Lucy POVLucy looked over at Gabriel who had made it clear he wasn't going to pressure her into sex that evening. She never would have thought he'd act that way. He was the perfect gentleman. She propped herself up on her elbow and smiled over at him. "I like that we took the pressure off tonight. I have never felt like you are pressuring me about any physical intimacy in our relationship Gabriel. Actually, what are we really? We never really said… I think we just continued seeing each other. Do shifters become boyfriend and girlfriend?"Gabriel chuckled. "Usually shifters are more like Sara and Vance. They skip everything and start living together, marriage, kids… life. But everyone is different, for us we should be boyfriend and girlfriend. I guess we just never labeled it did we?"Lucy ran a hand down Gabriel's arm as she answered, "No. I don't think we ever did. I think we just assumed. We never really did talk about it until now.""Lucy," Gabriel leaned in close and whispe
Gabriel POVGabriel froze as he processed what Lucy was saying. She looked completely torn up and worried as she let a few tears out. It made complete sense why she was so worried to tell him. The societal pressure of having children can be stressful, but even in shifter culture having pups was important. Especially for the Luna to help the Alpha's lineage endure. "I found out that nymphs struggle with pregnancy and infertility. It's a classic nymph trait. What if someday we want kids? And I can't do that for you? I couldn't live with myself," Lucy choked and more of her tears started to fall.Gabriel growled low, feeling protective toward his mate. "Lucy, I can't live without you. If we can't have kids, then so what? I'm not going to put that pressure on us, okay? Stop that… don't cry, Freckles." Gabriel hated that Lucy was obviously in turmoil with this new piece of research she discovered about her ancestors.Gabriel continued, "Besides, not all hope is lost. If we want, we can
Gabriel POVThe sounds of birds reached Gabriel's ears as he stretched in their tent. The birds chirps and the pitter-patter of lizards and other animals outside told him morning had spoken and awoken him from the most wonderful dream. He turned to see Lucy asleep facing him with a blanket wrapped around her chest and torso. Her legs and shoulders were bare, hinting at what they had done the previous night.He smiled as he admired her features once more. They had a long night and taking the morning slow was definitely a welcome idea. Lucy looked peaceful as her hands rested on the pillow. He brushed her face gently with his fingertips, feeling her creamy smooth skin.She moaned softly in reaction to his skin against hers. He smiled as she opened her eyes sleepily as the sunlight peeked into the tent. Gabriel grinned thinking about all of the things they had done just a few hours ago. Lucy slowly smiled back at him with a yawn."So, it wasn't a dream?" she asked with a whisper. Her
Gabriel POVAfter a beautiful retreat together, Gabriel had a hard time leaving Lucy at her aunt's house. He held her tightly as they hugged inside the front door. "I don't want you to go," Lucy whispered in his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck.He squeezed his eyes shut burying his nose in the crook of her neck. It pained him greatly having to leave her. He wished he could stop time so they could enjoy each other's company in peace, with no more interruptions."Please promise me I'll see you soon," Lucy said and kissed his cheek. "Yes, I'd like to have you over at my place. I'll make dinner, and you should stay the night," Gabriel said with a wink. "Can't have me away from your bed for too long, huh?" Lucy giggled with a blush. "Freckles, if I had my way you'd never leave my bed. Sometime I'd like to talk more about our future, you -" Gabriel was interrupted by Samson pounding down the stairs,holding onto a sweatshirt in apparent haste.Samson looked at them and shou
Gabriel POVThe tension in the room was so thick Gabriel felt like he could cut it with a knife. If his uncle could blast fire from his eyes, he would with the look he was giving them. Fennick's face was contorted into an irate angry frown, his eyes flashing with contempt and disdain. "An act of extending a branch of peace," Gabriel answered tactfully with a serious look directed at his uncle. His uncle stared him down as if daring Gabriel to continue looking him in the eyes. Gabriel felt a pulsing buzz throughout his body that he had never felt before. He felt stronger and more confident. The power to speak out against his uncle was radiating from him.Uncle Fennick broke away from Gabriel's gaze with a look of doubt and concern. "Fine. If that's what this is, I'll accept the branch of peace for now. I can admit when my pack members act out of naivety and stupidity.""Thank you," Gabriel answered with a nod. "We appreciate that and look forward to being neighboring packs."Unc
Gabriel POVGabriel tapped his foot against the kitchen floor. He was thinking about everything that had happened that day on the Moonlight Pack's land, Lucy's run-in with his uncle, and the meal he was making for her that should hopefully be ready by the time she got here. He was excited to have his mate come join him at his home on the stray compound. Perhaps they could even have some more privacy.He tapped his foot quicker thinking about how Lucy told him she wanted to speak to him about what his uncle had said to her. Supposedly, his uncle pointed out that he has not marked Lucy yet. He groaned audibly from frustration as he stirred the pasta into the shrimp scampi sauce he had made.He heard voices building outside his house. He could hear one voice that was undeniably Lucy's. She sounded happy, chittering away to someone. Who could it be? It didn't sound like Sara.He set the spoon down and moved the pan from the hot burner to let the homemade meal cool. He took a deep breat
Lucy POVLucy stared across the table at Gabriel, watching his face contort in confusion. She knew how it sounded, but she was more than confident in their relationship. She wanted this."Hold up," Gabriel responded, putting his hands up in a time-out gesture. "You want me to mark you? Why?""If marking me means that our mate bond is solidified even more than I want that. Gabriel… I … I know exactly who I want in my life. I love you. You are my love, there is nobody that compares to you." Lucy blushed as she spoke but continued triumphantly getting her point across.Gabriel's eyes stared back at her as she spoke and he barely moved. Did she say something that rubbed him the wrong way?"You love me?" he asked, standing and kneeling down in front of her with a bewildered expression."I love you," Lucy whispered, lifting a hand to touch his cheek.Gabriel smiled with a goofy grin and pulled her lips against his in a fervent kiss. Lucy blinked in shock but kissed him back just as lo
Lucy POVLucy wondered if she had perhaps been too ambitious when she asked to join Gabriel during a training session. Did they not like that she had come to see what training was all about? Suddenly a clapping came from one corner of the gym and the other shifters joined in. Some had smiles on their faces, while another shifter whistled loudly. They seemed ecstatic. "See? They are thrilled you are joining us. They want you to approve of their hard work," Gabriel explained with a wave at his pack. "Does my opinion really matter that much to them?" Lucy asked, feeling relieved and confused at the same time. Why did they want her to approve?"Yes, as Luna you are their leader too," Gabriel spoke into her ear pushing her toward a boxing ring. "Some Alphas don't give the Lunas enough credit, but in our pack we honor Lunas. My mom was like a First Lady to them; a queen even. Don't forget your worth my love.""Hey guys," Vance called walking over to them with a smile. "Lucy, we met
Lucy POVOver the last couple of days, Lucy and Gabriel were busy ensuring they laid a strong foundation for the beginning of the Stray Moon Pack. This entailed visits to both lands, filling out endless paperwork, smoothing any ruffled feathers with the merge of the two packs, and continuing to foster friendships between the pack members. Lucy was so proud of both of them, and how much they had accomplished.Lucy had also been offered the title of pack healer because of her background in nursing. She was thrilled that the title came with two offices on both plots of land where she could attend to any mishaps, concerns, or even expectant mothers. Sara and Vance had their first check-up with her yesterday, and everything seemed to be progressing along for Sara and her pregnancy. Soon they would be able to find out if the pup was a male or female. Lucy felt bitter-sweet as she began attending to Sara's care and needs in her first trimester of pregnancy. Could that be her someday? Ma
Lucy POVLucy scanned the crowd wondering who had just screamed just when she noticed Aunt Gertrude. She stood with her hands clasped over her mouth, staring down at Samson who was down on one knee and holding out a ring. Samson's smile glowed and he looked handsome with his silver fox hair swept back as he awaited Gertrude's answer."Yes!" she exclaimed. She looked like a ray of sunshine in her yellow dress as she started to cry tears of joy. "Yes, oh, how I've dreamed of this day."Lucy whooped loudly as other shifters joined her with cheers and shouts of congratulations. Gabriel whistled loudly and clapped his hands, elbowing Lucy, "Looks like you are going to have to help plan a wedding!""I guess so! Wedding business and Luna blessings just got added to my to-do list." Lucy clapped harder as they watched Samson stand and slide the ring onto Gertrude's finger. Lucy walked toward her aunt to congratulate her. "Auntie, congratulations. I'm so happy for you. We have a lot to d
Lucy POVLucy stood in Gabriel's bathroom applying makeup with Sara. Sara seemed louder and more talkative than usual after she and Vance had come to Gabriel's place to get ready for the barbeque party. Lucy felt like she could not get a word in edgewise while Sara gently swept the makeup brush full of glitter across her face. Sara wore a smokey midnight blue-colored theme of makeup on her face with white glitter sparkles adorning her eyes and cheeks. She explained to Lucy that wolf shifter parties were always wild, loud, and a blast. All shifters dressed for the occasion, the males wearing their best plaid shirts and cowboy boots while the females wore their best summer dresses and boldly applied their makeup. To match her makeup, Sara wore a midnight blue dress with a round neck and a laced scalloped design that stopped a few inches above her knees. She wore sparkling silver earrings that fell to her shoulders and her hair was swept back in a side part. Lucy wore a long sleeve
Gabriel POVGabriel felt like he had been put on a roller coaster without being buckled in correctly. He was angry and felt betrayed. When Gabriel heard the elder man's voice speak about his parents being murdered, he saw the color red cloud his vision. First, he had beat his uncle who was still lying in the sand dazed, in a duel. Next, he heard that his parents had died in a fire that had been set intentionally to kill them. What next? And who would have even dared to kill his father and mother?His eyes slowly shifted to the beaten shifter lying on the ground. It couldn't be…"Fennick Herman, you have been charged for the murder of Elijah and Louisa Herman," Shaman Kai stated with an angry face as she stomped her foot. "The police are on their way here to arrest you for your crimes. You will spend the rest of your days atoning for your actions that should have been addressed long ago."As Fennick tried to sit up from the sand a distant police siren could be heard making its w
Lucy POVLucy held onto Gertrude's arm, watching Gabriel hold his head in pain. She desired now more than ever to speak to him through their mind link to encourage him to get up, but she feared she would distract him. Her whole world felt like it was on pause as she watched Fennick gloating with a devious smile on his face while making his way over to Gabriel. She wanted to curl up under a blanket so she didn't have to watch what would happen next.Yet, with one swift move, Gabriel pushed himself up onto the fence with his arms before swinging his body high and gracefully into the air to propel himself over Fennick and land behind him. He had avoided Fennick's assault with poise and ease. Fennick seemed slow as he spun back around to face Gabriel with a look of pure hatred. Gabriel grinned at his uncle. "Thought you had me right where you wanted me, eh?"Fennick growled, "I'm going to make your fake mate watch as I tear you from limb to limb.""She's real, spoiler alert and som
Lucy POVLucy looked into Gabriel's eyes as she told him how she was feeling about tomorrow. He looked at her with love as if he already knew she felt that way. "I know. It's got to be done though, Freckles," Gabriel said softly as he walked over to her in the doorway and kissed her forehead. "I promise, I'm not going anywhere. Plus, I have you I want to fight for. I love you.""I love you too," Lucy whispered as she pursed her lips letting him know she wanted a kiss. Gabriel's hands cupped around her face as he brought his lips to hers. She missed the feeling of his mouth against hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. Their breathing became faster as things started to heat up between the two of them. "Why do I get the feeling that we are going to get to lunch later?" Gabriel asked huskily as he broke the kiss."Your fault. You are only wearing a towel." Lucy grinned bopping his nose playfully as she pulled him to the bed.*****The next day the St
Gabriel POVGabriel stood awaiting Samson's answer. Samson looked apprehensive as if he was afraid to tell Gabriel. "I have my suspicions. I don't think I'm at liberty to really say," Samson paused.Gabriel had never seen Samson hesitate to this extent. Samson truly did not want to say his thoughts out loud."You can tell me," Gabriel pleaded, hoping Samson would give him more information.Samson sighed, rubbing his face with his hands in worry. "Back then Fennick had conjured up a following in the Moonlight Pack. He had many shifters starting to believe the old ways were correct. They thought your mom shouldn't be Luna since she was a human being.""My mom?" Gabriel spoke, feeling his jaw tighten as he clenched his fists. He would give everything to have his parents alive and well."She had been originally accepted by the pack. But I'm wondering if one of Fennick's followers may have set the fire," Samson ran a hand through his hair. "I really hope arson isn't what happened an
Gabriel POVGabriel sat on his porch that evening sipping some tea. There was a cup with a teabag in it sitting on the counter so he could prepare it for Lucy when she got home. He loved the fact that he could dote on her more easily, now that she was staying with him. He couldn't wait to hear how the mini-golf tournament went between the girls. He watched Sara drive into the compound's parking lot. The three women quietly got out of the car. He frowned. Weren't they supposed to be laughing about the good time they had? They looked more stoic than anything.Lucy was speaking with the three women while looking over at him on the porch. Did she want him to come over? She shook her head, her voice echoing in his head, 'All good. I'll be right there.''Sounds good,' Gabriel answered her, and sat back in his chair. He waited for the ladies to finish their conversation and watched as Lucy walked toward him. "Hello there," Gabriel greeted as she walked onto the porch and joined him i
Lucy POV"You're stealing me?" Lucy answered questioningly looking from Sara and Gabriel."Oh hell no, I can't compete with the best friend. Seriously, she's mine Sara," Gabriel said with a fake teasing aggression pretending Sara was a new contender for Lucy's heart."Wow, okay lover-boy, chill." Sara laughed, waving dismissively at Gabriel. "I'm taking you mini-golfing. Beers and mini-golf, what a great combination. You, me, and your aunt who I just met. What a lovely creature."Lucy stood there with surprise. "Mini-golf?""Yeah, I thought it would be a good distraction after what happened. Your aunt told me everything," Sara answered, gesturing toward the door. "Come on, there's no time to waste. They close when the sun goes down so we got to hurry.""Wait, before you go," Gabriel grabbed Lucy's arm as he finished saying, "can you please give me a kiss?""Aw, cute," Sara cooed as she stepped toward the front door allowing them some privacy. Lucy stepped on her tippy toes and p