The Secret Pull

Chapter 14 - After the attack

PAUL -

I ran through the tunnels, eager to get back to Gabby. To say this wasn't how I wanted to introduce her to the pack was an understatement. I had to get a handle on these wolves that were now invading our territory. Something was going on and it was bringing uneasiness to the entire pack. All of this conflict might scare Gabriella off and I didn't want that. I didn't intend for her to see the tunnels so soon. But at least we know that our safety procedures work. We were able to intercept those wolves before they came anywhere near the packhouse. There was enough time to get the house on lockdown and everyone safe in the caves.

I was right behind Josiah as he knew which cave my mate was in. He was just as eager to get to Bo as I was to Gabby. He was a good soldier and he fought hard today. I could tell my Beta was working with him. He was a little beaten up but he would heal soon. I was very surprised, and a little irritated, to learn that he and Gabby were so close. But, after their little embrace, I let Josiah know very quickly how I felt about it when I linked with his mind. I warned him. She's mine and he should be careful about how he touches her.

Better yet, don't touch her at all!

He stopped in front of one of the smaller caverns and I ordered the guards on the other side of the door to release the barrier. As Alpha, I entered first and was taken aback by what I saw. I certainly wasn't expecting to hear laughter. I walked in and Gabby was in the middle of the cave surrounded by other members of the pack. Bo was bouncing on her lap and there were butterflies and birds flying in circles above everyone. I was so astonished I just stood there. Gabby looked like an angel, like a Disney princess. Josiah called out for Bo and that was when she turned and noticed me. Instantly the birds and butterflies changed into rocks and fell to the ground. Bo started to cry but then squealed with excitement at the sight of this father who squeezed through behind me.

Josiah extended an arm to help Gabby up from the ground and scooped his son into his other arm. He thanked her and she pulled him into an embrace.

Just....no.

I was in front of her in two strides. I didn't think I looked that bad but she gasped when she saw me and reached out to touch my face. I grabbed her wrist before she could make contact and took her hand in mine. "I'm ok" I leaned in and whispered. I twisted her hand towards me and kissed her open palm.

The ride home on the bike was quiet. Too quiet. I had to know what she was thinking. Was she scared? Did she not feel safe? I had to say something to get inside that head of hers. "That was a cute trick with the rocks back at the cave," I was trying to keep it light.

"Mmm," she gripped my chest tighter. "I was showing off a little. Everyone there thinks I'm some super powerful badass witch", she chuckled through the helmet's headset.

"That's because you are!" But I was met with silence.

"How many of them were there?" she responded after a few minutes.

"Too many" I sighed in frustration, knowing fully she was referring to the number of rogues we fought today. Her left hand slid up and covered my heart over my jacket. The way she clung to me, I felt like a king.

At the house, I showered in the guest bathroom and left Gabby in the master bedroom. I could hear her as she got out of the shower and dried off. I knew I shouldn't listen but I couldn't help myself. It was all I could do to not think about her. As I towel-dried my hair, I listened to her slide under the covers of my bed. I allowed my mind to wander as I pictured her lying naked under the sheets, waiting for me. My thoughts switched to me, grabbing a fistful of her gorgeous red hair, as I took her from behind. She would cry out as I took her, looking at the reflection of us in the window against the full moon through the trees.

Damn it!

I need to get those thoughts out of my head. I had to control my arousal around her. I already wanted to mark her. My wolf NEEDED to mark her and make her mine forever. I was full of excitement about finally having my mate to share life with but I need to go slow. I don't know if she's ready. It's a privilege to be allowed to touch her after all the things I have done to her in the past.

Once I was no longer under the influence of her mother's spell again, I knew I would love her forever. I would not convince myself otherwise. I don't know how much damage I have done to our relationship but I know she truly cares for me. It's different from having a wolf mate because I'm unable to hear her thoughts and sense her moods. Gabby seems to want to leave our past in the past. The way she kissed me and clung to me, I felt like I was being slingshotted into the sky. Did she feel the same?

I wondered if I could ever mind link with her because she wasn't a wolf. Would I be able to communicate with her and sense her emotions if I marked her? This was all new territory for us both. And, there was still so much I had to teach my Luna about pack life.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I still had some awful-looking blue and purple bruises on my chest but they should be gone by tomorrow. I winced as I twisted to get a better look at my back. I was the most brutal I'd ever been while fighting rogues. Every day since she healed me I've felt stronger and more invincible. I was overcome with rage and an insatiable bloodlust. These wolves would dare to come into our territory on the day I brought Gabriella. My thirst for violence was unmatched. I was wild in my attack. Gabby has seen me kill, but not like this. I had to ensure that her future with me would always be peaceful. I will kill every last enemy to achieve that.

As I pulled up the gray joggers that I typically slept in, I was hit with a strong aroma. It was Gabriella, but it was more than that. It was more intense with a spiciness to it. Realization hit me like a bomb explosion. She was aroused right now. I could smell her sweet aroma and now that I was focused, I could hear her heavy breathing. I had to grip the counter to steady myself against it.

Oh Fuck No!

Before I knew it, I was knocking at her door.