SHE IS CONFIDENT, BUT SO AM I

CHAPTER 24: SHE IS CONFIDENT, BUT SO AM I
~ Harper’s POV ~

Kai turned and walked away, leaving me and Gabriel standing there alone. “I thought you and Tanner were going to evaluate me. Also, that display with Samantha. Is there anything that I need to know or be worried about?” I bit my lip worried about his reply to my question. He looked down at me and gave me a warm smile. He placed his fingers under my chin and raised my head up so our eyes could meet.
“I just said that because I don’t want Samantha to be your charge. I want you to stay next to me.” He said, flashing me a big smile. “There is nothing about Samantha that you need to be worried about. She is just mad about the way that I ended things and wants to try to continue building a relationship that’s not even there. She already knows that I’m pursuing someone else. I don’t want to hide what you and I have, but I wanted to make sure you were okay with it being public before I said anything. I really want to take things slow and wait for you to get your wolf. It doesn’t hurt to let everyone know that you and I are in a relationship of some sort. I would hate for one of my pack members to get fresh with you.” He let out a low growl then using one hand, wrapped it around my waist and pulled me close. Looking down into my eyes He said to me with a low and possessive voice. “I don’t like to share what’s mine. Frankly, I don’t think I could keep myself from hurting someone if they came on to you.” Why is it that his possessiveness was so hot to me?

I slid my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes.
“Gabriel, if you are comfortable letting what we have be public, that is fine with me. Maybe it will keep Samantha’s grimy hands off you. I do think that we need to ease into it slowly though. Let’s not be hot and heavy in public or anything yet.” Gabriel gave me that cocky little smile that makes my insides melt.
“Sounds like a plan to me. Whatever you say goes. Now let’s get your pre workout done and we need to move into some sparring. Although I’m not sure I’m going to let you spar yet, so don’t get excited.” Gabriel had finished his workout already, so he stayed to help me with mine, making sure my forms were all correct. He’s like a drill Sergeant. A really hot drill Sergeant.

I loved how much he pushed me to keep going and try harder. I was able to meet all the goals that were set for me today.
“Wow, you really impressed me today. I didn’t think you could keep up with my workout regimen for you. I was trying to challenge you. I guess I’ll have to make it harder tomorrow.”
“This being only my second day back on the field, it was actually challenging for me. I won’t be back to the point where I was before my training ended for a while, I guess.” I walked over to my water bottle and got a drink.

I used a towel to wipe my face and neck off. Gabriel eyed my chest where some sweat was sliding down between my breasts. I shoved him on the shoulder playfully.
“What? Can you blame me? You're sexy as hell.” Gabriel eyed me up and down, causing my cheeks to redden.

I decided two can play this game, so I did what I’ve been dying to do ever since I laid eyes on Gabriel. I reached out my hand and with my fingers. I ran my fingers softly from his collarbone all the way down to his lower abdomen, taking my time to enjoy every smooth hard second of it. A low growl vibrated from deep within his chest. This caused my plan to backfire on me because my body moistened with anticipation. It did seem to push Gabriel over the edge.

He pulled me closer and lowered so that his mouth was next to my ear. He whispered low so that only he and I could hear what he was saying.
“Just so you know, the scent of your arousal is causing the shaft in my pants to grow. And if you don’t want me to take you to the showers right now, you better behave yourself because it’s hard enough for me to keep from having my way with you as it is.” I bit my lip giving him a flirtatious stare. I wanted to call his bluff, but by this point we were getting a lot of attention from surrounding pack members, including Samantha. Even though I don’t like the girl, I don’t think it’s right to rub my relationship with Gabriel in her face. As long as she stays away from me and keeps her hands off of Gabriel, I’m going to do my best to ignore her.

Gabriel took my hand and walked me over to the ring, where two female warriors were about done Sparring. But they both looked exhausted. One had a black eye that had started to swell shut. The other. Was bleeding from a cut on her cheek. They bumped wrists and hugged each other then walked out of the ring together. Tanner jogged over to where Gabriel and I were standing.
“So, Harper, are you ready to jump in the ring?” Feeling excited, I was about to answer him, ready to go.
“She’s not sparring Tanner. This is only her second day back on the field.” I’m not about to let him make decisions for me. Gabriel is my alpha and I respect him as such, but if someone tries to tell me that I am going to do something or I’m not going to do something, you can expect me to do the exact opposite.

I stepped around Gabriel and up to the ring. I gave Tanner a big smile, I'm excited because I’ve been out of the ring too long. I need to get loosened back up and this was the best way to do it.
“Yeah, I’m ready, Tanner. Who am I sparring with?” Tanner bounced around like he was an excited kid in a candy store.
“Since it’s only your second day here on our field. I was thinking maybe you and Lauren could spar. She could use the practice and it would give us a good chance to check out your skill set.” Gabriel tugged me over to him looking at me in the eye. I gave him a look back daring him to tell me I wasn’t going to do this. He gave me an amused smile, finally, realizing that I wasn’t one that could be told what to do easily.
“Unless you want to use your alpha voice on me. I suggest you come to terms with the fact that I don’t easily submit.” His eyes darkened, and he smiled at me, possessively
“When the time comes, we’ll see just how easily you submit. And for the record I find it hot as hell that you don’t like to be told what to do.” I grinned at Gabriel. Ready for this match. I stepped inside the ring.

A young girl about my age, my size and build was walking up towards the ring. This must be Lauren. She gave me a friendly smile and I gave her a smile back. Before she could get into the ring Samantha stopped her.
“I will be sparring with Harper today. Seeing as I am charged over the female warriors and training, I find it only fitting that I am the one to evaluate her skill set.” Samantha climbed into the ring. Nothing would suit me better.

A playful smile spread over my lips. Tanner looked nervously from Gabriel to me to Samantha and back. A look of anger rested on Gabriel’s face.
“Samantha, you and I both know that this isn’t why you’re challenging Harper. Give it a rest and go back to your responsibilities. If you can’t act more professional than this, maybe you shouldn’t be in charge of the females.” Samantha looked at me with a menacing grin. She was confident, but so am I. Her height and long reach don’t intimidate me at all.

Samantha looked over at Gabriel. “Don’t worry baby, I’ll be quick. But then you and I can go back to what we were doing this morning before we were interrupted.” Gabriel gave out a loud growl. What was she talking about? Was she insinuating that she and Gabriel were together this morning?
“Get out of the fucking ring, Samantha.” Gabriel’s voice boomed. He was pacing back and forth along the side of the ring. If Gabriel wasn’t such a gentleman, I would believe he was capable of choking her with his bare hands at this moment.

Gabriel mind linked to me.
“Don’t believe her, Harper. She’s lying. She’s seen how close we have been to each other today. She must know that you are the girl that I am pursuing. She’s just mad and trying to get back at you. Just get out of the ring and I’ll handle her. You won’t have to worry about her again.” I had a feeling her volunteering to get in the ring with me had something to do with Gabriel.

It didn’t matter to me. Either way it was going to be fun.
“It’s OK, Gabriel. I want this just as bad as she does.” He looked at me, his eyes asking me if I was sure. I nodded letting him know that I am sure. Gabriel nodded back at me, realizing that I wouldn’t let him make my decisions for me.