Gabriel escorted Sabrina out of the building. River, Ryder and Lupin joined them too as they all went towards the car to go home for the night. Gabriel was exhausted after the long day, but the moment Sabrina had entered his office, the exhaustion had been swept away and never returned. He couldn't explain it, but her scent had been like a breath of fresh air that he craved all day to quench the fatigue. She easily took his mind off his problems, hardships. All he found himself focusing on was her.

"We'll take the other car," Ryder told his twin. Lupin followed Ryder. Sabrina and River had gotten into this car when his wolf's attentiveness had forewarned Gabriel.

Gabriel froze in his tracks.

Twilight had darkened the streets, that were still quite busy with traffic and pedestrians. But why did Gabriel feel exposed? he wondered. There was something wrong and his whole body had sensed it. Gabriel's wolf was alert and ready for the threat creeping in the shadows.

"Gabriel," Sabrina's voice pulled him back. "Are you okay?" her green eyes looked up from inside the car.

Gabriel took a clean sweep of his surroundings again. He didn't see anything peculiar that had warned him. But he never ignored his instincts, especially when his wolf was ready to kill. "Everything's fine," he said to calm his mate. Gabriel made sure that whatever alerted him knew that Gabriel was well aware of the threat, and the threat should fuck off or he'd start his hunt.

Gabriel didn't move until River got out of the car. "What's wrong?" River asked sternly, obviously sensing his alpha's dangerous mood.

Gabriel's gaze was threatening. "We're being watched," his voice a low growl.

River's jaw tightened. "Get inside the car," he said. "I'll get Ryder and Lupin on it." Gabriel wanted to hunt himself and River knew that. "Your mate is with us," said River and Gabriel immediately cooled. "We need to ensure her safety and yours." River was right, of course.

Gabriel got in the car and River texted the alert to his enforcers in the other car.

Sabrina definitely sensed the tension rising in the car, but she didn't ask anything about it. Gabriel simply slipped his hand into hers, she stared at him perplexed, but he wordlessly had reassured her that everything was under control.

River got them to the Centauri territory in due time. They got out of their cars. The lights in the house were on and Gabriel opened the door.

"Is everyone home?" Sabrina asked Gabriel.

"I think so," said Gabriel.

They entered the house. Hailey and Hunter were settled in the kitchen with Klaus making coffee.

"Oh, you are all home," said Klaus who saw Gabriel and Sabrina.

"Hey, Sabrina," said Hailey and Hunter smiled too.

"Hi guys," said Sabrina.

"Where are Viola and Vincent?" asked Gabriel.

"Vincent went to bed early and I think Viola's taking a shower," answered Klaus.

Abruptly, Hailey got to her feet. "We're going to bed too... Er- because Hunter's really tired," she said.

Hunter perked up. "I am?" he asked, confused. He shared a strange look from Hailey. "Oh, right, so sleepy." he faked a yawn.

"I was just going to bed too," said Klaus. "You two can eat alone."

"What about your coffee?" asked Gabriel.

Klaus stumped. "Er- I'm drinking it upstairs," he said. "Yeah, I have to mark some tests and assignments." Hailey, Hunter and Klaus were quick to escape from the kitchen.

"Damn, they're not subtle at all," muttered Gabriel. He was almost embarrassed to call them family. Klaus turned off all the light expect for the kitchen.

"They seemed strange, right?" asked Sabrina.

Gabriel tilted his head. He guessed that Sabrina didn't understand what they were trying to pull with that gambit earlier. "Are you hungry?" asked Gabriel.

"Very," she said. "Are you cooking?"

Gabriel smirked. "I can cook just as good as Klaus," he said.

Sabrina smiled. "I doubt anyone can cook as good as Klaus."

"Maybe, but I taught that boy his way around a kitchen," said Gabriel. He sauntered into the kitchen ready to prove that he was well enough a great cook himself. He opened the fridge and started to pull out ingredients for a tasty dish of spaghetti for two.

Gabriel was glad that his family gave them some time alone. All day he wanted to spend some time with Sabrina and his family needed a pat on the back for helping him.

"Do you need any help?" asked Sabrina.

"I would love some help," said Gabriel. She joined him near the stove where he put the noodles on boil. She took out the saucepan and he helped chop up some tomatoes.

"It's quiet without your family around," she said with a tender smile.

Gabriel leaned on the counter as the noodles came to a boil. "I know what you mean," he smiled at her back. "They are a rowdy bunch."

"They make me forget..." she mumbled.

Gabriel noticed the change in her posture. She turned around and faced him as the noodles boiled and the pan warmed on the stove. "Forget what?" he asked.

Sabrina's eyes softened. "What happened yesterday," she told him. "All of them make me forget that ever happened."

Gabriel stiffened. He came closer to her, closed the space and put his hands on her waist. He looked at her, a firm gaze that took away the uneasiness in her eyes. "You have nothing to worry about with me around," he promised. "I've got you."

Sabrina smiled. "Aren't you such a sweetheart," she jested. "What a reliable mate you are."

Gabriel shook his head and couldn't help but laugh with her. "Let me feed you some hot food," he said. Sabrina moved to the side and let Gabriel strain the cooked noodles in a strainer.

Sabrina helped him cook the sauce and just like him she liked her food perfectly seasoned. The right amount of salt and spice. Gabriel gave her the plates and she set the table for them.

"What about River, Ryder and Lupin?" asked Sabrina. "Did they eat dinner?"

Gabriel smiled, he found it sweet that she worried over those wolves. "I'm sure they did," he said. "They aren't the type to work on an empty stomach, except River- he's a machine."

She chuckled. "Okay," she said and went back to pouring them some wine.

Gabriel phone buzzed when Sabrina joined his side. He took out his cellphone and saw a quick message from River. "I need to get this," he told Sabrina.

"Yeah, it's no problem," she said as she stirred the sauce.

Gabriel left the kitchen and went onto the porch. Instead of River, his twin Ryder had appeared. "What did you find?" he asked.

"Nothing," said Ryder. "The area was secure."

Gabriel crossed his arms. "Hmm," his frown showed Ryder that he wasn't convinced. He knew what he felt earlier and someone was definitely watching them.

"I'm not saying that you didn't sense anything," said Ryder. "But the person following us probably ran for it after they sensed danger."

"That could be it," said Gabriel sternly.

"Gabriel," Ryder's blue gaze, at times like this, always reminded Gabriel of River. "Instead of you, do you think that it was Sabrina who was being watched?"

Gabriel's mood darkened. "Yeah," he answered. Gabriel raked his hair, a habit out of annoyance. "Go home for tonight. Let this matter go but don't let your guard down when you protect Sabrina tomorrow for work."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you something," said Ryder.

Gabriel wanted to go back inside. "What now?" he asked.

"It was at Sabrina's photoshoot today," he said. "There was a photographer Jon Adler who was all over her. He even snapped at some girls."

Gabriel raised a brow. His face twisted with disgust. "How unsettling," his voice low and cold.

"I bet a lot of guys fawn over Sabrina though," said Ryder nonchalantly. "It's hard not to when she looks like that." Gabriel's temper snapped in half. His glare made Ryder snicker. "Relax-" Ryder patted Gabriel supportively- "all I'm saying is mark that mate of yours already and make her our alpha-female."

"That's the plan," said Gabriel. "Get some sleep and make sure River gets something to eat, that man always sleeps without dinner if I'm not around."

"Yes, boss," he grinned. "Enjoy your night."

Gabriel raised a brow at the boy's tone. "Get off my porch," he retorted. Ryder laughed and ran for it before Gabriel pounded him to the floor. Gabriel returned to the house and locked the door behind him.

Sabrina was mixing the sauce in the pan. She turned the moment he returned. "I think the sauce is done," she said. She brought some to him with the ladle. He quickly tasted it. "Done, right?"

"Yeah," he said.

They both sat at the table across each other. Gabriel was glad to see Sabrina eat happily. He had completely forgotten about earlier. But in the back of his head, he knew that whatever was trying to hurt Sabrina was going to make their next move. His mind already knew what he had to do in order to catch this killer, but was his heart prepared to bring danger to his mate? he wondered.

"Hey, when's your birthday?" asked Sabrina.

Gabriel titled his head. "My birthday?"

"November twenty seventh-" Sabrina and Gabriel both spoke at the same time.

Sabrina gaped. "What'd you say?"

"My birthday is on the twenty-seventh of November," he repeated.

Sabrina's mouth dropped open. "Me too," she was astounded. "That's insane." Gabriel thought so too. Sabrina laughed. "You don't find it strange that we have the same birthday?" she asked.

"Not really," he said truthfully. "Honestly, it just proves what I already know."

"And what's that?" she asked.

Gabriel grinned over the rim of his wine glass. "You're meant for me," he said making her blush.

Sabrina finished eating before him. She leaned her elbows on the table and watched him eat. "You know, you remind me of someone I used to know," she said.

Gabriel downed the last bit of wine. "I hope that's a good thing."

"It is. We we're best friends," Sabrina reassured. She grabbed her plate and took it to the sink. She rinsed her dishes and put them straight into the dishwasher.

Gabriel was careful to stay calm, but his wolf was very much agitated that his needs weren't fulfilled. He washed his own dishes and helped clean up the kitchen with Sabrina.

"It's getting pretty late," said Sabrina.

"Sabrina," a voice interrupted them. It was Viola. 

She immediately saw her brother and knew what was going on. Her grin widened. "Er- I'm just here to get a cookie." she scuffled towards pantry and took out a box. "Would you like one?" she asked Sabrina.

Sabrina smiled at his sister. "Sure," she grabbed one too. "Are these made with peanut butter?" she asked after tasting one.

"Yeah," Viola nodded. "Hailey made them," she said with her mouth full of cookie.

"These are delicious," said Sabrina. She turned towards Gabriel with the cookie in her hand. "Want a bite?" she offered.

Gabriel's heart throbbed. He bent down and took a bite of the soft cookie. His focus was so concentrated on Sabrina that he couldn't taste anything. Gabriel was at the last thread of patience with being careful, he really wanted to take Sabrina right here, right now.

"How did Hailey make these?" Sabrina turned around but Viola had vanished. She looked at Gabriel befuddled. "Where'd she go?"

Gabriel bit back his laugh. His sister practically ran away from them. "She didn't want to disturb us," Gabriel told Sabrina.

"But we're done eating already," said Sabrina. "What's there to disturb?"

"This-" Gabriel cupped her nape and kissed her. Hard.

Gabriel backed her against the counter. He caged her body, surrounding her with just him, he wanted her to feel his touch and lose her senses, like he had from the moment he saw her. Gabriel kissed until they grew numb, their lips pained and the heat between grew to immeasurable heights. Sabrina opened to deepen the kiss, but she had no idea what she had instigated. Gabriel took full advantage and he seemed devilish to do so. But he didn't care. His body was on fire and he needed release right fucking now.

"Bedroom," growled Gabriel.

Sabrina's sweet scent hypnotized him. "Yes," she breathed heavily.

Sabrina followed him to his room and the entire mood of their relaxed dinner changed. Gabriel closed the door behind them, she had walked into the room further than him. Gabriel had imagined many times what it would feel like when Sabrina was in his room, but the feeling he felt now was so much more than happiness alone. He felt complete inside, utterly satisfied that his mate was willing and wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

"Your room's bigger than I imagined it would be," she said.

A few lamps were on in his room, so it was easy to see the spacious lounge area and the massive bed right across from the chairs.

"Come here, Sabrina," Gabriel's voice was low and dangerous.

Sabrina turned. She hesitantly closed the space on her own and joined him near the entrance. Her body wasn't far from his hands, her scent surrounded him. The sweet fragrance of her wolf and her arousal was clear to him. He breathed his fill of her, he wanted more and didn't want anything disturbing them tonight.

Gabriel straightened to his height. "Sabrina, I want you," he warned her. "I want you and I'm going to make you mine." Gabriel closed the last step between them. "I'm going to spend all night marking every part of you to me."

Sabrina nodded to his resolve.

Gabriel kissed her again, this time much slower. He took his time studying her lips against his. The sensation of her body pressed into his hard contours. He desired to rip their layers off their bodies and get his hands on her skin. Gabriel's kiss quickened, he swallowed her moans and Gabriel's control broke when Sabrina bit his lip.

Without breaking the kiss, he backed her into his bedroom. Gabriel closed the slide doors behind him and took them into their own world for this night. Gabriel laid her on the massive bed, her lithe body spread across his bedsheets. He nearly lost all his senses knowing that Sabrina's scent would be in his bedsheets after tonight. Gabriel peeled the layers off her. He kissed her breathless, that she hadn't even realized how fast he had stripped off her blouse and skirt.

Gabriel kissed down her neck, her beautiful skin was untouched and bare for his eyes. His teeth ached to mark her, his wolf clawed inside him to claim her right now too. Gabriel licked down the skin that covered her rapid pulse, he prepared her for his mark that would be rough and hard. Sabrina moaned into his body, she was already at her peak even without his efforts. He knew that this was the mating at work, their bond was so strong that they both were ready to collapse from the crazed sensations their bodies felt.

Gabriel's shifted his weight, he pressed himself against her luscious curves that were definitely worthy of their title. He kissed her lips, looked deep into her heavy green eyes before they both understood what was about to happen. Gabriel latched his teeth onto her nape, rough and hard it was when he finally marked his mate. Sabrina was finally his mate.

Gabriel soothed over his mark, that he already loved on her. She put her hands around his nape, her eyes warmed his soul, she brought him down to her. She kissed him softly that it fluttered his heart. Gabriel's whole body buckled, he deepened the kiss and took over. His hands drifted over her body, before he could get a look his hands had already memorized her plump breasts, that fit his hands, the curve of her waist and then her smooth hips, down to her strong thighs and long legs.

Gabriel settled between her legs, his lips were on hers and his eyes were glued to hers too. But his hand focused on something else. He slipped under her lace underwear, eager to feel her wet core under his hand. He coated his fingers with her essence, the wetness told him how aroused he made her by just his kiss. Gabriel bit her lip and her small gasp enticed him further.

Sabrina wrapped her arms around his body. Gabriel played with her throbbing nub, relentless sending her over the edge but not enough to feel the pleasure of release. Her body quivered and she bit back her moans. But he wanted to hear everything. Gabriel kissed down the column of her neck when his fingers thrusted deep inside her, she was hot and wet. Gabriel's fingers deep inside her, but his thumb played harder with the throbbing nub.

"Gabriel," she moaned. "Please don't stop." He sealed her lips with his own, and he would never stop now that she told him to. She was becoming his sweet spot, the person he could never deny any pleasure to. Sabrina kissed him just as hard when the rush in her body grew out of control.

"Come for me, baby," he whispered against her lips. Sabrina's body shattered underneath him. He had never seen anything more beautiful than her. Gabriel laid his forehead against hers. Both of them breathless. "You're so beautiful," he said softly. He kissed her lips, that were plump and bruised from his roughness.

Gabriel stripped off the rest of their layers. His shirt and pants met the floor along with Sabrina's underwear. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands raked his broad back and he loved her nails digging into his skin. He prepared her for him that her body would be able to accept his. Sabrina's scent mixed into his, their bonds had formed deep enough that it was tangible. He could smell the dark spice of his own scent and the sweet ambrosia of hers dancing around him. He never knew that this was the extent of a mated bond. No wonder Hunter could never separate from Hailey, Gabriel finally understood the depth of their bond, it was much more than just physical.

Gabriel was rough, hard and fast. His need to consume Sabrina was uncontrollable and she needed him too. He positioned himself between her legs, his hardened shaft probed her entrance and Gabriel lost his mind from her heat alone. He thrusted into her wet core, her tight channel enveloped his shaft. Both of them didn't know that it'd be like this. The eruption of sensual need that ripped through their hearts and consumed their souls.

Deep inside his mate's body, Gabriel lost his breath. He pulled out of her and didn't wait to return inside her again. They were both on the edge of release. Gabriel knew right away that he'd release if he didn't control himself even just a little bit. But Sabrina pulled him into her heated kiss, the kind of kiss that made him moan from ecstasy. Gabriel thrusted deeper inside her body, that fit him like a glove. He was close to release and she was too.

Sabrina broke the kiss and latched her lips around his nape, the sudden rush of her teeth marking his skin had Gabriel lost for words. His body shuddered and he came hard inside her just like she had from just marking him alone.

Gabriel was still very much hard and he wasn't going to stop just after one round. He was just getting started, and they had all night.

Gabriel had taken Sabrina more than he could count. However, the blueish-grey light outside the balcony window told them that it was reaching day-break.

"We should get some sleep," whispered Sabrina. She laid flat on her stomach, Gabriel over her, his mouth leaving a trail of kisses down her elegant back.

Gabriel finally realized the time, the day and anything else around them. He kissed her shoulder and his mark too. "Do you want to take a bath first?" he asked.

She moaned in pleasure. "A bath sounds great."

Gabriel anchored his arm around her. They went to the shower together, but it was only because Gabriel had other plans than just taking a shower. Sabrina stepped under the spray of hot water, Gabriel gave her second before he followed inside. The hot water cascaded over his shoulders and Sabrina's body.

"I wondered why you were being so complacent," said Sabrina, his wicked grin gave her all the answer she needed. "You never intended to take a shower."

Gabriel pushed his mate against the tiled wall, he connected their bodies, the exhilarating lust shot through him again even though he'd been with her all night. Her body molded into his muscular built, his body loved that she was perfect for him. They were both quick to find their release and Gabriel didn't waste any time before he took her back to bed again. He possessed every part of her, tasted all of her until the very sense of her existence embedded into his soul.

The sun was high in the sky when Sabrina collapsed from exhaustion. Gabriel wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. Nothing between their bodies, that were marked and battered from their mating. The sun spilled over his mate, the light illuminated her chocolate brown hair, ivory skin and beautiful face. Gabriel closed his eyes, breathing in her scent mixed with his own, and went to sleep for the few hours they had left of the early morning.

Gabriel awoke to the noise of the shower. His eyes opened and he knew without even looking that his mate wasn't in bed. He got off the bed, his whole body remembered last night. The fragments of their mating were still very vivid in his head. Gabriel's body moved with aches and a bit sore from being so rough. He wondered how Sabrina was doing if he was in this state.

Gabriel slipped on his boxers. He rounded the bed and went into the bathroom. Sabrina had just gotten out of the shower, her body wrapped in a towel and she seemed distracted. The moment he saw her, all other thoughts left his mind.

Sabrina looked behind her and gasped, she slipped on her feet. Gabriel caught her before she fell in the tub. "You scared the life out of me," she smacked his shoulder.

"Why are you out of bed?" he asked as his intentions became clear.

Sabrina put her arms around his neck for support, since he wasn't letting go of her. "I need to get to a photoshoot today," she said. "I'm already late because of a certain someone."

Gabriel chuckled. "That certain someone was going to keep you all to himself today," he kissed down her wet neck. The mark of his bond was strong and thick with carnal possession.

"I need to get to work," she moaned. "You have to stop, otherwise we won't get anywhere from here."

"That was the plan," Gabriel told her softly.

Sabrina pushed at his bulky shoulders and hurriedly moved past him. She went back into the room and searched for all her clothes. Gabriel quickly showered too, but he was far more focused on his mate. Gabriel returned to his room with a towel wrapped around his waist, still very much wet from his rinse.

"I can't find my skirt," said Sabrina. She was dressed in her blouse and underwear, but no skirt, which was a maddeningly sexy sight.

Gabriel came over to her, he seized her from walking away. "No skirt is better," he kissed her lips. Sabrina almost immediately forgot what she was doing. Gabriel took her down on the tousled sheets, that still smelt of sex and their scents.

"Gabriel," she muttered when Gabriel's mouth latched onto her core. "I need to go...or...I'll be...late." But Gabriel really wasn't listening. He was desperate to taste her sweet arousal, which was the first thing he was going to when he woke up. But Sabrina wasn't with him, so he'd have to sate them both now.

Sabrina slumped against the bed after Gabriel gave her a shattering release. "You're the devil," she said. "And that's not a good thing." Gabriel smirked at her tone. She stood up and sat back on her knees. "I'm late," she groaned. "In my entire career I've never been late. I blame you."

"Blame me all you want," Gabriel inched closer to her pouting lips. "You can't deny that you felt good." Sabrina squealed as Gabriel pushed her back on the bed again, not letting her go until he was done.

The doors he closed last night finally opened.

Sabrina practically ran down the stairs and Gabriel idly lagged behind. They entered the kitchen to the entire family who was well aware of what happened last night. The word had been sent through the entire pack that Gabriel had finally mated his alpha-female. Sabrina was greeted with hugs and kisses and so was Gabriel.

"I would love to stay and talk but I need to run," said Sabrina. Hailey handed her a sandwich and coffee in a tumbler. "Thank you," she smiled at Hailey. "You're so sweet, unlike someone else I know," she shot a glare at Gabriel who was practically glowing.

Gabriel shot her a wink. "Ryder and Lupin will take you back home," he said. The two men were already waiting outside, since Gabriel had texted them that Sabrina needed to get to work fast.

Sabrina was out the door, without even her heels on yet. Gabriel followed her outside too. "You're already here," she astonished. Ryder and Lupin were waiting for her. "How'd you know that I needed to get going?"

"Gabriel texted us," said Ryder.

Sabrina looked at Gabriel with a smile. "You did?" she asked. Gabriel kissed his mate.

"Ooooh," Ryder and Lupin both jested.

Gabriel's smile dropped and he glared at the boys.

Hailey rushed outside. "Wait Sabrina, we're holding a baby shower for Ashley today," she said. "Will you be able to make it?"

"Baby shower," Sabrina smiled brightly.

"Ashley doesn't really have many girls to celebrate with back at her home," said Hailey. "So, Viola wanted to host it here."

"Are we invited?" asked Ryder.

Hailey shook her head. "It's a baby shower," she said. "Men aren't allowed in this party."

"Wow, that's rude," added Lupin.

"I'm sure her entire entourage is going to follow her here though," said Gabriel. "We'll have to keep them all occupied out here."

"When is the baby shower?" Sabrina asked Hailey.

"Seven o'clock," Hailey answered. "Evangeline is coming too."

"If Evangeline is coming, then that means..." Lupin looked at Gabriel and Ryder amused.

"Zach, Victor and Dimitri are all following along too," bemused Ryder. "Are we having our own party?" Ryder asked his alpha.

"Well, it's not happening in the house," remarked Hailey.

"I've only been to a few baby showers for some colleagues. What's the theme?" asked Sabrina.

"Ashley's going to reveal the gender with the cake that she's bringing," said Hailey. "So, we're all going to wear lavender, more of a gender-neutral colour."

"This is so exciting," said Sabrina. She clapped with Hailey.

Gabriel liked that they were all excited and wanted to let the ladies have their moment. "Baby, I hate to pop your bubble but-"

Sabrina smiled at him but dazed. "What?"

Gabriel found her so cute. "You're getting late, like really late."

Sabrina's mouth dropped open. "Oh crap!" she exclaimed and ran down the porch stairs.

Gabriel's gaze hardened towards his enforcers. "You keep her safe," his voice was stern as the alpha he was for Ryder and Lupin returned.

"We will," promised Ryder and Lupin before they tried to leave again, but Sabrina ran up the stairs towards Gabriel.

"What's wrong?" asked Gabriel frowning.

She leaned up on her tippy toes and kissed him sweetly. "I love you."

Gabriel's blinked a few times, stumped by what she had done. He didn't even have the chance to kiss her and tell her the same. Sabrina left for sure this time and Ryder and Lupin laughed the whole time they followed their alpha-female.

Gabriel's heart pounded inside him. Those three words still echoed in his head, heart and soul.

"I can't believe I just saw that," astounded Hailey.

Gabriel looked down at Hailey whose mouth was wide open and she looked very much amused. She screamed and smacked his shoulder, Gabriel was too late from stopping her when she ran inside and screamed it to everyone. "Sabrina just told Gabriel that she loved him!"

The ruckus in the kitchen grew tremendously. Gabriel rolled his eyes at them, but he never smiled harder.