Chapter 45

Gideon’s POV

After Raven returned from the hospital to the packhouse it felt a lot more peaceful. Though I don't want to admit it loudly. As the Alpha I couldn't let my emotions control me but I couldn't disagree that her return to the packhouse made me feel a lot better.

Leo’s smile returned. Nova on the other hand was still wary of me and held onto Raven’s hand like she was her shadow. And for the first time in days, there wasn’t a knot in my chest every time I walked past the children’s wing.

Raven was safe and recovered perfectly.

The doctor has finally discharged her yet I could still see dark circles under her eyes, she looked more wary and serious than before. Despite almost dying she walked with the kids strongly like nothing really happened to her, her protective instincts were as strong as they were before.

That made me feel something that I couldn't quite name.

I have built walls around my heart and I planned to make sure no one breaks those walls. But Raven somehow managed to inflict big, massive cracks on them with her resilience. And seeing that she risked her life to save Leo without thoughts and hesitation.

It just made me realize something which I have been denying strongly.

She was just a warrior who was sent to protect but now she has become part of the family. Which is why I sat at my desk that afternoon with a small black velvet box in my hands.

The necklace was simple but it had a pendant shaped like a moon with a delicate silver chain. But when I saw it, I knew. It reminded me of her simple yet strong nature, she shone her light in the darkest times. It wasn't a gift for romance but to show my gratitude.

I ran my thumb over the box, trying to imagine the look on her face when I gave it to her. Will she be happy? The way she did when Nova held her hand? Will her eyes widen in a surprised way, will she accept my gratitude?

A strange warmth stirred in me at the thought. The door of my office opened.

“Gideon?”

The familiar unwelcomed voice broke my train of thoughts. Daphne.

I quickly closed the box, sliding it halfway back into the drawer, but she was already walking in. Her eyes landed on the shining thing in the box and she smiled.

“Oh, what’s this?” She asked curiously, her tone was hopeful with expectation she walked closer to see the velvet box “A gift?”

I stayed quiet hoping she would stop talking about it. Her eyes shined with a hopeful look. “For me?”

I sighed annoyed, as I realized how easily she thought that everything was for her including myself. She had played the role of being perfect at everything, she knew this pack like the back of her hand it was easy for her to roam around everywhere easily. But I will make sure that changes from now on.

I met her hopeful gaze and said, with no hesitation:

“No. It’s for Raven.”

Her hopeful face instantly changed. Her smile started to look artificial as it turned into something very ugly.

“For her?” she hissed. The sweetness from her face and voice was gone, now it turned into angry hiss. “You’re giving her gifts now? Gideon, are you out of your mind? She’s just a warrior. A nobody. And you—”

“Enough.”

My words were curt and sharp. It cut the air like a knife. I almost lost my patience with Daphne after the words she spoke about Raven.

“You are not allowed to speak about her like that.” I said coldly and firmly.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if she couldn’t fathom me defending anyone else over her. Her face was red from anger and embarrassment she leaned close and hissed out angrily.

“I’ve stood by your side for years. I’ve done everything to support you, and now you’re throwing me aside for some outsider? Do you even hear yourself?”

I pushed the box fully into the drawer and stood, letting my full Alpha presence roll off me. “Daphne.”

She stood still as she heard my Alpha voice. “Leave.”

For some time I could tell she wanted to argue and fight with me, but my firm gaze made it clear that I don't want to talk about this again.

She looked at me furiously and then she turned around, her heels making sharp sounds of footsteps as she left the office angrily. The door slammed shut behind her.

I let out a long breath, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

This wasn’t the first time Daphne was jealous but this time it felt different. This was just normal upset and frustration, I saw the fire of anger this time and it was dangerous. I could see the storm brewing in her.

Though I knew I should ignore her tantrums but for some reason I was not able to ignore this one.

Because I knew Daphne is not the kind of woman who will give up so easily.

I sat on my chair and looked at the drawer in which the necklace was and I felt there was more to that necklace than I intended to make. It is just to say my thank you to show my appreciation and acknowledgement for her hard work.

Now, it has become something I should be worried about. But in my mind I knew I didn't regret it.

Raven deserved every bit of it, after everything she has been through. She risked her life without hesitation. She deserves to know she mattered a lot in my and Leo’s life. She is not just a bodyguard but She was the reason my son was alive.

And perhaps… She was the reason I was beginning to feel alive again, too.

The thought made me feel uncomfortable but it was not unwelcomed.

I relaxed on my chair but the memory of Daphne’s glare didn't left my mind. If she thought she could ruin this moment for Raven, she was mistaken.

She had already crossed one line too many.

This wasn’t just Raven’s gift. It was also a statement.

This was the silent declaration no matter what I will not let Daphne control my choice. I would give Raven the necklace.

And I would deal with whatever storm Daphne unleashed afterward.

At night, I walked through the packhouse, I stopped my tracks as I heard the laughter of children coming from Raven’s room. The sound made me feel at peace. The peace I rarely felt, seeing them together felt like..

Family.

A word that felt like a dream.

I stood outside the door as I heard Nova giggle, Leo’s chuckles and Raven’s whispers as she tucked them in the bed. I saw the content look in the children’s eyes.

For a fleeting moment, I imagined opening the door and handing her the gift right then and there, letting her see that she was appreciated, cherished even.

But I knew now is not the time.

Definitely not tonight, she was still recovering and children needed her the most now. Maybe tomorrow.

I will give her the gift tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I will be ready to face whatever trouble Daphne might bring.

I walked away from the room with determination to give her the gift tomorrow. Because I knew Raven was worth it.