Chapter 46. Feelings

**46. Feelings **

***Astrid's POV:***

I awoke thirsty, and as soon as I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the most breathtaking sight imaginable. Rafael's warm breath brushed against my forehead as he held me close as if his life depended on it. His mouth was slightly open, and I chuckled at how cute he was sleeping. Despite the world's turmoil, he seemed carefree, almost childlike—a stark contrast to his authoritative demeanor when directing others to protect Eva and me.

I tried hard not to wake him up by turning around to check the time, but I had no idea what hour it was. We've been sleeping for how long? As I twisted, Rafael groaned, bringing me closer to him until I was literally lying on top of him. He had a firm grip on my waist. He nestled into my hair, put his head on my neck, and returned to sleep.

An inexplicable churn in my gut overwhelmed me. God, he had a powerful effect on me. Despite our circumstances, I felt an odd sense of security. I forgot why I turned around and remained lying there, enjoying the comfort his touch gave me.

After what seemed like a few minutes, Rafael stirred in his sleep. Though I had attempted to sleep, it seemed I had rested enough for days.

Did I mention how amazing it felt to wake up stress-free? Well, I felt liberated; there are no secrets between us now, and though I had a feeling Rafael wanted to tell me something yesterday, I observed he was afraid to say it. Even if it is cause for concern, I am sure that we can overcome these obstacles together.

Rafael's nose nudged the side of my neck sensuously, and I stiffened in my posture. "Astrid," I thought he was mumbling in his sleep, so I pretended to be sleeping. Oh boy! That was really stupid, because what he did next was completely unexpected.

"I know you're awake," he said, and before I could respond, he nudged my waist. I squealed and leaped out of bed.

"What are you doing, Rafael?" I chastised.

"I knew you were up," he smirked.

When I turned around, he was lying on his hand behind his head. He looked even more attractive with his hair messed up, and I think this is a great viewpoint to see his view... My eyes widened, and I hastily shook my head to clear my mind of immoral ideas.

"Why didn't you wake me?" He asked.

"You were tired, and I didn't want to disturb your sleep," I replied flatly.

He hummed in response, and I looked at the clock and realized it was late afternoon. Guess who slept peacefully and soundly?

"Why were you moving around so much in your sleep?" Rafael asked.

"I was turning to look at the time." I shrugged.

"You could have used my phone for that," he scowled. "It was just next to you," he said, pointing.

All of this would not have been an issue if we were in the other room, but we don't even have a wall clock in this one.

"Yes, you're right. Stupid me didn't realize it," I said, thinking I shouldn't touch it without his consent. Yes, we are close, but no one likes it when someone intrudes on their privacy, and he was no exception.

"Anyway," he said, getting out of bed and smoothing his T-shirt. "I have some important work to finish. I'll be back in about half an hour," he remarked as he went to put on his clothes.

"Is there anything to worry about?" I asked in case Bryan had mind linked him and if it was a problem for him that he was leaving so early.

"No, nothing as such I just have to go fix something I had forgotten about." He emerged out of the closet wearing a black inner and covering it with a red t-shirt above, pairing it with black pants. He also had his black jacket with him. I'm curious where he's going dressed so casually.

Rafael, on the other hand, is very easygoing. We're talking about Rafael, who always wears his suit when leaving the room. You should see his closet; he has very few tees and shorts.

"Be ready; we'll head into the woods later; perhaps Scarlet would appreciate going on a run." He elaborated.

I nodded and sat down on the bed after he left. Memories from the previous day flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but blush.

I thought of taking a bath. I peered inside the bathroom, though I didn't need to be conscious because the walls of our bathroom were transparent glass walls that blurred out the divisions with steam with the click of a remote. Yup, that's how you feel living with a renowned architect.

The inviting black Jacuzzi tub awaited inside. I locked the door and undressed. The warm water felt delightful, and the swat sticking to my body was a reminder that I hadn't bathed in four days. I was sure I stunk, but Rafael, being Rafael, would never admit to it.

I lit some scented candles and placed them on the floor. What better way to unwind than with a relaxing bath? That felt so fantastic that I didn't need to turn off the steam or make the walls opaque. I jumped right into the warm bubble bath that was waiting for me.

That felt so great, I moaned. I relaxed for a while before beginning to play with bubbles.

"Little Dove." I was startled when Rafael walked in, standing right in front of me.

"Rafael, how did you come in? I'm sure I locked the door." I blushed as I slumped into the water, thankfully covered in soap bubbles.

He leaned against the wall, attempting to hide his smile. "Yeah... I knocked, but you did not answer. I have another key," he explained, a smirk on his face.

"Oh, so..." I shrugged, trying not to look him in the eyes.

"Candles... Soap bubbles, you seem to like your time," he chuckled, his gaze fixed on me.

"Yupp," I frantically said. "How could you come back so quickly? It hasn't even been ten minutes," I asked.

"Yes, I finished my work. So, here I am." He explained "Would you like me to join you?" he teased.

"No," I said immediately, shaking my head. "I'll be leaving."

"OK, I'll wait." You'd think he'd walk away after that, but he was still standing there.

"OK, you go out. I'll come out after that," I said.

He went out, laughing and shaking his head. "Enjoy your bath, Little Dove," he said, turning the walls opaque.

I couldn't stop blushing. What just happened?

Scarlet teased, 'nothing you didn't enjoy.'

I washed myself up and stepped out of the bath, wrapping myself in a bathrobe. I took a long breath. I was nervous, but I knew I had to face him. I stepped out nervously.

"Enjoyed?" Rafael smirked as he looked up from the book he was reading while sitting on the bed.

"Um, yes, it helped me relax my muscles and feel rejuvenated," I said, avoiding looking him in the eyes.

"Excellent," he said, smiling.

"Where did you go, and how did you get back so early?" I asked.

"I went out to grab you something," he said as he examined his wristwatch. "It could be on its way."

"What? What did you get me, Rafael? I have everything, so why should we buy anything else?" I began ranting, but he just stared at me with a little smile on his lips.

A knock echoed through the door, and I was about to answer it when Rafael, with his vampire speed, darted ahead to open it.

"No, come back later. Who told you to get this?" I immediately recognized Eva at the door after hearing them arguing. Oh Yes! I had forgotten that having Scarlet has improved my hearing capacity. Even in the farthest corner, I can hear things going on.

'Says the person who didn't notice Rafael walk into the room.' Scarlet laughed.

'Maybe since you decided to abandon me, I'm sure you had a hand in this,' I rolled my eyes.

'Whatever makes you feel better,' she said with a laugh.

"No, I can't wait that long," Eva said as she pushed her way inside.

She hugged me and smiled at me. She figured I was still in my bathrobe. "Oops, did I disturb something?" she chuckled to Rafael.

Rafael scoffed. "Yes, you did; now get out."

My cheeks reddened with embarrassment. "Shut up, Rafael, and Eva; I just got out of the bath," I clarified.

"Alone?" She stifled her giggle and winked at me.

I didn't understand her remarks right away and kept blinking at her, but when I did, I smacked my hand playfully.

She expressed her happiness at having me back, and I was relieved to have someone I could call a friend or a sister. We discussed my Lycan, and she expressed her excitement to meet Scarlet. Scarlet, like me, loved her.

Rafael was quick to shoo her away, eager to show me the gift he had purchased. He was holding something wrapped in his hand. I hope it's not another piece of jewelry like he always gets. Initially, the drawer was full of ridiculously costly jewelry, and I didn't need it anymore. What's the point when I don't even wear them? And, before you argue it's a wristwatch, he had previously stacked up every pattern of wristwatch available on the market after I mentioned how much I liked them.

"If this is another piece of jewelry, Rafael, we're returning it," I threatened.

"OK," he responded, much to my surprise. "Here, open it," he said as he handed me the wrapped box.

I gave him a puzzled look, then turned the box around, inspecting it from every angle.

"Open it already," he said as he rolled his eyes at me.

I unwrapped it, revealing a brand-new phone. It was black and sleek"I'll take it that you liked it," he said, smiling.

I hugged him. "Thank you so much," I said quietly.

"I had planned to get you a long time ago, but then this happened, and it slipped my mind." He threw his arms around me, and I could feel how delighted he was.

"All right, get ready. We're going into the woods. Scarlet may also wish to be set free."

We headed to the woods after I changed. Scarlet guided me on how to shift, and I followed. Thankfully, this time wasn't painful at all. I still had to learn how to 'Will' up to shift and other things, but Scarlet didn't play any tricks on me either.

Days passed, and I was in complete happiness. Rafael would take me into the woods every day and watch me run. Today, he asked me to get ready because we needed to go somewhere. He was nervous, but I did as he instructed and wore the dress he selected. I think we will have a party or some function.

I dressed up, and we both went out. I took my seat as he opened the door of his beloved BMW Z4. He started driving, and I kept listening to music and enjoying the breeze on my face as we went by trees.

"Rafael, where are we going?" I asked for the nth time today, and each time he made an excuse to avoid answering my question. "And no, you must tell me, or I will not come," I cautioned.

"We're heading to your old pack."

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