Chapter 65

Gabriel's heavy breathing and loud growls can be heard via the phone's speaker. The following several minutes are spent by me soothing him before I move on to other issues. I look at the time and see that Charlie's interruption was at least twenty minutes ago. But when I hear a different voice on the phone in the background, I realize it's time for him to hang up. ''Amanda? I have to leave for a meeting, but I'll phone you before you sleep, alright? I murmur, watching my index finger make random patterns on the sheets with my eyes. I'm missing you.
"Also missing you, mi amor. I'm on my way home. And until then, keep away from Charlie." (My love.) Before consenting, I giggle at his possessiveness and sigh as he hangs up. I get out of bed and put on my flats once more before leaving the bedroom and going downstairs to where the boys are putting up the film in the movie room, strolling right by Charlie who had moved to make room for me.

***

I'm in the kitchen preparing dinner at this late hour. It was a complete waste of time for me to watch the movie for two hours. When I laughed, Charlie often leans back and glare at me and give me a sinister grin. Oh, please just let him go, please! In all honesty, that was the most uncomfortable circumstance. When I turn to look at the sound of shuffles, Charlie is entering through the entrance. He scans the area, tapping the counter of the kitchen island with his fingertips. I inquire monotonously "Do you need anything?" and then get back to work.
I struggle to get moving as he approaches from behind me. He tugs my hair to one side, and I shudder in revulsion as I push myself aside from him. "I need you to go out on a date with me," she said. I hesitate for a moment before I regain my composure and back away from him. "No." "Why not?" Since Gabriel is absent, you cannot be stopped. Amanda, do you honestly believe he is interested in you? He's nothing but a monster, my cousin. His disgusted smirk makes my fury boil.
I approach him at a distance where, should I move, we will be face to face. '' It doesn't imply that I would go out with you just because he isn't here. Don't you dare approach me. Do not approach me, do not obstruct my path in the corridors as you have been doing, and do not look at me like a silly creep. "Amanda, stop acting like way. Never will he love you. What gives you hope that he would make a commitment to you when he has dated so many other women? With me, you're in better hands! '' '' Just be quiet. Actually, just shut up and shut up. All I ever hear when you talk is rubbish." I give him a look as I shouted at him.
The ingredients I just used are picked up and placed back where they belong. I turn and give him a scathing stare. I turn off the stove and begin to go into the living room, but I halt before I leave the kitchen. I don't turn to face him and lay my hand flat on the door. "And never again refer to my mate as a monster." I stormed out of the kitchen after saying that. As I race up the steps, Paloma and Valeria turned around and look at me anxiously. I finally enter my bedroom and close the door. I wouldn't want Charlie to enter as he previously did.
I take off my flats and flop into the big bed, where I stay for a while. Until the moon emerges from the clouds, I spend my time gazing out the glass balcony doors. I had opened the door for Paloma and Valeria, who tried to invite me to dinner and sighed when I declined. Going downstairs would just make me feel uneasy because of Charlie's behavior. I continue to consume the junk food I've stored here while lying on the bed. Sometime later, when I'm ready to fall asleep deeply, my phone calls. I groan and reach over to grab it without checking the caller ID.
I complain, lying back down on the bed, "This better be essential or I'll steal all your ducks." Gabriel yells angrily, "You haven't eaten, Amanda," via the speaker. I've had duck before, but - I don't know. Please don't eat that damned duck for supper! Why don't you have dinner?" he asks in a frustrated tone. I mumble, fidgeting with the covers, "Oh." I will get it later. I don't feel hungry. He moans, "Amanda," and then sighs. "I'm worried about you, and it's almost late. "Tell me what's wrong; I can feel your feelings. Has Charlie made you angry?"
"No, I stutter. I simply miss you. When will you be returning?" Okay, I guess I kind of lied. Yes, I miss him. I want to tell everyone how much, but I restrain myself. He's gone at a crucial meeting, and I know he'll lose his cool if I told him his cousin is upsetting me. I can't be self-centered and depend on Gabriel to save me all the time. On the other end, he chuckles. "I believe I'll bring you along anytime I travel overseas for a conference. It's strange not having you snore obnoxiously next to me."
My mouth drops open in disapproval, and I make a noise. "I don't snore!" I wake up every morning to you crushing me, and you're one to speak, you know. " I wake up every morning to you crushing me, and you're one to speak, you know. " Husky in reply, he says. "Gabriel!" My cheeks begin to flame up in shame as I scream. Oh, you will be calling my name immediately, my dear. His voice carries the promise clearly, which causes my insides to flutter. He only needs to utter a few things to convert me into mush. We keep conversing till my eyes are beginning to droop about two in the morning.
I'm still on the phone and continue muttering my responses while grinning at how cozy and plush my pillow is. I had to take the phone and set it on the cushion next to me when he called, "Amanda?" "You should get some rest, my dear. I can see you're tired." "No," I'm interrupted by a yawn of my own . "I'm not tired, so how can you feel that," I said. '' '' Being friends entails having it. Because I am a hybrid, I continually feel your feelings as though they are my own, even when they aren't all that powerful, unlike normal wolves who can only sense extreme emotions."
"That's not good, I guess." I sigh and pull the smooth blankets up to my neck. "Why not?"

"Because I want to continue speaking with you even if you're about to hang up. I'm not tired," I promise. I groan drowsily. In response, he chuckles and offers to continue talking for a little while. Before phoning me, he had just concluded three lengthy sessions. He has a court date tomorrow. I find out that the oldest and most knowledgeable supernatural beings make up the entire jury. That's what i'd want to avoid seeing. How would I respond to all of the council members given how anxious I already feel around them? Thank God I didn't have to go.
As I hear his recognizable giggle, which seems so far away, I'm just about to doze off. I don't care and tuck myself even further into the bed. His low, feeble voice is the very last thing I hear before I realize he has completely stopped speaking. "Mi luz, creo que me estoy enamorando de ti" (My light, I believe I'm falling for you.) And even though I didn't comprehend what he said, the warmth of his voice still makes me smile and sends me to sleep.