Sacrifice

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

                Sophia had spent four days watching Gabriel while still managing her duties as the alpha. That task was far more difficult than she had thought, although she had never anticipated having so many problems to deal with at once. While having Gabriel with her meant the rest of the pack was keeping their distance, it also meant that there was a convenient source of stress relief lying right there on her couch, ready for action at a moment’s notice.

                Having decided that she liked having the lion around, she couldn’t help but wonder if she could convince him to stick around. She had her doubts that he would want to, especially if the pack continued to treat him like they had been. But as far as Sophia was concerned, he belonged in the pack, right there with her. Somehow, she’d have to get him to stay.

                The pack was only one obstacle to achieving that goal. The other was Gabriel himself. Sophia didn’t think the lion was entirely comfortable with her. Sometimes, she thought he was afraid of her. Yet he was always eager to have sex. She really couldn’t tell how he felt about her.

                “Hey. Simba.” Sophia called out to him, deciding to take a break from her work. Her thoughts were preoccupied by thoughts of Gabriel, and since she wasn’t focused, she might as well see if she could sort out the lion.

                “Yeah?” he asked, glancing away from the book he had been pretending to read. He didn’t really need to say anything; he knew what she wanted. She hardly spoke to him unless she wanted to have sex.

                Gabriel knew he shouldn’t complain. After all, Sophia was far better to him than the pride had ever been. At least she wanted him, even if it was only physical. But he couldn’t help but feel a little sad. He had always hoped that away from the pride, he would find people who actually liked him. He thought he could be more than simply a toy for a wolf.

                He sat his book to the side and looked at Sophia, waiting for her to tell him what she wanted. But instead of saying anything, she only stared at him, making him feel uneasy. He wondered if he should just start stripping or if he should continue to wait for her. The only thing he knew for sure was that he didn’t want her to get upset with him.

                “Is everything okay with you?” Sophia finally asked after deciding how she wanted to proceed with him. She had originally planned on flat out asking him if she scared him, but decided that wouldn’t work.

                “Um,” Gabriel said, not expecting that question. “Sure.”

                “Be honest,” Sophia ordered, certain he was hiding his feelings.

                “Um, well,” Gabriel stalled, not sure what to say. He didn’t want to tell her how he really felt, but he was worried she’d be upset if he lied. Either way, he felt like he was going to lose. He managed to make a few sounds, but didn’t manage to make any actual words. Fortunately, the door opening saved him.

                Growling, Sophia stood and turned towards the door.  She hated when people entered without knocking, especially when she was in the middle of something. Before the person had even entered, Sophia was ready to chew them out, but then she saw who it was and instantly stopped growling.

                “Mom?” Sophia said, confused and surprised. “What’re you doing here?”

                “Talon called,” her mother replied, glancing over at Gabriel. “I take it that’s the lion.”