Seventy Nine
*Freya*
I couldn’t believe we were Finally together. It was surreal. I thought about how I’d been scared that something bad happened to him. I melted into Rafe’s strong embrace, my heart soaring with joy and relief. His muscular arms wrapped around me protectively as he lifted me off the ground, holding me safe against his broad chest. All the fear and chaos of the bomb blast faded away now that I was back in his arms where I belonged.
“Freya,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I was so worried. When I couldn’t find you after the explosion…”
His words trailed off as he set me down gently, his ice blue eyes roaming over me as if to reassure himself I was really here. Behind him, Connor stood silent and smiling, watching our reunion.
I barely registered their presence, my entire being focused solely on my alpha. Rising up on my toes, I threw my arms around Rafe’s neck and crushed my lips to his in a searing kiss. He responded with equal passion, his mouth moving hungrily over mine as one hand tangled in my hair.
I kissed him with all the pent-up longing and desperation of our time apart, pouring my heart into that single point of electrifying contact. Nothing else mattered except the heat of his body against mine and the intense love flowing between us.
After several intense moments, Rafe finally pulled back, both of us breathless. His piercing gaze searched my face as his fingers traced my cheek with heartbreaking tenderness.
“Are you alright, baby? Are you hurt at all?” The raw concern in his deep voice made my heart clench.
It was only then I remembered the throbbing pain in my temple. I raised a hand to the side of my head, my fingers coming away sticky with blood. Rafe’s eyes widened in alarm as he noticed my injury for the first time.
“It’s not as bad as it looks,” I assured him quickly. “When the blast went off in the town square, I got thrown back and hit my head on a rock. I think I blacked out for a minute. But before things got worse, Daniel found me. He… he rescued me, Rafe. Got me to safety.”
I looked over at Daniel, wanting to express my profound gratitude once again. But the words died on my lips as I took in the scene before me. Rafe and Daniel were locked in some kind of silent face-off, muscles tense and jaws clenched as they stared each other down with blatant hostility. The air practically crackled with unspoken threats and territorial aggression.
Rafe’s normally warm brown eyes had gone cold and hard as flint. “Who are you to her exactly?” he bit out, not taking his penetrating gaze off the other man.
I blinked, surprised by the question and the clear undercurrent of jealous suspicion in Rafe’s tone. For a split second, I had the crazy urge to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it. As if anyone, even someone as brave and kindhearted as Daniel, could ever hold a candle to what I felt for my Alpha! But I quickly pushed down my amusement, realizing this was not the time for jokes. Reaching out to lay a soothing hand on Rafe’s arm, I met his probing stare directly, willing him to see the earnest truth in my eyes.
“Daniel is a dear friend, nothing more. We worked together at the villa before I came to the palace. He’s always looked out for me like a brother would. And today, he saved my life, Rafe. I owe him everything for that.”
I felt Rafe’s coiled muscles relax slightly under my touch, but the distrustful wariness didn’t leave his expression completely as his attention shifted back to my rescuer. An awkward, charged silence stretched between the two men, setting my nerves on edge.
What on earth was going on here? Did they know each other somehow? I had so many questions swirling in my aching head. But I was far too drained to puzzle it out now, on the brink of collapse.
I swayed a little on my feet and Rafe immediately tightened his hold around my waist, anchoring me protectively to his side. “Let’s get you home and tend to your wounds, love,” he murmured, dropping a tender kiss to my hair. “Everything else can wait.”
Overcome with exhaustion and emotion, I could only nod and burrow deeper into his strong embrace, breathing in his familiar pine and mint scent. As long as I had Rafe, I knew I would be okay. We would face whatever storms were to come, together.
“So where were you going to?” Rafe asked curiously, his eyes not leaving Daniel.
“I was trying to make my way back to the palace after the blast happened. But I was too injured to walk on my own. That’s why Daniel was carrying me when you found us.”
Rafe turned to face Daniel, his jaw clenched and eyes guarded. For a tense moment, the two men simply stared at each other, a silent battle of wills crackling in the air between them. Then, slowly, deliberately, Daniel inclined his head in a bow of deference to the Alpha.
“Thank you,” Rafe ground out, the words sounding like they cost him great effort, “for keeping Freya safe during the attack. You have my gratitude.”
Daniel straightened and met Rafe’s gaze steadily. “Of course, Alpha Rafe. I could never stand by and allow any harm to come to her.” His eyes flicked to me, warm with sincerity and affection, before returning to Rafe with a touch of challenge. “Freya means a great deal to me as well.”
I sensed Rafe bristle at the implication behind Daniel’s words, but to my relief, he chose not to rise to the bait. Instead, he gave a curt nod of acknowledgment before shifting his focus to Connor, effectively dismissing Daniel.
Needing the comfort of a friendly face after the stressful exchange, I stepped out of Rafe’s arms and moved to embrace Connor. “I’m so glad you’re here,” I whispered, hugging him fiercely. “Thank you for staying by Rafe’s side through everything. You’re such a good friend to us both.”
Connor squeezed me back just as tightly, his solid presence soothing my rattled nerves. “I’ll always be here for you crazy kids,” he joked with a wry grin. “Someone’s gotta keep you two out of trouble.”
As we separated, Rafe grasped my hand and tugged me gently back to him. “Let’s head to the hideout. The doctor there can check you over more thoroughly and get you patched up properly.”
He began leading me away, but Daniel’s voice halted us. “I’m coming with you.”
We turned to see him standing resolute, arms crossed and feet planted firmly. His determined gaze held Rafe’s, unwavering. “I promised Freya I would personally see her to safety. I intend to keep my word.”
Rafe’s grip on my hand flexed and his expression darkened. I could practically feel the objection forming on his tongue. But I squeezed his fingers, drawing his attention to me. “Please, Rafe,” I entreated softly, my eyes beseeching. “Let him come, just until we’re certain everything is alright. I’ll feel better knowing he’s close by.”
For a long, weighted moment, Rafe searched my face. Then, with a heavy sigh, he relented. “Fine. He can accompany us to the hideout. But he stays out of the way, understood?” This last part was directed at Daniel, laced with warning. He looked like he might punch Daniel anytime now if he was given a chance.
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