Rachel's smile grew, and for a moment, Antonio saw a glimmer of the real Rachel, she looked more pretty when she smiled.
Her smile faltered for a moment, and Antonio worried that he had pushed too far. But then, she nodded, and a spark of determination ignited in her eyes.
"Okay," she said. "I'll show you."
She got up and walked to a corner of the room, where a large easel stood, covered with a cloth. She pulled off the cloth, revealing a sexy masculine picture of Antonio and two wolf illusion.
Antonio's breath caught in his throat. He opened his mouth, unable to speak.
"Did...you...?" he stuttered.
Rachel shrugged, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry if this is appropriate, I just…."
"Oh no, it's not," Antonio interrupted, finally finding his voice. "I'm impressed" he said in a rush, walking closer to the painting. He traced the edges with his fingers, lost in the thought of what was going through her mind while she was painting.
"This is a reflection of who you are. The one and only Alpha of the Redwood Pack. Irrespective of what anyone says or feels about you, you still remain our leader," Rachel said, slowly moving closer to Antonio.
"Thank you very much, Rachel" Antonio appreciated. "This really made my day."
A small, tentative smile played on her lips. "You're welcome," she said. "Come with me, I'll show you more of my paintings."
As Antonio continued to admire her artwork, Rachel began to open up, sharing her passion for painting and her dreams for the future. Antonio listened, feeling a connection to her that he couldn't explain.
Antonio was hesitant to leave as the evening drew closer. He wanted to spend more time with her and watch her smiles turn into a heavy laughter, but duty calls and he have to return to the pack.
"Can I see you again tomorrow?" he asked, as he prepared to leave.
Rachel smiled softly, and she nodded. "Okay," she said. "Tomorrow then"
Antonio left Rachel's apartment feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. Jerome noticed the brightened of his face, but didn't say anything.
The next evening after work, Antonio arrived at Rachel's apartment, bearing gifts, art supplies and a bouquet of flowers. Rachel's face lit up as she opened the door, causing Antonio's heart to race faster.
"I brought some things to inspire your creativity," he said, holding out the art supplies.
Rachel's eyes sparkled. "Thank you," she said. "That's so thoughtful."
She invited him into the house and they spent the rest of the evening gisting about their likes and preferences. Antonio found himself falling deeper under her spell. He knew he had to be careful not to appear like a pervert.
But he couldn't help the way he felt.
As the sun began to set, Antonio thought of going to have dinner. "Can I take you out for dinner?" he asked, his heart pounding in his chest.
Rachel looked up at him, her eyes searching. "I don't know," she said. "I'm not sure I'm ready for that"
Antonio nodded understandingly. "We can just go for a walk, then," he said. "I promise, no pressure."
Rachel shrugged, staring into his eyes.
"Come on, Rachel. It's just a walk, I'm a man of my words"
"Okay," Rachel sighed deeply. "Just a walk"
"Sure," Antonio said, pulling her away from the couch.
They walked out of the house past Jerome, who couldn't suppress his soft chuckles.
I'm happy he's getting comfortable, Jerome thought.
Jerome had been more than a Beta to Antonio. He was his friend, his guard and his companion right from a very young age. They had seen each other grow and this only tightened their bond.
Antonio and Rachel strolled through the quiet streets, and a sense of peace washed over Antonio. He knew that he had found someone special, someone who needed his help and his love. And he was determined to be there for her, every step of the way.
As they walked, the stars began to twinkle above, casting a magical glow over the night. Antonio and Rachel talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily.
After walking for a while, they found themselves at a quiet lake, its surface reflecting the starry sky. Antonio picked up a stone and skipped it across the water, watching as the ripples spread out.
Rachel laughed, a joyful sound. "I haven't done that since I was a kid," she said.
Antonio smiled, feeling a sense of connection to her. "Me neither," he said. "But there's something about being with you that makes me feel like a kid again."
Rachel's eyes sparkled, and she picked up a stone, skipping it across the water. Antonio watched, mesmerized, as she laughed and played.
Hand in hand, they walked away from the beach and soon found themselves at a quiet café. They sat across each other sipping coffee and talking about their dreams. They silence of the cafe was soon swallowed up by their loud laughter and giggles.
As they delved deeper into the night, Antonio walked Rachel home, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to tell her how he felt, but he was scared of scaring her away.
When they got to her apartment, Rachel turned to him, her eyes shining. "Thank you for tonight," she said. "I had a wonderful time."
Antonio's heart skipped a beat. "I had a wonderful time too," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Rachel, can I tell you something?"
Rachel nodded, her eyes searching.
Antonio took a deep breath. "I think I might be falling for you," he said, his heart pounding in his chest.
Rachel's face went still, Antonio immediately speak up, trying not to ruin the moment. "I'm not rushing you, you can take your time. I'm just telling you how I feel"
Rachel giggle slightly as she extended her hand forward and snatched Antonio's phone from him. She typed in her number and shoved the phone back into his hands.
"Feel free to call me," she said and hurried inside the house, slamming the door against her. Rachel rested on the door, her heart pounding fast, she rushed into her bedroom and jumped on the bed as memories of Antonio flooded in.
"Alpha?" Jerome called, jolting Antonio out of his thoughts.
Antonio turned and pulled Jerome into a hug. "I did it!" he said with a smile on his face.
Jerome patted Antonio gently on the back. "We must return home now."