CHAPTER 62
CHAPTER 62
MARISSA’S POV
I watched Raul talk to Liana while I listened, my mind racing with thoughts and suspicions.
"The nerve of this witch. I don't believe a single word that leaves her mouth. Something about her irks me, and I believe she's working with Damien," Chari's voice echoed in my head, laced with frustration and suspicion.
I silently agreed with Chari. Liana wouldn't have acted alone, but she was clearly unwilling to reveal the truth. Raul's patience was wearing thin; I could see him struggling to keep his composure as she continued to evade his questions.
"Benjamin," Raul called, his voice steady but firm.
"Yes, Alpha," Benjamin responded, stepping closer to Raul.
"Lock Liana in the dungeon and don't give her any food or water until she's ready to talk," Raul ordered, his gaze averted from Liana. Her eyes pleaded with him, but he didn't glance her way again.
I knew it hurt Raul to do this. I had heard once from Sabrina that he, Benjamin, and Liana had been close friends since childhood and I also knew that Liana had loved him secretly and when she had told him, he rejected her.
I think that was one of the reasons she hated me, because I am Raul's mate and he accepted me.
I watched as Benjamin grabbed her arms, looking at her with a mixture of shame and anger. She didn't resist; she just walked with him quietly, head down.
Raul turned to me and nodded. The hurt in his eyes was unmistakable, and I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that my presence was causing a rift in his long-standing friendship with Liana. He forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes and I couldn't blame him.
"You've gone through a lot today. Let's go home and rest," He muttered, and I just nodded in agreement. We walked home together in silence, each lost in our thoughts. When we finally reached the house, he turned to me with a concerned expression.
"I think it's best if you sleep in my room tonight. I don't feel comfortable with you sleeping alone," He suggested, gazing at me with his tired eyes.
I quickly agreed with him. I wasn't even planning on sleeping alone, but I didn't know how to bring it up with him since he thinks I wasn't ready to share a room with him. "Okay," I said softly.
We entered his room together, and I stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do next.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Raul mumbled and walked to his closet. I saw him go through his clothes and finally he brought out one of his shirts.
"Go take a shower and change into this," He said, handing me the shirt.
"Thank you," I mumbled. He pointed to the bathroom and I nodded, strolling towards it.
The moment I entered, I turned on the hot water and let it cascade over me, washing away the grime and tension of the day. I enjoyed my bath for a while before I changed into Raul's shirt, which was oversized but comforting. I combed my hair and returned to the bedroom.
Raul was sitting on the edge of the bed, deep in thought. He didn't hear me come out until I was close to him. He looked up as I approached, his eyes softening. “You're done already?" He asked.
I nodded, sitting beside him. "Yes, and Thank you, I feel better."
We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the day's events hanging heavily between us.
"Raul," I began, my voice hesitant. "Do you think Liana is working with Damien?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want to believe it, but everything points to her. I just can't understand why she would betray me. We've known each other since we were kids. I never thought she'd betray me like this.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it's hard, but you have to stay strong. For the pack. For us."
He nodded, his expression softening. "You're right. We can't let this break us."
We sat in silence for another moment, each lost in our thoughts. Raul breathed out loudly and stood up. He walked to his closet, pulling out some sweatpants and a T-shirt. "I'm going to take a quick shower too. Make yourself comfortable,” He said, whispering the last part.
As he disappeared into the bathroom, I couldn't help looking around his room, appreciating every corner. It looked the same as earlier, neat and organized, a reflection of his disciplined nature.
I moved to the window, looking out into the night. The moon was high, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.
"What do you plan on doing now? I don't think that witch will ever agree to working with Damien. I think it's best we get Damien before he causes you or anyone any harm," Chari let out.
Chari's voice broke through my contemplation, her assertive tone matching the urgency I felt. "You're right, Chari. I will talk to Raul tomorrow about how to get Damien. I can't for now because he's going through something at the moment," I responded, hugging myself and inhaling Raul's scent that calmed my nerves strangely.
"So tell me, is today the day? Are we going to be mating with our mate today?" Chari asked, purring naughtily.
I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Don't be silly, Chari. Nothing like that would be happening, we are both tired," I replied, placing my hands on my cheek to reduce the burning sensation.
Just then, Raul returned, toweling his hair dry. He saw me standing by the window and came over, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "What are you thinking about?" He asked, startling me.
"Nothing, just waiting for you so that we can go to bed together," I lied, shutting Chari out of my mind because she kept on mumbling naughty things.
"Let's try to get some rest. We need our strength for whatever comes next," He muttered, twirling me to face him. I nodded, and we climbed into bed, Raul pulling me close.
His presence was reassuring, a solid anchor in the storm of my thoughts. As I lay there, listening to his steady breathing, I felt a sense of peace begin to settle over me.
"Raul?" I whispered.
"Yeah?" he replied, his voice drowsy.
"Thank you. For everything."
He squeezed my hand. "Always.”
With that, we drifted off to sleep, entwined in each other's arms, ready to face whatever the next day would bring.