Gabal

Chapter 10

After Aoifa and Gabal broke apart, the pack rushed forward. A new excitement and hope had taken place of the somber, restrained melancholy that possessed them before. Aoifa's display of compassion and power sparked recognition in many of them, and those that did not know of her were quickly filled in by their neighbors. Within minutes, each member of the Rocky Mountain Pack had heard the news that, not only was the Life Witch in their pack, but that she was also their True Lady Luna. 

A growl held the crowd back, warning them against coming close to their Alpha's Given. Gabal stood in front of his mate, casting out a wild display of possession. No one was allowed to approach. With a quick order consisting of, “back off” and “later," the pack begrudgingly went back to their tasks. It did not escape the couple's notice that they were subject to a new intensity of scrutiny. One pack member had his eyes glued to them so fervently that he did not notice the knee high fence obstructing his path and ended up ass over teakettle before landing in a comical position in the dirt.

This drew a snort out of Aoifa. Gabal sent a scowl to the man, jealous that he had invoked such a sound from her, yet enamored all the same. Her every action caused his already overwhelming adoration of her to swell to levels he previously thought himself incapable of feeling. His soul, once a shriveled husk, was being filled with new life. The man who had resigned himself to death was slowly awakening to the joys of living. He felt reinvigorated in ways he thought were only possible for shifters in their youth. His need to prove himself a capable provider. His drive to make her smile and laugh, by any means necessary. His burning desire to keep her by his side, forever and always.

As they walked, side by side, he found himself looking around at his pack with new eyes. What did his Given think of his achievements? Did she see how his pack was strong and alert? Did she have anything to say about his guard placement? Did she like how the amenities were organized on pack grounds? Could she appreciate the agricultural endeavors, for which they had worked so hard? Did she like the color of the buildings? Did she want different flowers planted around his house? 

Every detail, that had before blended into the monotony of centuries waking the same grounds, suddenly sprang forward. Each one was highlighted in his mind and he suddenly wished that he had worked on his people skills, as his Beta often begged, so he could make conversation with his Match without seeming like an eager cub awaiting her approval. Frustration began to consume his mind. He was an Alpha, for Goddess' sake. He should be able to ask a few simple questions. What did she think? He could ask that much. What did she think?

But, alas, when he opened his mouth, all that came out was a growl. 

Aoifa, for her part, did well to hold in her laugh. Her Given was an absolute darling. She understood, almost right away, that he was not very good with talking. He expressed his emotions through actions. His need to care for her was endearing and more than she could have hoped for in a partner. As they walked to the field hospital Gabal was practically vibrating with pent up anticipation. At first, she thought it was because he was impatient for her see his pack members. But every time they came across something new, she would catch his eyes analyzing her. Aoifa felt as though she could finally relate to a prey animal. The intensity of a predator's stare, and the silence of his powerful, intimidating stride would be enough to cow many. 

Luckily, Aoifa was not many. She was one. And this one was going to have a bit of fun. When their path led them to the next new feature, Aoifa carefully schooled her face to remain neutral. Even though she immensely enjoyed the energy from all the happy plants in their vast fields, she did not show it. This happened for the well placed guards around the cleverly positioned pack amenities, for the display of poise and control shown at the training fields, and this even happened when Aoifa found her very favorite flowers planted in front of Gabal's lovely home.