Chapter 55
Beatrice’s POV
As beautiful as this moment is, it can’t last, duty calls. He’s the Beta, second in command, and his responsibilities are endless. Caleb presses a soft kiss to my forehead before he leaves, his lingering scent and the gentle creak of the door closing behind him the only reminders of his presence.
Before leaving, he brings me everything I might need: my clothes, my books, even the small wooden comb I left behind its my favorite, since I made it myself. The fact that he remembered something so small makes something stir in my chest. He’s kind, thoughtful, patient. So incredibly patient that it unsettles me.
Because that’s how it starts, right?
Mason, too, was kind once, gentle, charming. He knew exactly how to look at me, how to hold me, how to make me feel like the only girl in the world, before he ripped my heart out without remorse. But part of me was to blame, he first treated me horribly, and then he acted sweet. I should have known it was all an act. But how could I when the bond was so strong.
So no matter how warm Caleb's smile is, a part of me builds a wall, quietly, cautiously. I’m not sure I can afford to let myself fall again. I won’t survive another heartbreak. Once bitten…
I slip into a comfortable two-piece outfit, black leggings and a soft, oversized sweater and step outside, desperate to breathe in something other than anxiety and memories. The air is cool, fresh with the scent of pine and earth. But even out here, I can feel the eyes. Always watching.
And of course, right on cue, he appears.
“Hey, Trice,” Raphael calls out as soon as I set foot past the porch. His presence is a mix of comfort and mild exasperation. I guess he’s the one assigned to babysit me. Just perfect. “Where do you think you’re going? You know you’re not supposed to be outside.”
I sigh. “I just want to visit a friend in the hostel. Emily.” I lift my eyes to meet his. “Will you take me?”
It’s not really a question. I know if I don’t ask, he’ll insist I go back inside like a good little wolf.
Raphael studies me for a second, then nods. “Alright.”
We walk side by side, the silence between us familiar but not quite comfortable. I keep my eyes fixed ahead, on the gravel path winding through the compound, but I can feel him glancing at me from time to time. There’s something odd about his energy today. Like static before a storm.
He clears his throat. “So… what’s the deal with the Beta?”
“Caleb?” I ask, just to make sure.
He nods casually. Too casually.
“He… told me he has feelings for me.”
There’s a pause. “And how do you feel about that?”
I shrug, trying to seem indifferent. “I’m not sure yet. It’s too soon to tell.”
In truth, my feelings for Caleb are complicated. They’re not just butterflies, they’re hurricanes. But I’m not ready to open that door just yet. Not even to myself.
“I’m happy for you, Trice,” Raphael says softly. “You deserve happiness. Especially after everything you went through back in Nadine-west.” His words sound sincere. I smile at him, grateful.
“What about you?” I ask, changing the subject. “Do you have someone you care about?”
His lips twitch into a crooked smile. “As a matter of fact, yes. I have someone I’m willing to do everything for.” His gaze flickers toward me, something unreadable in his eyes. “Absolutely everything.” There’s a strange edge to his voice that makes me glance away. Maybe I imagined it. But my gut twists.
“Wow, that’s sweet,” I say slowly. “Don’t you miss her? You left her behind in Nadine-West.”
His smile fades into something softer, more wistful. “I miss her every second. I wish she were here with me right now… glued to me, body and soul.”
Something about the way he says it makes my skin crawl. I open my mouth to ask what he means, but he cuts me off. “We’re here. I’ll wait out here while you go see your friend.”
I turn toward the door, but then pause. “No need, Rapha. Come with me. I can introduce you to Emily.”
Without thinking, I reach for his hand, and the moment our skin touches, something strange happens, a jolt. Not like electricity, more like a pulse. A wave of recognition that starts in my chest and spreads like wildfire. I freeze, he pulls away quickly, laughing awkwardly. “Sorry, I can't have Caleb see us holding hands, he won't like it.” he says to cover up what I felt.
The feeling was something else, something old, ancient and familiar. I swallow hard and shake it off. “You are right."
When we reach Emily’s room, I knock. No answer. I try the door, it’s locked from the outside. “I really wanted to see her,” I mutter.
“Don’t worry,” Raphael says, voice smooth. “I’ll bring you to her later. I promise.”
We walk back downstairs, but my legs feel heavy. My mind won’t stop racing.
“I don’t want to go back inside,” I say quietly.
“I know a perfect place to cool your mind,” he offers with a grin. “You’ll love it.”
I raise a brow. “A place? You’ve only been here a day and already know cool spots?” He shrugs. “We were patrolling earlier. I saw it. Trust me, it’s amazing.”
Despite the lingering unease in my stomach, I follow him. We head into the woods, and at first, the trees are comforting. The sun filters through the leaves, casting golden rays on the path. But then… we keep walking. And walking. The trees thicken. The light dims. My nerves begin to buzz.
“Aren't we there yet?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“Almost,” he says. Something is wrong. The path we were on is gone. The forest has swallowed it. All around us, everything looks the same twisting branches, thick underbrush, silence. Too much silence. I stop walking.
“Raphael,” I call, my voice tight. “Where are we?” He stops too. His back to me. Then, slowly, he turns. But the warmth is gone. His face is hard, his yes cold. The air around him feels heavier. Charged.
“How did my mark disappear, Beatrice Raven?” My blood runs cold.
“…Your mark?” I whisper, taking a step back. “What do you mean, Raphael?” His expression shifts into something dark, unfamiliar.
“That thing on your belly. The claim. It was mine. It was mine.” My heart pounds in my ears.
“What are you trying to say Raphael, what do you mean,” I protest.
He chuckles bitterly, the sound low and hollow. “You really think you’re just some ordinary omega, don’t you? That you’re free to choose?” My breath hitches.
“I was sent here for you,” he continues. “We were meant to do this together. You and I. Don’t you remember the chemistry we had?”
My legs begin to tremble. “What are you talking about, Raphael?” He steps closer. Too close.
“I gave up everything for you. I’ve waited. And waited. And now you’re going to throw yourself at him?”
I back away, stumbling over a root. My pulse is a hammer in my chest.
“You’re scaring me,” I whisper.
He tilts his head, watching me. “Good.”