Raven Saved: M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance (Moon Burrow Ravens Book 3), page 1
RAVEN SAVED
MOON BURROW RAVENS
BOOK 3
FEL FERN
Raven Saved © 2023 by Fel Fern
Cover designed by GetCovers
Editing: Steve Clark
All rights reserved: No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All sexually active characters in this work are 18 years of age or older.
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CONTENTS
Blurb
1. Elliot
2. Simon
3. Elliot
4. Simon
5. Elliot
6. Elliot/ Simon
7. Elliot
8. Simon/ Elliot
9. Simon
10. Elliot/ Simon
11. Simon
12. Elliot
13. Simon
14. Elliot
15. Elliot
16. Simon
17. Elliot
18. Simon/ Elliot
19. Elliot
20. Simon/ Elliot
A Preview of Crash
About the Author
Also by Fel Fern
BLURB
An unlikely killer and a heartbroken warrior…
Elliot Fry has one mission. To save his brother, Elliot must breach enemy territory and kill the leader of the Moon Burrow Ravens. It’s a tall order, but failure is not an option. Elliot can’t allow himself to be distracted by a certain dark-haired, overly protective but unexpectedly kind alpha. Simon hits all of his buttons, but Elliot knows getting close to Simon might only result in tragedy.
Simon Sims is sick of always coming in second. He’s heartbroken after losing his crush to another. When Simon finds a half-dead omega on the roadside, he knows fate has made him wait for a reason. The mysterious Elliot is evasive about answering any personal questions. Simon wishes he has all the time in the world to get to know Elliot, but there’s a traitor in the flock. Someone wants his lead alpha dead, and it’s up to Simon to weed out the killer. When the assassin turns out to be the one he loves, Simon’s loyalty is tested. Who will he choose, Elliot or his adopted family?
Raven Saved is an m/m paranormal romance that features mpreg, suspense, a reluctant assassin, and his raven warrior.
1
ELLIOT
"Do you comprehend the task I'm entrusting to you, Elliot?" Duane Dixon inquired.
Duane had his back turned towards me, seemingly underestimating me as a potential threat.
This was a common stance among the alphas in the Salt Stone Flock. They often underestimated my capabilities.
Someday, I would prove them wrong about my abilities. At least, that's what I constantly reminded myself to feel more confident.
Given that Duane held all the cards, I remained where I stood, clenching my fists by my side.
I bit the inside of my cheek until it bled. All I desired was to leap onto Duane's back, grip his throat, and choke him.
I cut short the murderous fantasy playing in my mind as Duane turned, flashing me one of his terrible smiles.
It was as if he knew precisely what I was contemplating. While many single paranormals residing in Salt Stone found Duane handsome due to his golden hair, blue eyes, and charismatic personality, I saw beyond that façade.
Beneath his attractive exterior lay a monstrous capacity for cruelty.
"Answer the lead alpha's question, omega," urged Ray, Duane's second-in-command.
Ray uttered the word "omega" as if it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Most shifter groups respected and valued their omegas, as they balanced out the aggressive energies within the group.
However, the alphas in our flock regarded us with disdain, treating us as insignificant pests.
"I understand, but before Ray and I leave, I want to see my brother," I insisted, recalling the importance of setting boundaries, a lesson taught by my brother Ethan.
Ray made a displeased expression and then gripped my left upper arm so tightly that it was bound to leave bruises.
"Do you dare to make demands?" Ray's face reddened as he posed the question.
His unwavering devotion to Duane had always puzzled me. Duane wasn't a competent leader; he favored the strong within the pack, granting them the liberty to mistreat the weaker members.
Fortunately, Ethan had always supported me, until recently. I understood why Duane chose me for this nearly suicidal mission.
He exploited my one vulnerability, knowing that Ethan was my sole family, and that we'd do anything for each other, even commit murder.
"Release him, Ray. Violence is unnecessary. For now," Duane said, revealing his unnaturally white teeth. "Ray, take him to see Ethan. Then, escort him to Moon Burrow."
"Lucky bastard," Ray hissed in my ear, still gripping my arm.
He practically dragged me out of Duane's private office. Just as I was stepping out of the doorway, Duane uttered one final warning.
"Remember, Elliot, fail in your task, and you know the consequences," Duane cautioned.
I freed myself from Ray's grip. He scowled, doing little else. Ray signaled for me to follow him with a crooked finger.
We traversed several empty rooms before descending the staircase leading to the first floor and eventually to the basement.
When Ethan and I initially arrived at Duane's personal invitation, we were awe-struck by the Salt Stone Flock House, a Mediterranean-style mansion situated on a 4,000-square-foot private estate.
Having grown up in a trailer park, we were easily impressed and manipulated.
Although we had joined Duane's flock merely six months ago, it felt like an eternity of remorse.
Heated arguments reached our ears as we advanced. I spotted Al and Stewart, a newly mated couple—supposedly a match made in heaven, as Duane described it, though the reality was quite the opposite.
I didn't know Stewart, the omega half of the couple, very well, but each time I glimpsed him, he seemed miserable and desperate.
All omegas in the flock appeared the same, as if awaiting their inevitable demise. Soon enough, I would likely be no different from them.
Ethan recognized this as well, which prompted our escape plan. Unfortunately, Duane got wind of our intentions.
It turned out that in Duane's view, all flock members were his possessions. He provided us with sustenance, shelter, and a sense of belonging, but the cost was exorbitant.
Had Ethan and I comprehended the true price of joining Duane's twisted group—relinquishing our freedom—we would have rejected his offer outright.
Duane had confined my brother in one of the cells in the basement, a section reserved for interrogating prisoners. In exchange for Ethan's release, he had assigned me a task.
"Keep your mate in check," Ray hissed at Al.
I sought Stewart's gaze, but he continued to fixate on the floor, his fingers absently rubbing the old bruise on his cheek. Ray set off at a brisk pace, forcing me to hasten my steps to keep up.
We descended into the windowless basement—a space characterized by darkness, coldness, and dampness.
Most of the raven shifters within the flock dreaded the prospect of being sent to this place. Yet, here I was, walking directly into the clutches of a prison.
We passed vacant cells before coming to a halt at the last one at the far end of the corridor.
I clasped the bars, disregarding the sting of the cold, silver-laden metal against my skin, and peered at my brother.
Ethan's condition was even worse than I had imagined.
Unable to contain myself, I emitted a hoarse cry of alarm, rousing him instantly.
Ethan opened his one unbruised eye, the intensity in his expression assuring me that Duane and his cohorts hadn't completely broken him.
My brother was a fighter, and he had imparted that resilience to me.
"Elliot?" Ethan whispered, his initial defiance replaced by a raw fear. "No. You agreed to Duane's demands?"
"I had no other choice,” I whispered back. "It's our only remaining option, Ethan. Leave this to me. I'll come back for you soon."
Witnessing Ethan struggle toward me, hindered by restraints on his wrists and ankles, angered me.
"Don't go through with this, brother. You won't survive Moon Burrow. It's a haven for monsters," Ethan pleaded, his voice carrying desperation. "I'll find a way to earn Duane's forgiveness.”
"You've always watched out for me, Ethan," I reassured him. "This is my opportunity to repay that care. Hold tight and stay alive."
Turning away from Ethan was one of the most agonizing decisions I'd ever made, yet I knew that giving in to my emotions would only lead to tears.
Ray would be observing me with his ever-present sneer, and weakness was something I couldn't afford at this moment.
r /> "Let's go,” I informed Ray, my voice steady.
"Use this," Ray instructed during our six-hour drive. We were in his car, but another alpha was at the wheel.
I didn't recognize the driver; the stone-faced alpha seemed to be a recent addition to the flock. Duane was constantly recruiting to replace lost members.
Ray handed me a sheathed blade. Without hesitation, I drew the weapon. It wasn't a particularly large knife, boasting a dark mahogany handle.
The 100-mm blade resembled the type used for camping. A touch to its tip made me cry out as a cut appeared on my thumb.
Blood welled up, and the wound didn't close immediately. This indicated the blade contained silver, which was deadly to us shifters.
Silver weapons didn't come cheap, and this one appeared brand new, likely unused.
I assumed no one had handled it before. Duane wouldn't want any trace of this job leading back to him.
I was expendable, a fact I had already accepted.
"Sheath that before you accidentally stab yourself in the eye," Ray quipped.
"Are you concerned I might turn it on you?" The words slipped out without thought.
Ray clenched one fist, and I was sure he'd strike me, but he refrained.
"You're fortunate. Duane forbade me from laying hands on you until the job is done. Though I doubt you'll succeed," Ray scoffed.
"I've already killed one alpha," I reminded him.
Ray grimaced. "Luck was on your side. You caught Boris at his most vulnerable before driving the knife into his neck."
"Boris had to be stopped. He had already taken the life of one omega and was moving onto another victim," I retorted.
"Allegedly. I never understood why Duane kept you and your ugly brother around," Ray shrugged. "But Ethan is right about one thing. Moon Burrow is a realm of monsters. The grizzly shifters there show no mercy to outsiders."
"My task doesn't involve the bears," I asserted. "And I excel at staying invisible.”
Ray snorted, displaying his lack of regard for me and the mission. His opinion held little weight for me either way.
To distract myself, I sheathed the blade, securing it in the inside pocket of my denim jacket, and glanced out the windows.
Acting tough in Ray's presence was one thing; executing this mission was entirely different.
Would I emerge from this ordeal alive? I had made a promise to Ethan that I intended to keep.
Soon, it became evident that we were in a remote area. Vast wheat fields transitioned into a densely wooded region.
Salt Stone was a half-hour drive from the city, and I had struggled to locate Moon Burrow on my phone's map app.
"We're almost there," Ray announced. "I'll drop you off on the outskirts of their territory."
"And then what?" I probed.
Ray hadn't been forthcoming about the finer details of the job. I had a suspicion he was withholding information out of spite.
We had never seen eye to eye. Except for Ethan, I held no affection for any of the alphas in the Salt Stone Flock.
"Hopefully, a helpful Moon Burrow raven scout will find you," Ray dismissed.
"And afterward? Should I pretend to be a lost tourist or something?"
"Use your imagination," Ray snapped.
As we passed a sign reading 'Welcome to Moon Burrow', featuring a large bear and a small raven painted on it, a surge of dread enveloped me.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans, expecting Ray to wear a smug grin.
To my surprise, he didn't. Ray's body tensed as he peered out his window.
I hadn't imagined seeing fear in Duane's second-in-command. Once, I might have relished witnessing Ray in such a state; after all, he relished inflicting pain more than Duane.
Yet, right now, he was vulnerable.
My anxiety heightened. I finally grasped that Duane's reluctance to visit Moon Burrow in person might stem from his own fear.
"What's Duane's issue with my target?" I finally inquired.
Ray's attention returned to me. "That's none of your concern."
"In fact, it is. My life is on the line for this mission," I insisted.
"Your target is an old adversary of Duane's," Ray divulged. "Now comes the interesting part."
Ray rubbed his hands together, an unsettling gleam in his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" I demanded.
"We need to make the accident believable," Ray simply stated. "Carl, unlock the car door."
Carl complied, though alarm bells rang in my head as Ray reached across me and swung open my car door.
We were still moving at a considerable speed, and my heart raced.
"I've always wanted to do this," Ray remarked.
I didn't see the blow coming; his speed was astonishing. Stars burst in my vision as pain seared through my skull.
Before I could react, let alone process what was happening, Ray propelled me out of the moving vehicle.
My life flashed before me. I saw Ethan holding my scrawny shoulders, gazing into our omega father's coffin.
My brother, worn out from juggling two or three jobs every night just to keep us afloat.
Ethan's radiant smile when he informed me that the lead alpha of a raven flock had accepted us, offering us a home and respite from hardship.
If I could turn back time, I would tell him that joining the Salt Stone Flock had been a terrible mistake.
Panic surged a fraction of a second later. Ray intended to kill me before I even embarked on my mission!
That realization hit me just before my body collided with unforgiving gravel and stone.
2
SIMON
A terrible migraine pulsed at the back of my head. I shifted onto my side, hoping it would dissipate, but no such luck.
Groaning, I attempted to recall the events of the previous night. Judging by my throbbing headache, it probably hadn't been a pleasant affair.
In the background, someone was singing off-key, further heightening my irritation.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, half-expecting to see my younger brother Corey.
However, it quickly dawned on me that Corey wouldn't simply stroll into my room by accident. And then, I spotted the red-haired, green-eyed man standing at the foot of my bed.
He winked at me.
"Morning, sunshine," he greeted.
Then his name clicked in my mind—Fred. He was a recent addition to the Moon Burrow Raven Flock.
Fred wasn't seeking a serious relationship. We were on the same wavelength and had begun a casual arrangement two weeks ago.
The physical aspect wasn't particularly memorable; we were merely using each other to quell our loneliness.
I recognized how pitiful that must sound, but witnessing raven shifters around me finding their fated mates while losing someone I was interested in to another had dealt a blow to my ego.
I began to feel inadequate, perpetually questioning what I lacked. Was I genuinely unfit for a mate?
As one of the alphas in the flock, my time was devoted to safeguarding our territory alongside the bear shifters of the Grizzly Reapers MC.
I would go to great lengths for my flock mates and for my brother Corey. He once told me that my personality overwhelmed others.
Fred, however, wasn't concerned about that side of me. But then again, Fred was Fred, a laid-back individual who generally went with the flow.
"I take it you're not thrilled to see me," Fred remarked. He was fully dressed by now. "Don't worry, I'll be out of your feathers soon."
"How much did we drink last night?" I inquired.
"We polished off your secret stash, so quite a bit," Fred pointed out.
At his words, I propped myself up and cast the comforter aside. Fred let out a low whistle.
Ignoring his reaction, my mind struggled to form a coherent sentence. My gaze landed on the now-empty liquor cabinet beside my bed.
