The Taming Of Alpha Rafael

Chapter 5

I approached Gracie's room with a confused mind, a palpitating heart, and a disoriented spirit.

It was amazing how my life was taking turns that I could not imagine. Second ago, I was getting pushed and pulled by Rafael’s lustful strings and now, I'm out, rushing to ensure my daughter's safety.

I turned on the light and when I saw her, I sighed. I couldn't help but worry about what she had just experienced, her fear still etched upon her delicate face.

"Gracie!!!" I called and she raised her eyes at me, terror still etched on her face.

As a mother, my instinct was to protect her, to banish the shadows that plagued her innocent mind. The possibility of someone trying to take her away from me was unthinkable, yet it lingered in my thoughts, fueling my fear, fright and flight.

Gracie huddled on her bed and clutched at her duvet. Her tear-stained cheeks glistened in the glow and her eyeballs widened as though she had seen a ghost.

The sight pierced through me, evoking a surge of emotions only a mother can truly comprehend. I moved towards her slowly, careful not to startle her further.

"It's just a nightmare, Gracie," I whispered, my voice trembling with both reassurance and my own lingering fear. "Don't worry poppet, mummy is here now."

I reached out and gently stroked her hair, the motion calming both her and me while Gracie buried her face in my chest, seeking solace in the warmth and safety that only a mother's embrace could provide.

As I held her, a soft sound of footsteps drew my attention to the doorway and I lifted my head to the direction.

Immediately, I forgot it all, all was substituted with fear. I had forgotten all around me. Where we are, who was there with us and how we got there.

It made me feel how thick the bond was with Gracie. She was the only thing I had and the way she screamed and the thoughts in my head while I rushed down told me how much she was attached to me, and how crazy it would be to even think of losing her.

I fixed my eyes on the door, riveted on the spot while I waited for the intruder and there stood Rafael, his figure silhouetted in the dim hallway light, wearing his nightgown and leaning against his crutches.

At the sight of him, it all came back to me. We were in the Salvatore’s mansion, he was Rafael Salvatore, he was my boss, and I had just left his room to attend to Gracie.

However, his presence, though unexpected, brought a sense of comfort and stability to the room as Gracie's tear-streaked face lifted from my chest as she caught sight of Rafael.

With a sudden burst of energy, she broke free from my embrace and rushed towards him.

It was as if she saw in him the father figure she yearned for, the strength and protection that Kantos, her biological father, should have provided.

I watched this poignant moment unfold, my heart aching with a bittersweet mixture of longing and gratitude.

"This can't be happening!" I muttered to myself. I wished I could drag Gracie away from him. This was a man who just flirted with me and made me feel the heat.

Plans to stay long in the mansion had been abated but Grace was about to build a bond with Rafael. "Goddammit!!! No way!"

I watched from the bed where I sat, a blend of emotions overwhelming me. Gracie's innocent perception brought to light a truth I had contemplated but had not fully acknowledged until now. She needed a father figure.

*** Rafael's POV ***

Rafael, his body weakened but his determination strong, steadied himself against the doorframe for support as he released his crutches they fell to the ground.

With a wide smile stretching across his face, he reached out his arms as Gracie's small figure came into view.

Sonya, seated on the nearby bed, watched their interaction with tender eyes, recognizing the unwavering bond between them.

As Gracie drew closer, Rafael enveloped her in a tight embrace, cradling her against his chest. He lifted her gently, her small hands instinctively finding their place around his neck and her head finally resting on his chest, right under his jaw.

At this moment, all the worries and fears seemed to fade away, replaced by Rafael's unwavering love and protection.

"It's just a nightmare, love," Rafael's voice, soft yet resolute, reassured Gracie as he gently rubbed her back. "No one will touch you under my watch."

Gracie, her innocent eyes gazing up at him, sought further reassurance. "Promise me?" she pleaded, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Rafael's gaze briefly shifted to Sonya, an unspoken understanding passing between them, before he replied firmly, "Yes, I promise. I will protect you from the boogeyman. He is not going to get you."

As Rafael spoke those words, a deep sense of pride welled up within him. Amidst his childhood struggles, he had yearned for the same sense of security and affection with his father but all he got was the opposite.

This was the first thing that was off in the deal - he thought he wouldn't be able to deal with kids; he thought he'd operate and live in the shadow of his father; but he was doing well and he liked it that he was a bit better. Here was a kid who looked up to him for protection.

He returned the look and smile at her. "I meant it, love. I'll punch him in the face if he comes near you," Rafael said and looked past Gracie, at Sonya who now stood, staring endlessly at the drama playing out right before her.

"Can I sleep in your room?" Gracie's voice came as an avalanche and Rafael who thought he was ever ready realized he wasn't even half ready.

"Aww…" he stuttered.

"No, that's not necessary, dear," Sonya said and walked up to them, attempting to lift Gracie off his grip.

In the attempt, her arms found their way between Gracie and Rafael, gently brushing his chest.

Rafael was about to build on the accident again when Gracie formed a sad puppy look - widened eyes with tears welling up in them, and the trembling bottom lip.

As Gracie maintained the looks, she prevented her mother's grasp by holding onto Rafael and he sighed.

Amid the short-span sigh, a lot had gone through his head - "Am I becoming her father? Hell no!"

However, Rafael, holding Gracie securely in his arms, made a decision fueled by love and the deep connection he felt with this fragile yet resilient child.

He was a broken alpha with his reputation for women preceding him. He wanted to have Sonya on his bed and this he knew he could do freely without having to love her.

"To get a single mother, get her kid first!" he was reminded of the Smut Code which was a book he coauthored with his brother.

Ignoring Sonya's objection, he voiced… "Yes, love…"

"What!" Sonya exclaimed.

"You can stay in my room for tonight," he concluded.

He then turned and walked towards the hallway, without his crutches, limping as he went.

His wounded leg was on pins and needles and was aching, but as the protector he had claimed, he managed.

With Gracie nestled in his embrace, they slowly meandered their way to the sitting room, and then eventually reached his room.

In that tranquil space, Rafael carefully settled Gracie onto the bed, ensuring she was comfortable.

He positioned himself nearby, ready to literally chase away any lingering shadows that might invade her dreams.

Sonya silently joined them in the room with the crutches in her hands.

As Gracie's eyes fluttered with fatigue, he whispered soothing words, "The boogeyman can't get you here!!!"

Then he sang her a lullaby, gently brushing her hair away from her face as he did.

Hush now, little one, under the starlit sky,

Where mermaids softly sing, as the moon glides on by.

Drift away, my love, on the ocean's gentle sweep,

Where mermaids dance in dreams and secrets they shall keep.

As he looked down at her, Rafael's heart filled with a profound sense of satisfaction. He had become the protector he wished for as a child - getting the better of his father.

He could see that he had enveloped Gracie in a sense of security that she had done nothing to deserve but everything to receive.

In the silent embrace of the room, Gracie drifted off to sleep after some humorous twitches which made Rafael scoff as he gently sat up on the bed.

"I would rather you sleep but it seems she'll take your place tonight," Rafael said, enough to make Sonya leave her mouth ajar. "Maybe tomorrow," he said.

Sonya drooped the crutches silently and stormed out of the room.