Gabbie POVKade backed me into the bed. With my aching chest and sweaty hands, I thought I was going to faint. When I pulled back, I thought the room was spinning.“Kade,” I panted.He chuckled, “We’ll go slow.”“It’s going to hurt.”“It will but it’ll feel a lot better real fast, babe.”“Alright,” I blew out a breath.“We don’t have to—”“No, I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to be with you.”The corner of his mouth lifted. “You have no idea how much I want you.”At least here we wouldn’t have to worry about Harlow or Alex barging in. Kade shoved me on the bed. Something sharp jolted upward in my abdomen. I smoothed my middle with my eyes on Kade. His beast shone through his eyes alongside hunger and desire that made me blush. It should have scared me, but it elevated my excitement. He pulled off his black shirt, revealing bronze six-pack abs. I sucked in my bottom lip, whatever pain I felt was in the back of my mind.“You good?”I nodded. He climbed on top of me and rubbed his no
Gabbie POVOver two hours on the road but that was because Kade kept on making stops. The only thing I packed was my uniform in a small beach bag. I said goodbye to my house again without knowing if I would ever return. With no one living there, it might be sold off or destroyed.Kade ran his hand up my thigh, pushing my blue dress up. I nibbled on my nails as I watched the green scenery outside my window.“Don’t be nervous, I’ll be with you all the time.”“Easy for you to say,” I mumbled.Kade pushed strawberry hair out of my face and then pulled my chin to face him.“That doesn’t sound like you. You always go looking for trouble.”“No, I don’t.”“Yes, you do. But I like it. It means you’re brave.”“Stop, Kade, you’re not making me feel better.”“Alright, you’re not just worried about Harlow and her friend. It’s Alex, isn’t it?”I sucked in my bottom lip. Where did he think I was all this time? And my friends. They must have thought I was dead. Kade was gone too. Would Alex put two a
Gabbie POV“Gabbie! Oh, you are so dead!” Emery hopped on top of me.“Ouff,” I rubbed my eyes to meet my friend’s bewildered expression. “What did I do?”“You disappeared, that’s what you did,” came Blair’s voice.“Right… long story?” I chuckled nervously.“Uh-huh, we have time. Maybe not as much as we have to be at the castle for breakfast.” Blair slipped into her blazer.“At the castle?” I turned to Emery.She shrugged, “Yeah, well, outside the castle. The cafeteria caught fire here and messed up our storage space and most of our food.”“We’ll be eating scrap for months,” Blair mumbled.“Crap,” I said.“Come on, ladies,” Blair said, walking out.I kicked my sheets off so I could hurry and have a quick shower.“Wait,” Emery put a hand on my shoulder. “I thought… something bad happened to you. I thought Harlow or Leiah…”“It wasn’t either of them. It was Kade’s Father. He wants me out of the picture.”Heat rushed to her cheeks and water to her eyes. “I’m sorry Gabbie. I didn’t know wh
Kade POVI locked the door behind us so Harlow wouldn’t bolt and go after Gabbie.“Let me out, Kade.” Harlow crossed her arms.“Not until you accept Gabbie’s my mate now. You can have any guy you want from any pack.”“I don’t want any pack, Kade! We had a damn agreement.”“It’s off. Don’t you get it? We’re fated mates.”“Fated to an omega, Kade. You know what your Dad thinks about it.”“I don’t care.” My fist connected with the locker in the gym changing room.“You should, because if it’s not me, it’s someone else from Sanders. No one will ever accept her, and you know it.”“Fine. They don’t accept her, they don’t accept me.”Her eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”I unlocked the door. “I’m not. Lay one hand on her and you’ll regret it.”“What are you going to do, Kade? Hit me? I know you like it rough. Has Gabbie discovered that side of you?”I sucked in a sharp breath and looked away. Harlow laughed.“The little cunt has no idea what she’s doing.”“Don’t cross me, Harlow, unless you wan
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 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