Rachel P.O.V
The next week went by very fast while Gabriel and I fell into a comfortable pattern. He returns to his Alpha preparation and other duties around the pack as well as his new fitness routine with Ethan, I could already tell that he was getting faster and stronger. At training he took everyone down including Ethan and barely broke a sweat, I was thoroughly impressed.
He slept on my bed in the pack house every night, he never pushed me for more than I was ready for and I was pleased with his self control. He seemed very okay with just sleeping by my side and holding me all night. He was getting a little clingy, I think his wolf was really struggling with the fact that I wasn't marked yet. I felt like I was becoming more comfortable with the idea,I just wasn't there yet.
I know my feeling for Gabriel was growing, he was burrowing his own pace into my heart. I tried so hard to steal from him,I wasn't sure at what point I should accept the inevitable and allow him to mark me and mark him in return. I felt like I may always have that seed of doubt ,the memories of the way he treated me wasn't fully pushed to the back of my mind, I tried not to think about it too much, though I promise him that I will give him a real chance and make effort to be a good mate to him. The closer we became,the more anxious my own wolf became as well. She had taken to Gabriel wolf more than I thought she would. She was anxious to communicate with his wolf and complete our bond, as a result she pushed sexual thoughts of our mate into my mind at the most inconvenient time. I had to leave training early on day as the scent of my arousal wafted across the field and Gabriel nearly haunted me down.
I had taken sanctuary in the library most days, throwing myself into my classes and training with the Alpha. He had started training Gabriel and I separately because the horny wolf couldn't concentrate on anything other than me. His constant touching and furtive looks became so distracting I was gaining nothing from the sessions and Alpha was getting annoyed at us.
I can't say I blame him.
I was in the library studying when a sudden feeling of unease washed over me. I looked around but nothing was out of the ordinary, it was similar to the last pack Ethan and I were in before they got attacked. I tried to ignore it knowing Gabriel would tell me if there was danger around,but the feeling continued to escalate until my wolf was prowling around my mind anxious to break free. I couldn't understand her behavior. My wolf and I have always been incredibly well balanced and she never tried to force control from me. The sensation had me standing and gathering my things in case I needed to shift. I was about to leave the library when I felt Gabriel's presence in my mind.
" Sweetheart, I need you to come to my office". He says gravely and my heart drops.
"What's going on? My wolf is going crazy". I ask and I hear him sigh heavily.
" It's bullshit, I will explain everything when you get here. I just need you to know it is a lie and nothing between us is changing. Can you remember that for me?" He begs and nervously rolls my stomach.
" Fine". I tell him and cut the link before hurrying to the pack house.
It was quieter than usual and that got me even more on edge. I'm used to the noise, people buzzing around, pot banging in the kitchen, rowdy teenagers running through the hall.
Stillness is not good for werewolves.
I walked up to Gabriel's office and didn't bother to knock, we have been spending a lot of time here together,me helping him with as much paperwork as I can. We even fell asleep on the couch one afternoon and woke up when we fell off, giggling together like kids. I pushed open the door and saw Gabriel behind his desk with a firm look on his face. His parents are on the couch looking between us nervously. I go over to him and he stands, pulling me into a firm hug before kissing me almost aggressively. I hear a loud growl from the corner and turn to look for Debbie in the corner . Her arms crossed across her chest,eyes narrowed at me. She snarls again and walks towards me,only for Gabriel to take a protective stance in front of me pushing me behind his back. Alpha grabs Debbie and pushes her down roughly on the chair, letting some of his aura out until she is forced to bare her neck in submission.
" What the hell is going on?" I ask coming out from Gabriel's behind slipping my hand into his. Debbie growls again and I look at her in confusion.
" Get your fucking hands off my mate". She growls.
It takes a moment to digest what she said,my mouth gaping in shock when I do, I let out my own growl as my wolf presses further, begging to be released so she can tear this little bitch who dares to claim what ours to pieces. Gabriel growls at her and pulls me in closer to him, wrapping his arm tightly around my waist . Her eyes darken as her wolf tries to press forward, her claws shifting, forcing the Alpha to let more of his aura out. Debbie whimpers in response and seems to settle.
" What the fuck are you talking about? Gabriel is my mate ". I snarl at her and growl in response.
"No he is not, you rejected him and my wolf had claimed him. Maybe our original mate died and we are eachother second chance , I don't know. But all I know is that he's mine" she growled and I rolled my eyes at her.
" This is new fucking low, Debbie. Don't be ridiculous". I scoff and Gabriel lowers his face in my neck, breathing in my scent.
" I know you did see through her bullshit ". Gabriel murmurs against my skin and I could feel his relief through our mate bond. He was worried I would believe her, that I would pull away from him again.
" It's not bullshit. Today's my birthday. I was running around the pack and smelled his scent . I came looking for my mate, only to find Gabriel. There was no other scent in this room ". Debbie screams and Gabriel growls at her again.
" It is not possible, Debbie. I never accept Rachel's rejection. Our bond is still there, I cannot be your mate" Gabriel says firmly and Debbie snarls trying to stand but Alpha stops her.
" If you just accept her rejection you will feel our bond, I told you Gabriel,I have always felt that we were mates". She screams and I flinch at her high-pitched annoying tone. Gabriel growls at her in frustration and runs his hand through his hair, never taking his arms away from my waist.
" No, this is your pathetic bid to become the Luna, you need to drop this because I will never accept Rachel's rejection . She is the only one I want ,she is the only one I love". He screams before his eyes widen when he realizes what he said, he looks down at me nervously but I give him a reassuring smile in response, pushing myself to my toes to press my lips against his. He returns my kiss eagerly, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer to him. I pull away when Debbie snarls at us again and throws her an annoying and withering look.
" I could just reject her". Gabriel says to me and I roll my eyes.
" There is no bond to reject, she is just doing this for attention ". I say and he nods.
" I could banish her then ". He shrugs and Debbie growls again from the corner.
"Shut up Debbie, you brought this upon yourself". Gabriel snarls at her and she looks afraid for a moment.
You can't banish me. The pack would never forgive you. She says arrogantly, making me roll my eyes.
" They don't need to know about this little charade". Gabriel equips back and Debbie grins.
" It's too late for that, they already know, I told everyone". Gabriel snarls at that bit of information and my heart drops to my stomach as her plan finally comes to fruition in my mind.
" You want to challenge me?" I ask and she grins again, her eyes sparking with malice.
" I do". She says joyfully.
" To death".