He grabbed the chocolate ice cream and marked it off his list. This was everything he thought of as he headed to the counter. “This is the one she likes?” Caz asked the older gentlemen.
“I wouldn’t say like, because Raven loves it. She comes in here just about every other day to buy it. I think she will be shocked to know you put so much effort into cooking her dinner,” the shop owner said, placing the items in a bag.
“Thank you, Mr. Lutz. I appreciate you giving me all your advice.”
“Any time, Caz. Make sure you come by after the masquerade ball and meet my Luna and my great-grandson, Dylan. She’s a beauty, but I can already see that you have your eyes set on Raven. She’s a beauty and good luck to you. Wild spirit that one. Those are the best,” Mr. Lutz said, winking at him.
Caz carried the groceries home and put a note on the bag to not touch it. He put one on the ice cream too, just in case. Then he went in search of his mate. He needed to or his tiger would go looking for her.
Walking out on the porch, he glanced around the yard but didn’t see her. He knew she wasn’t in her room and her truck was still parked outside. Smelling the air, he caught her scent and followed it.
Raven was sitting at the picnic table drawing. He slowly walked over and sat across from her. He watched as her hands moved back and forth, but she never looked up at him. He could tell she was drawing, but he had no clue what. Her hand held her notebook up blocking his view.
They stayed silent until she finally stopped. Tilting her head to the side, she turned her notepad and showed him what she was drawing. His mouth fell open as he got a good look. He twisted and looked toward the alpha’s house. Jade and Lennox were piled up on the swing snuggling.
Her drawing was so vivid. He took a second look and saw all the details nobody else would know, but he knew, and Raven drew it with perfection. Lennox’s and Jade’s initials were cut into one of the beams of their home. He shook his head.
“This is beautiful, Raven. I...never knew you could draw. I’ve never seen any of your stuff. This is beyond beautiful. It’s a masterpiece,” Caz said, smiling. “Why do you keep this a secret? You’re so good at it.”
“I’m a hunter. And that’s all I ever wanted to be. I love to draw, but only when I’m off or have nothing else to do. You really think I’m good?”
Caz snorted. “Are you kidding? Have you ever shown anyone your work before?”
Shaking her head, Raven turned the picture back to her and stared at it. “Nah, doubt anyone would buy it. Maybe something to put in a litter box or something, but I wouldn’t call it a work of art.”
Grabbing her hand, Caz gave her his “serious” look. He wanted her to know he meant what he was going to say. “This is a work of art, and its breathtaking, and yes, you should show it.”
“Never showed my work to anyone before. Not even Leo.” Raven snorted, then looked up at him. “He’s asked, of course, but it was something I wanted to keep to myself. You know?”
Caz smiled. “But you showed me.”
“Well, of course. You’re my mate,” Raven said, and they looked up at each other at the same time.
He swallowed hard. If he said something, she may take it back, and right now, she admitted they were mates. Thank you, Lord.
“I thought about framing it and giving it to them for their anniversary. It’s coming up in a couple of weeks. I never know what to give people for gifts. I just thought...maybe--”
He watched as Raven started to tear it out of the notebook. He grabbed it before she could rip it up. “No...no, no. This is the perfect gift. Look, if Lennox and Jade don’t rave over it, then I will give you a thousand dollars cash.
“And if they laugh and throw it to the side, then I will still give you a thousand dollars and an extra thousand. I’m so sure they will absolutely love it that I’m willing to bet that much money. I have faith in you, Raven.”
Clutching at his arm, she smiled for a second and then it disappeared. Raven turned the notebook around and started drawing more to it. The more she drew, the more at peace his tiger became. Propping his head up with his arm, he watched as his mate drew.
He continued to watch each stroke of her pencil as more and more of the alpha’s cabin came to light. Her small smile and beautiful hazel eyes glanced in his direction. “You’re purring.”
“I’m content. My tiger is relaxed and happy with you,” Caz muttered.
“Are you serious? But we hardly know each other. I know our kind are different, but--”
Caz put his hand on her arm, stopping her. “Just let it happen, Raven. I’ve learned that my mate is an artist and a talented one at that. I’m happy just sitting here under the trees watching you draw. Just let it be, baby.”
The soft rose color painted her neck and up to her face. “Okay,” she whispered.
And as she continued to draw, he continued to run his fingers up and down her arm. Why? Because she was letting him touch her and that was a miracle. He didn’t remember the last time he felt so tranquil, and the way she was looking, his mate felt content too.
He felt someone behind him. Apparently, Raven figured it out the same time. His purring had turned to growling until his alpha stood in front of them. Raven quickly turned the page.
“I thought for a minute my mind was playing tricks on me, but Jade assured me that I was seeing what I thought.” He lifted his hand stopping Raven from commenting. “I’m not here to judge or comment, only that I just received a call from Calum. He said he was invited to see the home of Wyatt Benjamin. Calum also said that I was invited since we were eating dinner with him tonight. That was the only way we could all go. Just come as you are. We are leaving now.”
Caz and Raven both stood and got in the back of Lennox’s SUV. “Don’t you think it would be odd for all of us to show up?”
“Not really. He’s a billionaire and loves to show off or, at least, that’s how Calum is. He’s the only billionaire I know and as soon as his house was completed, he had a party to display it. He’s having a masquerade ball to show off his new ballroom,” Jade said.
“You’re rich, Jade, but you don’t show off,” Raven answered. Nobody said anything at first. You could cut the tension with a knife. He closed his eyes waiting for it, but when nothing happened, he let out the breath he was holding.
“I’m not a billionaire, Raven,” Jade answered.
“Yet. This is how you have to think, Jade. But you will. We all know how talented you are.” Raven assured her.
“You really think so?” Jade asked. She had turned in her seat and stared, just like he was.
“Come on. Of course, I think that. Tell her, Lennox. We all know that.”
And just like that, the biggest smile came across Jade's face and even Lennox smiled at his mate. “See, baby, I told you you’re a great businesswoman.”
“Thank you.” And the rest of the ride to meet Calum and Riley was peaceful. He studied his mate, wondering if she was acting or if she really meant her compliment. He listened for any change in her breathing or a wink, but nothing. Raven actually complimented her alpha’s mate and this was what had him guessing if he really knew her at all.