Chapter 69 - Under The Sheets: Part One (1/2)

Gabriel stared down at his little she-wolf curled up under the black silk bedsheets, her dark brown hair tousled and falling down her back. After she passed out, he tucked her in and couldn't help but watch her. His eyes roamed her body both in awe at how beautiful she was and assessing her scars while she slept. He couldn't understand why anyone would do such horrific and cruel things to their mate. From his understanding of the bond between werewolf partners, Esme's mate would feel everything she felt unless he blocked it out.

Either way, it was sickening to think about.

Gabriel raised his hand and stroked Esme's cheek as he gazed upon her adoringly; he couldn't imagine ever hurting her. But then again, he never imagined killing his first love. He looked away from Esme, his gaze hardening from the pang of betrayal he still felt from her.

All these years, she had been the reason Gabriel never looked past the physical comforts of the women he lay with, but as he looked back at Esme, he knew that wasn't the case. Somehow, she crept up on him and started chiselling away at the ice surrounding his heart. He couldn't say for sure it was love, but it was more than a simple fling.

Gabriel found it very peculiar, though, how he ended up so enamoured by such a little creature. But one thing he was sure of, for now, he would do what he could for her. Gabriel knew Esme could take care of herself, she was a rogue and not any rogue but an ex-Hellhound of all things, but she needed help. If he wanted her to stay in Chester, then her ex needed to go. He just had to find out more about him than that fucking image of their first meeting that popped into her head.

Gabriel sighed; he'd tried to peek inside of her head while she slept when everyone had their guard down. Nope, not Esme. Even now, she had this protective wall around her; it was a sure sign that she didn't sleep much. Yet, right now, she was sleeping peacefully.

He smirked; he was the reason for that. He kissed her on the head and pulled her in closer to his chest, enjoying her warmth and her delicious scent. It reminded him of times when he travelled the unpolluted roads of the world, where the air was fresh, and there was no electricity. The vampire put his nose to her hair and inhaled deeply, relaxing into her; her scent was distinctly like the grass and trees after a downpour of rain, fresh and crisp.

”Ngh,” Esme murmured something incoherent in her sleep, and Gabriel heard her restful heart begin to drum loudly and her body tense. Was she having a nightmare?

”Esme..” He frowned.

Esme slowly stirred, her lids fluttered open, and she became increasingly aware of her naked self under some black silk bedsheets, her body pressed against a hard chest. She inhaled sharply, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, and she tensed up.

No, no, no!

Esme clenched her eyes shut, wishing it to be another nightmare, but this felt all too real. She wasn't really in Ethan's arms, right?