Gabbie POV“I can’t believe this! What kind of a rule is that? Who makes a rule like that, to begin with?” I ranted.I paused and turned to Kade, who’d been listening to me for the past five minutes. He rolled his head to the side to stare at me.“I mean, Alphas usually sleep with the omegas, but… is it necessary?”Kade shook his head. “No. No, I won’t take one either.”“Kade, what do we do? Alex was serious.”Kade shook his head as he pulled his shirt over his head. “He crossed the line. I’ll kill him.”“Serious?”“How the hell do you think he can take my fated mate and make her his mistress, and I’ll be okay with it? In what world, Gabbie?”“It doesn’t have to come to bloodshed. That means war between your Packs and you know it.”“He won’t relent. You saw him. Come here,” He said.He tugged me close and pulled my shirt over my head. He brushed my hair backwards and kissed my forehead.“Come in with me?”“Sure. We’ll fix this, Kade.”“We have no choice. I can’t live without you.”I d
Gabbie POVI stepped in front of Kade. He pulled me to his chest, keeping my clothes plastered to my naked body.“You’re not going to kill each other,” I said.Alex’s nostrils flared, and he smirked.“Gabriella. I’m going to kill him.”He closed the distance. Kade pushed me out of the way. I landed in Ryan’s arms. He locked me in place. Alex swung, but Kade ducked and punched Alex in the gut. A cocky Henry pack beta charged. He bashed Kade in the back. That was enough for the other betas to join in.“Stop!” I cried.Ryan pulled me back. My clothes feel, but I didn’t care. My mate fought off two shifters at once. Baxter fell into the water.“You can’t stop them,” Ryan said.“Then you do it.”“This is more than you. They hate each other.”I jammed an elbow into Ryan’s side. I ducked between Alex and Kade. Kade shoved Alex several feet before his fist could do me any permanent damage.“What the fuck was that Gabbie?” Kade tucked me behind him partly because I was naked.“It’s fine. I’ll
Gabbie POVI’d been locked in Alex’s bedroom for a good twelve hours now. Someone brought me lunch, but I couldn’t eat it. The room was too high up for me to jump, and the door was too solid to break down. I nearly paced a rut into the room before I finally collapsed on the bed. My only chance was when someone came in with food, and I suspected that it would be Alex with dinner. I could defend myself, but fighting Alex was asking too much. My mind was dried up well.The door rattled softly for a second. I thought it was the window and stared back out the window. I had to find a way out of this room. I wasn’t going to be a prisoner. The door rolled inward though the other side was dark and quiet.“Alex?” I asked, sliding off the bed.I watched the space, which was quickly filled by two Alpha females.“Crap,” I muttered.“I had to see this for myself,” Leiah spat.Harlow kicked the door shut. I climbed back on the bed and crawled to the other side, creating a sizable but not big enough
Alex POVDad hadn’t chosen a worse time to come visit. I needed to speak to Leiah and keep an eye on Gabbie. I didn’t like leaving her alone in my room for long. Aside from my other duties at the Academy, I didn’t want to add dealing with my Father as another thing that ate my time. As usual, we met in Athena’s office.Dad stood by the window with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He had a full head of salt and pepper hair. Years ago, I thought he was the biggest man I’d ever seen, but now I had a few inches over him. He turned to me and smiled. Laugh lines appeared around his eyes.“Son,” he said.“Dad,” I ran a hand down my face.Dad was still a respected and feared Alpha in the shifter world, but he hinted at retirement more than once on his visits. I wasn’t sure I would have long when I got out of here in a few months for myself.“You look stressed,” Dad said.“I kind of am. I’ve got a lot running in my mind right now.”Dad walked to Athena’s chair like he owned the office. Consider
Kade’s POV“Kade,” Holden said.“Kade.”Fuck him. I punched the punching bag until my knuckles bled.Holden gripped my shoulder and yanked back.“What the hell, man?!”“Let up, man. Someone’s here to see you.”“Tell them to fuck off. I need to kill something!”“Are you done with your screaming match?” Tristan strolled into the Sanders’ gym.“What the hell do you want?” I nodded at him.He smirked. This wasn’t the time, Tristan. Gabbie had been with that prick of Henry for an entire night. Because our bond was only half, I wouldn’t know if he slept with her. Just knowing he had already tasted her lips rattled me.“I’ll wipe that grin off your face, Richardson.”Tristan raised his hands in mock surrender. Holden marched off and tucked himself in a corner, just in case he needed to save Tristan.“I come in peace. Your girl’s in trouble.”“What?”“Supposedly attacked Leiah, now she’s on the run.”Damn it. She didn’t give me a chance to try to save her. I should have known Gabbie was a wil
Gabbie POVKade caressed my middle with his fingertips. His face pressed against my cheek, and my body curled up against his. No one bothered us last night. I was still in the lion’s den, but I didn’t plan on being a prisoner in the Alpha castle. If Alex hadn’t come to his senses, I wouldn’t be able to stay here. Would I be safe back home? Alex had more power there.Kade tightened his hold on me and exhaled.“I love this,” he murmured.“So, do I.”“I want to keep you here forever,” Kade whispered in my ear.I rolled over and smiled at him. “We have to leave, eventually.”He chuckled. “Is this you telling me you’re hungry?”I begged my stomach not to growl.“No…”He kissed my forehead. “I’ll take care of it.”“Are you going to take me back to the omega quarters?”Kade rolled out of bed. Butterflies formed in my stomach as his back muscles relaxed. His big and solid muscles were a result of hours in the gym.“No, I’m not.”“What?”“I’m going to take you to the shower first.”He stood an
Gabbie POV“Why’d you follow me?” Tristan asked.“You really think I believed you when you said you were going to have breakfast with Kade?” Alex barked.“Why would you say that?” Kade snapped.“I had to come up with something!” Tristan threw his arms up.“Gabbie, we’re going.”“Enough, Alex. I’m not going to be your omega. You won’t use me for pleasure ever. I’ll take any punishment you give me, but I won’t be yours.”“No one’s punishing you. The only way you’re taking her is if I’m dead.”“That can be arranged.” Alex stepped forward.“Whoa, whoa, guys.” Tristan stepped between them.“He disrespected my mate,” Kade blasted.“You’re fucking crazy. Admit that you’re only using her.”“I love her. Look at that mate mark. She’s mine!”“Stop. Stop fighting! I’m not going and that’s final, Alex.” I flopped on the bed and lifted my chin.Alex ran a frustrated hand down his face. “I can’t protect you if you choose him.”“Kade’s been protecting me for a long time, Alex.”Alex’s brows furrowed.
Gabbie POVI went to the Alpha’s cafeteria. Gasps went around when I appeared. It slowed my pace for a second, but I picked up when I saw Kade talking to his friends.“Kade,” I breathed out.He looked up and smiled. “I thought you wouldn’t come.”He pulled out the chair beside him. “Have a seat.”“I…” Alex sat five chairs away, talking to another Alpha. Eva sat next to her obnoxious mate, Gareth. Leiah and Harlow weren’t anywhere in sight.“No, we have to talk.”“Whatever it is, it can wait until you eat, baby.”Everyone was out of uniform except for me wearing the shirt that told everyone my rank. They gawked at me, and I felt small. Kade tugged on my hand.“Come on,” he said.I slowly lowered myself into the chair. Someone gasped but masked it with a cough. Kade rubbed my thigh and smirked. I felt Alex’s gaze just as hot as everyone else’s but I didn’t look at him. A full plate of two eggs, four sausages, baked beans and toast landed in front of me.“I don’t eat this much,” I said.
Kade POVI just declared myself as an Alpha King contender and I wanted to tell Gabbie, but she was stuck doing a dumb punishment. I didn’t know how long she would be doing it, and I bet she would be exhausted when she was done. I couldn’t wait to nurse her back to health in the privacy of my bedroom.I set the weight down and reached for my water bottle. It’s been over five hours; shouldn’t she be done now? My wolf was impatient. Its appetite for Gabbie was larger than most days today. I couldn’t blame him, our mate was gorgeous.She was more than gorgeous. She’s funny, brave, and she’s my peace. That’s why I couldn’t lose her. My suspicions of what Gabbie might be only intensified after she told me about her latest episode of illegal blows. I couldn’t bring myself to say it. I hated to think of us apart but it might be better for us if she left the school.I grabbed a towel and walked out of the gym with it hanging around my neck. I bumped into Alex walking out of the Henry pack gym
Gabbie POV“These forests are full of all sorts of animals. You can’t be sure it was the beast,” Ivan said.“But look at—”“You can’t be sure, omega. You’re not getting out of this that easily.”“Frankly, I don’t feel safe,” Leiah said, straightening her spine.“Yeah Ivan, we should be careful.”“Enough. We were given orders and we’re going to follow through. If the beast comes through here, we’ll take care of it.”“Don’t be cocky Ivan. I’ve come against it and it’s incredibly powerful.”“You’re a beta. I’m an alpha. See the difference?”I frowned. Ivan’s judgment was clouded by his inflated ego, and it could put the rest of us in danger. I hoped Ryan would push the issue, but he nodded and walked out of the hanging vine door.“Five hours,” Ivan reminded us.“Dick,” Leiah muttered.“Yeah.” Finally, we could agree on something.Minutes later, I had my boots and rubber gloves on, trying to rake up the leaves, but there was too much mud to do it quickly. I wasn’t thrilled about cleaning
Gabbie POV“Kade,” I said between kisses. “Slow down.”“I can’t,” he said between kisses. “We might not make it back to the Alpha Castle. Unless I carry you.”I giggled. We made it halfway from the bonfire. Kade stroked my thigh, sending tingles throughout my body. He kissed my neck. He led me to a tree and pinned me there.“Kade,” I moaned.He grunted with satisfaction. He bit the soft flesh on my neck. I sunk my claws into his back. I melted into him. We wouldn’t make it to Kade’s bedroom, and then I remembered the wolf I came face to face with. My heart slammed forward. Kade felt it and pulled back. He cupped my cheeks and held my gaze.“What’s wrong?”“Kade, I saw it. The wolf. It attacked me.”“What?” He blasted, and I cringed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”“Sorry, I just— I kicked its tail.”Kade’s features stilled. He swallowed. “Another illegal blow, Gabbie.”Kade’s a wolf. I wasn’t surprised he was concerned about my new bad habit.“I didn’t know what else to do. It lunged at me.
Gabbie POV“Where have you been, Gabbie? We have to go?” Blair yelled.“I was—”“You have to get dressed. Your outfits are on the bed.”“But—”“Emery’s been itching to do your hair.”“Gabbie!” Emery appeared wearing a petite flowy denim skirt and a white tube top.She styled her hair into massive coils. She brought our dangling earrings and a black choker. Emery never missed an opportunity to dress up.She sat me down and set my ponytail free. With all the buzz happening, no one would listen to me about the beast. Would it come back after I hurt it?“We don’t have much time. Were you with Kade?” She asked.“N-no. Forget it. I’m sorry.”“You’re going to look great! Blair’s dancing around the bonfire, so we need excellent seats.”“She is?”“Yeah, Blair’s been here a long time.”“Right. Glad I don’t have to dance though.”Ten minutes went by quickly, and then I was ushered to the bathroom to change. Emery and I were the last ones in the dorm. The whole school was supposed to be there. Th
Gabbie POV“Gabriella.”I cringed. Every time someone called me by my full name it meant something was wrong.“What?” I turned around to find Alex leaning on the bookshelf.The library was quiet especially since it was late afternoon. Even the librarian wasn’t in. With classes suspended, there was no need to study, though I wanted to keep myself busy. The Omega dance ceremony was tonight which involved petite skirts, tops barely covering our breasts and old folk songs. Plenty of food as well. A huge bonfire would be lit to welcome battle season.A day after the ceremony would be a ceremony where the betas would be pre-chosen for their Alphas. A lot of food would be involved as well.“Shouldn’t you be learning dance steps?” Alex smirked.“I’m not dancing. The older omegas are doing it.”“You’d look hot in those skirts.”“We’re all wearing them.” I shifted on the spot. Communicating with him was still weird because of all that happened between us.“Look Gabbie, I’m sorry. I went overboa
Gabbie POV“Kade?” I asked as he dragged me along the hall of the Alpha castle. “Slow down.”I stumbled, but Kade didn’t stop. He only paused to jam his key into the hole and drag me inside.“Sorry, but things are complicated. I have to start training, and my opponents for Alpha will turn up soon.”“Alpha King?”“No, Babe, for Alpha of Sanders pack.”“You have to fight for that too!”He took my hands and tugged me close. I snuggled into him.“I do if there are any challengers.”“Do you think there will be any?” I asked.“Baxter might but he’s too cocky I’m not worried about him.”“I’m worried about this monster wolf and… it smelling like me. Kade, what if it comes back and someone notices?”He rubbed the back of his head. He opened his mouth to speak, but he closed it.“What?” I probed.“Gabbie.”I planted my hand on my hip and glared at him.“Alex knows. I don’t like that he knows your scent. He knows I set the field on fire.”“You did!”“I had to! I couldn’t risk someone else puttin
Gabbie POV“We have to go.”Kade appeared as I picked up the teacup. I hadn’t gotten a chance to try the blueberry muffins yet.“Where to?” I asked.“Your trial. It’s right now.”My palms sweat, and I set the cup down.“I thought it was tonight,” I said as I stood from the comfy patio chair.Eva and Gareth stared at us in disbelief.“I meant it when I said I would testify about when Harlow and Leiah attacked you the first time,” Eva said.“Are you sure you want to do that, mate?” Gareth said, rubbing her arm.“I’m not scared of them.”“Thanks, Eva, but Harlow did most of the attacking.”“It still shows that she’s capable of attacking you again,” Eva replied.“I have a strong and compassionate mate,” Gareth said and planted a kiss on Eva’s lips.She blushed and giggled.Kade hauled me away. I had no idea what to expect. I knew for a fact I would be punished because I used illegal blows but if I didn’t, I would be dead. Kade squeezed my hand as we neared the castle.“Don’t worry about i
Kade POVShe stared at me, digesting my revelation. It didn’t make sense to me either, but I knew Gabbie inside out. It was her scent that drew me to her, I wouldn’t mistake it for anything. I knew Alex was fond of her scent, too. It was a matter of time before he thought the same.“I don’t understand.”“Neither do I,” I replied.“Then why did you say that?”“Because it’s true. Both scenes reek of your scent.”Heat rushed to her face. She moved away from me and stopped safely by the bed. She ran her fingers through her strawberry-blonde hair. I hated coconuts, but that was her natural scent. I didn’t like strawberries, but they would permanently remind me of the love of my life.“I wasn’t there except for that one time, I swear.”“This doesn’t look good. Now, when I tell you to keep away from the scenes, will you listen?”I might have fuelled her curiosity by telling her this. She nodded, but I knew better than to believe her. My mate had a skill for getting herself into trouble.“The
Gabbie POVKade grabbed a clean shirt from his closet while I dressed in my uniform. He grumbled as he stalked to the door. He yanked it open. Alex waited impatiently on the other side.“They sent you, of all people, to get me?” Kade barked.Alex took me in for a moment before returning to Kade.“Who was attacked?” Kade demanded.“Sabrina,” Alex replied. “Ryan, too.”“Damn it,” he muttered.He turned to me. “Gabbie…”“Let me check out the scene. I won’t touch anything.”“No,” Alex and Kade said in unison.They stared at one another for a brief second.“Alphas only, and the wolf could still be out there,” Alex said.“It’s getting ballsy attacking during daylight.”“Ryan’s my friend, I want to know what happened to him.”“He was your one-time babysitter,” Alex said.“A bad one if he let the baby get slammed against a tree.”“What?” Alex exclaimed. “When did that happen?”“Uh… It’s in the past. I’ll check out anyway, so you might as well take me.”“Giving me orders now, huh?” Kade took m