I WILL ALREADY BE THERE

CHAPTER 28: I WILL ALREADY BE THERE
~ Harper’s POV ~

After training I was starving so I decided to go to the dining hall and grab some food. I found a table and sat down to eat. I had almost finished eating when Tanner and Kai walked up to me sitting their trays down on the table.

“Hey guys, are you just now getting to eat?” I asked.
“Yeah, we had a meeting with Gabe in his office.” Kai replied to me. Picking up his spoon to dip it into his soup.
“So, are you hiding something from me Harper?” I looked at Tanner confused. Kai covered his eyes with his hand and shook his head at Tanner.
“Um… Not that I know of.” I laughed at him
“Admit it, you’re a demigod, aren’t you?” I choked getting strangled while getting a sip of my water.
“You're joking, right? Kai, tell me he is joking…” Kai laughed.
“I am joking, but Harper, you have some mad skills. I’m proud of you kid.” Tanner said to me with a big smile. “For the record, I am never letting you live this down. If we are ever in battle and we are in trouble, I’m just going to mind link Gabe to send in the juggernaut. Then you are supposed to come in guns blazing!” He sounded excited as he was saying that last part. I laughed out loud. “Well… not really with guns blazing, but you get the idea.”

Kai was waiting for my reaction.
“Tanner if any of you are ever in trouble, you won’t have to call me because I will already be there. Besides, I'm not a juggernaut. You can call me care package or something like that.” I laughed as I said that last part. Kai laughed and slapped his knee.
“I love this girl, she can hang.” Kai said with a big smile on his face.
“Oh, that reminds me. We should all go out tonight. We haven’t been to the city in a while and club howl is having a special DJ there tonight! We have all been working so hard, especially since Harper arrived.” He looked at me jokingly. I smiled at him.
“I would love to go but I don’t turn 18 until the day after tomorrow. They won’t let me in.” I said feeling disappointed.

I have never been to a club before. I wanted to experience it at least once in my lifetime.
“Don’t worry about that, I have connections at club howl. Isn’t it obvious that the owner of the club is a werewolf? I’ll get you in. Maybe if you go then Gabe will also. He is always working. It’s been a while since he has let himself have any fun.” A big smile spread across my face, and I jumped up in excitement. I looked up and saw Gabriel walking back down the stairs. He smiled when he saw me and started walking our way.
“Oh, crap here we go.” Kai said. I didn’t understand what he was referring to. Gabe finally arrived at our table. She walked over to me and snaked his left arm around my waist pulling me closer to him. I loved the way it felt being in his arms.

“Gabe?” Tanner started out slowly. I watched as Gabriel’s smile fell from his face as he looked at Tanner. “Don’t be mad, ok….”
“I’m already mad, what is it, Tanner? You know what… no…the answer is no. Whatever you are trying to get me into tonight it’s not happening.” Gabe said. His face softened. He seemed satisfied as if he dodged a swift kick to the gut. “Hey, baby.” Gabe said to me. He kissed me on the neck right below my ear, causing my body to shiver. I leaned into him wanting more contact.

I could never get enough of him. Tanner spoke up, continuing his argument.
“Ok, I guess it's just Kai, Harper, and I then. Just so you know I won’t be available to run tonight. It’s not like you haven’t ditched me two nights in a row or anything.” Tanner knew what he was doing when he threw my name into the mix as Gabriel stiffened next to me.
“What do you mean Harper? Where are you going?” Gabriel asked Tanner with an agitated tone.

Tanner shrunk down in his seat a little bit obviously dreading telling Gabriel the next part.
“Oh… nowhere, just club howl that’s all. We will be back late, so don’t wait up.” Gabriel’s eyes widened.
“The hell she is!” Gabriel’s voice boomed over the dining hall. We have an audience now. The boys didn’t seem to mind though.
“I wouldn’t tell the juggernaut no Gabe.” Tanner said then Kai laughed out loud. Spitting his drink all over the table. I looked at Gabriel. Who does he think he is! If I had a wolf she would be growling right now.

I stepped out of Gabriel’s arm and stomped toward the stairway. I looked back at the boy’s agitation written all over my face.
“I’ll be ready by 10:00. Is that a good time?” Tanner nodded head as if he was afraid of something. I proceeded up the stairs. Now I must figure out what I am going to wear. I don’t have a clue what people even wear to these things.

~ Gabriel’s POV ~

I watched as Harper stomped away up the stairs toward her room. I could choke Tanner right now.
“Tanner, you know that Thane is after Harper. She isn’t safe outside our border.” I was so mad at him right now. Tanner is still trying to convince me that everything would be ok.
“Gabe, it’s been a while since we have all been out. Thane and his pack won't risk causing a scene in such a populated place. We have all been working hard here. Let’s just go out and have a little fun. Then we will get back to work tomorrow… maybe.”
“Tanner, I can't leave. Especially if you and Kai are both gone. Who will be watching over the pack?” I asked.

“You talk like I am already dead and gone.” I turned to see my father walking toward us.
“Good evening father, I just don’t think it’s a good idea to go out right now.”
“I heard some of the conversation. I have to say that I agree with Tanner on this one.” My eyes shot wide open.
“How could you agree with Tanner?” I asked.

Who in their right mind would agree with Tanner? My father placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Gabriel, I am still the alpha of this pack, and you are still my son. You are doing well adjusting to all your added tasks as I prepare to hand it all over to you. But I ask you, let yourself be 19 for tonight. I know you’re a responsible young man, and I am so proud of you. Don’t worry about things here. As far as Harper goes, I believe she will be fine in the city. I know club howl is a rowdy place but, you are my son and I know you can handle it.”

Tanner and Kai were now giving each other hi-fives. Maybe I should relax for tonight. I won’t get to do this much after I take my father’s place.
“I hear you father. Fine, I’ll go out tonight. If you need me, call my cell. It’s too far away to use mind link.” I said to my father. He nodded his head and patted my shoulder.
“Very well, don’t party too hard tonight, be responsible. I also ask that each of you have a drink for me as the Moon Goddess knows I need it.” He said as he walked back toward his office. Kai, Tanner, and I all laughed at him as he disappeared down the hallway.
“Forgive me?” Tanner asked, grinning at me.
“I don’t know, we will see how tonight goes. I have to go check on Harper. Make sure everyone knows that I will be out tonight and to go to my father with any issues.” I started walking toward the stairway.
“I’ll take care of it.” Tanner said.
I didn’t turn back to look at him. He knew I heard him.