Chapter 223 - Admiration

Chapter 223 - Admiration
Deep asleep, I was far away in my comfort. But the sensation of something stroking along my jaw had my skin rising in goosebumps as my mind woke up. I grumbled to myself, swatting the tickling thing away. A deep chuckle sounded from behind me, alerting my mind from its dreamy state. I sighed softly, rolling over to lazily open my eyes. Raphael lay next to me, his chest bare and covered in tiny little hairs.
After Kylie had left my room last night, it didn't take long for me to fall asleep. Out of exhaustion, I had even dozed off in the middle of our conversation, and when I woke up again, I found myself wrapped between Raphael's strong arms. I didn't know when he came in, but I was glad to see him by my side when I woke up in the middle of the night.
Staring at him, I raised my hand to cup his jaw, a muffled good morning escaping from my lips. He smirked at me, his eyes creasing in the corners.
“Rise and shine, beautiful. We have a long journey ahead. He chirped cheerfully, and I frowned.
“It’s too early. Do we have to leave so early?“
“Yes, we have to head out now. The pack has been left unattended for far too long already, so get your fine preggy ass up and let's get going.“
I grumbled at him, ducking my head back into the pillow. He laughed at me, and I felt the weight shift in the bed as he sat up. I watched through one eye as he climbed out of the bed, my eyes falling to his bare back and firm ass. Thankfully, I could see that the injuries and bruises he sustained from yesterday's fights had now healed, though he was still dirty, mud caking his arms and ankles. I watched him walk away, his muscles tight with every stride until he entered the bathroom. I sighed, knowing I had to get up despite how much I wanted to remain in bed. I heard Raphael showering and knew he would be eager for the both of us to go down for breakfast together.
I eventually pulled myself up and glanced at the time on the wall. I was right about it being very early. It was close to seven in the morning, the sky grey. It looked gusty too, the treetops below us swaying violently against each other like they were giving signs it would rain soon. I hummed and lazily swung my legs out of the bed to stand. I guess the sleep did my body some justice, as I now felt better and refreshed compared to last night when I felt so weak. I maneuvered my way to the closet and began to arrange the little belongings I brought with me in the pack into a strap bag. I fished out some clothes I would be wearing today just as Raphael walked out of the bathroom, completely nude.
He smirked at me, clearly aware of what he was doing, but I narrowed my eyes. He was teasing, but he knew not to engage anything with me at this hour. He chuckled, going to the side of the closet where his clothes were kept, and I left him behind, going into the bathroom to get ready. I briefly washed, moisturized my body, and dressed up for the day ahead. Then I brushed my teeth, noticing Raphael had left the toothpaste at the side for me. When done, I left the bathroom, leaving my still wet hair unpacked so it could dry on its own.
As I got back to the room, I noticed Raphael had also packed up his clothes and everything he owned into a duffle bag and was now waiting for me with a pair of outdoor shoes in his hands. Basically, Sanders, I took them from him with a smile and slipped them on. Today, I was dressed in leggings and a large sweatshirt, whereas he was in some neat, tight trousers and a cotton button-down. I frowned at myself, feeling so underdressed for today's journey.
His arms came around my waist, sensing my distress. “You look fine, my love.“
I wrinkled my nose up in disagreement, but he picked up both of our bags effortlessly from the bed and pushed me out of the room before I could protest further. Huffing at him, I led the way down the stairs and eventually into the kitchen. It was crowded, today being the day everyone was up early and also preparing for the journey to the Royal Empire Pack. The wolves from our pack and from the Crescent Moon Pack were present in the kitchen, some sitting in corners while some were going around to get one thing or another that they needed for their breakfast. I was glad that everything was getting pretty well along as they chatted and laughed among themselves.
As Raphael and I stepped into the room, they all muttered a good morning with a little bow of their heads, and we did the same in respect to them.
“Good morning, Alpha, Luna.“ Alex chirped as we walked further into the kitchen. Kylie stood beside him, munching on some cupcake, and I smiled in return when she raised her hand to give me a little wave.
“Morning, Alex.“ I greeted Alex. “How is the preparation for today?“
He shrugged, chewing on some apple. “Everyone is set and ready to move.“
I smiled at him, nodding my head in response. Raphael's hand on my waist loosened as he moved to grab himself a plate. The last few months had been hectic, and I was pleased that life was getting smooth. Right now, the two packs just need to come together, and everyone would be under the same roof. I couldn't wait to be united with Grandma Lexy and Landon. We will all live together like the family we truly are, and I was ready to spend the rest of my life with my loved ones in peace. No war, no battle, or threats coming our way anymore.
I had chosen French toast and strawberry jam, my appetite craving exactlymeal and nothing else. Once my jam was smoothened, I glanced up to look at Raphael. I frowned when I discovered he wasn't beside me anymore, and I followed my instincts to find him standing at the far end of the kitchen island. I grinned when I saw what he held, a half-pint glass of orange juice, filled with ice. He smiled at me, jerking his head for me to follow him. I made my way around the crowded kitchen, greeting wolves as I passed by and with a blush on my cheeks at the number of times I had to say "excuse me" to them.
Eventually, I made it out and into the dining room and saw Raphael already seated, sipping at his coffee with my orange juice on the dining table opposite him. I pecked his cheeks before I sat down, causing him to chuckle into his mug.
I took the glass and gulped the iced drink before sighing in content. “Thank you.“
He nodded at me in response, chewing on his breakfast. I noticed he had chosen macaroni, little with berries and syrups. He had downed his coffee like water, settling the empty mug beside us as he glanced across the room.
“Am I forgiven?“ He mused.