Chapter 13 Rafael
Rafael
The closer Rafael came to his apartment, the more apprehension he felt in his veins. The strange and sympathetic glances from family put him on edge. Feeling a thick cloud of uncertainty hanging over his mate, Rafael knew something had happened he was unaware of.
But what?
Torri said Isaac had a vision. One like Madam Love?
Having witnessed Madam Love experience a few visions. He knew they required a lot of energy, but he wondered if the same was true for Isaac.
Rafael wasn't even going to attempt to think of her as his newfound granny; that was just weird.
At his door stood Cherry, and Rafael felt his heart skip a beat. Why didn’t Isaac send him a warning if everyone was worried?
“He’s fine,” she said quickly at his expression. “He’s drained, though.” Cherry cut to the chase, without extra words. He appreciated her bluntness. “I think he saw more than just you needing assistance.”
“I can’t thank you enough.”
“You don’t need to thank me. Ever.” Cherry gave him a grin and stepped away from the slab of wood separating him from his mate.
“You’re like my brother. As close as can be without a blood connection.
I would do anything I could to assist. I know you feel the same.
Maybe one day you’ll return the favor,” she smirked, lightly tapped his shoulder with a fist, and left him alone.
She was right. He’d return the favor; he’d do the same for her in a heartbeat.
Inhaling a deep, cleansing breath, Rafael gripped his door handle and twisted the metal object. Pushing open his door felt heavy and slow when all he wanted to do was run for his mate and hold him safe in his arms.
So why wasn’t he?
Being alone for a long time, fear held him as if he were dreaming and Isaac was a figment of his imagination.
He was a carousel horse seat. What was he waiting for?
Stepping over the threshold, Rafael exhaled in a whoosh as he spied Isaac lounging on the couch. His mate did look a little pale with the sun casting rays over his handsome face.
Issac’s lips curved up into a smile before his eyes peered open. “I can feel you watching. I’m okay, baby.”
The slamming of the door echoed in the space as Rafael quickly made his way to Isaac. On his knees, he gathered Isaac’s hands in his and kissed his knuckles. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have been here sooner.”
“I had Cherry. I knew you were coming.” Isaac took in a deep breath, removed a hand from Rafael’s grasp, and removed his glasses. “I saw Granny.”
Rafael gasped. “Like on purpose?”
Isaac huffed a small puff of laughter. “Not quite. But I think I can again. Not without more training. Which I think is another reason I’m here. I think Yvonne and her coven are meant to help me.”
“They will. They are the best at what they do.”
“Hold me?” Isaac asked as he slid further down the couch to a prone position.
Rafael swiftly tucked his hands under Isaac's knees and shoulders, lifted him, and carried him to their bed.
Isaac rolled his head into Rafael’s neck and hummed. “Perfect. Just what I needed.”
Rafael snorted. “You just have to ask. Or demand. Or whatever, just get my attention and I’ll make it happen.”
Isaac kicked off his shoes as Rafael placed him gingerly on the mattress before following suit. Atop the covers, Rafael pulled Isaac into his arms, and they snuggled close.
They lay in the soft quiet, with muffled sounds from outside being the only noise heard. Then Rafael heard Isaac sniffle.
With Isaac’s head on his chest, Rafael tightened his arms around his mate. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.”
“I’m sorry,” Isaac sobbed, his fingers clenching and twisting in Rafael’s shirt, pulling it taut.
“No,” Rafael admonished. “Never be sorry.”
“I miss her so much. I could have been with her more. I missed so much because I didn't know who to trust. I still don't understand why my dad treated her the way he did. It makes no sense.” Isaac trailed off on another sentence that Rafael couldn’t make out and cried.
The sobbing tore at Rafael's heart; he wished he could easily fix the situation for Isaac, but knowing he couldn’t made him feel helpless.
Rafael soothed to the best of his ability, running a hand over Isaac’s hair, whispering sweet-nothings into the room.
“I remember when I met Granny,” Rafael began as Isaac’s sobs quieted. “She was so bright and cheery. Not a care in the world. Young too. The weight of the world hadn’t crushed her shoulders yet. But man, was she full of sass.”
At that Isaac hiccuped a laugh.
“And she was always concocting new ways to get into trouble. Like, this one time the circus was near Orleans, we went to visit her, and she dragged us all out and we released all the cats and dogs from the pound. She proceeded to run with the critters down the street, screaming at the top of her lungs that freedom was better than poop.”
Isaac shook in his arms. “Sounds like Granny. But freedom was better than poop?”
Rafael smiled fondly at the memory. “Ask Cherry. Granny swore the animals were caged because of all the poop they made.”
“Oh, Granny,” Isaac giggled. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
“Just wait; that was before the sixties, mind you. She got even rowdier once hippies came to town. Although I’m pretty sure she was already one.”
“She was always waving herbs at me, had beaded curtains, incense burning, and the works. She was definitely a moon child.”
“I’m sure she led a few seances in her time too.
” Rafael knew that this to be true, having witnessed a few.
“That was until she met your granddad. Like I said, she gave him a run for his money. He was new with our crew, and this was before we settled here at the park, thanks to her. I think after meeting Desmond, her visions became more powerful, and she saw things that scared her.”
“That’s what she told me too.” Isaac’s voice dropped below a whisper. “She said she saw you in danger, so she helped create the park for you, for us.”
That’s what weighed on Isaac. Squeezing his mate tighter, he kissed his head and then released him.
“Look at me, baby,” Rafael pressed, waiting until Isaac’s eyes were locked on his. “Granny did what she needed to. This park. You. Getting you here. Visiting you today. I'm sure there was a reason for it all. Trust in that. My carousel is safe here. You are safe here.”
“We have each other.”
“Exactly.”
Isaac awarded him with a sweet smile before he tucked his head under Rafael's chin. “You're so warm,” he cooed and snuggled closer if possible.
When Isaac's hands began to wander, Rafael knew their serious talk would continue later. As much as he wanted to know about Isaac’s vision and everything else it entailed, his magic, and anything else, Rafael let Isaac lead.
They had time to hash out magical details.
Connecting right then was more important.
Isaac’s lips ghosted over the flesh at the base of his neck, sending a shiver down Rafael’s spine. In such a short timeframe, Isaac’s touch left Rafael in an addicted state. Craving more.
They needed skin on skin, and Isaac seemed to be content with going slow as he toyed with Rafael’s neck. Angling his body, Isaac settled on Rafael’s chest, perfectly at home.
“How could I mark you?” Isaac asked softly as he nipped at Rafael’s sensitive flesh–the place a mate’s mark would be displayed.
“I…ugh,” Rafael cleared his throat, “Maybe magicks claim their mates differently.”
Instantly bereft of Isaac’s weight on him, Rafael's arms extended automatically reaching for his mate.
“Granddad Des had this weird tattoo on his neck. I never questioned it, with all his others. That was Granny’s signature, wasn’t it?” Isaac asked, but Rafael doubted he actually wanted an answer.
Isaac straddled Rafael’s stomach, still torturously clothed, and braced his hands on Rafael’s chest.
Rafael felt the air in the room change as Isaac’s eyes glazed over, as if a light flashed from side to side, barely there, before his lids closed.
Gently holding his mate’s thighs, Rafael knew he was witnessing Isaac’s powers manifest. He had an inkling that Isaac’s powers were always held within him; his mate had been afraid before.
Now…now though, Rafael could feel his mate embracing them.
“This feels so weird,” Isaac whispered. “I can feel and see the link between us.” Isaac stared into Rafael’s soul, eyes locked.
Rafael felt a nanosecond of panic when Isaac smirked before resting his hands on Rafael’s neck—both sides. “Hopefully this matches your other sexy tattoos.”
“By the power within me,” Isaac began, and Rafael’s skin began to heat under Isaac’s hold. “I claim you, Rafael, as mine. Forever. I vow to protect you and keep you safe. I love you, now and always.”
Cringing slightly, Rafael tried not to flinch at the sting as Isaac’s magic traced a symbol into his flesh.
Rafael caught Isaac as his arms gave out on him and he slumped forward. “Whoa, that was a lot,” Isaac slurred.
Rafael cradled Isaac close, tangled in his arms, letting his mate rest. Pressing a kiss to Isaac’s forehead, Rafael murmured, “I love you” to Isaac before he closed his eyes.