why he would switch packs. Most wolves stay loyal to their pack their whole lives. It’s rare that they change packs unless they are forced.
“To be honest, i'm staying because of you, Rayne. Originally I was only here because of the deal Raziel’s assistant, Anthony, made to save my pack from the vampires. But once I got here, and realized just how amazing you were, I just couldn’t see myself leaving. Since then I’ve become friends with Alpha Drake and I’ve made other close friends in this pack. Obsidian pack is my home now, thanks to you indirectly of course. I’m here for the long haul.” He said.
I could tell he was confident in his reasoning and I smiled in response. “Well I'm glad I had an overprotective boyfriend/not boyfriend who thought I needed a friend then.” I said back with a chuckle.
Roman really was awesome, I was happy to have him as a friend, even if Raziel was a little out of control in the beginning resulting in our friendship. What a funny way to meet, I thought.
We stayed longer than I anticipated at breakfast just chatting away and hanging out. It was nice to just hang out and ju
st spend time together.
Nothing crazy, no battles, no fighting the darkness. Just being me again. It had to be about 2pm by now, the time had literally flown by. I felt the venomous mind link from Alpha Drake and I could tell Roman felt it too. He must have linked us both.