The Alpha who Loved Me

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

(Ava’s POV)

I watched as Rafe skillfully pulled the SUV he was driving into a handicap parking space close to the door of the Hobby Lobby in the strip mall we had gone to. When he got out I patiently waited for him to get my chair out of the back. I watched in the mirror as he walked to the side of the vehicle setting up the chair then turned to open my door. I had already unbuckled my belt, so he just scooped me up and sat me down in my chair, letting me adjust myself till I was comfortable, handing me one of the straps so I could strap myself down.

I’ve gotten pretty good at wheeling myself around, especially since Michelle had gotten me a Custom Permobil TiLite Aero Z wheelchair. The customization that they did to it was having removable arms in the back so they could push me around if it was going to be long distances. I was thankful for this, because while I was used to getting myself around the packhouse, I wasn’t quite ready to maneuver my way through a*****e.

In the store, Darek grabbed a basket and followed us around the store as I looked at some of the decorations. I picked out a few things that caught my attention and Rafe would grab them and place them in the basket. When we got to the Art supply section I clapped my hands and felt giddy. I was in my element. Even though the only place I had ever been able to indulge in my love for art was at school. So, I had a basic idea what I would need.

Going down the Aisles, I looked at and selected multiple different paints. At school I had only worked with Acrylic and Watercolors, but I really wanted to try my hand with oils. I grabbed several brush packs as well as textured sponges. Rafe was a good sport and let me get all the expensive multimedia brushes I wanted. It was about an hour later that I handed the last thing I wanted to Rafe and he placed it in the cart.

“I want an easel, but I don’t know if I’ll ever use it. We only ever used a table at school.”

“Well, let’s go look and see what they have, maybe something will catch your eye.” I smiled up at him as he pushed me back down the aisle that had the easels on display. I really liked the traditional one and the architect desk. But with the space I had left in my office the traditional easel would be the best option because it could be pushed up against a wall, so I still had room to maneuver my chair around.

“I like the traditional one, can I get it to try and if I don’t like it we can sell it?”

“Of course. The cart is full so I’ll grab the box if you can push yourself up to the register.”

“That shouldn’t be an issue.” I said, as I took the wheels of my chair and moved out of his wat so he could grab the easel’s box.

Together we made our way to the front, and waited for a register to free up. When it was our turn to check out the cashier’s eyes looked like they were about to bug out of her face. I felt a little bad when I realized she had to enter all the prices manually because they didn’t use scanners but only just a little bit. I was super excited to be getting all the supplies I’ve only ever dreamed about.

When she rang in the last item, I couldn’t help but stare glassy eyed at Rafe as she said “That brings your total to $1,579.96.”

Rafe smiled at me when he saw the look on my face. “You’re worth every penny Ava.” Taking out his wallet he pulled out his credit card and put the chip in the machine.

“Thank you.” I told the woman as I turned my chair to leave the store, most of the stuff fit in the cart so there were only a few bags that needed to be carried by hand. We made our way out of the store and then to the car.

“Is there anything else you want to do while we’re here?” Rafe asked when the last item was put in the SUV. I just shook my head.

“No, I think you’ve spent enough money on me today.”

Rafe just smiled then helped me get into the vehicle as Darek took the car back inside. As I settled down in the passenger seat Rafe put my chair in the back and then came around sliding in behind the wheel. When Darek got in the back Rafe backed out of the spot then headed towards home. When we were about half way there though, I saw Rafe’s hands tighten on the wheel.

“What’s wrong?”

“Someone is following us.”

Instantly on alert, Darek turned to look behind us. There was a vehicle that was blacked out but staying a safe distance back.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m going to try and lose them though.” After that he started driving around randomly. After about thirty minutes, I saw him relax and maneuver the car to start heading home. I must admit I was a little shaken up, especially after the unexplained incident in my bedroom before leaving.

“Who do you think it was?” I asked when we were safely past the border of the pack lands.

“I’m not sure.” Rafe said. When we got back to the packhouse he parked outside the front door, that way it would be easier to get the things we had bought out of the car and to the elevator.

First though, Rafe got my chair out of the back and then helped me out of the car. When I was once again strapped safely into my chair, I maneuvered myself to head inside as the guys grabbed the bags. Inside the house I felt eyes on me. Glancing around I didn’t see anyone at first, but then when my eyes swept across the living room entryway again, I saw someone peeking around the corner. “Hello.” I said politely.

Whoever it was must have been spooked at the fact that I saw them, because they instantly shrank away. Not paying it any attention, I continued heading towards the elevator. Just as the doors opened both Darek and Rafe walked into the house, loaded down with everything. “You guys could have just made another trip to get the rest.”

“Why would we do that?” Darek asked with a serious expression on his face.

I just rolled my eyes and entered the elevator. It was a tight fit when the guys came inside as well. When the doors opened on mine and Rafe’s floor, which is the fourth floor, I let them get off first before following them.

“You want this stuff in your office, right?”

“Yes. Just Set everything down, and I will take care of the rest.”

“What about the easel?” Rafe asked.

“You can just place it in the corner by the window across from my desk. I don’t want it set up yet until I have everything else situated.”

Both of them nodded their understanding, setting everything down in my office and then leaving. Rafe kissed me and told me to call him if I needed anything, he was going to his office to take care of some things and would leave the doors open to both so all I had to do was holler.

Getting to work I started unwrapping everything. I called out to Rafe once to ask for a trash bag which he promptly had an omega bring up to me. Thanking the omega, who’s name was Jane, I got back to work. It took me around two hours to get most of everything situated before I called Rafe into my office to hang up the decorations I had picked out as well as set up my easel.

Sitting back in my chair, I watched him work. It was always glorious watching him. While he was working a thought crossed my mind. “Hey Rafe.”

“Yes, Little One.” He said as he stepped back from putting the easel together, looking over his work.

“The day I woke up from the coma, there had been rogues at the southern borders, right?”

Turning to me he gave me a curious look. “Yeah.”

“I seem to remember Darek saying they had said they’d be back two weeks later to attack if you guys hadn’t handed me over yet.”

I watched as Rafe got a bemused look on his face. “Did they ever attack?”

He contemplated for a moment. “Come to think of it, no they never came back.”

“So, maybe instead of attacking, they found another way to get what they wanted. A longer way sure, but another way.”

“What are you trying to say Ava?”

“I think maybe they somehow infiltrated our borders.”

“Why on earth would you think that?”

“Well, my window being open before we left for one. I haven’t opened it since I’ve been in that room. So, I don’t think it just wiggled free from the wind. Also, we were being followed. Seems like recon to me.”

“I’ll look into it.” He said, walking over to me and taking my face in his hands, “I may think you’ve been watching to many movies with Michelle though.”

I smiled. Knowing he was trying to lighten the tension that had grown in the room. “Rafe Kiss me.” I demanded.

I watched as his face split into a grin and he started to lower his lips to mine. When he was just a breath away though, Michelle came barging in.

“Oh, s**t sorry” she said breathless. “I um… I can come back.” Slowly she started to back out of the room.

“Don’t worry about it.” Rafe said kissing my nose and standing back up. “You ruined the mood anyways.”

I just chuckled. “What’s up Michelle.”

“I think I figured it out.”

“What?” I asked bemused.

“How to get you walking again.”

“Okay.” I said drawing the word out.

Michelle just smiled and walked over to the chair in front of my desk that she had sat in this morning. Looking from me to Rafe she smiled again. “Okay so, I was talking with one of the med students I graduated with, this one was actually a werewolf also. And together we came to a conclusion we both think will work.”

“Michelle just get to the point.” Rafe said impatiently. I reached out my hand and took hold of his in an attempt to sooth him.

Michelle just laughed. “I’m getting there little brother.” Rafe just growled at the mention of him being younger than she was. “Anyways, after comparing notes and what you told me this morning, we think that maybe you being unable to walk no matter what we’ve tried has something to do with your mate bond.” She paused to take in our reactions, I guess she saw we were both confused because she continued talking. “Ava, you told me this morning when you woke up you were able to feel that you needed to use the bathroom, this happening after you were able to feel the orgasm that Rafe gave you last night.” I nodded, still confused. “So, we think that there may be a block in your mind that you aren’t aware of and if you guys complete the mating process it’ll remove the block. Now don’t get me wrong, we aren’t completely certain about this, but it seems promising.”

I just stared at her trying to wrap my brain around what she said when I felt Rafe place his hand on the back of my neck and start to massage gently. “Michelle give us a moment to talk.” Rafe said quietly.

After she left, Rafe turned me to face him then crouched in front of me. “Ava.”

“Rafe just give me a minute, I’m still trying to process everything.”

“Ava, that’s why I want you to look at me.”

Sighing, I looked into his eyes. I saw the lust that was burning in them, but I also saw something else. Overshadowing the lust was the love that he felt for me. “Yes.”

“We don’t need to do what she suggested until you are absolutely certain you are ready. I’ve told you before, I will wait however long you need me to wait. Last night was amazing, but I’m willing to let it be the only time it happens until you’re ready for me again.” As he finished talking, he reached up and wiped away a tear from my cheek. I hadn’t even realized that I had started crying. “Why the tears Little One?”

“You just make me so happy.” Wiping the rest of the tears from my face, I wrapped my arms around his neck. Bringing him close. “You always know just what to say to put my nerves at ease.” Sighing I released him leaning back and looking him in the eyes again. “I want to complete the mating process Rafe.” He sucked in a breath and I continued before he could say anything. “But before we do, I want to start the process to find out who I really am. I think I’m ready.”