Page 34

CHAPTER 34

Raven

I never thought I’d be back here.

A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have even imagined it. The community hall was a place I passed on my way to the coffee shop or ignored on Sundays when it filled up with churchgoers looking for something to believe in.

But now?

Now, I’m sitting in a circle with a group of women who have more strength in them than they realize.

Women who, not too long ago, were just like me .

I run my fingers over the disposable coffee cup in my hands, staring at the steam curling into the air as I listen.

“—he told me I was special,” one of them, a woman named Nina, says. She’s in her early thirties, dressed in a thick sweater, her hands shaking slightly as she grips her own coffee. “That God wanted me to be near him. That I was chosen .” She scoffs, shaking her head. “And I believed him.”

Another woman, Maria, places a gentle hand on her knee. “We all did.”

I swallow hard, the words sinking in too deep.

I know this story. Not exactly. Not with the same details. But I know the feeling.

The way powerful men can warp reality, turn devotion into a leash, make obedience feel like love .

Alex Callahan Sr. perfected that technique.

These women lived it. A reality they couldn't escape, one they learned to accept, because it was so hard to even imagine what it was doing to them.

I tighten my grip on my cup, my jaw clenching. “You don’t have to justify it,” I say quietly. “None of this was your fault.”

Nina glances at me, her expression unreadable. “You really believe that?”

I meet her gaze. “I know it.”

Silence settles over the group, and although the silence is riddled with tension, there is a sense of understanding between us.

Maria speaks up after a while. And by speaking up, I mean she barely whispered. “What now?”

It’s not a question. It’s a plea.

What happens now? The world knows. The news stations are running the story. People are finally listening.

But these women? They still have to live with what happened. They still have to fight.

I exhale, setting my coffee aside. “Now?” I echo. I sit up straighter, letting my voice harden. “Now we fight back .”

Nina lets out a short, bitter laugh. “Against who ? You think Callahan Sr. is going to prison? You think people like him actually face consequences ?”

I lean forward, eyes locked on hers. “They do if we don’t let them crawl back into the shadows.”

Maria tilts her head. “And how do we do that?”

I smile, slow and sharp. “We keep talking .”

They watch me carefully.

So I push on.

“We don’t let them sweep this under the rug,” I continue. “We don’t let Callahan’s church pretend like it was just a misunderstanding or that we women are ‘confused’ or ‘making things up.’” I shake my head. “We make sure no one forgets. We make sure no one else goes through what you did.”

A fire lights in Nina’s eyes. “And how do we do that?”

I smile.

“By making enough noise that they can’t ignore us anymore.”

By the time I step outside, my body is still buzzing with adrenaline. I feel like, for the first time in my life, I know what I want.

And it’s not just Malakai. It’s not just revenge.

It’s this .

Taking all the fire and rage and pain and turning it into something bigger. Something that actually changes things.

Something that matters.

The night air hits my skin, making me shiver a little. City noises blur in the background.

And leaning against his car, arms crossed, watching me with a lazy smirk?—

Malakai .

The sight of him—dark hoodie, messy hair, cigarette tucked between his fingers—makes my heart stupidly skip a beat.

I barely think before I move.

I run .

Straight into his arms.

He catches me easily, like he was waiting for it, like he knew I was going to do this. His arms lock around my waist, lifting me slightly off the ground before setting me back down, keeping me close.

I bury my face against his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of smoke and home .

He chuckles, his breath warm against my ear. “Miss me already, princess?”

I roll my eyes, but I don’t pull away. “Shut up.”

His hands tighten on my waist. “How’d it go?”

I exhale, stepping back just enough to meet his gaze. “They’re angry. But they’re ready.”

He nods, something flickering in his eyes. “And you?”

I pause.

Then I smile.

“I know what I want now, Kai.”

He raises a brow. “Oh?”

I nod, my heart steady for the first time in a long time. “I want to help them. I want to take everything I’ve been through—everything they’ve been through—and make sure no one else ever feels trapped the way we did.”

He tilts his head slightly, watching me. “So… what? You’re gonna be some kind of avenging angel now?”

I grin. “Something like that.”

He smirks, shaking his head. “Figures. My girlfriend burns an empire to the ground and decides she’s just getting started .”

I poke his chest. “Damn right.”

He exhales, studying me for a long moment. Then his fingers trail up my arm, slow and deliberate, until he’s cupping my face.

“You know I support you, right?” His voice is lower now, softer.

My chest tightens.

I nod. “I know.”

“And you know I’m not going anywhere?”

I bite my lip, my throat thick. “Yeah.”

He leans in, his forehead resting against mine.

And in that moment, I know.

I know that I love him.

That I chose him.

That I’d do it all over again.

But I also know that my life— my purpose —is bigger than this relationship.

That I’m not just Raven, the girl caught in the middle of a war.

I’m Raven , the girl who’s ready to fight for something more.

And Malakai?

He’s right here beside me.

Exactly where he belongs.

It’s been a day .

And not the kind of day where everything just drags—no, this one has been a full-on wreck.

I stayed up too late, had back-to-back classes, and now I’m slumped over my desk, trying to absorb whatever my professor is droning on about. My notes are a mess, my brain is fried, and all I can think about is how nice it would be to faceplant into my bed and never move again.

Just as I’m debating if I can get away with a discreet nap, my phone buzzes against the desk.

I blink, straightening a little as I glance down.

Malakai: Meet me after class.

I frown slightly. That’s it? No explanation? No teasing remark?

I narrow my eyes, rereading it.

This has to be a setup.

Because Malakai doesn’t just ask me to meet him. He either drags me into something or smirks his way into getting what he wants.

So yeah. Suspicious .

Still, despite my exhaustion, I feel my lips twitch.

I shake my head, stuffing my phone back in my bag just as?—

“Ahem.”

I freeze.

Slowly, I look up.

Professor Graham is staring directly at me, arms crossed, one brow raised in the way that only professors can manage.

He taps his fingers on the desk. “Ah, the unmistakable sound of a student texting during my thrilling lecture.”

A few people chuckle, and my face heats.

I throw my hands up. “To be fair, I was only half paying attention.”

The class erupts into laughter, and even Graham lets out a chuckle. “At least you’re honest, Miss Rising Campus Celebrity.”

I groan, sinking lower into my seat as more laughter ripples through the room.

Because yeah. That’s a thing now.

Ever since everything went public, I’ve been getting attention . People recognize me. People thank me. I even had a girl stop me in the library the other day to tell me I was inspiring.

And it’s… weird.

I’m not used to it. I’m not hating it, but it’s a lot.

I try to play it off, forcing a grin. “Great, so I’m famous and bad at paying attention. Living the dream.”

Graham shakes his head, still amused. “Put the phone away, Raven.”

I salute him. “Yes, sir.”

The class laughs, again , and I sink into my seat, feeling my face burn.

Malakai better have a damn good reason for texting me during this class.

When I step outside after class, I don’t even get a chance to search for Malakai—because he’s already leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with that signature smirk.

I stop in my tracks, crossing my arms. “Alright. What’s your deal?”

His smirk deepens. “ That’s how you greet your boyfriend?”

I snort. “If my boyfriend would stop being cryptic, maybe I’d be nicer.”

He pushes off the wall, stepping toward me. “Come with me.”

I squint at him. “Should I be worried?”

He tilts his head. “Maybe.”

“Wow. So reassuring.”

He chuckles, grabbing my hand and tugging me forward. “Trust me, princess.”

And like an idiot, I do.

Five minutes later, we’re standing on the rooftop of one of the campus buildings.

Which is definitely a restricted area.

I turn to him, hands on my hips. “Okay, how do you keep getting up here?”

Malakai shrugs. “I have my ways.”

I roll my eyes. “You are so full of shit.”

He grins. “And yet, here you are.”

I sigh, stepping toward the edge of the rooftop, where the view stretches out over the entire campus. The sun is just starting to set, spilling shades of orange and pink across the sky, making the buildings glow.

It’s… stunning .

And for a moment, I just breathe.

Then I glance over my shoulder. “Okay, so what’s the occasion?”

When I turn, he’s closer than before. His expression isn’t teasing anymore. It’s serious .

My stomach flips.

Malakai rubs the back of his neck, exhaling. “I was gonna plan this better.”

I blink. “Plan what ?”

His jaw tenses, like he’s forcing himself to say something he’s not used to saying.

Then—

“I love you.”

The world stops .

My breath catches. My heart slams against my ribs.

And Malakai? Malakai holds my gaze like he’s daring me to say something.

I open my mouth. Close it. Open it again.

He smirks, but it’s softer. Nervous . “Not what you expected, huh?”

I shake my head slowly. “No.”

His smirk fades a little. “Too soon?”

I let out a breathy laugh. “Malakai, I love you too.”

His body relaxes—like he was actually worried I wouldn’t say it back.

Then he grins, stepping forward. “Say it again.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t push your luck.”

He leans in, tilting my chin up. “Say it, princess.”

I press my hands against his chest, grinning. “I love you.”

Then I kiss him.

The moment our lips meet, the world shifts .

The noise of campus, the distant hum of traffic, the cool bite of the evening air—it all fades, melting into the background like it doesn’t matter.

Because right now, the only thing that exists is him .

Malakai kisses me like he means it. Like he’s been waiting for this, needing it just as much as I do. His hands slide around my waist, pulling me against him, and I sink into him like I belong there.

Like I always have.

I smile against his lips, my heart fluttering as he deepens the kiss just enough to make my toes curl.

Then he pulls back, just slightly, resting his forehead against mine.

The golden light of the sunset paints him in warm hues, turning the sharp lines of his face softer and making his stormy eyes glow . He’s always looked intense—like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Right now, though, there is a calm aura surrounding him. He looks peaceful .

Happy.

And I did that.

He brushes his thumb over my cheek, his voice low and certain. “Say it again.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Malakai?—”

“ One more time ,” he murmurs, his lips ghosting over mine. “Humor me, princess.”

I bite my lip, pretending to think about it.

Then I cup his face, staring into the eyes of the boy I never thought I’d love, the boy who has ruined me for anyone else.

“I love you,” I whisper.

A slow, devastating smirk spreads across his lips.

“Damn right you do.”

I laugh, smacking his chest, but he just pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around me like he’s never letting go.

And maybe he won’t.

Maybe this—this moment , with the sunset bathing us in gold, with his heartbeat steady beneath my fingertips—maybe this is it.

Maybe this is forever .

I tilt my head, running my fingers through his hair, watching as he closes his eyes at the touch. “What happens now?”

He opens them again, and the way he looks at me makes my stomach flip.

“Whatever we want, princess.” His voice is gravel and honey. “Together.”

Together.

The word settles in my chest, warm and right .

I take his hand, lacing my fingers through his.

“Then let’s go,” I whisper.

And as we walk hand in hand, the last light of the sunset spilling over us, I know?—

I chose right .

And so did he.

My phone buzzes against the table, the screen lighting up with a familiar name.

Mom.

I hesitate before answering, my fingers hovering over the screen. She doesn’t usually call me at this time—we usually text daily, but calls are reserved for the more special occasions. So, a call ? That means something.

It's possible she might want me to be more "serious" about my relationship. Like all mothers.

I glance across the room at Malakai, who’s leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone, looking effortlessly relaxed in his usual black hoodie and joggers.

I take a deep breath and answer.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Sweetheart,” she says, warmth in her voice. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”

I knew it. She wants us to meet her.

My stomach tightens slightly, because I know where this is going.

“I know,” I say, tucking my legs under me on the couch. “Things have been… a little crazy.”

“That’s what worries me,” she says gently. “I want to see you. Both of you.”

I freeze. “Wait. Really?” I kind of saw this coming, but I'm still kind of surprised, because her tone has so much command in it.

“Yes.” Her voice is firm but kind. “I want to meet Malakai. You’ve been with him for months now, and I think it’s time.”

I swallow hard, my eyes flicking to Malakai. He hasn’t noticed me staring yet, still distracted by whatever he’s reading.

I don’t know how he’s going to react to this. He’s not exactly the meet-the-parents type.

And my mom? She’s soft and kind, a woman who has lived through enough hardship but still chooses to believe in the good in people.

Malakai… isn’t that. He’s sharp edges and dark corners, built from pain and fight and a need to never be weak again.

I love both of them. But putting them in the same room? I have no idea how that’s going to go.

“Raven?” Mom prompts.

“I—” I clear my throat. “Let me talk to him.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” There’s a smile in her voice. “I’ll be waiting for your answer.”

We say our goodbyes, and I set my phone down, exhaling slowly.

Malakai finally looks up, raising a brow. “What?”

I hesitate. “That was my mom.”

“Figured.” He pushes off the counter, walking toward me. “What’d she want?”

I play with the edge of my sleeve, avoiding his eyes. “She… wants to meet you.”

A beat of silence.

Then—

“That’s it?”

I look up, frowning. “What do you mean, 'That’s it'?”

He shrugs. “I thought you were gonna say something bad .”

I blink. “So… you’ll do it?”

He smirks slightly. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”

I don’t answer, but I don’t need to.

Because yeah .

A part of me did think he’d hesitate, that he’d make some comment about how it wasn’t his thing, or that it didn’t matter.

But he didn’t. He said yes .

Suddenly, I realize what's really going on. He’s doing this for me . He is ready to take this relationship to the next level, to make it more serious.

Warmth spreads through my entire body, and before I can stop myself, I push up on my toes and press a soft kiss to his lips.

Malakai smirks against my mouth. “What was that for?”

I pull back just enough to look at him, my hands resting on his chest.

“For saying yes.”

He scoffs. “Princess, if I can deal with the Pantheon’s bullshit and psychotic hockey coaches, I think I can handle meeting your mom.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You say that now…”

He tilts his head, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. “Is she gonna interrogate me?”

“Oh, definitely.” I grin. “But don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

He chuckles, wrapping an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. “Nah, let her try. I’ll make her love me.”

I roll my eyes, but my heart is so full, because no matter what happens at this dinner—no matter how awkward or chaotic it might be?—

I know one thing for sure.

Malakai cares .

He cares about me, my family, my wishes, my desires. And that means everything to me.