Chapter 51. Marked

**51. Marked **
***Astrid's POV:***
I sought Eva's help without disclosing my intentions beforehand, and she was more than willing to help.
Furthermore, she had scheduled a date for us that I had no idea about until she handed us the envelope.
I wanted to stay with Rafael, but she was the one who advised me to let him suffer for a while before giving in.
The previous night, she went to great lengths, attempting to tease me with an array of lingerie displays. Later, she treated me to an extensive spa session, leaving no stone unturned in pampering me from head to toe. Little did she know, I had orchestrated a surprise of my own at the destination she had chosen.
I excused myself for a run, which I did, but Scarlet didn't like it because she wanted to be near Rafael. I shifted and walked to the extra room we had. I picked up a spare robe off the floor and put it on. I had my hair up in a sloppy bun.
Approaching the door, I took a deep breath, uncertain of what awaited me inside. I expected him to be reclining on the bed, and I considered doing a sexy position I had practiced for this occasion, but I knew nothing would suffice. I found him in the midst of a bath. He tensed momentarily at the door's opening, then relaxed when he recognized me. But here I was, sweating like a pig from nerves, and everything inside me shouted to flee the scene except Scarlet. She was the one who pushed me to take the following steps.
I braced myself again and locked the door. I turned off the lights and opened the bathroom door. scented candles, my touch, set the ambience.
I activated the steam and opened the door. Rafael's gaze swept over my body, making me blush. I took a deep breath and spoke.
"I think you should finally stake a claim on me," I said as I stripped naked before him.
I had my head down. I previously thought I was brave, but I'm not sure where I got it, but everything seemed perfect, and if I don't do this today, I don't think I'll ever be able to do it.
I sat down in front of him in the tub. His gaze never left mine for a second.
We were both coated in soap bubbles.
"Are you sure, Astrid, if it's not out of force, or if someone said you, believe me, we can wait and..."
"Shhh," I said, laying a finger on his lip, leaving his mouth agape. "This is my decision, and I'm ready. If you have any objections..."
Before I could finish, he grasped my waist, pulling me closer and kissing me passionately until our breaths synchronized. Pulling back, he rested his forehead against mine. "I love you," he confessed—the first time those words had left his lips. His actions had spoken volumes before, and he maintained a respectful silence, allowing me space.
"I love you too." My eyes welled up, and I kissed his cheek.
"This is the happiest day of my life," he said, reclaiming my lips.
We both sat there for a while, resting and enjoying each other's company.
Rafael was resting against the jacuzzi walls with a calm, peaceful smile as he watched me play with bubbles.
Call me childish, but I like it.
"You enjoy playing with bubbles, don't you?" he remarked, his face resting on the back of his palm as he tenderly gazed at me.
"You should try it too," I said as I blew some bubbles in his face. "You will like it as well." I blew some bubbles on his face. "The big bad vampire playing with some soap bubbles would be a scene to behold," he chuckled loudly.
"Believe me, it would be," I laughed.
Our laughter echoed, and we were so engrossed that we were startled when we heard a sudden squeal from outside.
"Oops, sorry! I was knocking on the door, but no one answered, and I got worried....." Eva began to blabber. I could see her silhouette with her back to us. "You both get decent and finish first."
We heard the door close again with a thud.
I looked down, embarrassed to have found myself in this situation.
Rafael grumbled with disgust. "My sister has the worst habit of popping up in places where she isn't wanted," he complained.
I ignored him since I was too embarrassed to say anything, and I went out wearing the same robe.
Rafael grabbed my hand and pulled me back, as I was ready to go.
"Wait," he said, taking my hand in his. "You gave me the nicest gift I could have asked for, but..." he began.
"I still haven't," my cheeks flushed. "But I'll do it later," I assured firmly.
"Oh, but you will," he grinned. "Anyways, that moment inside would be enough for me to sustain this life." Gosh, these two are hell-bent on making me embarrassed.
"So, I was saying, it's only fair if I get you a gift in return," he added, biting his lower lip
"Rafael, you have given me all I could ever ask for, if not more." I scowled. "Believe me, if you buy those extravagant jewels again, I won't accept them," I warned.
"Do you realize how attractive you look when you're riled up?" he chuckled, kissing my forehead.
"Are you guys decent enough to let me in?" Eva asked from the outside.
 "I doubt she's even my sister anymore." Rafael mumbled under his breath, "All OK, come on in."
Eva came in and began shouting about how we could have both waited until we were out of the place she had chosen for us.
"OK, what are you doing here?" Rafael rolled his eyes and drew me close to him. "Now, let's see how much you like your presents; I'm sure you'll enjoy them," he added, leaving my side and entering the adjacent room.
He returned, holding something wrapped in crimson cloth. Inside, it appeared to be a cubical box.
"I promise it's nothing crazy expensive like some expensive clothing or jewelry, but I'm sure you'll love it," he said as he held the box in his hand.
"Let's open it right now," Eva said, but Rafael asked her to turn off the lights first
I yanked the cloth and gasped as I peered inside.
Inside the glass box, resembling an aquarium divided into two sections, was mud, grass, and something extraordinary. Butterflies rested on the leaves of miniature plants on one side, while the other side was illuminated by the enchanting glow of fireflies.
"Wow!" I exclaimed, utterly astonished by its beauty.
"I take that you like it," Rafael said, smiling from ear to ear.
"It's magnificent, Rafael, and I'm at a loss for words; I don't know what to say," I acknowledged.
He handed me that container, and Eva and I stared at it until our hearts were content, at which point I stood up.
"We can't keep them, Rafael," I explained.
"Why? Didn't you like it?" He became concerned.
"No, I love it more than anything except these things," I said, looking at the gorgeous black butterfly trying to find its way out. Still, the poor thing collapsed against the wall.
"These creatures are intended to be free, Rafael, and we can't keep them in these cages. We cannot limit their freedom by keeping them away from home." When I came to the window, I lifted the glass and liberated them.
Rafael hugged me behind my back. "You know you're an angel." He kissed the back of my neck. "I'm proud of you." The fireflies flew away quickly, but one butterfly landed on top of my palm. This is me; I've always felt linked to them, and they, too, will not be scared and flee from me.
Soon after, Eva gave us the reservation, and Rafael teleported us outside the hotel.
We found ourselves on human territory, yet Rafael was a familiar face to everyone. After receiving our room keys, we stepped into the elevator. To say I was anxious would be an understatement; my heart throbbed furiously as we ascended to our floor. Rafael trapped me against the elevator walls and kissed the living daylights out of me. We reluctantly separated as the elevator doors chimed open. Rafael carried me into the room, strategically flipping the "Do not disturb" sign. Goosebumps covered my skin as he enveloped me against the wall.
"I love you," I said quietly.
"I love you too." He grabbed my lips and shoved me up against the wall. I gasped when he moved my hair away from my neck and kissed my bare skin.
"Rafael!!!" I moaned, gripping his shirt firmly.
I swallowed as his finger moved down my neck and into my chest. I backed up even more against the wall.
I could feel him tense; he was clearly keeping something back.
"Rafael." I cupped his cheeks. His eyes were an electric blue, emphasizing how hot he was. "What's troubling you? I don't want you to restrain yourself."
"You have no idea how badly I need your blood right now," he muttered in my ear, sending chills up my spine.
I'd see him feed from blood bags and agree that it was something I'd always wanted to do for him.
"Why don't you give it a shot?" I asked, turning away from him. "Don't hold back, Rafael. I am all yours," I muttered.
"I don't want to hurt you. My Mate's blood should repel me; it goes against my nature to crave it," he admitted, maintaining a distance.
He intertwined our hands, put one hand on his uncovered chest, and kept it there.
"You feel like I don't have a heartbeat," he added, glancing into my flaming eyes while staring at me. "But you make me feel things I can't even put into words; you make me feel alive," he said, staring at me with admiration.
I felt pulled to him out of nowhere. "Are you trying to compel me?" I joked.
"No, my queen, I wouldn't do that," he snarled. "I can compel everyone around me," he replied, "but my compulsion will not work on you." He reminded me again.
"Please," I asked.
"Please, what?" he asked, laying his palm on my throat.
"Feed from me," I begged, needing to experience the moment.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes wide with doubt.
"Yes," I affirmed. He locked eyes with me and descended, burying his head in the crook of my neck. As he tasted my scent, I tilted my head, offering more access. I tilted my head to give him more room. He licked my sensitive skin and stroked his fangs down the back of my neck.
When he first kissed my neck, chills covered my skin, and his teeth gradually began scanning the skin, licking and sucking the place. Chills covered my skin as his teeth punctured my flesh. Rafael moaned as my blood flowed, and I moaned with bliss. This was necessary for even marking. We had to puncture each other's skin, and when the pleasure is most intense to complete the marking. We don't have to finish the mating process, but there has to be pleasure in order to mark; otherwise, it will be excruciating.
We were both on the verge of ecstasy and could feel it through our bond. So I acted on my own initiative and gave him better access to mine while baring my teeth into his skin.
We both moaned in pleasure, and I licked the spot on Rafael's neck. But Rafael wasn't letting me go. He was still drinking my blood.
"Rafael!" I asked, but he wasn't replying. He continued drinking, and soon pleasure turned into pain, and I attempted to shove Rafael away from me, but he wouldn't let me go, draining me dry of blood.
"It's hurting Rafael; leave me," I told him, but he didn't.
Suddenly, his phone began to ring, but he wasn't paying attention. I felt weak enough to even push him away now, but I did it with all my power. I was able to draw him away from me this time.
I winced and placed a hand on my neck to halt the bleeding.
Tears blurred my vision, and the pain was intense. It felt like a ball of scorching charcoal was placed around my neck.
Rafael had his eyes closed, but when he heard my sob, he slowly came back to his senses.
"Astrid," he gasped as he looked at me. "Did I do it?" he asked.
"Do you see anyone else?" I know it was a horrible idea to be snarky, but I don't want to make him feel awful, and I think I already have.
"I'm sorry, little dove; I'm not sure what happened. I couldn't stop myself f..." he began, but I stopped him off.
"Rafael, it's all right; you didn't hurt me. I'm OK, and because I'm Lycan, I'll be fine in no time," I remarked.
"No, my love, I di..." We were interrupted again by the persistent ringing of his phone.
He grumbled in irritation and grabbed his phone.
"What now, Bryan?" he demanded. When he heard Bryan speak, the colors on his face faded.
I was so intent on alleviating my discomfort that I didn't bother to listen to their conversation.
"What happened?" I asked Rafael as he hung up the phone.
"We have a problem."
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