CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 57
RAUL’S POV


Marissa's departure with her father left a void of unease in me. Despite her insistence on handling the conversation alone, I couldn't shake the lingering fear that he might hurt her again.




My mind raced, replaying all the stories I had heard about her past sufferings at his hands. The ballroom's lively chatter became a distant hum as my anxiety grew.




I paced the garden outside, the cool night air doing little to calm my nerves. Just then, Benjamin's voice broke through my thoughts.




"Raul, I've been looking for you," He said, concern evident in his eyes. "Alpha Titan asked for you, and many of the other Alphas and Lunas have been asking where you and Marissa are,” He added, his eyes looking around, maybe looking for Marissa.




“Where is she? I thought she would be with you."
I barely registered his words, my focus still on Marissa’s safety. He snapped his finger in my front, bringing me out of my thoughts.




"What did you say?" I asked, running a hand through my hair in frustration.




"Is something bothering you?" Benjamin asked, stepping closer. "You seem distracted. What's on your mind?”




"I'm worried about Marissa," I admitted, my voice tinged with frustration.
“Why? Did something happen to her?” He asked.




"Her father is here, and she's gone to talk to him. I can't shake the feeling that he might do something to her, or possibly hurt her again," I responded, my heart pounding with worry.




Benjamin placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Marissa is stronger now, Raul. She's not the same girl you met before. She can take care of herself, you have to trust her."




I sighed, knowing he was right but still feeling uneasy. "You're right, Ben, and I need you to find out about something for me,” I let out, gazing at him with seriousness.



“What is that, Raul?” He asked.
“I need to know how Derrick and Marissa's father managed to attend the ceremony. I don't recall sending them invitations and I made it strict that no one could enter without invitation. Investigate how they got in.”



Benjamin nodded. "I'll look into it. I'll also inform Alpha Titan that you'll be with him shortly."



“Alright, Thank you again,” I said and he just smiled at me..




As he walked away, I continued my pacing, each minute feeling like an eternity. Finally, I saw Marissa approaching, and my face lit up immediately.




Relief washed over me, and I wrapped my arms around her. I noticed her eyes swollen and red from crying.



"Is everything okay?" I asked, holding her tightly. She hummed in reply and I could feel the soft beating of her heart.




"Yes, everything is fine," she replied, her voice soft but steady. We stood there for a moment, savoring the comfort of each other's presence. But she pulled away, gazing at me.




"Let's go back inside. The guests must be wondering where we are," she suggested, and I agreed with her. She entwined our hands, her touch was a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.




As we re-entered the hall, I noticed that the crowd had thinned considerably. Most of the remaining guests were pack members, still enjoying the festivities.




I was gazing around to see if I could find Alpha Titan. I wanted to introduce Marissa to him and his Luna. I was still searching around with my eyes when Benjamin approached me again.




"Alpha, Alpha Titan asked me to inform you that he couldn't wait any longer. His Luna was tired, and he has an important appointment tomorrow. He said he would call you when he has time to discuss things," He reported.



I nodded, disappointed but understanding. "Thank you, Benjamin."



I didn't have any reason to stay at this place anymore since most of my guests were gone.




I glanced at my watch, noting the late hour. Turning to Marissa, I saw the exhaustion etched on her face. "I think we should call it a night. I'm exhausted," I said, stifling a yawn.



She chuckled softly. "I agree. Let's go home."




We left the hall, making our way to the house. My heart raced with anticipation at the thought of finally sharing a room with her. As we stepped inside, she suddenly turned to me with a tired smile.



"I'll head up to my room now. Good night, Raul," she mumbled, pecking my cheek.
I stared at her, my eyes wide with surprise. "Are we sleeping separately?"




She paused, looking equally surprised. "I... I thought we would, at least for tonight.”
I felt a pang of disappointment but quickly masked it with a smile. "If that's what you want, then it's fine. Good night, Marissa."



She just nodded at me and turned away.
I watched her retreat to her room, feeling a mixture of longing and respect for her boundaries.





The next morning, I woke up early, my mind already racing with plans for the day.




As I stepped out of my room, I saw Marissa in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I noticed how the kitchen was a mess and chuckled at the sight.




She looked up and smiled, the sight of her bringing an instant sense of peace.
"Good morning," I greeted, kissing her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"




She nodded. "I did. How about you?"
"I also did, I missed you," I admitted, my voice low as I hugged her from behind, kissing her earlobe.



“Didn't you miss me?” I asked, faking a hurtful expression.
She blushed, her eyes twinkling. "We'll figure it out, Raul. One step at a time."



I just nodded and picked up an apple and bit on it as she finished making breakfast.




She soon finished and we shared a quiet breakfast, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company. But my mind kept drifting to the day's tasks.



"Marissa, I need to head to the border today. There have been reports of some activity, and I want to ensure our pack's safety," I said, watching her reaction.



She looked concerned but nodded. "Be careful, Raul. And if you need me, I'll be here, to help handle things."



I grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. "Thank you. I'll be back as soon as I can,” I said and she nodded supportively.
As I left the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing.




I met up with Benjamin and our lead scouts at the border.




"Any updates on the sightings?" I asked, my tone brisk.



Benjamin nodded. "We've seen increased activity, but nothing definite yet. Our scouts are gathering more intel," He reported but I wasn't satisfied with the report.



“What about the children you said were found in the woods? Have you found out what pack they are from?” I asked, my gaze on the leader of the scout team, Antonio.



“They haven't talked yet. I think they don't feel comfortable yet but we are trying,” He responded.



I frowned, feeling the weight of responsibility. "Keep me updated. And any progress on how Derrick and Alpha Mason got into the ceremony?” I asked, turning to Benjamin.



"Not yet, but we're following some leads. It looks like there might have been an inside help," Benjamin replied.




I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up. "Find out who it is. I won't tolerate betrayal within our ranks.”