41 : Keeping secrets

**Faith**

I woke up in the bed alone, the sheets cold when I reached my hand to feel the presence of my Phoenix lover but as I looked around, he was nowhere in sight. Turning my head to see what time is it, I saw it's a little bit late in the morning ; 10:25PM. No wonder Raphael left because I slept too much after our night together.

Recalling what happened, the last thing I remember was the bite on my neck. After that, I completely blacked out.

Not knowing where he is or why he even left me of my own, I feared the worst.

Climbing out of the bed, I found his shirt on the floor and decided to wear it and since it was much bigger than my smaller frame, I took that as advantage so it looks like a dress. Quickly checking myself in the mirror to smooth out my bed hair, I went out to search my man.

As I neared the kitchen while walking through the hallway, I heard two voices talking. One belonged to Raphael and the other one to his brother.

I paused my walk so I can eavesdrop.

"Did you tell her?" Luke asked, the worry etched into his voice and I didn’t understand what are they talking about.

*Who is her? Are they talking about me?*

"Come out, little one. I know you're listening," Raphael didn’t answer him but addressed the words to me and I froze when I realised that I've been caught. Of course.

I felt embarrassed and humiliated when my cheeks turned a darker shade of red as I continued to just stand there behind the door.

"Show yourself, love. Don't be shy." My heart started pounding against its cage when hearing him say "love", the word sent tingling sensations down my spine, not only the physical kind.

Taking a deep breath for courage, I stepped out from behind the door, facing them. They both were wearing different expressions. Luke just smiled at me, even though I saw him avert his eyes because of the way I was dressed.

Raphael was a different matter. His eyes blazed with fire when he noticed my lack of clothing.

His nostrils flared when the smell of me hit his senses which made me blush harder and cover my lower half with his shirt.

"What do you think you're doing?" He said lowly, almost threateningly as he approached me slowly, trying to intimidate me as if I am scared of him which made me gulp loudly.

Before I could protest , his strong arms wrapped around me tightly, bringing me closer to his chest so my face was buried on his broad shoulders. It was warm and safe. He nuzzled my neck, inhaling deeply, causing shivers ran down my spine.

It feels nice. Like I finally belong somewhere. But why does he smell so good?

He pulled away from me, looking at me with a serious expression. "You look gorgeous in my shirt but never walk around like that when there is another male in the room . Do you hear me?" I nodded quickly and he let go off my waist.

Luke cleared his throat before speaking up, "I should probably leave you alone so you can.talk."

They stared at each other for few moments before I spoke up, "Um... thank you, Luke.""No problem!" Luke waved at us.

Once we were alone, I turned towards my Phoenix. "Well..." I fidgeted with my fingers, feeling awkward and anxious about what might happen now.

"How are you feeling? You’re not sore, are you?" He cupped my face, brushing some stray strands behind my ear then trailed his palm down my cheek.

That made me blush and I tried to avoid his gaze. It was too intimate and intense when Raphael leaned closer and kissed my neck.

“Nothing hurts?” He breathed over my skin and I closed my eyes feeling goosebumps all over my skin when he kissed the mark he left on me last night by his bite.

When he claimed me, the last thing I remember before I went to sleep was him biting my neck during our first mating. This morning when I woke up, I thought I imagined it all but when I looked in the mirror, I saw the bite mark on my neck and realized that he really did mark me. The most shocking thing was that the mark he imprinted on me was looking like a bird with wings and it glowed in the dark.

‘And now you’re really mine.’

Feeling desire washing over me, I widened my eyes when I looked up at him.

“Did I heard your voice in my head just now?”

I asked him with amusement, my voice slightly shaky due to fear. When I felt his hot breath fanning my skin, making goosebumps rise up all over my body, I swallowed thickly.

“Yes.” He whispered huskily, pressing his lips against my temple. “And now I know how you feel when I bite your neck. You feel so soft and comfortable, baby”.

“I didn’t ask you to mark me, Raphael!” I gasped when he trailed wet kisses down my throat, biting it lightly until it began to bleed.

“Then how I would share my life essence with you if I didn’t mark you, angel?” His hands moved downwards slowly, tracing my hip bones, sending shivers down my spine.

My eyes widen in surprise when he placed me on the counter top and pushed himself between my legs, his mouth coming back on mine. We kiss passionately for minutes until I lost track of time, lost myself in a sweet haze where I don’t want him to stop.

He pulled apart briefly and whispered in my ear, “So beautiful, angel.” Then came the teasing remark again. “And so responsive.” I shuddered under the intensity in his voice when he slipped his hand under my shirt and brushed his thumb softly across my exposed clit, finding me naked underneath.

Growling, he slapped my pussy and dragged his teeth against my ear,” You dared to come here without underwear knowing that I’m not alone? So daring.” He growled out loud then sucked on my earlobe.

Suddenly, I realized how bad of an idea it is to come to my Phoenix half naked, knowing his possessive nature.

“I’m sorry?” It was more like a question than a apology but secretly I loved his attention on me. I craved it.

And I’m sure he knew that.

“Oh, Angel, no need to apologize. It seems as if you haven’t changed at all.” He grinned, caressing my bare thigh with his hand. A smile tugged onto my lips as I closed my eyes at his ministration.

“I missed you.” I mumbled and he smirked devilishly.

“Really now. Did I make you wait this long for me?” I flushed and nodded shyly.

“Hmm…”

He kissed my shoulder and my heart skipped a beat when his hands moved back to my chest, unbuttoning my shirt, revealing my breasts, and laving it slowly, taking my nipple into his mouth.

The pleasure caused the air to be knocked out of my lungs leaving me panting and moaning loudly when his tongue played with my nipples making them hard.

“Raphael!” My knees trembled when his teeth grazed the tip causing it to turn redder then it already is and I couldn’t help but moan his name out loud.

He growled and bit the nipple on my right breast, sucking on it before licking my sensitive nipple, making my entire body tremble in ecstasy as I squirmed and moaned in pleasure.

His hands worked their magic all over my body when he spread my legs apart so he can rub his ereaction against my sensitive clit. The rough bulge in his pants brushed my naked flesh making me bite my lip hard when I looked up at him through my heavy eyelids.

“Luke might hear us,” I whispered nervously.

My Phoenix huffed before leaning in close to my ear whispering,”Then I guess we will have to keep quiet, won’t we?” And I moaned at the naughty tone he used, arching my back while he nibbled at my earlobe.

“I want to take you again, my love. Make you scream my name.” His voice was low and raspy against my ear.

“Then take me. What are you waiting for?” I taunted him and flushed when he pinned me with one strong arm holding me still. He leaned down and planted a light kiss on the corner of my lips before he pulled his cock out of his jeans and inserted it inside of me. I cried out when I felt his big length stretching my entrance as he slowly slid in, filling me to capacity.

"Holy shit, it's huge," I whispered as I gazed upwards at the sight in front of me.

"Honey, we aren't done yet." He growled and positioned himself above me. "I'm going to move and thrust deep into you, so feel that." As soon as he spoke, he started moving. Moving in and out of me in a slow pace, making me gasp and moan loudly.

"Fuck, Raphael! That feels so good!" I moaned out loud, gripping his muscular arms tightly.

"Good girl." He praised me, kissing my forehead.

"I love you, Raphael." I told him sincerely.

"I love you too, angel." He replied, planting gentle kisses on my hairline and neck. "I will always love you."

I felt his muscles tense as I reached my climax and screamed his name loudly, my hands balled into fists as he continued fucking me, pumping himself inside of me and grinding up and down. After what seemed like forever, he finally stopped and collapsed next to me, his breathing erratic, sweat dripping down his temples.

After several minutes of silence, I spoke up, "Do you mind telling me what happened?"

“You know, I was hoping you wouldn’t bring that up.” He sighed heavily. “I don’t wish to upset you.”

“But you were missing for days. I want to know what really happened after the building exploded when you planted that bomb inside of it. I still can’t believe that you came back to me,” I caressed his 5 o’clock shadow jaw as my heart throbbed painfully when I recall how I felt so alone and devastated when I thought my mate is dead. I thought my life is over.

Raphael inhaled deeply and I felt his pain and guilt when he tore his gaze away from me. Telling me to sit at the table so he can give me breakfast, I waited for him to explain the painful memories of the past days.

“When I touched the ball, it exploded with everything inside the building and I blacked out after that. When I opened my eyes, I was not on Earth anymore. It was like a place between worlds. There was no sky, nor any land, there was nothing but darkness everywhere around me. And I swear I had seen you in those dark abysses, calling my name,” His face pained remembering something terrible that made me feel nauseous and afraid.

“It felt like thousands of years passed when suddenly I appeared somewhere else. At first I didn’t know where it was, or even whom I am. All I know that I am looking for someone. Looking for you.” He said quietly.

I squeezed his hand tightly to comfort him and he gripped mine tighter in return.

“How did you end up back into this world? Did you die?” I asked feeling worried.

“Something was guiding me to the sun. It said to follow the light and then I would meet the person I’m looking for.”

He answered shortly, his expression darkening slightly.

“Who said that?” My voice shook slightly.

He paused for a moment, staring at our intertwined hands as if trying to remember, and then gave me a soft look, “An ancient being. She called herself Anamalithia. The goddess of light who lives in harmony with the universe.”

“And she sent you to find me?”

A soft smile formed on his lips, lighting up his features. “Yes.” He replied simply,” That’s why I woke up back on Earth several miles away from the place everything exploded. My memories were a little jumbled but when I tried to focus what happened, I thought of you. My path to light.” His eyes shined with so much love, that it made my breath caught in my throat. It was so overwhelming that I even felt tears in the corner of my eyes.

“I missed you,” I whispered hoarsely.

“Don’t cry now, I’m here,” pulling me into his embrace, Raphael kissed the top of my head as he stroked my wet strands of hair.

“Let me wipe your tears. Don’t make me lose control. I hate it when you are sad”

“Okay.” Tears ran freely down my cheeks as he cupped my face and wiped my cheekbones and tears.

“Shall we have breakfast now? I bet you’re starving,” He chuckled softly, wiping the remnants of water drops off my cheeks, smiling brightly as he glanced down at my naked body and smiled, “We definitely need a shower though. We smell like smoke.”

A warm wave of emotions washed over me as I gazed at him. God, I was so happy. So relieved. This was exactly what I needed. To be with him. To be with him and to be loved by him.

“Yeah, let’s go eat.” I agreed as I jumped from the counter and buttoned my shirt so I’m not half naked.

“Wait,” Raphael grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him . “Come here and kiss me properly. You’re not wearing anything under your clothes, angel.”

“Oh,” My cheeks blushed when I saw his intense stare fixating on me, his golden eyes glowing brightly. “I’ll put on some clothes.”

With a slight nod of his head, he released his hold on me, watching as I went to change. After I finished putting on some jeans and an oversized hoodie, I went back to the kitchen to see him finish preparing our breakfast table.

Seeing pancakes with strawberry juice , scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon piled high on both plates took my breath away and made my tummy grumble. I was hungry. Really hungry.

I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face into the crook of his neck while giving his shoulder a peck.

Before I could stand up, he turned around in his seat and grabbed me by the nape of my neck to pull me closer. Our mouths collided in a searing kiss which left me dazed and confused. I wanted to taste more, feel more. And I wanted more, now.

As if hearing my thoughts, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against mine, breathing fast. “Eat, baby. Then we can continue,” he said huskily and kissed the tip of my nose before he returned to his food.

My stomach grumbled in anticipation of breakfast. And it wasn’t long until it was served.

The scent of cooked pancakes and scrambled eggs filled the air as the aroma wafted through the room.

“Wow, remind me again, how are you so good at cooking?” I giggled as I took a bite out of one of the fluffy white pancake while holding his gaze.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you but thank god I did.” He winked at me teasingly as he ate his meal. I rolled my eyes at that but still the smile slipped past my lips.

“Where did Luke go? Will he return?” I asked Raphael.

“No,” he answered bluntly as he cut another piece off of his pancake and fed it to me. “Luke isn’t coming back.”

“What do you mean?” I looked confused, wondering what on Earth he was talking about.

Feeling jealousy between our bond, I frowned at that. Did my Phoenix was jealous of his brother spending time with me all those days he was gone?

He must be feeling possessive because he was my bonded mate.

“Are you perhaps jealous, Raphael?”

At once, he froze in his seat and stiffened, his eyes blazing with fire.

“Why would I be jealous? Give me one reason.” He sounded a little angry.

“Well, you are jealous that Luke spent so much time with me.” I stated matter of factly as I chewed slowly on my food.

“Don’t taunt me, darling. I’ll show you who’s the possessive one.” He growled lowly glaring at me. “You know he won’t come near you now. Not after last night. You smell like me, my fire runs through your veins.”

He stood up abruptly from his chair and started walking towards me in a slow pace with menacing look. He reached out and cupped my chin, tilting it up so we can look each other directly in the eye. I blinked, not really understanding what was happening.

“You’re mine now, Faith. Every inch of your soul belongs to me. I will burn the whole world if someone hurt you or if anyone touches you! You know I won’t hesitate to destroy everyone around us if they ever dare to touch you and harm you in anyway! No one deserves to take away your happiness! They shouldn’t even think of touching you!” He spat angrily.

“Raphael...”

Before I could say anything else, he kissed me passionately and pulled me towards his chest. I kissed back greedily wanting more.

As our tongues tangled together, heat pooled low in my belly. His mouth opened wide, exposing his sexy fangs. A gasp escaped my lips at the suddenness of his action but then, as if he had read my mind, he placed his tongue gently inside my mouth exploring it, tasting every single inch of my mouth with such familiarity that it shocked me.

“I know you don’t mean it but don’t tease me, love. You know I can get possessive over you,” His voice grew deeper.

I nodded my head quickly, my eyes closed as I savored the sensation of being in his arms and having his tongue playfully exploring mine.

When he pulled away, I gasped for air, feeling dizzy. Raphael laughed, the sound reverberated in my bones. Before we could get more intimate, there was a knock on the door.

“Excuse me, lovebirds but I need to talk to my brother.” The familiar voice boomed outside. Luke.

Both of us froze. I looked up at Raphael and his expression turned from lustful to murderous almost instantly. He looked completely different. He was tense and alert.

Slowly standing, I gave him an encouraging smile. “It’s okay.” I assured him. “Go help Luke. I’ll stay here.”

He didn’t respond and just stared at me, his golden orbs staring deeply into mine.

His gaze held too much emotion that made me want to melt in front of him, making my heart skip a beat. He kissed me sweetly on the forehead, sending shivers down my spine as he stepped back. When he reached the door, he paused before opening it.

“I’ll be back, darling.” He murmured. “But be prepared to wait.”

“Okay.”