Chapter 59: I need you.
Raphael’s POV
I was here again, after trying so hard to stay away from her. The torture of not having her near me had become unbearable. Grey missed her. I missed her. The way her cold, guarded smile would slowly soften into something warm and disarming, haunted me.
But when I entered her chambers, I wasn’t prepared for what awaited me. All my fears, every dark suspicion I had pushed away, were confirmed. The depth of her suffering was a chasm I hadn’t dared imagine. It felt like I was sinking into a bottomless rabbit hole, and the weight of it pressed down on me.
I should thank the goddess for sparing her life, for giving her a second chance. If not for that, she wouldn’t be here now. She wouldn't be mine.
“I’ll be leaving soon.”
Those words rang in my ears, each one a dagger to my chest. Her reasons were valid; I couldn’t deny that. But it didn’t change how much I hated the thought of her leaving me behind. After everything, after proving to her again and again that I would do anything for her, she still didn’t trust me enough to let me help her.
I wanted to beg her to stay. I didn’t think I could survive her absence.
'If she won’t stay with us, then we’ll go with her, Grey’s voice rumbled in my mind, his conviction unwavering.
I couldn’t have agreed more. If she couldn’t stay here, then I would follow her, wherever she went. I would protect her.
After hearing Anastasia’s story, I knew it was time to deal with Wan. I had all the evidence; proof of his embezzlement, his numerous affairs, and his other corrupt dealings. But what I lacked were witnesses willing to testify, until now. Anastasia’s courage would change everything. I will have to speak to her.
" Caleb, are you there?" I mind-linked him.
"My king?" As always, my lazy Beta's voice sounded grumpy. Typical.
"We have a witness who will testify against Wan," I said.
I heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor as he stood abruptly.
"Who, my king?"
"His daughter."
"I'm on it now."
I could hear him moving around, barking orders to those nearby. Satisfied, I disconnected from the mind-link.
I stepped into the room, letting my presence be known.
“Hello, Ava. Hope I’m not interrupting?” I asked, though I already knew I was. I didn’t care. I needed my mate to myself.
“Not at all, my king,” Anastasia replied with a knowing smile. She quickly grabbed Gwen’s hand, both of them excusing themselves. “We were just leaving.”
They said goodbye and disappeared, leaving me alone with Ava.
“You finally came to see me,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Yeah, I couldn’t stay away any longer,” I admitted.
“Decided on your own again?” she asked sharply, her eyes narrowing at me.
“I didn’t want to make you feel pressured,” I explained, trying to soften the blow.
“And what about now? Don’t you think I might feel pressured anyway?”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. You’re forgiven,” she said, her smile warm and forgiving. Her eyes sparkled in a way that made my heart ache.
“When will you be leaving?” I asked, finally giving voice to the question that had been tormenting me.
“You overheard us?”
“Yes,” I admitted, quickly adding, “I wasn’t eavesdropping. I just happened to hear—”
“Raphael, I never said you were,” she interrupted, her smile widening as if amused by my flustered attempt to explain.
“Please,” I said, stepping closer, my voice low and urgent. “Let me come with you.”
“What?” she stammered, her eyes widening in shock.
“Let me come with you,” I repeated. “Let me share your burden. Let me kill whoever needs to be killed. Make me your sword.”
Her expression was one of pure disbelief, her shock palpable.
"Raphael, I don't think this is a good idea..." Ava started, but I rushed to her, cutting her off as I grabbed her hands.
"Use me, Ava," I pleaded, my voice raw with desperation. "I’m strong; stronger than anyone else. My strength is almost equal to the moon goddess herself. Use me as your shield, your sword, whatever you need. Just... use me."
I knew how I sounded, desperate and unrestrained, but I didn’t care. All that mattered to me was Ava. She needed to know I would do anything for her, give anything, even my life, if it meant easing her burden.
Her hands trembled as she lifted them to my face. Tears brimmed in her eyes, and her voice was barely a whisper when she asked, "Raphael, would you still be my sword and shield if I told you who I plan to take revenge on?"
There was no hesitation in my heart or my answer. "Yes," I said firmly, the truth echoing in my words. "No matter who it is. I would still be your sword. So, please, take me with you."
Ava stared at me for a long moment, as though searching for cracks in my resolve, but I met her gaze unwaveringly. Finally, she let out a trembling breath.
"Oh, Raphael," she murmured, her voice cracking with emotion. "How could I possibly hate you? How could I ignore how I feel for you when you’re so selfless, so sweet, so...endearing? You make it impossible for me to push you away."
Before I could respond, she leaned forward, her lips capturing mine in a kiss so passionate it stole my breath. I surrendered wholly to her, giving her everything I was. In every moment, since I met her, she has been my everything, my reason, my world, my balm.
We kissed like there was no tomorrow, like the world around us had ceased to exist. Our lips moved in a frantic, unspoken dance, expressing emotions our hearts were too afraid to voice.
I wanted her, desperately, completely, but a part of me hesitated, afraid of pushing too far, of scaring her away. Yet her hands moved with a mind of their own, wandering to my chest, tugging at my tucked-in shirt with a determination that almost shattered my restraint.
"Raphael," she whispered, her voice breathless, trembling with need. "I need you."
Those four words were all I needed to hear. I needed her just as much, perhaps even more.
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