Mates of a Werewolf Hunter

Chapter 44 Playing Scissors

Gabriel Zades P.O.V

I sighed heavily, running my fingers through my wet blonde hair, seeking solace in the steam that enveloped me. The hot shower was my attempt to wash away the dense, suffocating tensions that had been pressing down on me.

Here I was, a reluctant guest in Alpha Winter's pack, seeking refuge in Lucifer's room. The twist of fate had been Lucifer himself nonchalantly offering to share the space with me, an act that left me both bewildered and intrigued. Was this gesture a sign of newfound camaraderie, or was it simply a fleeting attempt at courtesy from someone infamous for their indifference? Lucifer was known for his apathy, and deciphering his intentions was like trying to read a book with no text.

Despite my discomfort with displays of familial affection, my mind was preoccupied with the unconscious figure in the pack's medical room—my mate. As I descended the stairs, the absence of my father and Lucifer was conspicuous, leaving me to wonder about the potential bonding moments they might be sharing.

Entering the medical room, the lingering scent of her—a captivating mix of earthiness and something indefinably alluring—hit me. Her appearance was a stark contrast to her usual grace; dirt-covered and disheveled, she looked like a survivor of a storm. But even in her state, there was an undeniable beauty that couldn't be masked by the layers of grime. Her eyes, the lightest shade of green, seemed to hold secrets that drew me in.

"Hi, Lilith." I said softly, trying to bridge the gap between us. I wanted to acknowledge her resilience, despite the chaos surrounding her. The room was filled with unspoken tension, emotions tangled with alliances, and the weight of our unspoken connection.

Her gaze met mine, unperturbed and steady. It was as if, even in her vulnerability, she possessed a quiet strength that spoke louder than words. The situation was more complex than the layers of dirt on her; it was a narrative of shifting loyalties and hidden truths, and I found myself drawn deeper into its enigmatic folds.

Lilith Ra P.O.V

"Hi, Lilith," My mate greeted, his voice husky, sending unexpected shivers down my spine as my name rolled off his tongue. His presence, so close yet so commanding, had a magnetic pull that drew me in. He seemed to notice my reaction, a smirk playing on his beautifully pink lips that added an intriguing layer to the encounter.

"I don't know your name." I confessed, realizing I hadn't bothered to ask amidst the chaos. His frame inched closer, and I could feel the tension between us thickening.

"It's Gabriel." he answered. As I repeated his name in my mind, testing it out, his smirk widened slightly, almost as if he was pleased by my curiosity.

"Gabriel?" I asked, unable to suppress my intrigue. His smirk faltered, replaced by a scowl.

"Isn't that a girl's name?" I blurted out, the question escaping before I could stop it. His reaction was immediate—his face darkened, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"It's not pronounced like that." he retorted, annoyance evident in his voice.

"Whatever," I dismissed, ready to leave. But before I could move, Gabriel had me back on the bed, his arms effortlessly cradling me as if I weighed nothing. His strength was unsettling, yet strangely comforting.

"Why can't you just let me go?" I sighed, my exhaustion palpable.

"Isn't it obvious?" A voice I loathed chimed in from behind me. I turned to see scissors in the air, and in a moment of sheer desperation, I grabbed them and hurled them towards the voice. To my surprise, Gabriel's identical counterpart, Lucifer, caught them with a casual ease and turned them back towards me.

With a bored expression, he tossed them back, landing dangerously close between my thighs. My heart raced with a mixture of fear and anger. Gabriel, however, quickly took control, grabbing the scissors and throwing them at the wall, where they shattered into pieces.

"Job well done." Lucifer praised, eyeing the broken remnants with a smirk. His sudden change in demeanor left me confused, the conversation taking an abrupt and unsettling turn.

"Got any information from her?" Lucifer asked, his eyes shifting between Gabriel and me. The realization hit me like a cold wave—their sudden appearance might have hidden agendas, and Gabriel's silence hinted at an unspoken plot.

"I think she should spend the night in the cells." Lucifer suggested, his voice carrying a sly edge. Gabriel's response was immediate—a low growl that emanated from deep within him.

"No, she won't be."

"She's dangerous." Lucifer argued, trying to sway Gabriel's decision.

"Only to you," Gabriel retorted, the tension between them palpable.

"You don't understand." Lucifer insisted, his voice rising.

"You do? I know it's entertaining for you to watch our species in cages, but not for me," Gabriel declared, his words heavy with experience and disdain.

"I'm one of you now!" Lucifer screeched, his voice filled with a mix of anger and desperation.

"Half, and you'll always be the half of everything." Gabriel shot back. The remark seemed to hit Lucifer hard, leaving him momentarily stunned and hurt.

As Lucifer stormed out, slamming the door behind him, Gabriel's regret flickered briefly in his eyes before he masked it with practiced ease. It dawned on me—he had defended me.

"Now, you need to be obedient." Gabriel said, lowering himself to my eye level. His commanding aura was undeniable, but there was an undercurrent of something more complex, something I couldn't quite place.

"That starts with a shower." he finished, his tone a mix of authority and a strange, underlying concern. The command left me feeling a curious blend of apprehension and intrigue about what lay ahead.

Lucifer Zades P.O.V

The words that slipped from Gabriel's lips cut deep, a sting like a thousand barbed needles piercing my core. I struggled to keep my composure, clutching desperately at the mantras that echoed in my mind: Keep your guard up, Lucifer. Never trust anyone. They were my only defense against the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

Seventeen years of silent resentment had suddenly come to a head, and now, this man—who had torn my world apart—wanted to step into the role of a father. Gabriel's words had made it painfully clear: it was too late.

As my eighteenth birthday approached, the air was thick with tension. The threat of Kyle loomed over us like a storm cloud, his vendetta not just against me but poised to unravel the entire pack. His hunger for destruction, driven by envy and a need for attention, was a dangerous catalyst for a potential clan war. I couldn't bear the thought of turning against my friends, and the weight of this looming conflict was a constant gnawing presence in my mind.

Amidst this chaos, the only solace I craved was a fleeting moment of peace with Valentine. She was my sanctuary, the light in a world darkened by turmoil. With Zachary no longer a looming obstacle, I slipped quietly into her room, hoping to find some reprieve.

Valentine lay asleep, her peaceful demeanor a stark contrast to the storm raging outside. I slid under the blankets beside her, wrapping my arm around her waist, seeking her warmth and comfort. As if sensing my presence, she stirred and turned to me, her eyes meeting mine. She greeted me with a soft, lingering kiss that melted away some of the darkness I carried.

Her touch was a balm to my fractured soul, and a rare, genuine smile graced my lips. In that moment, amidst the chaos, she was my haven. As her breathing steadied and she settled back into sleep, I tightened my embrace, finding a sense of reassurance in our closeness.

I pressed a tender kiss to her temple, a silent promise forming in the quiet of the night. I vowed to protect her, to shield our future from the shadows of my past. In her arms, I found my anchor, a beacon of hope amidst the storm that threatened to engulf us.