Chapter 28

((Cover on the side is by BubblyBunnyXO. Thanks so much for making me a ton of great covers!

The song from How to Train Your Dragon is best listened to around the middle of the chapter. You’ll see when you get there.

Thank you Belle, as always, for editing!

Enjoy this chapter…… ))

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My hands were shaking, palms damp with clammy moisture.

Don’t be pathetic, Skylar, I chastised myself as I strode purposefully towards the place Gabriel and I had parted ways. More to distract myself than anything, I tilted my head and inhaled his musky scent. I continued to follow the tantalizing fragrance, changing direction slightly as I approached the woods. So his ‘Alpha business’ wasn’t taking place in the village? It seemed that he had disappeared into the forest, and I felt a strange sense of déjà vu as I remembered another time I had followed Gabriel like this: after Riley’s funeral.

That horrid day seemed like a distant memory, even though it hadn’t been terribly long ago. So much had happened since then. However, I still remembered the warm and secure sensation of Gabriel’s strong arms wrapped around me in our first hug. Perhaps we would share another embrace today. I tried to envision how this was going to happen, what exactly I was going to say to him, but in my nervousness I just came up empty. I would have to improvise and hope that I didn’t make a fool of myself.

Truthfully, I didn’t know what I was doing. I’d never confessed my feelings for Will all of those years ago, and they’d been so insignificant compared to what I felt for Gabriel.

I just prayed I wouldn’t screw anything up and that he wouldn’t push me away. I needed him to lower his barriers, just once.

Taking another deep breath to catch my Mate’s scent, I brushed through the thick undergrowth as I entered the edge of the forest. A slightly chilly wind whistled through the trees and caused the hairs on my arms to stand straight up. I was glad it was mid-day; despite the presence of the Stone of Jacob to keep the vampires at bay, I was still wary of the darkness of night.

The wind shifted direction, causing me to momentarily lose track of Gabriel’s scent. Unless he was running, he couldn’t be far away. I had followed him minutes after he left. I stopped in a patch of dappled sunlight, turning in a slow circle as I sifted through the scents of the forest. A flock of birds chirped in the trees near me but I tuned them out, focusing only on my extremely powerful sense of smell.

Seconds later, my Wolf yipped in excitement as I caught the scent again, this time fresher. I changed direction and continued to follow the enticing smell. I only needed to continue my trek for another minute before I heard a gurgling stream nearby and the scent grew nearly overpowering. For some reason, I found myself slowing down and treading more lightly. It wasn’t that I was sneaking up on Gabriel. I just wanted to see what the heck he was doing out in the woods all by himself, and I wouldn’t disturb him yet because I was still downwind of him. I only had seconds until the wind shifted again and his powerful senses picked up on my approach.

Peering through a splay of thick branches, I spotted him huddled a short distance away. To my surprise, he was in his Wolf form, the animal sitting still and silent next to the bubbling water, clothes in a heap nearby. His black as night fur was a stark contrast to the greenery beneath him. My Wolf whined, sensing her Mate’s agitation and I felt a spike of worry. Mere seconds later, Gabriel seemed to sense my presence because he stood up and turned abruptly as I exited from my shelter of the trees.

His Wolf’s deep and intimidating gaze met mine but I did not hesitate as I continued my approach. Gabriel tilted his head slightly, clearly confused as to why I had followed him, and his deep voice resounded in my head.

Skylar? Do you need something?

I had momentarily forgotten that we could communicate through mind-link now. I had never been in front of Gabriel’s Wolf form in my human state for a prolonged period of time. Seeing the massive beast was even more awe-inspiring when I was fragile and human, and I could not tear my eyes away.

Um…

Very articulate, I thought to myself dryly. Staring at Gabriel now, I realized I was having serious issues putting my thoughts into words, especially when his regal Wolf was staring me down. I could still see Gabriel in the animal’s eyes, but there was much of his Wolf in them, too, and I wasn’t as familiar with the creature. My Wolf, however, very much liked admiring the muscular physique and thick, glossy fur.

I just wanted to talk to you, I finally said, mind racing to come up with an elegant phrasing.

Is something wrong?

I could ask you the same thing. Why did you come out here by yourself? Were you meeting with anyone?

No. I needed to think.

I was very grateful he hadn’t been meeting anyone…like Eva, for example. I pushed the insecurity away.

I stared more intently into the Wolf’s eyes. Underneath the mask, I could detect a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty. Almost without realizing, I took a step closer until I could touch his soft fur if I wanted to. Gabriel’s Wolf was so gigantic that we were practically on eye level.

Gabriel stared right back, and I could feel the warmth of his breath as he exhaled.

If it’s a Pack issue, I will address it shortly.

No. It’s about…me.

The Wolf’s eyes darkened as I spoke, and I couldn’t resist anymore. I reached out a hand, almost tentatively, and brushed it against some of the thickest fur on the side of his neck. He made a growling sound deep in his throat, but I didn’t think it was a noise of annoyance.

Would you mind Shifting back? It’s important. I really wanted to tell him now. There was no time to waste.

Gabriel observed me for a moment before he huffed a sigh, padding over to the heap of clothes on the ground. I don’t know why I was expecting him to take cover to Shift back, but he most certainly did not. I attempted to look away before he Shifted entirely but did not tear my eyes away in time. I swallowed and almost choked on my spit as a naked Gabriel carelessly threw some shorts over his lower half, but not before I got a good glimpse of him. My cheeks began to burn and my Wolf whined with anticipation. He was built so flawlessly it wasn’t even fair.

Plus he’s more than enough to satisfy us, my perverted Wolf said proudly.

My cheeks were absolutely on fire and I coughed into my hand, trying not to linger on all of the images popping up. I couldn’t believe she’d just said something like that! Perhaps I was naïve, but I still felt horribly mortified at the inappropriate turn my thoughts had taken. I was trying to have a civil conversation!

It’s not my fault he showed us all he has to offer-

STOP! I commanded her, beyond embarrassed, and I almost felt her smirking, if wolves could even smirk. She was deliberately trying to get me to just jump our Mate here and now.

He left his torso bare as he approached and my eyes continuously strayed to his abs and chest as I shifted from foot to foot. Now my thoughts were scrambled and all over the place.

“What did you want to talk about?” Gabriel asked, a wary tone in his voice. I wondered what he was thinking. I was glad he wasn’t mind-linking me anymore, because my thoughts were much more accessible to him when we were having a mental conversation. Not that Gabriel would pry, but if he’d wanted to, he’d have a much easier time while we were mind-linking. In Wolf form my thoughts were even more transparent. Right now, with verbal conversation, I was safe. He wouldn’t know how much of a mess I was.

“Skylar?” He prodded, and I realized I hadn’t spoken.

“Um…hi. Hey.”

Wow, that’s all you could say? I thought, exasperated at how pathetic I was, growing more humiliated by the second. This was not how a future Luna should behave, and Gabriel seemed utterly confused. My face probably looked like a tomato. I’d never done anything like this.

“So I was thinking….” I trailed off, taking a deep breath. On impulse, I decided to just go with it. It was pointless coming up with a clever way to say it so I just needed to be honest.

“I was thinking a lot at that burger joint today before you got there. And I was seeing happy couples and their kids, and happy little families, and people in love, and I realized that I want all of that. Maybe not kids yet, but someday. And I thought-”

“That I’m not right for you.” Gabriel cut me off, and I almost choked again.

I stared at him in disbelief. “W-what?”

His brow furrowed slightly but his words were acidic and bitter as he spoke. “That’s what you were going to say, right? You want happiness but there’s no guarantee with me. You’re just as likely to end up miserable, so you don’t want to take the chance.”

My mouth must’ve been hanging open, and I winced as I felt a pang of hurt that was not mine. Gabriel must have thought I was genuinely rejecting him. I supposed he took my nervousness and embarrassment the wrong way. There was undeniable hurt in his eyes and it pierced me to the core, seeing his raw emotion like that.

“Perhaps it’s best that you decided now. I’m returning back to the rest of my pack anyways.” He was not looking at me, his jaw clenched tightly. His words escaped from gritted teeth. “Just get it over with.” Every line of his body was tense, as if he was braced to fight off considerable pain.

I felt a surge of frustration. “No.”

His eyes snapped to my face, incredulity in their depths. “What?”

“I’m not rejecting you. If you would’ve just let me talk, you would’ve known that!”

“You’re not...” He trailed off, looking as if he didn’t dare believe what I was saying.

“What I was TRYING to say is that my Wolf will never want anyone as much as she wants you. The potential happiness I can have with you will be unmatched by any other. I know it’s a risk, but it’s fifty-fifty, which means it could work out.”

His expression had gone curiously blank as he stared me down. I wasn’t sure how to take his expression.

“It’s not just my Wolf that wants you, either,” I pressed on recklessly. “You’re rough around the edges, sure, but I know there’s good in you. I’ve seen true emotion in you sometimes. You push me away a lot but I think, underneath all of that, you care about me too.”

I wasn’t sure what had possessed me to be so open with him, but I continued. It was now or never, and it was too late to take anything back even if I’d wanted to.

“I don’t think I could live with not knowing. If I never tried to be with you, it would hurt more to think what could’ve been. I know the risk. You put the decision on my shoulders after telling me everything. I’m not going into this blindly, but it’s my choice.”

Gabriel’s eyes were very dark, his hands clenched at his sides. “Skylar…you…” His voice was hoarse, his words a bit jumbled as if he didn’t know what to say. “You know what this could do to you. If my Mark fades…”

“I know. I know what’s at stake.”

He took a step closer, staring at me intently. “Do you?” His tone still had that curiously rough edge.

I blinked at him. “Are you trying to talk me out of this?”

Gabriel swallowed, the muscles in his throat working. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

I felt a fresh wave of frustration. “Gabriel, for crying out loud, I KNOW what can happen! I’ve decided that you’re worth the risk, and that I want you anyways! You’re the only Mate I’ll ever have. We’re meant to at least try!” My Wolf was voicing her agreement in my mind.

It almost looked as if Gabriel was trembling slightly as he moved even closer until he was towering directly above me. I stared up at him defiantly.

“I know I told you that the decision would rest on your shoulders…”

“Gabriel-“

“I just don’t want you making any rash decisions without thinking.”

I felt a pang of hurt deep within me as I stared up into his unfathomable eyes. “Have you changed your mind?” My words almost came out as a whisper. I was sure he could feel the hurt that was coursing through me.

I suddenly looked down at the ground, unable to bear his ethereal beauty any longer. “Is that why you’re resisting so much? I thought you wanted me to decide. I thought I’d be making you happy.” I knew I sounded pathetic but I didn’t care at this point. I clenched my fists at my sides, not knowing how I would manage if he’d decided I wasn’t worth the risk. “Does this have anything to do with Eva?” I regretted my words instantly but couldn’t take them back.

“No!” Gabriel growled irritably. “This has NOTHING to do with her! Skylar, I already told you she was nothing to me, and if I could take it back I would, I regret every second I spent with her.”

“Then why-“

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “I’m trying to protect you, don’t you see that? I’m just making sure you’ve thought this through!”

“You make it sound like a freaking puzzle! I already told you I’ve made up my mind! I want you as my Mate, Gabriel, and that is never, ever going to change.”

He was suddenly quite still. I wasn’t even sure he was breathing.

Feeling fed up, I let a frustrated growl escape. “Apparently, YOU were the one that still needed to decide how you feel about me. Let me know when you stop trying to make my decisions for me and actually come to the conclusion that I’m worth the risk, too.”

With those parting words, attempting to fight back frustrated tears, I spun on my heel and walked away from him.

I didn’t get very far.

I felt a warm, strong hand circle around my left wrist, clutching it in a secure grip. An instant later, my body was being tugged backwards and spun around with great force. The move was so sudden I felt like my arm was almost pulled out of its socket, but I could only let out a gasp of surprise as Gabriel yanked me back to him. As my body turned back to where I was facing him, a large and demanding hand grabbed my chin and forced it up to where I was gazing into my Mate’s dark eyes.

And then his lips came crashing down on mine.

I stood there, momentarily frozen, as a shock of electricity coursed through me and I felt pleasant chills up and down my spine. Gabriel’s kiss was hard, demanding, and possessive—the kiss of an Alpha Wolf. My eyes fluttered shut and I felt a rush of heat exploding from where our mouths met and my Wolf howled with joy as she realized what was happening.

Realizing I was standing like an idiot, I tried to gather my jumbled thoughts and I kissed him back, moving my lips in synchronization with his. I heard a growl deep in Gabriel’s chest and he angled his head to the side, deepening our embrace. One of his strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me tightly to him, the hand fisting in my dark curls. Every inch of space was eliminated between us and I felt lust pooling deep within me as I felt the contours of his hard body. His bare torso pressed against me and only intensified the burning sensation I was feeling.

I felt like I was floating, the blood roaring in my ears. Gabriel broke the kiss momentarily to come up for air but a second later his lips found mine again. I dimly realized that his free hand had settled on my hip while the other remained clutched in my hair. I let out a little gasp when I felt his fingertips brush my bare skin underneath the bottom of my shirt, and Gabriel took this as permission to deepen the kiss further.

My whole body tingled as our tongues intermingled. Gabriel’s husky scent surrounded me and I inhaled it every time we came up for air. I’d never been kissed like this before or experienced anything even close to our passionate embrace, and I wanted more of it. I never wanted this to end. Realizing that my hands were hanging uselessly at my sides, I brought them up to wrap around Gabriel’s broad torso. I ran my hands down his back, outlining his thick muscles and letting my nails scrape against his skin. He growled again and I felt his muscles tighten as he forced me backwards.

Another gasp of surprise escaped my parted lips as I felt my back press against something hard; the bark of a tree. I was trapped now, but I relished the feel of it, continuing to put every ounce of feeling I had into the kiss. Gabriel withdrew slightly, biting down on my bottom lip, and this time I felt the rumbling growl emanate from my throat as my Wolf reveled in the sensation. My lust was continuing to build and I was practically dizzy from Gabriel’s scorching mouth on mine.

I wanted to feel more of him—run my hands down the contours of his chest. Bringing my hand around, I pushed Gabriel back slightly so I could slip my hand between us, running it down his upper chest and then down to his abdomen as I explored his chiseled body the same way his tongue was exploring my mouth.

Letting out a husky rumble, Gabriel’s lips left mine briefly as, with one smooth motion, he hoisted me up, using the tree as leverage as he wrapped my legs around his torso. I could care less about how suggestive our position was, I used my legs to draw myself even closer to him. The blood rushed to my cheeks as I felt his arousal pressed against me, and my Wolf felt a burst of pride that we could elicit that reaction from him.

His mouth departed from mine again and he began to trail hot kisses down the side of my neck and across my collarbone, leaving me gasping with pleasure. It was similar to how he’d touched me all those nights ago in the hotel, but this time I knew he was not holding back. His mouth roamed back up to the area near my earlobe. My skin felt like it was burning where he’d kissed it.

“I’m leaving my scent all over you so every wolf knows that you’re mine,” he growled softly, right next to my ear. His voice came out deep and contorted, and I could discern heavy lust interlaced with his tone.

“Like there was ever any doubt,” I replied breathlessly, barely able to force the words out. Gabriel seemed to like what he heard because he kissed down my neck with renewed vigor, his mouth moving down my chest where my v-neck left exposed skin, causing me to tremble. I felt his tongue replace his lips and I dug my fingernails into his skin, a noise of pleasure escaping me.

I dimly realized that I wanted to return the favor, my Wolf wanting to stake her own claim on our Mate. I used one hand to find his chin, jerking his head up towards me so I would have access to his neck. Gabriel obliged without complaint, and I stretched upwards to press my mouth against the warm skin on the side of his neck. I had never done anything like this before. In fact, I knew I was incredibly naïve and inexperienced, but touching my Mate like this came naturally. I relished the sound that escaped Gabriel’s throat as my mouth continued to move across his skin. Feeling a rush of bravery, I opened my mouth and bit gently at the area that I planned on Marking when we completed the Mating ritual.

Gabriel groaned with pleasure.

“You’re going to be the death of me, Skylar,” he whispered. I smiled against him, continuing to move my mouth lower until I was placing gentle kisses and bites across his chest.

“Come with me back to the Black Mountains Pack,” he said suddenly, causing me to pause and look up at him. His eyes were burning brighter than I’d ever seen them, desire evident in their depths and in a certain part of his anatomy pressed against me.

“I want you there with me. Please.” His voice held such vivid emotion, his gaze pleading. I’d never seen such an easily-read expression from him before, and I relished the way he was opening up to me. I nodded, smiling slightly.

“So does this mean you’re trusting me with the decision to accept you?” I asked quietly, unwinding my legs from around his torso and allowing him to move away slightly so that I was standing on the ground again.

His eyes closed briefly as if he was trying to control himself. “It scares me, what might happen to you, but I’ve made enough decisions for you. As much as I want to protect you, you’re my Mate, and I know I need to trust you with this.”

I smiled again, my heart soaring. In this brief, passion-filled moment, it seemed like everything was going to be okay.

“I’m glad,” I told him softly, reaching up to press my mouth against his neck again, unable to help myself. Like him, I felt the urge to let everyone know he was mine, and my Wolf urged me to continue kissing him. She wanted us to return to our former position. It was hard, holding her back, but I didn’t want to press Gabriel too hard. Although, judging by the look on his face as I trailed my mouth across his collarbone, he didn’t mind.

“Skylar, I think we need to stop now,” he said hoarsely. I blinked up at him, puzzled. My desire-riddled body did not want to stop. My Wolf wanted me to Mark him this very moment.

“I can’t hold my Wolf back much longer,” Gabriel added. I saw the darkness in his eyes that indicated his Wolf was close to the surface.

“Then don’t,” I replied before I could help myself. His eyes widened a fraction.

“As much as I want to push you on the ground and Mark you right here-” Judging by his expression, he would very much enjoy doing just that. As he spoke so blatantly, I felt yet another wave of desire and warmth building up in the more intimate parts of me. I bit my lip, fighting back the imagery.

“-I would think you’d want it to be….well, not in the middle of the woods where anybody could find us and interrupt.”

My Wolf sulked, and I was sure my face held a disappointed expression, but I knew he was probably right. That type of intimacy deserved some sort of romance, especially since I had never experienced it before.

“I guess you’re right,” I said reluctantly, although my hand was trailing across his chest and down his stomach again. I couldn’t help but touch perfection when it was displayed right in front of me. Without meaning to, I felt my eyes dip lower until they were fixated on the tell-tale bulge in his shorts. My cheeks flushed hotly. I mentally reprimanded myself for being embarrassed when it was my Mate, but I’d never been exposed to this sort of thing before. I was curious, and I wanted to drink in every inch of him.

“Skylar…” Gabriel said warningly, voice deeper than usual, and I knew he’d noticed me staring.

“Sorry…it’s just…um...how is that going to…?” I stuttered almost incoherently. My blush reddened as I realized I hadn’t meant to say that last bit out loud and I stared at the ground to hide my humiliation. I just didn’t understand how something so large would be compatible with my small frame. I hadn’t wanted Gabriel to know my complete ignorance, though.

“I…uh…” I continued to stammer like an idiot, finally raising my eyes to meet Gabriel’s. To my complete and utter shock, I saw amusement glimmering in his deep eyes and one side of his mouth was slightly quirked upwards. It wasn’t a full-blown grin or anything, but it was the first time I’d seen the slightest indication of amusement from him and it was mind-blowing. I would act like an idiot every day if I could just see that barest hint of a smile from him again.

“You look hot when you’re almost smiling,” I blurted out, mentally scolding myself immediately afterwards. What the hell was wrong with me? Why was I just talking without thinking first? It was like every ounce of self-awareness had fled my body when Gabriel kissed me! It was completely mortifying,

A sudden movement from Gabriel saved me from humiliating myself further as, with another frustrated growl, he lowered his head and smashed his lips against mine again. Apparently, this time he liked being referred to as attractive. I opened my mouth to allow him entrance, feeling a rush of bravery that caused me to gently bite on his bottom lip. I knew he wanted to wait for a better moment but at this moment I didn’t give a damn.

As soon as I bit down on his lip, I knew Gabriel was having similar thoughts to mine because his kiss intensified and my back was pressed against the tree again. I felt one of his hands reach under the bottom of my shirt and stroke the bare skin on my midriff. I couldn’t prevent a small moan of pleasure from escaping; his fingertips were like fire blazing across my stomach.

Distantly, I felt some tiny part of me protesting, the logical side of me that wanted to wait for a romantic atmosphere than the middle of the woods.

Suddenly, with great force, Gabriel wrenched himself away from me. When my hazy eyes blinked open, he was halfway across the clearing, chest heaving.

“As much as I want to right now, Skylar, this isn’t the time or place. It means a lot to both of us and it isn’t meant to happen here.”

Sliding down the tree, I took a deep breath, quelling my lust. Gabriel’s fists were clenched and I could tell he was visibly restraining himself from leaping back at me.

“Did you hear what I was thinking?” I gasped out, seizing on anything to distract me.

Gabriel gave a nearly imperceptible nod. “Our bond is strengthening, and it helps that I’m Alpha. In a position like that, I could sense the direction your thoughts were going more than anything.”

I was somewhat disappointed, and my Wolf wanted to resume where we had left off, but the logical side of me was kicking in and I agreed with what Gabriel was saying. Better a bed than on the grassy forest floor. Thinking of such activities made my cheeks’ heat spark up yet again.

“Besides, your friend Will has been trying to contact me for a while now.”

My eyes widened, and I didn’t miss the way he said Will’s name, but I brushed it aside.

“Really? What does he want?”

“Before I find out, I want to know that you mean what you said before. I want you to come back to the Black Mountains Pack village. I’ll be going back and forth a lot, especially when we’re building the third village. As this pack’s future Luna, you’ll need to be with me. And I want you there.”

I felt a rush of pride, especially from my Wolf, as I realized what his words entailed—especially the last part he made sure to tack on. This pride was followed by a burst of nervousness but I attempted to ignore it. “I mean it, Gabriel. I’ll go wherever you want me to go.”

He looked relieved, which surprised me. Had he honestly thought I’d turn him down, especially after what had just happened?

Gabriel’s eyes momentarily glazed over and I realized he was talking to Will. I wonder what Will wanted; did it have something to do with Eva? Had she finally come around, or was it something else entirely?

Seconds later, his gaze re-focused on me. There was a strange expression on his face as he studied me.

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure if you’ll be happy to hear this or not, but it seems my conversation with Eva did her some good.”

I tried not to bristle as I heard her name escape his lips. “The conversation at my house?” Thinking about that night made my stomach turn.

“No, after.”

I felt a sense of unease and tried to brush it aside. “What did you talk about?” To my chagrin, there was a tone of jealousy very evident in my voice. Gabriel’s expression softened slightly.

“I told her that finding one’s Mate is the best thing that’ll ever happen to a Wolf. Wasting her affections on someone that will never return what you feel is not worth sacrificing the one that can love her best.” His eyes, boring into mine, oozed sincerity and I felt my heart lift. I did not miss the double meaning in his words, as I realized he was indirectly telling me how important I was to him.

“It took her a while, but she came around.”

“So she and Will…”

“She’s accepting him, yes. He wants me to conduct the Mating ceremony as soon as possible.”

While I was glad that Will chasing her had been successful after all, Gabriel had been right to assume I would have mixed feelings. I didn’t think I could ever like Eva, but I hoped she really was accepting Will for the right reasons, and not just to spite Gabriel.

The whole thing seemed rushed but of course that was how Mates usually worked. Most wolves wanted a ceremony in front of the whole pack to recognize them as Mates (aside from the Marking, which was private for obvious reasons), and usually it happened very soon after they met. I nodded absentmindedly, realizing Gabriel was waiting for my reaction.

“I guess we’ll see how it turns out.”

“We need to head back,” he replied and I nodded, watching him as he retrieved the rest of his clothes and proceeded to put them on. I sped up my pace to catch up to him as he entered the shelter of the trees again, heading back in the direction of the village. It was only a few minutes’ walk from here and I realized how easy it would have been for others to intrude on our moment. It was better that we waited for a better time to become Mates officially.

Gathering the rest of my bravery from earlier, I tentatively reached out and took Gabriel’s hand in mine. It was a forward gesture, I knew. Gabriel was not the ‘touchy’ type. I wanted him to be touchy with me, though, which mean I had to condition him. I felt a rush of pleasure as Gabriel glanced at my face, then down at our intertwined hands before he tightened his grip on mine. A smile graced the corners of my mouth and I felt a bit of extra spring in my step.

“We’ll leave for the Black Mountains Village tomorrow at dawn,” Gabriel said as we neared the village. I nodded, understanding we didn’t have time to waste. Who knew how much longer the holy objects would last. I glanced down at my rosary; it was still warm against my skin, but it grew cooler each day. I had tried not to think about it but it was definitely cause for concern.

“It’s going to be hard to wait until then for it to happen,” he added after a moment, barely murmuring the words.

I felt my brow crease with confusion. “Wait for what? What’s happening?”

Gabriel glanced down at me, and my breath caught in my throat. His eyes were burning with suppressed desire, and he did nothing to mask the expression. Because of that, I knew what he was going to say before he said it. I shivered involuntarily as he spoke.

“When we get there, Skylar, I have every intention of picking up where we left off.”

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A/N: You all are gonna love me for this chapter. I hope.

I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as much as I did! It was unusual to have such a ‘happy’ chapter without a whole lot of drama. Enjoy it while it lasts…..(whoops, did I just say that? ;)  ) I’m a bit nervous about your reactions so please let me know how much you enjoyed it by commenting/voting!

A bunch of people have been asking me how long this book will be. As of now, my outline leaves it at about 35 chapters. Prepare for some more suspense and action soon! Cain won’t stay away forever…

Thanks Belle for editing <3

MULTIMEDIA:

Cover by BubblyBunnyXO. She made me a ton of them so it was hard to choose! Thanks so much!

The song, “Romantic Flight”, from How to Train Your Dragon. I freaking LOVE that movie and the song is short and sweet. The composer is John Powell.