Gabriel P.O.V
Waking up next to Rachel felt like I was still dreaming, her soft snores filled the otherwise quiet room and I kept my arms wrapped around her tightly. I was thrilled when she said she would give me a chance hopefully, that means no more pushing away. I'll understand if she still gets upset and angry sometimes, I don't expect her to forget the way I treated her in the past just because of the mate bond. Well, my side of the mate bond, knowing that she can feel it a little now too well, that amazing. I tuck my face into her neck to breathe her in, keeping the rest of me still so she can sleep some more. She was exhausted, hurt, and scared. I'm hoping that is not the only reason why she kissed me. That use of that kiss was the most amazing thing I've felt in my entire life. She rolls a little in my arm to face me and nuzzles her face into my chest before letting out a little rumble in her chest. I smile at the affection knowing that even in her sleep she is enjoying my closeness, I watch her sleep for a while longer and my eyes still starve for her while she is gone.
Yeah, I'm pretty much obsessed with her at this point.
I ignore repeated questions in my mind from my parents wanting to know where I am and what I'm doing. They will be fine once we explain things, but I don't want to burst this bubble I'm in with Rachel. I just took off last night on a wh I didn't tell anyone where I was going or why. In hindsight that was probably stupid, but I just had a nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. When I got there and saw Rachel's weak wolf and mangled leg, I almost lost it. I could have killed every wolf present, well with the help of Ethan. His wolf looks like it could eat me for breakfast.
I'm going to start joining him in the gym.
I let my mind wander, just enjoying the feel of Rachel's breath across my skin. It feels so good to be with her again. I love talking to her and I was surprised how much she linked me while she was gone, but there was nothing better than the feeling of her next to me. Eventually, she begins to stir and I cling a little tighter to her, willing her to go back to sleep so I don't have to let her go. Her sleepy eyes looked around the room, then up at me and a sweet smile spread across her face.
" Hey there, pretty girl". I murmur and her smile grows.
" How long have I been sleeping ?" she asks with a little yawn that makes my wolf purrs with contentment.
" Not very long, you can go back to sleep". I practically beg, smooching her as close to me as I can while still letting her breathe. She giggles and pushes away from me and my wolf whines a little. She looks at me affectionately and cups my cheek.
" I'm not leaving, you are just making me sweaty ". She says, scrunching her nose in annoyance. I chuckle and kiss her nose before tucking my face into her neck. I only meant to take a quick whiff of her beautiful scent, but I'm so comfortable and unbelievably happy at this moment that I can't bear to pull myself away. Luckily Rachel doesn't make me, she lets me relax into her and thread her fingers through the hair on the back of my head, scratching gently at my scalp making my pathetic wolf purr for her. I feel her chest rumble with her laughter and I smile against her skin, kissing her gently.
" Will you spend the day with me?" I ask quietly and she nods.
" Yes, but I should see my parents ". She says and I nod against her shoulder, scaling my lips across her soft skin, enjoying the spark I have been missing for over a week.
" My dad wants to see us too, and I'm going to the gym with Ethan ". I say then burst into laughter.
" Did you see his wolf? That dude looks like a beast !" She exclaimed, making me chuckle.
" Exactly, I shouldn't be afraid of my Beta ". I point out making her laugh again, she rolls a little so I can lay halfway on top of her, my head resting on top of her chest as she continues to play with my hair. I close my eyes, enjoying the sensation.
" I could stay like this forever ". I tell her honestly and she leans down to press a kiss on my forehead.
" You have never snuggled before ?"She asks curiously and I stiffen a little, not wanting to ruin the moment discussing my past with other women.
" No, you are the only one I'll ever snuggle with ". I murmur against her skin, running my hand along her belly, she shivers at my touch making me smile.
" I'm not mad at you for being with other girls before we became mates. That wouldn't be fair". She says, but I could feel the steam of jealousy coming from her through the bond, I looked into her eyes and I smiled.
" You are much better a person than me because if you had been with someone else before we became mates, he would probably be dead by now or being for death at the very least ". I told her and she giggled while shaking her head at me, eyeing me affectionately. This made me regret how I treated her in the past.
"Rachel. I called out her name drawing her closer into my embrace, holding her tightly". I don't know if I ever said this to you before but I want you to know that I'm deeply sorry for the way I treated you in the past, I was stupid, selfish, and immature. I say to her trying to show how honest and how much I regret the pack as I treated her in the past through the bond, so she can feel it too. Her eyes soften at me and she reaches up to cup my cheeks in her hands.
" I believe you, baby. But trust isn't something that can be built in a day or a week, it takes much time to build trust. Just be patient with me and let me learn to trust and love you for who you are and not because of the mate bond, that will make it even more special, don't you like it that way?" She asks with a beautiful smile plastered on her face and I nod back at her before burying my face into her neck and breathing in her scent, breathing out the air in my nose tickling her. Her sweet giggle filled the room and I smiled at her as she tried to push me off her. I got up when I hear the thumping sound of footsteps pounding up the stairs and my name being yelled out
" Gabriel, I swear to God if I catch you in there with some useless tramp, I'm going to kill you myself today". My dad keeps yelling as he forces the door to the room open. His face was red from anger and frustration as his eyes scan through the room suspiciously trying to capture the scene. He gives Rachel a sheepish smile as his body finally relaxes.
"Well, except you". He says.
" Hey, Alpha, I appreciate your effort for protecting my honor while I was away. That's quite thoughtful of you". She says, smiling wildly and my father's face blushes.
" He has been quite a good boy while you were away". My dad says and I interrupt his tone.
" I'm not a dog" I yelled at him, Rachel giggle and traces her fingers across my belly making my wolf purr
" God damn it". I say to myself while both Rachel and my dad burst into laughter.
"I'm glad he learned to behave himself while I was away. I will like to keep him with me for the rest of the day if that is alright with you. I will feed him and take him for a walk". Rachel says with affection in her eyes even though she was teasing me. I don't mind if it makes her happy.
" Yes, that's fine with me. Luna and I will like you both to come for dinner tonight ". My dad says.
" Tomorrow," I tell him, and they both eye me curiously.
" I may have ....... Planned something for tonight, for just the two of us. I stutter and Rachel smile while my dad gave me an approving look, one of a few I had ever received from him
" Tomorrow then, I will tell your mom". He says as he turns to leave.
" And what do you have planned for tonight?' Rachel asked me curiously and I knew I was blushing.
" Well, just dinner and Oreos". I tell her, and she throws her head back laughing before leaning forward to press a kiss on my lips.
" You are making an effort to get me to love you. Aren't you?" She says.