The guard led me through a narrow path, and I noticed the surveillance cameras hidden strategically among the trees. Well, for a Pack that deals in weapons and security, this is expected.
The path opened up to reveal the massive pack mansion, its beauty took my breath away. I took a moment to appreciate it. But the guard's irritated stare brought me back to reality, and I scrambled to catch up, my cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
We entered the pack mansion, and I caught glimpses of warriors patrolling the perimeter as we walked. We moved on, passing different doors, then stopped at a door marked "OFFICE". The guard knocked and waited. A few seconds later, Gabriel's voice boomed from within, "Enter."
He pushed the door open and gestured me in. "Leave us," Gabriel whispered with disinterest. The guard left, and I remained alone with Gabriel.
He didn't say anything to me, so I remained standing, watching him. His attention was on a couple of paperwork he was studying, maybe he'd forgotten I was there with him, or maybe he enjoyed keeping me standing.
After some time, Gabriel stood from behind his massive wooden desk. His nostrils flared as he came closer to me, drinking in my scent. He glanced all over my body slowly, stopping briefly at my chest, then frowning, before meeting my eyes.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, his muscled body filling out the crisp powder blue shirt he had on. His chiseled jaw and sharp cheekbones gave him a ruthless air, softened only by the hint of a mocking smile playing on his lips.
The office itself was a study oozing power and control. Dark wood paneling and rich leather furnishings seemed to add to its luxury, making the space feel intimate and imposing. A massive window behind Gabriel's desk offered a view of the pack's grounds, and a few carefully placed artifacts adorned the walls, but no personal items or pictures could be found. Maybe he keeps things strictly professional here, I wondered.
As Gabriel circled around me, I felt his gaze like a physical touch, making my skin prickle. "Hope you had a good night's rest," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"It was cold, and I definitely didn't sleep well," I replied frankly.
"Are you insinuating my pack lacks hospitality?" He asked incredulously, lifting a well-trimmed brow. His eyes were not glowing now, not like they did last night. Looking intently, I noticed they appeared tired and piercing black, like you could get lost staring into them.
Was he baiting me? I thought. I was left in that chilly cell with no food or water, overnight! There's nothing closely welcoming or hospitable about that, but I decided to play along...
"I'm most grateful that no harm came to me," I said, forcing a smile that did not reach my eyes.
Gabriel touched my chin, lifting my face slightly. His touch sent a wave of electricity through my entire body, my nipples tingling in response. The intimate reaction proved all the more that he was indeed my mate, only a mate's touch can have such a strong effect on one.
I felt sad immediately. It really didn't matter if he felt this attraction too; he already said last night that he didn't want a mate. Or would he change his mind? My heart raced at the possibility.
"Do you enjoy going around without a bra on?" Gabriel's harsh voice brought me out of my musings.
I looked down at my chest; I could see my nipples poking seductively against my tank top. I gasped softly and tried to cover them by crossing my arms around me. This must be why he keeps frowning whenever he stares down at my chest. It makes sense now.
"They're just uncomfortable, that's all," I replied.
He stepped back and leaned against his desk, the new position making him look imposing. "What's your name?" He asked.
"Elvira," I said.
"Elvira what? And what pack are you from? Since you argued you're not a rogue, I can't let a complete stranger into my pack," he said.
"It's Elvira Bradford," I said, purposely using my mother's maiden surname instead. There's no way I was going to expose my affiliations to my stepfather; he was a well-known power-hungry beta across many packs. Maybe Gabriel even knew about him, but I wasn't sure. I didn't care either; I was here to build a new home for myself, and that's all.
"And what pack?" Gabriel pressured in frustration.
"I'd rather not say, please? I don't want anything to do with my previous pack," I said, my eyes pleading for him to understand me.
Gabriel's face twisted into an angry snarl. "You think you're in a position to make demands? You're a rogue trespasser in my territory!" His voice felt like a whip crack on my skin, making me flinch.
I remained silent instead, not wanting to say anything that might piss him off further. He acted like he got irritated easily, and it would do me no good to keep getting on his bad side.
"I hope you don't think I'll go easy on you because of the mating bond. I'm not some weak Alpha who'll coddle you because of a supposed mating bond. You'll answer every question I ask you, Understand?" He commanded, dark eyes still locked onto mine in scrutiny.
My heart skipped a beat as Gabriel's gaze continued to bore into mine without relenting. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I tried to keep my composure straight.
Before he could utter anything else, his phone rang, the sound shrill and insistent. He moved back to his desk and picked up the receiver. "What is it?" he barked, clearly angry for being interrupted.
The voice on the other end was low; I couldn't get what the other person was saying, but Gabriel's expression turned murderous. Whatever he was being told must be deadly serious.
"Are you sure?" He asked slowly. "Get everything ready," he snapped, his eyes never leaving my face.
The phone clicked off, but Gabriel's grip on the telephone tightened before he released it, putting it down. He looked angry, his eyes practically glowing like he was fighting back his wolf from taking over.
"I'll deal with you later. This isn't over," he promised. He left me in the office alone without another word.
I let a sigh out in relief. What now? I wondered, is my fate still unknown? Was I staying or not?