Page 57 of Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven
“I don’t understand.”
“Baby, he was the wolf that I attacked to protect you.”
Her head whips to Kingston. “I was protecting you. I swear. I saw them notice you at the gala. I saw the…...” He runs a hand over his mouth. “I was after them. Not you.”
“Who is them? And why were you protecting me? Aren’t you Locke’s sworn enemy?” Raven asks.
“Them would be men from Elias’ group.”
“Who’s Elias?” Raven interjects.
“A bad man. Hybrid,” I say, my hand gripping onto her thigh.
“What exactly is a hybrid?” She asks next.
“Later.” I motion for him to continue.
“And yes, according to my father, we are enemies.” He pauses. “But my loyalty has never been with him.”
“I didn’t see you interfering after I was exiled. You had no problem being loyal to him then,” I scoff.
Raven’s arm wraps around my neck, her palm settling on my skin.
“I made a promise.” Kingston’s eyes grow serious. “A long time ago, I made a promise that I’ve never broken. And I don’t intend to now. Which is why I’ve been watching from a distance. Keeping Raven’s safety my priority.”
I tense at the jealousy settling in my bones. “She doesn’t need your protection,” I seethe. “She’s my mate.”
Kingston doesn’t look surprised. He nods. “I know that. Mom does too.”
“What’s the connection?” I press.
Raven’s fingers graze lightly across my skin. She can tell I’m getting frustrated.
“What is your connection to Raven?”
He hesitates only long enough to sit up and rest his forearms on his knees.
“Your grandmother.” He meets Raven’s eyes. “She was my fated mate.”
Chapter forty-one
Raven
“My grandmother?”
I’m confused.
“Charlotte DuPont.” Kingston never moves his eyes away. “She was your biological grandmother.”
“Biological?” I feel the grip on my thigh tighten.
“What are you saying?” Locke asks.
“I’m saying that Raven was adopted. Arthur and Ophelia Cunningham are not your birth parents.”
I freeze. My heart beginning to form a low thud in my chest.
“What?” I croak.
