The Taming Of Alpha Rafael

Chapter 8

As I sat there in the car, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the decision that I had to make in such a limited time.

The urgency of the situation was evident, knowing that the longer I delay, the more the potential trauma could escalate.

I had to decide and I had twenty-four hours to do that. What if I don't do it? Would he, Kantos, come to the Salvatore mansion as he had said and claim Gracie? I had no answer to that. But he can.

My duty back home was calling me, and I couldn't ignore it any longer.

"Do I have to do this?" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible amidst the chaos inside my head.

The promises I had made to myself resurfaced - the vow to do whatever it takes to protect Gracie. I had proven my dedication once before, five years ago when he rejected us and it seemed that now I would have to go even further.

But a nagging doubt persisted within me. I knew Kantos. He was what he was back then, and as the alpha, his arrogance had been heightened.

I know quite well that if I give in to Kantos' demands now, he'll keep coming back. He won't let me go.

Was there an end to his manipulations? He knew exactly how to reach me, what to say to pull me back into his web – nothing but Gracie. He knew what I'd gone through to keep her alone. He must have been keeping a watch.

Just as I was lost in the whirlwind of my thoughts, my phone interrupted the chaos, jolting me back to reality. It was Rafael, my boss whose car I'm in. The moment of respite allowed me to gather myself and answer the call.

"Hey Sonya, where are you?" Rafael's concerned voice filled my ears, momentarily drowning out the noise within.

"I'll be back soon," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of anxiety. I realized that my absence had caused more than just worries.

Rafael's words struck a chord within me as he continued speaking. "Cecilia called, she wants you and Gracie at the wedding too."

Just as Cecelia had promised, we would be part of the family but I never expected that we would be in the wedding coming up the following day.

"Okay, Mr Salvatore, I'll be back soon. And about the wedding, we'll be there."

The call ended, leaving me with a newfound clarity. I knew I couldn't keep driving in circles, both literally and metaphorically. It was time to act, to decide, to confront the demons that plagued me although I had no plans yet. But one thing was sure, I won't conform to Kantos’ will.

With a deep breath, I gripped the steering wheel and began the journey back home.

As I drove, the internal dialogue continued, but this time, it was different. Instead of dwelling on the doubts, I focused on the path forward.

I still have a day to plan and the decision to attend Cecilia's wedding became a beacon of strength – there I'll know if Rafael had anyone who could help. He remained a symbol of a life beyond the clutches of Kantos.

***

As the day wore on, the house settled into a partial silence. I observed Rafael and Gracie engaging in conversation, discussing her school and her friends.

With much to worry about, the bond between Gracie and Rafael became a thing I was happy about. He was there to keep Gracie occupied as a single question from her might cause me to weep, thinking about losing her.

After a stare, I shook my head at the nagging thought that I might lose her and when they looked in my direction, all I could do was smile.

Whenever the topic turned to me, my heart would flutter as Gracie's would turn to me, seeking confirmation or a memory.

This would direct their focus, as well as Rafael's angered glare which had been etched on his face since I went out without telling him where I went.

“Yes, that's true,” I confirmed all that Gracie required and they returned to their storytelling.

However, there was no dialogue between Rafael and me, just silent exchanged glances that held a multitude of unspoken emotions.

After some time, Gracie grew tired and dozed off in Rafael's gentle embrace. With careful precision, he lifted her sleeping form and carried her to her room.

When he returned, there was a brief pause as his eyes fell upon me. The silence between us felt heavy, pregnant with unsaid words.

In an attempt to break the tension, I spoke softly, "You know, Mr Salvatore, you really shouldn't strain your leg too much."

He limped towards the hallway leading to his room, stopping momentarily to respond, "Join me, Sonya. Your assistance with applying the balm would be greatly appreciated."

As I contemplated his request, my mind wandered back to the last time I had helped him with the balm.

The memory of his inappropriate comments and past adventures sent a shiver down my spine, and I silently wished to be spared from a similar encounter tonight.

My thoughts were consumed by uncertainties and fears, aware that I would not be able to cope with Rafael's provocative conversations. Nevertheless, I mustered my courage and made my way to his room. He was my boss and I have to do whatever he says.

The atmosphere in his room was heavy with anticipation and unspoken tension. As I entered, he broke the silence, his voice laced with curiosity and suspicion, "Who did you go to see, Sonya?"

I knew he was angry and that it was due to the outing. But now I realize that he was not ready to let it go. But why is he so involved?

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to reveal the truth or brush off his inquiry. I don't want to involve him knowing how rashly Kantos could act.

Finally, I mustered the strength to respond firmly, "Don't bother, sir. It's just someone I used to know at work."

I picked up the balm and sat on the stool beside his bed, ready to apply the balm on his leg.

The room fell back into silence, filled with a mixture of unspoken words and unanswered questions. And in that pregnant pause, Rafael's final inquiry cut through the tension like a razor, "Is it Gracie's father?"