Chapter 53

Gabriel welcomed the Council at the platform they had built up when they arrived two hours earlier. They had discussed pack business, potential dangers, and any adjustments they might make to benefit this pack. Afterwards, everyone was summoned for dinner, which I had skipped since I had been too nervous to meet the council to assist the pack ladies. Gabriel had informed me that I could wait to welcome them because I had not yet been announced as the official Luna, but I simply couldn't get myself to go up on stage with him.
They are all currently gathered in Gabriel's living room. As I go close to him, Gabriel holds my hand and draws me into his side, saying, "And this." Is Amanda Thomas my mate and Luna? A large group of guys are seated on sofas while black-clad guards stand against walls and survey the residence, giving the situation a more threatening appearance than it actually is. I give them a confident greeting while fiddling with Gabriel's shirt material behind his back, an activity that the onlooking throng in front is unaware of. He takes my hand right from behind then pulls me into the love seat while giving me a comforting grin since he can tell how anxious I am.
Leaning forward, a man with dark brown eyes and blonde hair clears his throat. "We won't be here for more than a week." We're here for another purpose, Gabriel, and it's not what you may expect. More disturbing than that, in fact. I've been told you need to perform a pack check. Gabriel scowls and leans slightly forward to ask, "What is the real cause then?
The vampire realm is aware of your powers' reawakening and your mate's discovery, which increases your strength. They would like you to dominate again. "No!" A loud snarl erupts from Gabriel, who at this point has brilliant red eyes, elongated teeth, and claws. "I shall never again govern them!" I don't object when he lifts me up and brings me onto his lap since I'm trying to soothe him down by toying with the back of his hair. I have not seen Dad so furious, and I understand that to argue or struggle now would be foolish.
His hands tighten around me to the point that his claw tips are pressing into my flesh, but not deeply enough to bleed. His body is stiff and trembling in rage. The males in the room are silent, watching him and I warily, as if they're awaiting for him to lose control and turn wolfish. I can't allow it to occur. I'm only thinking about myself right now, selfishly. He will either destroy the home or flee into the jungle if he shifts, which I don't want to happen. Being surrounded by so many strangers makes me uncomfortable. I just wanted him to stay calm and by my side. I soothe his cheek while stooping down, which makes him stifle a snarl.
I quietly whisper, "Gabriel," into his ear. ""I'm starting to panic out here, so please calm down." I give him a cheek kiss as he takes a deep breath of my scent—which is still strange to me—and smiles up at me with serene, green eyes. He sighs and turns to face the stranger once more. I'm never again in charge of their kingdom. They are to blame for my parents' deaths, I exclaim softly. His parents were slaughtered by vampires. I turned around and saw the man nod while he started talking. "We know," This is the reason we are here. Your pack has been given warriors and royal guards for the defense of you and your mate. "
Gabriel nods, then cradles my head with the crook of his neck, then gently rubs my ankle with the back of his thumb. I wish time would simply pause here because it is so soothing. I don't want any vampires, werewolves, or other creatures. I simply want to spend my entire life in his arms, as I am right now. I watch the men as they converse, becoming sidetracked as the sparks intensify before fading to mild sensations that make me want to scream. The guys ask me some questions regarding my life as well as what I thought about their universe, to which I reply respectfully, including finding out how they got council members.
Before the end of the evening, we've all gotten to know one another well, and there's no longer any awkwardness or tension. As Gabriel stands next to the senior citizen and shakes his hand, I get up and turn to face the other guards in the area. As Gabriel leads the men to the first floor, where the visitor bedrooms are, I turn around to say goodbye. I approach a recognizable man who is attempting to avoid me. I finally seize his arm and spin him around. He's there. The same big cheekbones, beautiful blue eyes, and caramel brown hair. He has developed muscle over the years, and his jaw now sports short, masculine stubble.

I stutter, "Philip?" as tears well up in my eyes. I immediately recognize him by his sigh and his guilty-looking eyes when he finally looks up at me. I'm very sorry, Amanda. He grabs my face, and I shaked my head as I allow him wipe the teardrop that has slipped and run down my cheek. When I was fourteen, I first met Philip. He became into my closest buddy and never left my side. Then, all of a sudden, he abruptly vanished, leaving behind a note in his illegible handwriting announcing his impending relocation to Florida. I would've been lying if I claimed it won't hurt considering we did almost everything together, and he went without saying goodbye. I let out a choking sob and fling myself at him, giving him a bear embrace. I sob into his shoulder as he strokes my back, "I-I missed you s-so much!" I ignore the background growl that I hear. After four years, I recently met my best buddy! So much has to be caught up on. I'm curious as to how he came to be on the Council. He mumbles, "I missed you too," as his arms around me more tightly. I'm really sorry Amanda, I had no option but to go in that manner.
Since it was so far away from you, I felt compelled to enroll in pack warrior training. Just being with you again makes me so happy. I step back and blot my tears. I grin as I look up at him. It's alright; all that counts is that you are here right now. He grinned and ruffled my hair, which made me smack his hand away. I embrace him once more and exhale contentedly. I'm hoping he never goes missing again.
My eyes shoot open as a thunderous growl reverberates across the air. I start to back away a little when I notice Gabriel's rage-filled gaze and gulp. Philip gently moves away from me while bowing to Gabriel and displaying his neck in what I later discovered was a gesture that the other person is not malicious. Gabriel grinds out of where he is positioned on the steps, "Amanda. Come here."

***Gabriel's very jealous now... Can you predict what happens next?***