Rachel
Waking up next to Gabriel is much nicer than I ever thought it was going to be. He is warm and soft and I just want him to stay curled around me forever. And then I remember the sacrifice he is making for me. I couldn't imagine how much it would hurt him to let me leave. Spending that much time away from your mate will hurt both him and his wolf. I honestly didn't think he had it in him, the willingness to put himself aside for a moment shows a side of him I would have begged for years ago. The thought makes me sigh as I watch him sleep, I reach out and trace his cheekbones down his strong jaw. The overwhelming feeling of sadness sweeps over me and I know that I will undoubtedly miss him. At least this new man I am going to see, suddenly his hand snapped up and snatched mine. I look back at his eyes to see them twinkling in mischief. He smiled at me a little before kissing my fingertips.
"What are you doing, sweetheart?" He said his voice was deep and raspy from his sleep and so yummy that I want to eat it for breakfast.
You are so handsome when you sleep. I admit shyly making his smile go broader.
"More handsome than when I'm awake?" He asked and I giggled.
"Well, you talk when you are awake and that ruins the appeal". I responded cheekily and he laughed out, rolling to his back and slipping an arm under me to pull me close. He reaches out with his other hand and threads it in my hair before leaning down to kiss my head.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Rachel". He says quietly and I look up at him.
"Really?" I asked and he nodded.
"You are very entertaining". He says with a sad smile and nuzzles my face back to his chest. You should probably go pack. The first pack is expecting you this afternoon and it is a few hours away. He said sadly while tightening his hold on me.
My mom is packing for me. I can stay with you a while longer if you want me to. I nervously look at him. He smiles wide and nods.
"I will get us some breakfast, you want to shower in my room?" He asks and I nod, getting out of bed I hear him growl a little when he sees me in his clothes, I roll my eyes at him and send him a cheeky grin.
"Like what you see? I ask him, more confident than I feel, he chuckles and nods his eyes turning black.
"You know it, sweetheart". He says smugly and I blush as I dart out of the room making him laugh out loud.
He orders breakfast for us and we sit to eat, spending time together before I leave. I don't know if that would make it harder or easier for him when I leave but I hope it will be easier.
"What are you most excited about in leaving? He asks curiously as he throws a grape to my mouth. I sat and thought about his question while I ate.
"I'm curious about how other Alphas relate with their pack members, what the Luna duties are. How the pack hospital functions, if the people seem happy or oppressed, if they are looked at as family or more like working bees to just keep the pack functioning. Also, their training schedules and the strength of their warriors, if they allow women to train, things like that". I say shrugging and he nods.
"The first pack you are going to, the Alpha mate died during childbirth, do they not have a Luna ''. He explains and a pang of grief goes through me.
"That's sad, did the pup make it? I ask and he nods while he eats his food.
"Yeah, a little boy. He is about six now, a cute little boy. Gabriel says with an affectionate smile that I return. Shortly after, his smile fell and I looked at him confused.
"Your mom delivered your language. It is upstairs m, I will go get it so you can get dressed, you will be leaving soon". He says soberly and I could feel the grief through our bond from him, which means he must be feeling it strongly. All of a sudden the thought of leaving him makes my heart hurt, but I know I need to do it, even if I decide to come back to him. Experiencing how other packs function will make me a better Luna.
He comes back soon with my things, and I change into a comfortable cloth and a large hoodie not that attractive and I pack my hair into a ponytail . He watches me with intense stares, like trying to memorize everyone's movements.