Whispers Of The Shadows-The UNKNOWN

Whispered Doom

Gabriel walked ahead without a backward glance, his commanding presence ensuring everyone in the lobby either stepped aside or lowered their gazes. Zahra stood still for a moment, the word "daddy" echoing embarrassingly in her mind. Her cheeks burned, but she quickly shook it off, picking up Teddy's leash and following him.

"Move it, dove," Gabriel said over his shoulder, his tone calm but edged with impatience.

"I'm coming, tornado," Zahra muttered under her breath, loud enough for him to hear.

Gabriel stopped abruptly, turning to face her with a raised brow. "Tornado?" he repeated, his voice low and faintly amused.

"Well, you are. Always storming in, leaving everyone spinning," she replied with a smirk, walking past him before he could respond.

Gabriel's lips twitched, but he didn't rise to the bait. "Keep talking, dove. It's entertaining."

They reached the car, and without a word, Gabriel opened the passenger door for her, placing Coco and Teddy in the back before sliding into the driver's seat.

"You're driving?" Zahra asked, genuinely surprised.

"Do you see anyone else in the driver's seat?" Gabriel shot back, starting the car.

Zahra rolled her eyes, leaning back into her seat. "You could have just said yes. You don't always have to sound so... intimidating."

Gabriel glanced at her briefly, the corner of his mouth curving into a faint smirk. "If I started explaining everything, you'd miss the thrill."

"Oh, yes, the thrill of sitting in silence while you act mysterious," she teased, crossing her arms.

"Tch," Gabriel muttered, his attention shifting back to the road. "You talk too much."

"You're welcome," Zahra quipped, glancing out the window.

The dogs barked happily from the back, Coco wagging his tail and Teddy leaning against the seat. Zahra turned slightly to check on them, her lips curving into a soft smile.

"Where are we going?" she asked after a moment, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"You'll see," Gabriel replied, his voice curt but with a trace of amusement.

Zahra sighed dramatically. "Always so cryptic. Do you think it makes you more appealing?"

"Doesn't it?" Gabriel countered, his smirk growing sharper.

She stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. "You're impossible," she finally muttered, shaking her head.

"Good thing you like a challenge," he replied without missing a beat.

Zahra rolled her eyes again but couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at her lips. The banter continued as the car sped through the city, the atmosphere lighter than usual, even with Gabriel's usual sharp edges.

After finishing eating and shopping they drove through the city, Zahra and Gabriel's playful banter continued. Gabriel expertly navigated the traffic, his focus sharp as he maneuvered the car through the bustling streets. Zahra, leaning back in her seat, occasionally glanced over at him, a bemused expression on her face. The dogs, Coco and Teddy, had settled down in the back, enjoying the ride with occasional bouts of playful barking.

"We're headed to that new park downtown," Gabriel said after a moment of silence. "Thought the dogs could use some fresh air."

Zahra's eyes widened slightly. "You're taking us to a park?"

"Why not?" he retorted, a hint of challenge in his tone. "You like parks, don't you?"

"Yeah, but I didn't think you cared about dogs or parks," she admitted, her voice tinged with surprise.