The Taming Of Alpha Rafael

Chapter 11

As I stood there in the hall, watching the beautiful wedding proceedings between Gabriel and Cecelia, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness deep within my heart.

A wedding was something I had always wanted, but it seemed that fate had different plans for me. My past with Kantos came rushing back to my mind, the painful realization that everything he had promised was nothing but lies and deceit.

It appeared that he only wanted me in his bed, and then he discarded me like a forgotten memory when the aftermath of the bedding surfaced in the form of pregnancy.

“Yes, I do…”

“Yes, I do…”

With a heavy heart, I wiped away a stray tear as Gabriel and Cecelia exchanged their vows. The classic wedding setting was enchanting, with delicate flowers adorning every corner and soft music floating in the air.

There were less than 150 guests, all of whom seemed to radiate joy and love. And amongst them, I saw my sweet daughter, Gracie, presenting a flower to the blushing bride. It warmed my heart to see her so happy.

Behind Gabriel stood his twin brother, Rafael. He was not only my boss but also someone I cannot fully describe, was he crushing on me or filled with lustful desires just like Kantos and all the advances that I have gotten?

Looking at him now, I couldn't help but notice how familiar yet filled with a manly gaiety he appeared at the same time.

He stepped forward to give his speech, his voice filled with sincerity as he spoke about Gabriel and Cecelia's growth together.

“I and Gabriel were torn from ourselves while we were so young. One to the north and one to the South, but we always find a way to reach out to each other and solve our problems,” he began.

I had always wanted to ask him about his family and his growing up but the time was not. I had plans in place, plans to keep him in check and ensure that I did the talking lest he begin with his s****l fantasies.

I planned to know about his pack, then his childhood and family. But here he was calling more darkness upon it.

Rafael went on to describe Gabriel as the epitome of a perfect son, a model to him, and a measure of his persona, and I knew those words came from the depths of his heart. I would like to see him tell me about this part in the future.

He also mentioned how lucky Cecelia was to have Gabriel by her side, buttressing his point with a vouch for his brother.

"Who would have thought," Rafael chuckled, "that a man with a limp like mine could still manage to get around faster than most people with two healthy legs? Maybe I should open a business as a professional crutch dancer!"

The hall erupted in laughter, and my heart swelled with affection for this man. It was a side of him I had never seen before - an honourable and genuine person who was capable of being serious when required and making others laugh.

As the applause died down, Rafael limped back behind his brother and took his place as the best man. Once he was behind Gabriel he turned to face me.

Our eyes locked and I could see a mixture of emotions in his gaze. There was something new there, something that stirred a sense of hope within me.

“Maybe this man could forgo his lustful will for me and fight for me. Or perhaps, his lust for me would enhance the need to fight for me. Maybe he could,” I thought to myself and huffed.

I smiled at him, and to my surprise, he smiled back. It was a smile that held countless untold stories and promises, and in that fleeting moment, I felt a connection, an understanding that I had never experienced before.

I couldn't help but wonder what it all meant. Was it possible that Rafael harboured feelings for me too? Or was I just seeing things that weren't there, desperately grasping at any glimmer of hope? My heart raced with uncertainty, yearning for answers that only time could reveal.

*** Rafael's POV ***

Rafael noticed Sonya's smile, and for the first time, it seemed real to him. It was a small but genuine gesture, and it revealed a different side of her.

That was what he could term the first genuine smile from her. Not because he was bossing her around or she had a request of him, but a smile after a stare.

He could sense that she was going through something difficult and still, she was making the matter complicated by keeping it concealed, even from him.

As the best man to his twin brother, Gabriel, Rafael had responsibilities to attend to, so he composed himself and proceeded with the wedding program.

After the ceremony, the guests took pictures with the bride, a part of the programme which Sonya declined to join.

Rafael noticed her standing alone, her gaze distant and filled with a mixture of emotions. The celebration continued as Gabriel and Cecelia joyously stepped out of the hall walking up the aisle.

As they went, Cecilia sighted Sonya, so did Gabriel and she made a gesture to ask how it was going. Rafael saw it all and noticed that Sonya nodded with a smile. Only now did he know that Cecelia was deeply involved too.

As the crowd cheered and waved them off, Sonya approached Rafael and Gracie who stood together. As she went, she paused for some moments and this was when members of the extended family who greeted Gabriel with all hearty desires approached Rafael with a cold stare.

They asked him questions about the girl with him and he said yes to the probes targeted at if Gracie was his daughter.

After they were all gone, he turned to see Sonya approaching.

“Congratulations,” she said.

“It should go to Gabriel,” Rafael quickly reminded.

“You deserve it too,” Sonya countered. “Congratulations for being so honourable.”

“That's not a compliment,” Rafael replied.

“Are we ready to leave?” Sonya asked and Rafael nodded in affirmation. “Then, I'll bring the car close to the stairs.”

“I can walk,” Rafael said as soon as Sonya began to walk away.

As she made her way outside, Rafael watched her unassumingly. However, as she reached the threshold of the hall's entrance, a sudden change came over her.

Sonya paused, her eyes reflecting a palpable fear, transfixed on something Rafael couldn't see. Her previously calm facade crumbled, giving way to a bewildering terror.

Rafael saw it and now he began to ascertain his hunch. Only the past could have such an effect, he thought.

“Could it be Gracie's father?” he said to himself and then stood to his feet. “Gracie, stay here, I'll be back.”

“Rafael, where are you going?” Gracie asked.

“I'll be right back,” he said to Gracie and walked towards the door where Sonya was held.