Suddenly, the curtains that blocked out the morning light split wide open. "Rise and shine-" a voice pulled Sabrina out of her dreamless sleep.

Sabrina let out a sharp wince. "Helen," she grumbled. Her manager was the only person that had the nerve to disturb Sabrina on a Saturday morning. She opened her drowsy eyes finding a short, lean woman in front of her.

"Come on," ushered Helen. "We have a lot to do today." Sabrina was forcefully pulled out of bed by her arms, her bare body was covered with a robe before she was pushed into the shower. "Be quick or else the breakfast that I brought will get cold."

Sabrina's eyes widened. "Did you perhaps... bring-" Sabrina could almost feel her mouth salivate from just thinking about it.

Helen's lips that were painted a bold red lifted into a cheeky grin. "Oh yeah," she said. "Your favourite and freshly made by Bobby himself."

Sabrina's stomach growled. "You're killing me over here."

"Hot and gooey cinnamon rolls are sitting downstairs for you," Helen boasted. She pushed the rim of her black glasses up her button nose. "And if you don't hurry, they'll get cold."

Sabrina ran into the bathroom and got under the spray of water before it even turned remotely warm. She was so fast that she nearly slipped on her own bare feet, but she quickly recovered and ran down the stairs without even drying her wet hair or body.

In a long robe that spilled to the floor around her feet, Sabrina sat on the stool near the kitchen counter with the box full of cinnamon rolls fully unwrapped, like a precious gift. The sugary yet spicy scent made her swoon and a sultry moan escaped her lips with eat bite. She grabbed a hot and glazed with sugar roll, the icing spilled down her fingers as she took a large bite filling her entire mouth.

Helen chuckled. "Use a plate-" she placed a plate under Sabrina's hand, but the model didn't care for it.

Sabrina finished one roll without even blinking an eye. She put the second one on the plate and ate it gingerly, savouring each bite more than the last. "Who said Heaven wasn't real," she remarked. "These-" she pointed at her plate- "These are Heaven."

"Glad to see you enjoy them," Helen said as she joined Sabrina on the stools.

"Thanks for the treat," Sabrina said between her mouthful.

Helen Chastain was a short woman who had a loud personality. Helen always fashioned a short black bob and a heavy fringe, that was cut just above her doe brown eyes. Helen's glasses were black and thickly rimmed, hiding her petite face. But the face was the last thing you saw because Helen's tattoos, fishnet stockings and gothic black skirts were what turned heads first. In blood-red lipstick, leather boots and metal chokers, it was fair to say that Sabrina Sinclair's petite manager looked deadly.

"Carlo will be arriving soon," said Helen as she put her phone on the counter in front of her. This woman never went anywhere without her phone glued to her side.

And like that breakfast was finished and an hour passed before Carlo arrived with his team. Full on cinnamon rolls, Sabrina sat in a chair as Carlo and his team worked around the clock to get her ready for the gala. Typically for any event, it took hours to get Sabrina Sinclair ready. Makeup was finished and Sabrina had just put her dress on when she noticed the sun had set low behind the trees, which surrounded her home. The sky was dark, all light had left the city and it was time to head to the Charity Gala.

"Thank you so much for working your magic, Carlo," Sabrina smiled towards the young man.

Carlo's kind blue eyes gleamed, he smiled warmly. "Anytime," he said. "There is no one I like styling more than you."

"There is no one's better than you and your team in this industry," she said, his team smiled as they were packing up behind them.

Helen came around dressed in a clean silk black dress. "We need to get going or else we're going to be late," she said hurriedly.

Sabrina kissed both of Carlo's cheeks. "Thank you once again," she said.

"Have a great night, ladies," he wished kindly.

Everyone left Sabrina's home. She locked the door and got in the car with Helen who had hired a chauffeur to drive them to the gala. It was a warm night, but the threat of rain covered the sky. Dark grey clouds covered the sky and blocked the low crescent moon. Faint thunder rumbled far away in the distant, but it was closing in over the party.

Through the traffic, their car finally arrived at the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was lit up to shine brightly in the night. Cars were lined up dropping off prominent figures in this country and from around the world. A red carpet laid out was surrounded by cameras, that were flashing nonstop and it would be quite overwhelming for people who weren't used to this kind of hectic environment. But Sabrina found it invigorating and it pumped up her spirit.

The car came to a stop at the massive front doors.

Sabrina stepped a foot that was glittering gold from her strappy heel out of the car and onto the concrete. She slid out of the car and appeared tall and proud onto the red carpet. Cameras flashed blinding her, but her smile hadn't faltered. Her name was being called from all angles and she made sure to capture every shot, like she was trained to do all her life. Sabrina's golden Versace gown glittered from the lights and hugged every inch and curve of her voluptuous body. She shot her infamous wink at the last cameraman and sauntered inside the enormous hall.

Crystal chandeliers, red carpet, waiters and waitresses bustling around the guests who were dressed in suits and gowns. Around the entire hall were beautiful paintings worth millions bringing the touch of life, color and culture to the party. Past the entrance was where the auctions were being held to support the fundraiser. Helen handed Sabrina a pamphlet, but she hadn't found anything interesting worth bidding for except a few paintings. Instead, Sabrina had discretely deposited a cheque at the counter where the donations were being held. After a glass of champagne, Helen left to find their seats leaving Sabrina to explore the art in the museum, which had graceful music echoing in the halls and the tune bounced off the tall walls.

Sabrina trailed down the permitted areas for the guests, when faint laughter caught her attention. She looked up from the painting and found something much more striking. A dangerously handsome man dressed in a rich black tuxedo, crisp white shirt and bow-tie, he stood with raw confidence oozing from his muscular body, his tall stature made everything around him feel small. His hands were in his pockets and he leaned more of his weight on one leg, his hair raked back exposed those powerful golden eyes, that burned greater than any wildfire.

Gabriel Centauri simply took her break away.

Only after did Sabrina take notice that his family was with him too. She recognized his brothers and one of the brother's mate right away. She had met Hailey at Ashley's wedding, it didn't look like their sister Viola Centauri was with them though. Dressed in all black were Gabriel's younger brothers and the Drakov twins who were built as lethal wolves and looked powerful whether they were in a tuxedo or in jeans it didn't really matter.

Out of all of them, Hailey was the only one that seemed friendly. She was dressed in a navy-blue gown, that was like ice against her fiery red hair and blazing blue eyes. Hailey was a beautiful woman and her mate was extremely handsome. Comparing all the brothers, Hunter was the only one that resembled Gabriel the most.

They stood in front of a painting laughing away at something that she couldn't hear from where she stood alone. But whatever it was, it seemed quite interesting from the way they all made each other laugh. She really was captivated by this group of wolves.

"Good evening," Sabrina interrupted them.

All of their eyes moved from the each other and landed on her. None of them spoke for a brief moment. It was the attractive blond with the light hazel eyes that spoke up first, she believed his name was Vincent.

"Sabrina, good evening," Vincent said with a charming smile. "It's wonderful to meet you here again."

Sabrina was looking at Vincent, but all her focus was on Gabriel. "It's nice to see you all again as well," she said. "I wasn't expecting to meet anyone I knew tonight."

"Neither were we," he said. Vincent turned and motioned towards his family. "You remember Hunter, Hailey, the twins River, Ryder, Klaus and Gabriel."

"Of course-" she smiled at them- "Never forgot your faces for a moment," she mumbled before her eyes directly landed on Gabriel, which was more intense than she memorized.

"Enjoying the night?" she asked Gabriel.

His eyes glistened like he was caught off guard that she had asked him a question. But how could she just avoid him, when his presence was like a boulder on her shoulders, all she felt and saw was him.

"More than we thought we would," he said. "You?"

Her smile broadened. "I'm starting to now," she confessed. The tension between them was tangible enough to see and touch. Sabrina was sure that the group around them sensed it too. She broke their locked gaze first and peeled herself away from being lost in him. "Have you guys started bidding on any pieces?" she asked.

"Only some paintings," answered Vincent.

"I haven't decided on anything yet," she said. "I can't do these things alone."

"You can join us," offered Hailey. "We're always happy to help."

Sabrina beamed. "You guys wouldn't mind?" she asked.

"You're a friend of Ashley's, so that makes you a friend of ours as well," said Hailey. Sabrina was still a bit hesitant, but Hailey hooked her arm around Sabrina's and they all joined together.

Sabrina's smile hadn't faltered since she had decided to tag along with them. Her cheeks started to hurt from smiling too much, but she couldn't help the giddy sensation in her heart. She didn't know if it was because she was around new people or that Gabriel was right next to her. His presence, his dark scent was making her knees weak, but she tried her hardest to stay distracted by his family, which wasn't hard at all.

But she did take notice when Gabriel was separated from the group with River when a few guests approached him. Sabrina looked away from him or else it would have been obvious that she was staring.

"Viola didn't come with you tonight?" asked Sabrina. Hailey looked up to meet her eyes, which Sabrina observed that Hailey always looked right in the other person's eyes whenever she spoke.

"Viola caught a cold," Hailey said.

"Oh no, what happened?" frowned Sabrina.

"That's what she gets for swimming in the lake late at night," remarked Hunter. Hailey's mate was definitely on the scary side. Not only did he have a constant glower, that warned anyone away, but his seething domineer was frightening. Sabrina wondered how these two were chosen to be mates. But one thing was clear to Sabrina after seeing them together; Hunter only had love in his eyes when he looked at Hailey.

"Lake?" inquired Sabrina.

Hailey nodded. "There's a lake on our property, which she swam in and caught herself a cold," she explained.

Sabrina grimaced. "That seems dreadful."

Klaus- the youngest in the group and from the brothers chuckled softly. "Viola's wrapped in blankets and eating chicken noodle soup," he said to Sabrina. "She'll be fine by tomorrow."

Ryder crossed his muscled arms, that strained in the dark suit he fashioned. "I went into the lake too, but I walked out fine," he said.

Vincent laid his hand on Ryder's broad shoulder. "That's because you're indestructible," he remarked teasingly and his voice clearly oozing with sarcasm. "Aren't you, Ryder?"

Ryder's pale blue eyes glazed with ice. "I hate you," he gritted out.

"No, you don't," retorted Vincent.

"No, I really do," insisted Ryder.

"Ashley told me that you're a teacher," said Sabrina.

"Yeah," Hailey's smile broadened. "I teach at the Centauri Institute."

Sabrina was caught off guard and her ears perked. "Institute? You guys have a school?"

Hailey nodded. "A school for wolves," she said.

"I didn't know about this," said Sabrina.

"No one does," Hunter said sternly. "Our Institute is kept under a low profile for the safety of the kids and teachers."

"I never even knew that there was a school for wolves," Sabrina said.

Sabrina had to go to a normal high school which was dreadful because no one knew her struggle of being a wolf. She had to skip many days during her transition periods, which affected her grades a lot. In the end, she had to drop out before graduating because she couldn't keep up with the jobs she had as well.

"I'm not going to lie our school is pretty impressive," said Hailey smirking up at Hunter. "But it's all Klaus and Gabriel that organized it."

Klaus was clearly caught off guard by the sudden flattery. "Er- it was all Gabriel," he said shyly.

"Don't be modest," Vincent smacked his brother's back with a laugh. "It was Gabriel's idea but you got it up and running."

Klaus was like a ball of sunshine to Sabrina. She just wanted to pinch his cheeks and ruffle his light blond hair. There was no doubt that he was strikingly handsome like the rest of his brothers, but making him the youngest, it was very endearing to him. Also, it was clear to Sabrina that they all treated Klaus like the cute baby brother he was, even though he was just as tall as Gabriel and just as muscular too.

"Does the Institute help outsider wolves or just pack members?" Sabrina asked Klaus.

"Our Institute is discreet, but we help as many wolves as we can," he answered. "I make sure that any wolf that comes to us for help receives it."

"We also help kids transition into their wolf forms," said Hailey.

"Which you do a great job of," Hunter kissed the temple of Hailey's forehead.

"No one helped me during my transition, so I know how hard it is alone," Sabrina shared. "You guys are doing an amazing job." The group unexpectedly all blushed to her compliment, which made her want hug all of them.

"Sabrina-" all of their attention was seized when Helen appeared. "Good evening," she greeted the group after joining Sabrina's side.

"This is my manager, Helen Chastain," said Sabrina. They all greeted each other comfortably because Helen was just the type to easily guide herself in these social circles. Besides, getting along with this Centauri pack members wasn't hard at all.

Some moments later, a shiver crawled down Sabrina's entire body, when the dark scent closed around her. She didn't even need to look to know that Gabriel had returned to their side. Sabrina realized that she was so conscious of Gabriel, that even her body could feel him.

It was sudden, and Sabrina slightly jumped, when a man with salt and pepper hair popped up next to her. It was Richard Brady, who was one of the hosts of tonight's event and a real-estate tycoon.

"Good evening, Mr. Centauri. Thank you for coming tonight," said Mr. Brady. He was a tall, robust man in his late-forties who had taciturn black eyes and a dingy aura- that wasn't very welcoming even if he held a smile on his face. Mr. Brady's inky eyes turned to Sabrina. "And Miss. Sinclair, thank you for coming. I was glad that you didn't deny the invitation that I personally sent to you," he said smugly before gripped her hand in his meaty palm.

Sabrina faked a smile and pulled her hand back. "Thank you for inviting me to such a worthy cause," she said. "I'm always happy to give back to society."

Mr. Brady shot her a grin. "A photo to commemorate this night, since I'm such a big fan of yours," he said before standing next to her for the cameraman, that appeared on his cue. His shoulder bumped into hers and almost instantly his arm snaked around her waist. The camera flashed brightly before he let go and moved back. It happened so quickly, that she couldn't do anything to stop it from happening. When unexpectedly, another arm circled her waist much more gently. It was Gabriel this time. Sabrina gaped up at him, but she quickly hid her flustered expression.

"I believe the auction is about to begin, Richard," Gabriel's voice was low and hot. "Wouldn't want to be late for your own event, now would we?"

Richard flatly chuckled. "I was just on my way," he said. "Have a great night-" his black eyes looked at the others, who were very busy chatting away about Gabriel's arm around Sabrina- "Until next time, Sabrina."

Sabrina's stomach churned when she smelt Richard's pheromones directed her way from his wolf, but she kept her composure, although she felt like punching away the smugness on the geezer's face. "Of course, Mr. Brady," she said, purposely using formal names because she didn't want to get on first name basis with this man. He briskly walked away as he pulled on the collar his shirt, clearly annoyed by what Gabriel had done.

Gabriel's arm moved away from her waist. "Are you alright?" Gabriel's deep voice whispered near her ear. "You seemed to turn cold when he touched you."

Sabrina was surprised that he had noticed when she was sure that she hid it perfectly. "I was just caught by surprise, that's all," she said. "Thank you for helping me though." A smile crept up her lips quickly forgetting the discomfort from earlier. The lingering sensation of when Richard Brady grabbed her was erased when Gabriel had not-so-subtle put his arm around her, making sure that Richard had gotten a clear message to back off.

Gabriel's gold eyes gazed down to her. "I just don't like it when shit like that happens in front of me," he told her.

Sabrina waved her hand at it. "Don't let it ruin your mood," she said. "Oh, I also wanted to apologize to you-" he tilted his head with a frown creasing his dark brows- "When we met at Bobby's restaurant the other day, I didn't know about your mom-"

"It's fine-" he said reassuring her.

The fake smile she put up on her face for Richard was long gone, because she couldn't help but smile for real for Gabriel. "Still," she said gazing deeper into his eyes, "I'm sorry for not knowing."

"How did you find out then?" he asked curiously.

"Bobby told me," she said even though she was the one who asked Bobby. But she felt shy to tell Gabriel that she asked about him to others.

Gabriel nodded. "You don't need to apologize," he said. "But, thank you." Sabrina's heart flipped.

In the darkness of the stormy night, like the lightning that flashed across the sky was Gabriel Centauri's smile. "Keep smiling at me like that," she whispered under a soft faltering breath. But Gabriel heard her, he heard her loud and clear. She was even sure that his keen ears could hear her erratic heartbeat too.

"We should head to our seats, Sabrina," Helen interrupted. "The event's about to begin."

Sabrina turned away from Gabriel and faced the group. "It was great meeting all of you again," she said and they said the same to her.

Helen and Sabrina went to their table and so did the Centauri's. Sabrina muffled out most of the conversation and concentrated on the sparkling champagne, that poured down her parched throat and food in front of her.

The music came to an end and the host began his speech.

Sabrina's eyes kept going back to Gabriel who had now crossed his legs at the knee and leaned back on the chair with finesse. She had to admit for the hundredth time, that he was a striking man, and everyone here could see that. He looked sinfully seductive with his black suit, his hair raked back effortlessly, that jaw of his was set in a hard ache. She realized that the reason he was so relaxed and composed was because these types of events were normal for someone of his status. He was used to the exaggerated tongue of the rich and the ruthless gossip of the watchful guests. The only thing Sabrina was used to was the music and the great food.

The emcee at the front stood proudly at the podium and began the bidding for the antiques the rich always go for. Gabriel occasionally lifted the paddle when the bidding was getting close to an end and reaching an unreasonably large amount. Sabrina bought a few pieces of art herself and was satisfied how this night turned out.

"I've never seen you like this before," whispered Helen.

"Like what?" asked Sabrina.

Helen bit back her laugh. "You look infatuated with a certain somebody."

Sabrina almost choked on her chocolate macaron. "Is it obvious?" she asked secretly.

"Well, you keep staring at him for one," said Helen, "and sighing every time he moves."

Sabrina fawned melodramatically. "I'm doomed," she said with her hand against her forehead.

Helen pushed her absent glasses up habitually. She had worn contact lenses instead but still thought she had her glasses on. "I thought wolves never became affectionate unless it was serious," she said. "If you like Gabriel than it's not just a fleeting attraction, is it?" she asked Sabrina, which didn't surprise Sabrina how quickly Helen caught on even though she wasn't part of the shifter world.

"You're right," said Sabrina. "How do you know this?"

"I read a few books," she said.

Sabrina's brows shot up. "About shifters?"

"There were no books about shifters," said Helen. "I read up on ordinary wolves."

Sabrina smiled. "Really."

Helen nodded. "If I was going to be your manager than I needed to know how to be efficient for your needs," she shared. "And that meant reading about your special abilities... Hold on-" Helen's caramel brown eyes popped open- "Is Gabriel Centauri... Let me rephrase, are all the Centauri's like you?"

Sabrina slowly nodded. "Yeah," she answered Helen's suspicions. "You'd be pretty surprised how many are walking amongst us in this room right now... even Richard Brady is a wolf."

"No wonder the Centauri family is so private," said Helen. "This answers a lot of questions about them."

Sabrina leaned her chin on the back of her hand. "Really, I can't help but have more questions about them now," she said. "They're so intriguing."

"You mean, Gabriel is intriguing," corrected Helen.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Did you know that they have a school?" Helen shook her head. "Apparently, it's a school for wolves. They help them learn how to transition and coexist with humans."

"I didn't know about that, but I do know that the Centauri family help a lot of people, just like you do," said Helen.

Sabrina shook her head. "I don't do nearly as much as them," she said. "But I think I'm going to start."

"How are you going to do that?" asked Helen.

"First, I'm going to find out if Gabriel Centauri is looking for some new partners," she said.

Helen raised a brow. "You're going to join his company," stated Helen. "That's not as easy as it sounds."

"It'll be easy for me," declared Sabrina.

"This is Gabriel Centauri we're talking about, right?" asked Helen sarcastically.

Sabrina chuckled. "I'll convince him to let me join," she said firmly.

"Remind me again why you want to join his company?" mocked Helen.

"I want to visit that school of his," Sabrina didn't fall for Helen's tease.

"Right, of course," jested Helen with a grin.

Sabrina didn't lie when she said that she was interested in the Centauri Institute. She never heard of anyone that had taken the initiative to help wolves, like that pack. Call it curiosity or admiration, but Sabrina needed to know more of what this pack did for wolves like her.