The Secret Pull

Chapter 10 - Family Business

PAUL  -

I groaned and buried my face in Gabby's neck. I reluctantly pulled away for only a moment to say, "Let's hope they go away." She giggled and I swear I never heard a more beautiful sound. I continued to hold her tightly as I planted kisses along her warm neck.

Then I heard through the front door, "Paul, it's JJ. I'm here to see my sister!"

I grumbled as Gabby squealed and pulled away from me. Having her pressed against me felt amazing. She fit perfectly in my arms, and her scent set me ablaze with lust. My body was still vibrating from our all to brief kisses. With the warmth of her body removed, I felt cold and frustrated. But my heart was soaring with the realization that Gabby didn't reject me. I know she still felt our bond. I could feel it. I was elated that she let me kiss her. The sound of her rapid heartbeat throughout our entire conversation only inflamed my growing need. My tongue slid across my bottom lip, still savoring the sweet taste of her.

I hope Gabby can forget about the things I did in high school, the things I said a few days ago. I want to bury what happened between us in the past. I don't care anymore about how we started. I know how our story ends, and it is with us together. I wish she understood how amazing she felt in my arms. No other person has ever made me this excited with the slightest touch. I now understood why I reacted the way I did at the gas station a few days ago. I couldn't deny how close I came to losing it, being so close to her. Stupidly I thought the bracelet I wore to protect myself from her wasn't working. I watched regretfully as she ran to the front door and I slowly followed to unlock it.

She leaped into her brother's arms as soon as I opened the door. Her brother was dressed in his uniform with his hand on his sidearm. His blonde hair reminded me of his mother's. He had broad shoulders and stood about an inch shorter than me. He eyed me suspiciously over her shoulder as she hugged him. "Paul was supposed to let us know when you were awake". His eyes never leave mine. Behind him, a heavily pregnant woman with short hair pushed her way in. I recognized her as the woman Gabby was with that night.

"Gabby! You're awake!" she shouted. She pulled Gabby out of her brother's arms, into an embrace and swayed as they hugged each other. "JJ, made it seem like you were in some sort of a coma or something!" She pulled away although maintaining her grip as she stared into Gabriella's eyes. "I came for my hoodie!" she stately plainly with a serious face that quickly morphed into a smile. Gabby started laughing and pulled her into another hug.

Gabby then turned to me and introduced her. "Paul, this is JJ's wife, Jessica."

"Call me Jess," She said as she swung her belly towards me with a big warm smile and a little wave. This surprised me because she was the first of Gabriella's relatives to regard me without disdain. Not that I didn't deserve it, but thankfully Jessica wasn't from this town and didn't grow up with us.

"Are you ok Paul? The last time I saw you, you didn't look so good", she grinned. I raised a brow and chuckled. The last time I saw her I was in my wolf form, lying in the middle of the road beaten and bruised with a broken hind leg. "I am much better now that I have Gabby with me," I said flashing my smile at her. The way her hand absentmindedly drifted over her heart told me I still had a little sway with the ladies.

Gabby turned to me excitedly and said "Jessica was the one that kept us hidden from your little wolf war the other night". I turned to examine this young woman, surprised that someone so unassuming wielded that kind of supernatural ability. She stood there wearing jeans and a Star Wars t-shirt that fit snuggly over her swollen belly. Her short hair was pinned back unnecessarily with a clip that looked like a butterfly. I took a step towards her offering my hand to shake when her husband quickly inserted himself between us. I smiled at his nervousness. He had good reason to be wary of me but we were family now.

"We need to talk Paul," JJ said curtly. His jaw clenched, trying not to sound too hostile. I looked at him and nodded and gestured towards my study. He knows where it is, he has been there many times before. I looked at Gabby and she looked at me quizzically. I mouthed "I'll be right back," with a mock expression of fear. She giggled and I smiled back at her before turning towards my study.

I shut the door behind me and walked behind my desk and sat down but JJ remained standing. "Have you disposed of those bodies? I need to make sure no one is going to come looking for them", he said in a hushed tone. I nodded affirmatively. "I need to know what kind of trouble we're in. Are you in some sort of war? I don't want my sister, family, or hell...this whole damn town in the middle of your shi...." He suddenly stopped when I raised a finger and took a deep breath. I started to feel that familiar tingling whenever I was close to Gabriella. Before knowing she was my mate, I couldn't explain it. Now I understood it. I could smell her sweet scent in the room. She was in here. I don't know how, but she was in the room with us.

"Gabriella," I whispered to him. I started looking around the room. "I KNOW you're in here. Show yourself!" I called out. JJ and I quickly turned as Gabby and Jessica materialized, standing in the corner in front of the bookshelves. Gabby looked stunned and Jessica was hiding a smile with her lips pressed together.

We all stood there for a second before Jessica finally spoke. "We wanted to know what the two of you were talking about in here all alone." She shuffled her weight from one foot to the next, with her hand slowly caressing her belly. Gabriella stood next to her, expressionless. JJ stood there blinking his eyes, stunned.

I could hear Gabby's heartbeat racing again but this time it bothered me. It sounded like she was scared. I couldn't let that continue. I stared straight into her eyes. I was speaking to her and only her in the room. "JJ and I have been working together for years. We keep pack business away from the rest of the town." I watched as both she and Jessica raised their eyebrows in astonishment. "My father came to an agreement with your father years before. We all work together to keep the town safe and unaware of us; to keep the pack protected. I don't know why those wolves were in our territory. But I WILL resolve it before any danger comes to the town.'' I turned to stare at JJ for that last part.

JJ looked at me and grunted in acceptance. Gabby still looked unsettled. Jessica looked ....well Jessica looked angry. Jessica was the first to speak. She looked at her husband and said evenly, "I think we should go home, Joseph."

Uh oh, she used his first name.

"I think we need to talk." Jessica gritted through her teeth. JJ nodded before clearing his throat and following her out of the study. I could hear them whisper arguing in the foyer. Gabriella stood frozen to her spot in the corner. I rose from my desk and moved to stand in front of her. I could see her pupils widen as I'm sure my speed must have taken her aback. But she knows what I am and now there is no need to reduce my speed to appear human anymore.

"I don't ever want to lie to you," I said, as gently as I could. My hand reached out to gently graze her forearm with my knuckles. Gabby only stared back at me and licked her lips apprehensively. Her pink moist lips looked ready to be kissed. It was all I could do not press her against the bookshelves and take her, with her brother to the next room. We both turned in surprise as JJ stuck his head back into the room and asked if she was coming back with them.

Gabby looked at me and turned back to him shaking her head. "Paul can bring me back when I'm ready. I have a few more questions". I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.