Alpha Rayven

New Names & Old Names

Over the next few weeks, I become nothing more than a vessel. He uses my body every night, and I continue to take pleasure in the pain, but I know he doesn’t truly want me. He only wants what I can do for him, what I can bear for him, and I can tell he’s growing angry that his “work” hasn’t paid off.

I’ve explored the grounds a little, getting to know my new home, my new lands. I haven’t been into town yet, but I finally convinced him to let me go today.

Senna is taking me to buy a new comforter because I’ve grown tired of using spare blankets. I want something new… something with no lingering scent clinging to it.

Senna’s mate, Griffin, is accompanying us. Blackwood sent him along as his one condition.

It’s obvious they’re in love. Senna said they’ve been together since high school. They’re the same age as me… twenty.

They’re always touching, always brushing against each other, mixing their scents. I wish my mate would show me even a fraction of that affection. He still won’t share his food. As far back as I can remember, my father always shared his meals with my mother. It showed the pack that the Luna was accepted, but also that the Alpha would provide for her… and, in turn, for them.

“Do you like this one, Luna Willow?” Senna asks, smiling as she points to a comforter covered in flowers.

I shake my head. I want something Blackwood might like too, even if he won’t be sleeping beneath it.

“Do you think Rayven would want something that girly in his den?” Griffin laughs.

I freeze.

Rayven?

“Are you okay, Willow?” Senna asks, instantly at my side. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“No, I’m fine. It’s just…” I trail off, then admit, “I never knew his name.” I blush like an i***t.

“Are you serious?” Griffin stares at me, stunned. “He never even told you his name? What a dick.”

I continue walking down the aisle. “I don’t even think he’s ever called me by my name. But he must know it…” He calls me little bird, after all.

“Then what does he call you?” Griffin presses.

I blush harder and try to walk away.

“Come on, tell us!” Senna urges.

“Please?” They block my path now, and I sigh in frustration.

“He calls me… little bird,” I whisper.

Their eyes widen.

“I can’t imagine him giving you a nickname like that!” Senna laughs. “He’s always so serious.”

“It’s not like he says it all the time,” I mutter.

But he does. Every night.

“Oh, I get it now!” Griffin laughs like he’s uncovered all my secrets, earning a slap from Senna. “What? It’s not like you can’t hear them every night!”

“Stop it, Griff,” Senna laughs, and I’m pretty sure my face is bright red.

I don’t say another word as I walk off to continue my search.

Twenty minutes later, I finally find one I like. It’s a beautiful, foggy forest scene that reminds me of the woods back home… my real home. I buy it on the spot and hope my so-called mate doesn’t comment on it.

We stop to grab something to eat when I catch a scent I haven’t smelled in a long time. I spot him… his beard longer, his hair grown out… and I smile before I can stop myself. He looks stunned to see me… or so I think.

“It can’t be…” Senna whispers, but before I can move toward his booth, he’s already out the door and gone.

I wonder what happened. We used to be such good friends. Is he angry that I left the pack? That I went along with my pack’s wants…their needs?

“Griffin… was that---” Senna starts.

“I think it was,” he answers. They both look stunned, while I’m left completely confused.

“Do you guys know Heath too?” I ask quietly.

They both snap their heads toward me.

“How the hell do you know Heath?” Griffin grabs my shoulders, gripping tightly. I can feel the attention of the diner turning toward us, so I guide them back outside into the cold air.

The sudden snap of the tension from the previous relaxed atmosphere left me speechless. I think I just step onto one of the mysteries in this pack. I don’t know if it is a good thing or not, but maybe, I can learn something more about him from this.

Or maybe yet, explore it…

“Heath used to live with my family… at my old pack,” I explain. “He was like a brother to me, but he left a few years ago. He said he wanted a fresh start.” Every word feels like it’s being absorbed by them, as if they’re feeding off the information.

“We need to get back,” Griffin mutters after a moment. “We have to tell Rayven.”

They ignore my questioning looks as they usher me to the car and drive us back to the pack grounds.