Chapter 56
I grin broadly and wink at him as we both laugh together about how frequently I have indeed been late for school as a result. Before I see Kelvin's hand snuck upon my plate and go for the skewer, he nods his head amusedly. I slap it and roll my eyes as he pouts and shouts out in amazement before giving me a bear hug that is so tight I can hardly breathe. A loud growl reverberates through the air as I attempt to shove him away with my palm. I immediately flash Kelvin a look of disbelief as he draws back as if I had scorched him.
Understanding how possessive my partner can become, he snickers beneath his breath before standing and leaving. I give Gabriel a stern look before puffing and turning to resume eating. I curse at him while I eat, only pausing when a mob of children would rush by. I could still hear Chris and Linda laughing right at me as they settle down on top of a log on the other side of the flames. He then sits down next to me, but I continue to look at the burning wood. I finally must approach him because I can't stand the stillness any longer. I'm a Lycan, it is always in our nature. "For once, could you not be a jealous male?! "
He deadpans, prompting me to imitate him with a low, heavy voice that sounds nothing like the way he talks, which causes him to stare at me. We are only pals. "I don't like him. Why do you even have to snarl each time I'm around him or any one of the boys?" He touches you excessively. Gabriel, all he just did was offer me a warm embrace. Stop taking my food, that's nothing! I push him while sulking about the skewer that is still missing from my dish. As he places the dish next to him and aside from me, I am dragged into his lap and tightly grasped.
I flush in shame as I realize that a large group of people are undoubtedly listening in on our conversation—or, more accurately, dispute. I avert my eyes from Gabriel and cross my arms as he holds out the very last piece of chicken while tapping my lips. ''You. Are. Ridiculous! You know I do have hands," he shrugs indifferently. "I know. Eat right away. "Amanda, no," I said. I feel myself being pulled forward, and then his lips graze against my ear, sending tingles through my body.
If you don't speak up right now, "I promise to the Goddess of the Moon, I will drive you into the lengthiest make-out session." I open it right away. Sensing that it will make me feel terrible about myself, he smirks condescendingly at me. Gabriel only needs to peck my cheek in front of others for me to change into a bright red tomato. He kisses my forehead and motions to one of the pack members for more food while I munch and snarl at him. I swallow the mouthful and wait for him to turn back to me before responding. "I don't feel love for you."
Well, I guess I'll have to fix that tonight, won't I?" he asks, his eyes blazing a brilliant gold color. "You won't do that." "You won't do that." And you'll like every minute of it, I can assure you, my pretty mate.
***
Everyone has gathered around the bonfire to listen as Gabriel recounts the history of this pack. He has moved me around while I'm still upon his lap so that my back rests on his chest as well as his strong arm is resting over my collarbone. The air becomes cool when the fire goes out. He tightens the blanket over us as a result of my increased cuddling with him. His tone is a thick rumbling that can both put me to sleep and make me pay close attention to everything he says. Around us, the pack is seated—some on logs, some, also, on the ground. Some people are with their friends, parents, or other family members.
As Gabriel speaks, I see a persistent spark of confidence in his deep green eyes. He still has a lovely face despite the flickering shadows. I sigh and stare up at the sky as I put my head back on his shoulder. It's really lovely. There's just something calming about a pristine night sky with a million stars. I could stay here all day. When I recall how my parents used to tell me about my grandparents being one of those stars above and that everyone who dies away becomes a star, tears start to fill up in my eyes.
They have since joined them. I sneeze, clearing my throat as softly as I can, trying not to make a scene. Of course, I overlooked the fact that one man will always be watching me. The same tale Gabriel told me as to how this pack started is being recounted by Gabriel again, but only a few reliable individuals are aware that he is a hybrid. I appreciate the prudence since there might be a traitor in the pack who could expose him and put the pack in risk. Nobody wants that to happen.
***
We stay there and listen till 1 in the morning, when we say our goodbyes and go for home. I enjoyed seeing my buddies again and getting to know everybody in the pack tonight. The women are extremely sweet; they invite me to gatherings and other things. With our hands clasped and each of us buried in our own thoughts, Gabriel and I return to his house along the sidewalk. I find it incredible how quickly my life has transformed. "What are you mulling over so much, Mi hermosa bebe?" As he nestles me onto his side and whispers, he awakens me from my reverie. (My beautiful baby)
"Everything." I sigh and give him a sideways hug as I encircle his waist. "Today was enjoyable," so why did you appear to be shedding tears at the clearing? He turns around and crosses his arms after I halt my progress. Even if the guards aren't watching me, he will still notice, so I should've known that. I pulled his hand away and entangled them once more as I sighed, leading the way for us. "My parents were just on my mind. Just that. " I give him a quiet smile before turning to face the forest's swaying trees. I've been told that they died. I apologize. " He squeezes my hand while muttering.