"What was that all about, Bobby?" Sabrina asked her old friend.

Bobby's kind blue eyes saddened even further. "Today's the death anniversary of Rose Centauri," he told her. "She was Gabriel's mom and the alpha-female of the pack years ago."

Sabrina's gut sank. "Oh god, I didn't know."

Bobby shook his head as he took a seat on the stool beside her. "How could you?" remarked Bobby. "You never knew that pack or the family."

"I didn't even give any condolences," she groaned at her failed attempt.

Bobby waved his hand. "They understand. Besides, that family isn't a stickler for things like that," he tried to reassure Sabrina, but it didn't help. Bobby left to help a customer at the front.

Sabrina's chirpy mood fell as soon as she realized her inconsiderate mistake towards Gabriel Centauri and his pack members. It was true that she had no idea about the death of their mother, but Sabrina wasn't one to ignore the heavy mood around them today. The first thing she noticed when she walked into the building was Gabriel and his family. Despite the smiles on each of them, the strict solidity in Gabriel and his younger brother Klaus's eyes spoke for their silence.

After finishing up with a photoshoot, she was close to Bobby's restaurant, and as always, she dropped in on him. Bobby had done what no one had done for her. He was the only one to give her chance when she had nothing to offer in return. It was thirteen years ago, that she used to work at Bobby's restaurant just so she could feed and clothes herself.

Those times had passed and a lot changed in Sabrina's life, but the one thing that she made sure to teach herself was respect, which she failed today. But she knew that there was nothing she could do about it now. There was no chance for her to apologize or meet that family any time soon. Although, she was curious of how Bobby personally knew Gabriel.

Sabrina still remembered when she had met them all at her friend's wedding. Her friend, Ashley had introduced the Centauri's to Sabrina personally, although Sabrina was already familiar with the Centauri name and business, well who wasn't. Gabriel was the talk around the corporate world and the shifter world. Sabrina never paid much attention to it since her own work was so pressing, but when she met them all at the wedding, she just couldn't get them out of her head- especially the eldest and the alpha. Sabrina lost all words when she gazed into his molten gold eyes. Pure vitality, resilience and passion was what those eyes expressed to her.

Sabrina froze in her tracks when he stepped in front of her with his towering height and broad shoulders. Gabriel's jaw was sharp but tough and held in a tight lock, like his stern lips. Her gaze drank in the sight of his fierce eyes, that had a captivating impression on her. But it was her wolf's reaction to Gabriel that warned Sabrina to pay close attention. Sabrina had noticed how everyone in the room yielded to his power, those eyes measured the entire area before they had captured onto her. His gaze brightened, his long legs shifted to face her. Sabrina caught how the light of the sun played on his gorgeous face, that did nothing to make him less intimidating than he already was with his height and muscular built.

Usually, Sabrina would be dressed in a loose pair of sweatpants and a sweater before she'd come to chow-down at Bobby's restaurant. But Sabrina was so glad that she was dressed to perfection today, because Gabriel made her terribly aware of her appearance. He stood confidently like the predatory his wolf was known to be. The raven black suit was perfectly tailored to his body, that was a lethal weapon all on its own. Under the suit, he paired it with a crisp white shirt and a black necktie. His black wool overcoat was structured lines, handmade beautifully and was long enough to sit right around his knees. His black shoes alone were definitely Italian-made and had to cost a fortune, like her own stilettoes for that matter.

Sabrina was troubled over how much Gabriel was able to pull her into him. Nothing ever mattered to her when he was around, which was a strange situation for her to experience since it never happened before. Sabrina never cared for such matters, especially male-wolves or even hooking-up with guys. The main reason behind that was because of Sabrina's wolf.

Sabrina's wolf had a competitive streak in her without a doubt, which made her wolf ignore any alpha-males around her. Sabrina didn't adore alpha's who threw off their heavy pheromones for every wolf to smell. But when she met Gabriel, both her and her wolf couldn't ignore the fiery fragrance that was enticing and rich. Sabrina didn't fall for just any fleeting attraction. But her attraction towards Gabriel struck deep inside her, like it was binding her to a path she didn't know would be for her.

Mine, her wolf declared.

Sabrina almost toppled off her stool after hearing her wolf. What are you saying? she astonished at her wolf.

He's ours, her wolf was smug as she rested at the back of Sabrina's conscious.

Sabrina never ignored her wolf's intuition. You mean, Gabriel? she asked.

The man with the gold eyes, her wolf said. The alpha-male.

What about him? Sabrina asked.

He's ours, she said simply.

No, that can't be. He's...He's...Gabriel Centauri, astounded Sabrina.

Her wolf shrugged and went quiet. But now Sabrina's mind was all over this subject. What do I do now? she wondered to herself.

As Sabrina crossed her legs, she enjoyed a classic slice of cheesecake with fresh strawberries sliced on top. The glint of her heel caught the light, although it was years ago, Sabrina remembered the lingering sensation of how blisters cut her skin raw during long hours at work. Countless winters, she had spent without a proper pair of shoes to keep her toes warm. She wondered what her life would have been like if she hadn't taken that deal years ago. It was in this very restaurant that an agent found her and gave her an opportunity to do a small fashion photoshoot.

Thirteen years of hard work and dedication, Sabrina had earned the title of 'supermodel' and was the brand ambassador to major companies, that wouldn't even have looked her way when she was poor and alone. Now, it felt as if her life was out of a storybook, but it was reality for her, and it was because Bobby had given her a job as a waitress. He saved her off the streets and brought her into his home giving her a respectable job without looking for anything in return.

Of course, Sabrina made sure to pay him back what he had given to her. A few years ago, Sabrina paid off Bobby's loans to this restaurant and handed him the keys to the building. Sabrina had done everything that she had set to do when she took the risk of being who many merely dream of becoming someday.

After she enjoyed her lunch, she slipped off the stool and went to the front to greet Bobby before she left for home.

The drive was quick to the house that she had been living in for a couple of years. A while back she used to travel a lot for work, so living in a penthouse was more suitable. But now, work had relaxed and she had decided that it was time to live in a home for herself.

Reaching the tall black gates to a comfortable property that made sold her this place. The gates opened to her car and she circled around the drive-way to the front doors. The small manor was a dreamy home, perfect for her and right out of her dreams. She climbed up the white stairs and unlocked the black entrance doors. The home opened up to a massive foyer, straight ahead was the living room and across was the cozy but modern kitchen.

Sabrina climbed up the long stairs that were crystal white like the entire floor, but it had a crimson red rug tumbling down each step. Entering the master bedroom, Sabrina stripped out of her dress and heels and slipped on a silk robe tying the sash around her waist, before she returned downstairs to her kitchen. Opening the stainless-steel fridge, she pulled out a chilled water bottle, when a phone call interrupted her quiet moment.

Sabrina looked at her phone and instantly recognized the number. "What's the world's best manager up to?" she jested.

Her manager wasn't a wolf like Sabrina, but her manager knew all about the shifter world. Sabrina had told her manager the truth early in their friendship. Helen Chastain had just called it 'cool' and went on with her day like nothing happened, which always made Sabrina burst out laughing when she remembered that day.

"Don't play coy with me, Sabrina," her manager's stern voice spilled through the speaker. "I couldn't get through to you for over an hour."

"I was at Bobby's restaurant," said Sabrina.

Helen's voice grew quiet. "Oh," she mumbled. "You could have told me, I got worried."

"Sorry, I just had a lot on my mind," Sabrina settled down in front of a window.

"Are you okay?" asked Helen.

Sabrina smiled at her friend's endearing voice. "You know me, I always bounce right back," she said enthusiastically. "Anyways, what did you call me for?"

"Oh right, there are a few events in your schedule that I needed to clear with you," Helen said.

Sabrina got comfortable on the couch. "I'm all ears."

"There's a photoshoot tomorrow and you have a fashion show to go to as a guest on Friday," listed Helen. "Also, an invitation to a charity came in today as well-"

Sabrina's ears perked. "What charity?"

"I knew you'd be interested, that's why I didn't decline the invitation right away," said Helen. "It's an annual fundraising gala for schools and shelters-"

"When?" asked Sabrina.

"On Saturday," said Helen. "Auctions, art shows and I think it's held in a museum."

"I'll make it," said Sabrina. "Accept the invitation."

Helen let out a brief laugh. "Why did I even bother asking?"

"You know I don't miss out on these charities," said Sabrina.

"I know," said Helen despondently. "I always admired that about you. No matter how far you got, you never stopped giving back."

That was because no matter how successful Sabrina got, she always remembered her own dark days in dingy alleys and shelters. "I never forgot the people who didn't have much in their own pocket, but still helped me," she told Helen who knew Sabrina's past better than anyone. "If I can give money to save someone's life, I will."

"How long will you carry this burden on your shoulders, Sabrina?" asked Helen.

Sabrina smiled. "It's not a burden, it's responsibility," she stated. "If I am capable of helping someone, I will, just like Bobby helped me."

Helen sighed. "Alright, dear," she said. "You do what makes you happy, because that's all that matters to me."

Sabrina smiled. "Accept the invite. Oh, and tell Carlo I'll be needing him bright an early on the day of the party."

"I don't think you need to get too worried, it's a simple black-tie event," reassured Helen.

Sabrina couldn't believe that her manager could ever think that Sabrina could go to gala looking simple or plain. "I may be going for a good cause, but I'm Sabrina Sinclair for god sakes, Helen. Everything needs to be perfect, including me."

Helen chuckled. "Okay, I'll give Carlo a call," she said. "Rest and I'll come get you tomorrow for the photoshoot."

"See you tomorrow," said Sabrina, before they both cut the line.

The voices died and her house returned to the quietness, that it always had. Sabrina looked around her empty home and ignored the void in her stomach that she's felt for years. Sabrina may have everything she dreamed of, but she felt alone right now and it irked her.

Abruptly, she got off the couch and went to lounge under the clouds outside where it wasn't so damned quiet.

-Gabriel's POV-

Gabriel had joined the barbecue outside where the entire pack had gathered to celebrate his mom's life. Long tables were set up, packed with food and drinks, a bonfire was even ignited where many had gathered with blankets and chairs. The glowing fire had brightened as the sun dropped low behind the pine trees, that surrounded the property. That's one of the things he loved about his home, the entire property was securely gated to keep outsiders away, and their pack was hidden away from civilization by thick forestry. Gabriel's urge to run in his wolf form was growing inside him.

He enjoyed his beer and watched his rowdy pack create a ruckus without even trying to remain peaceful tonight of all nights. Gabriel leaned on the porch railing of his house. His pack enjoyed the feast and didn't let the despair of their loss bring them down. Viola, Vincent, Ryder, Lupin and Azura were working hard to keep Klaus comfortable. Although, it was only Hailey who was able to manage a smile from Klaus.

Gabriel adored his brother's mate because she was not only a fighter like them, but she was proof that his family could have what they thought they couldn't or weren't worthy of. Finding a mate wasn't always on Gabriel's mind, but after Hunter and Hailey's wedding, a wish ignited in his own heart to have what they do.

Love. A mate to call his own was a very grim thought to Gabriel, because he was convinced that it wasn't possible for him.

"What are you thinking about so hard, that your frown is scaring everyone away?" asked Hunter who came from inside the house. His broad, robust physique blocked the entire doorframe. His brother was a scary man even though he's a complete softie on the inside.

Gabriel was surprised that Hunter wasn't with Hailey, his brother was practically glued to his mate's side at every chance. "It's a beautiful night, that's all," he said idly.

"Sure is," Hunter agreed. "Glad everyone is having fun. What about you? How are you feeling, River told me that you're upset?"

"That man," grumbled Gabriel. "No clue how to keep his mouth shut."

"You think we needed River to tell us that you're distressed," scoffed Hunter. "Brother, we can tell just by looking at you."

Gabriel fisted the bottle in his hand. "It's no big deal."

Hunter raked his dark hair back. "You can tell me, you know," he said. "We're not kids anymore, so you don't need to bottle it up for us."

Gabriel stared into his brother's firm amber gaze, that had matured over the years. But it felt like yesterday for Gabriel, when he had to walk Hunter to school so he wouldn't get in any fights with other kids. "I didn't realize I was bottling it up," he remarked.

"It's a terrible habit of yours," retorted Hunter.

Gabriel raised a brow. "Thanks for telling me," he rebuked, "I'll work on improving myself."

Hunter grinned. "So, what's got you in so many knots?" he asked as he leaned on the railing with Gabriel.

"What am I missing?" he asked Hunter. "I have more money than I can spend, cars, companies and strength. Not only do I have power, but I have a family that loves me, a loyal pack. So, then what am I missing? Why do I feel like I don't have anything at the end of every goddamn night?" Gabriel's eyes went directly to his other siblings. "I fucking hate, that I feel this way."

Thick silence swan around them that it was hard to breathe.

"It's because now you're looking for something that's only yours," said Hunter. Gabriel glanced at his brother whose eyes were only ever on Hailey. "Our job as wolves and the title of Centauri is a heavy responsibility. It can become tiresome and straining if we don't have incentive to keep pushing forward. I've been where you are and it sucks. But it all changed when I met Hailey. She walked into my life, like a bright light that I simply couldn't let go of or be apart from."

"I don't know if I'll be able to find what you have with Hailey," said Gabriel.

Hunter frowned. "Of course, you can," he stated firmly. "If anyone deserves a mate, it's you, Gabriel. Don't doubt that for a second, because you of all people deserve to be happy."

Gabriel grinned. "Hailey really has softened your edges," he jested. "Gotta hand it to the woman."

"What can I say, she's my mate," Hunter said proudly before he climbed down the porch steps. "You'll find her someday, Gabriel. And when you do, don't let her go." Hunter jogged across the field and joined his mate's side.

"He really has matured," River spoke up from behind Gabriel.

Gabriel smirked. "Can you believe it?" he astonished. "I taught that boy how to drive, shoot a gun... I even took him to his first Yankees game."

"And now he's teaching you about love," River remarked.

Gabriel quirked a brow. "Apparently," he muttered before he chugged the last sips of his beer. He placed the empty bottle of the ledge. After the good laugh, a silence came through drowning Gabriel. "He's not wrong though," he told River.

"I know he's not," said River. "But finding mates for people like us, feels close to impossible."

Gabriel knew that his friend would understand the feeling that was eating up inside him. "I don't want it to be impossible," he said softly. "I want a mate. Don't you?" Gabriel gazed into his friend's ocean blue eyes, that were fierce and always alert.

River thought hard for a lingering moment. "Someday-" was all he said.

"Someday," repeated Gabriel like he was assuring himself too.

Gabriel and River joined the others at the tables of food.

"I, for one, can handle any of you in a fight," declared Ryder.

Vincent scoffed. "Don't dig your own grave, buddy," he said.

"Don't you know, that's his specialty," Azura remarked with a chuckle.

"Should we test it out?" River put his arm around his twin's broad shoulders. Gabriel was probably the only one that could easily tell these two apart. But from the same deadly blue gaze, strong jaws and towering heights, Gabriel understood why people got them confused.

Ryder stiffened next to his brother. "Another day, maybe," he said. "I ate a lot, so I feel very lazy right now-" Vincent sat back on the wooden bench, clearly amused by Ryder's dilemma- "But I know that Vincent's up for the challenge."

Vincent choked on his beer. "Fuck you, Ryder," he spat back. Ryder laughed along with the others. "Somebody, kill him and make sure it hurts."

A tap on Gabriel's arm brought him back. His eyes looked with a silvery blue gaze and flaming red hair, that belonged to Hailey. The stiffness on his face lessened. "Everything alright?" he asked.

Hailey lifted her hand and displayed a plate packed with food. Next to his favourite chocolate cake that she baked were slices of pepperoni pizza, a salad and cheesy macaroni paired with mini burgers. "I noticed that you didn't eat," she said. "So, I prepared you a plate."

Gabriel gladly grabbed the plate. "Thanks," he said and stared at her kind smile for a moment, taking in the warmth she always had for him. "You didn't have to bother."

She shook her head. "It's never a bother for you," she said before she joined Hunter on the bench, settling under his arm.

Gabriel sat down and enjoyed the full plate of hot food that no one could help but crave more with every bite. Night had darkened the sky and the crimson flames glowed over the entire green lawn, burning bright reaching the navy-blue sky. The crescent moon danced near the twinkling stars that were clearly visible over the property.

"Do you want more?" Klaus appeared beside Gabriel.

Gabriel shook his head and scooted over. "Sit with me," he said. Klaus took the seat and enjoyed the last bit of cake from Gabriel's plate, that he couldn't finish. "It's been a long day, hasn't it?"

His brother's warm green eyes, that always reminded Gabriel of a vast meadow, gazed up at him tenderly. "I feel fine," Klaus said. "You don't need to worry about me."

"I will always worry about you... and them-" Gabriel indicted towards the pack.

Klaus smiled. "I don't get into nearly as much trouble as those guys," he remarked.

"That's true, I can always rely on you to stay out of trouble," said Gabriel.

"How are you feeling?" asked Klaus. "Hunter said that you were upset."

"Damn it," cursed Gabriel. "Does everyone know about this?"

"Mostly, maybe," said Klaus. "I think the entire pack should know by now."

"I'm not upset-"

"Just sad-" said Klaus.

"No, not anymore," Gabriel put a brave face for his brother. "Mom left a lot of memories behind and this pack was hers. So, I don't feel her loss because she never left us." Klaus's smile grew and so did Gabriel's. "I wish you'd go and have some fun. Don't think about unnecessary shit."

"I have fun," Klaus defended himself.

Gabriel raised a brow. "Really?"

"I read and teach at the Institute..." Klaus pointed out firmly, but then the list died.

Gabriel chuckled. "There's a fundraiser at a museum on Saturday," he told Klaus. "I was invited and I want all of us to go."

Klaus scrunched up his nose. "You know I don't like black-tie events," he said. "I prefer staying home-"

"With your ass glued to the couch-" remarked Gabriel.

"I'm very fond of that couch," stated Klaus, clearly offended. "It keeps me warm and-"

"Comfortable-" finished Gabriel. "You've told me this before."

"But I do like museums," said Klaus. "Maybe I will come with you. This fundraiser's a bit out-of-the-blue though, what convinced you to go?"

Gabriel pulled his long legs from under the bench and turned around facing the wide forest. "I have to make an appearance every now and then. It reminds everyone why I'm such-" he smirked at his brother.

"A cocky bastard-" Klaus remarked.

Gabriel shrugged smugly. "I can't deny that," he sighed.

Klaus shook his head with a chuckle. "You're unbelievable."

Gabriel took of his suit's jacket and placed it on the bench. He stripped off his shirt, his shoes, the grass was soft under his feet. Gabriel took off in a light jog, with years of training and control, his wolf awakened inside of him. The air thickened with his invigorating scent. Gabriel felt the tremor through his bones. Gabriel's been able to transition into his wolf for years from a very young age, however every single time he transitioned, it was still as stimulating as the first time.

A mighty black beast leapt into the air. The fierce howl was heard from every part of the forest.

The air swept through the trees, ruffling the thick coat of fur that was as black as night, but on his chest was a crescent shaped patch of fur that was golden, like the wolf's ferocious eyes. The alpha's golden gaze looked straight ahead to the path he was about to set on. A sensation climbed down his back, it was then he knew, that his pack had transformed without a word from him. They all willingly followed their alpha, which was the way of the Centauri pack ever since he took the throne.

Gabriel's wolf took off fast, without hesitation, through the forest that he knew every corner of from heart. Through the trees, that flew past him, his breath was rapid but he pushed further and further. When he reached his favourite spot, the peak of his property.

The black wolf stood at the edge of the grey cliff, underneath him his land was displayed under his feet. The crescent moon showered its light on the entire land and on the wolves. His focused gaze looked up to the moon where he could see the power of their eternal goddess, Maya. But in the darkness of the night, the wolf saw a pair of eyes, that even the stars couldn't compare to their beauty. Minty green with the slightest touch of aqua were surrounded by thick, dark lashes. The wolf focused on the reverberating gaze and knew that those ocean green eyes were unforgettable.

After the exuberant run, Gabriel returned to his bedroom covered in sweat and the scent of the forest coating his body. Stripping out of his clothes, he got under the spray of hot water, that filled the bathroom with thick steam. He rested his hands on the shower wall and lowered his head under the shower. The hot spray of water cascaded down his broad shoulders, the span of his back and down his long legs, over his feet and down the drain. The tension that had coiled in his body had lessened, his shoulders relaxed and his eyes finally closed for some restful moments. But then, a desire ignited deep down in his body, when those ocean green eyes appeared behind his closed lids.

Abruptly, Gabriel shut off the shower and stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist, returning to his room. The lights were all off in the house and so was in his bedroom. Only the light from the moon streamed in through the curtains from all the windows. Except, he could see perfectly in the dark, like he was trained to do so- and so were his siblings and the enforcers of the pack.

Gabriel tossed the towel to the side. He sauntered over to his desk and he poured himself a glass of scotch. His eyes landed on golden invitation for the gala. A sigh released from his lips before he tipped the glass and swallowed the rich alcohol, that chilled all the way down to his empty gut. Gabriel put the glass over the invitation and went to sleep trying not to think about tomorrow... or those regal eyes.