A/N: NOT EDITED.

Chapter 59- Bump in the Road (Progression PT2) (Chelsea's POV)

We had been silent just enjoying this time to ourselves after finally making a dent or well progress in our relationship. I knew that Gabriel and I living together would be a scary thing, especially since we were just in the early stages but with us talking about our relationship I knew that we would work.

I had no experience with this thing, but neither did Gabriel; it was an even playing field in my eyes. One of the best things to me though was that I had one less thing to be nerve wracked about.

Gabriel and I making love, he accepted that I wasn't ready and we could wait and that alone brought me comfort. We could still experiment but we were going to enjoy everything that led up to that act. Not that I knew what those things really were but Gabriel did so... I guess I was his student.

"Before the new guys get here I want to tell you about them. They are Anton, 22 years old, David is 27 years old, Giovanni is 22 years old and his little sister Francesca is my age," he said.

"Okay..." I said because this was strange I couldn't quite understand exactly why he would be bringing this up.

"When I was 18, I-I had a thing with Francesca. We, her and I were in a relationship," he said nervously.

"So she's come here for you?" I asked.

"No definitely not. We haven't been that way in a long time but she is a lost mate wolf," he said.

"What is that?"

"Well her mate died when she was 16 and the pack was attacked. After that we became close and dad sent her away with Giovanni," he said.

Once again proof that I was always waiting for the worse to happen, I asked.

"Do you have feelings for her?"

"No. The only person I want is the one right in front of me at this moment. We are mates Chelsea, but the thing is I do not just want you because of that. You are caring, kind, thoughtful, wise beyond your years and just- just truth be told... you-you're good Chelsea. If it weren't for the fact that we are mates I'm not sure I would've pursued you. Not because there was anything wrong with you. I would not because you are out of my league,-" he sighed.

"That's not true-" he didn't let me finish.

"No it is! Last night you said that I wanted you to court danger, which is true. I never wanted to drag anyone into this life, which is why I never messed around with woman who didn't know what they were acting getting.  We claimed each other and I am so happy for that, so proud that I get to call you mine. As far as this Francesca talks goes, she is a nonissue. I wont cheat on you and if you do not approve of her, you are free to make that call, to decide she isn't a very good fit. Okay?"

"Okay," I smiled if my wolves had a valid point of why we shouldn't keep her then I wouldn't but until then I'd keep her around. I think I had somehow made my peace with the fact that I couldn't bubble wrap Gabriel and I. He had a past, history, different women he had been intimate with. Yet it didn't bother me. He hadn't settled down with any of them but me? He actually wanted me.

They were nothing but pit stops... I thought then smiled.

"What's got you smiling?" he asked smirking. I slapped his chest playfully.

"Are you afraid of heights?" he asked randomly, face not giving anything away.

"What?"

"Well I wanted to know things about you, so I ask again, are you... afraid of heights?" expression blank as well as eager... for... my answer?

"No I'm not afraid of heights, I'm not afraid of anything..." the second the last part of my response came out I wished I hadn't said it.

"That is a lie... what are you afraid of? Dying? We are wolves... you know that we are stronger and hefty... compared to the common human." He said his head cocked to the side, his hand rubbing mine to calm me. I wanted to tell him, tell him my fears but now, now was not the right time. I wanted.

"I'm afraid of falling into the wrong hands," I said cryptically making sure my wall, my mental wall was up and no one would, not even my mate could probe.

Gabriel remained silent just letting me continue but I was not going to say anymore than that. When he realized this he sighed, kissed my forehead.

It was not a passionate, tongues battling kiss. To me, when he kissed my forehead it was much more personal and intimate.

"Baby steps, beautiful," he whispered calming my nerves that he would push for more or get fed up with me.

"Do you get sea sick?" he resumed with the questioning.

"No, Daddy and I once spent an entire summer on his boat sailing." I said sadly missing Jason, my father.

"You miss him?" he asked. I wanted to say, think that this was rhetorical but Gabriel wasn't asking to sound stupid, he was doing so to know me. The way I could ask him about his sister, Katie.

Still Jason, my only father was a sore subject for me.  I nodded, resting my head on his shoulders.

"Things are just moving so fast," I said hoping to change topics. I knew I had to communicate with Gabe, but for now, that topic was not one I was ready for.

"What do you mean?" he asked but I could tell he was afraid of the answer. He shouldn't be though.

"Before, I spent hours dancing and painting but now I feel like all the things I enjoy I hardly have time for," I murmured.

"Bad scheduling?" he replied.

"Yeah, I need to find a balance between school, dance, my art, Ava, training my wolf and you. I'm steadily worrying about Leo and what his end game is, then those wolves that were being changed as children, then I'm worrying all the time about who to trust. I-I feel like, like I spent all this time hiding away when we lived in New York, and now- now I'm interacting with all these different people and my normal safe existence is just- poof gone." I waved my hands around, my breathing accelerating.

"And- and my biological father... Jay... he... Rian... I –I..." I couldn't continue. I was rambling letting everything out, panic seizing me. I was shaking, literally. I was wheezing, fighting for a breath but I couldn't it felt like I had 900lbs on my chest.

Relax Chelsea Aria was trying to coach me and relax me in my head but I couldn't concentrate on that, on anything.

"Baby! Baby! Relax! Breathe!"

I was losing Gabe's voice, the blackness that was just around the edges of my vision were taking over completely.

"JACK!"

"CASEY!"

"JACK!"

I heard screaming, "Ja-" was al I heard before the blackness took me under.

I groaned waking up. The room was dark; I shifted looking around at my clock. It was 12am and I was on my bed next to a sleeping Gabriel. I couldn't remember what happened-

You had a panic attack! Aria said as my stomach released a loud roar.

Slowly, not to wake Gabriel, I left my room, no I left our room, checked on Ava who was fast asleep, butt in the air, upside down on her bed.

Once I left her room, walking down to the kitchen I smelt a new scent, many of them. Must be the four new guys, Gabriel had mentioned earlier.

As I broke the corner I see a woman, 5feet 8inches, maybe 125lbs, tan blonde hair, I was shocked. Not because there was a strange unknown woman in my house. Oh no... what left me furious, shocked and ready to attack was she was walking around topless. Her hair was wet and she smelt of chlorine and the only stitch of clothing she was wearing was a bikini thong.

When she heard someone approaching she turned around after saying, "Ha, so Gabe you've changed your mind about joining me?" I balled up my fists. My fingernails were digging painfully into my palms.

"Who. Are. You?" I gritted out. She smirked at me. Looking at me up and down. Face full of distaste. I read her mind for some type of clue.

Seriously this is who is mated to my Gabriel? This was going to be easier than I thought... God she reeks of virgin.

"Gabriel's lover of course!" she said smiling, I wanted to kill her.

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Chapter 60 – You bite but I maim and maul (Chelsea's POV)

My wolves wanted to kill her. I snorted at myself internally, because I wanted to kill her too.

She wants what is ours! Aria growled.

I figured that this was Francesca, but what I did not know was why she was walking around my house topless.

"Francesca?" I said monotone, my expression blank as well.

She smiled wider, I quirked an eyebrow, "I see that my Gabriel has mentioned me?" she answered smug.

Beat that smug grin off of her face! Avena thought, getting restless.

"Oh, yes. His nonissue," I replied expressionless. I could see her jaw clenched and heard her teeth make a grinding sound.

Then, almost as if she was a new person her stance changed.

She became more... more cool- sure of herself.

"Well that's what women like you are told about women like me," she shrugged, trying to remain calm but I wouldn't bite. Yet.

"They tell you not to worry, but he will visit my bed after he has finished with you at night," she said smug, now I would bite but I'd do more than that thought. I'd maul her.

Gabriel doesn't want her Chelsea! Only us!

"At night like they are ashamed and you are only worth seeing when you or well they can't be seen?" I asked innocently.

"Or do you mean the men that say they will leave their wives for you but would never actually do that?" Silence. Grinding teeth. No smirk.

"What are- no... you should have higher aspirations that to be my second best..." I said honestly.

"Gabriel and Jamie, my brothers mate, they both said I could stay here. Moved me all in why you were asleep..." She said self-assured again.

"Gabriel had a dirty wolf, I let her stay here too..." I answered.

"He wants me close by, so he can keep my safe," she sucks her teeth, "You won't have s-e-x with him and he has needs, he will come right to me-"

"But will ignore you in public... maybe you should close your door, well my doors, because all I had to do for him to leave Maggie was show up," I stopped her.

"You've changed everything about yourself, you're a true red head I can see your roots. So you've dyed your hair to look like Maggie... and he still chose her, you can dye your hair brown like mine now and you'd still be a nonissue Francesca," again being honest.

"What did Alpha George tell you for you to come here? Swallow your pride?" I asked. Goading her out loud but I was really prompting her thoughts. Listening to everything she thought.

Be natural, get ride of her then I will get Gabriel.

He will be Alpha.

He will be the next Boss.

Chelsea of your baby

Mole.

I will be more than enough for him; we are amazing together, strong.

Keystrokes.

You are the best match for my son Francesca, I am sorry it took all this for me to see the truth.

What you and Gabriel have cannot be denied anymore and I am sorry I stood in your way.

She took 49 seconds to answer and in those seconds I learned what I needed too.

I'm not sure why she even bothered answering the question after taking such a long while to actually answer my question.

"The Alpha said nothing," she tried to lie with a straight face.

"Sure he didn't. Listen. As one of those women you think you are... I'm sure you want more than to live in my shadow but as a goomah that is all you are. A girl that will sleep with anyone and do just about everything, or anything, but will never be the type of girl that he would be proud to have by his side," I said getting her angry.

"You want to know what the real difference between you and I Francesca? You asked Gabriel to leave the life for you I'm sure. Thought if you used s-e-x, he would eventually leave so you two could have a real relationship. He let you get down on your knees... and fed you line after line about not being able to leave his family, they are blood. Right? But I did not even ask and he did what he would not do for you, for me," I said watching her hands ball up into fists. Shaking.

The truth hurts...

"You Francesca as expendable. When Alpha George thought you were his sons' hidden goomah, he was okay with that. He felt that being a goomah was an appropriate title for you. A mistress. Nothing. A whore. When he learned that you wanted more from his son, he sent you away. He changed your location Francesca, but it didn't change what you were to him... you were just a whore from California that he sent away to Italy to be a whore there. And now he's brought you back, still a whore-"

"Ahhhhhhh!" she screamed flinging her naked body at me.

JACK! CASEY! GABRIEL! JAMIE! NOAH! KICTHEN! RIGHT NOW! I shouted an Alpha order.

Francesca knocked me over, scratching my face, but I quickly brought my hand fisting her right in her kidney before snapping her wrist and flipping us over. Punching her right in the face. I heard a slight crunch sound and thought that she would stop fighting and was getting ready to get off her.

Her wrist was injured; surely I just heard her tooth or jaw crack...

I underestimated her. She was well trained, better than Maggie.

Francesca brought her legs up and wrapped them around my neck, using her leg strength and muscle to slam me backwards onto the Ivory colored marble floor. My head hit back.

Pain.

But I wasn't giving up because neither was she...

Instead of struggling I placed my left hand on her shin and my right hand below her calf muscle. With all the strength I had I applied pressure in both directions snapping her Tibia. I feel her lax her hold around my neck and hear her scream as I start to lose consciousness feeling something trickling down my neck. I hear loud screaming. Crying. Someone is shouting.

"Get her off Chelsea now!" someone shouted frantically.

I couldn't see anything but heard someone else say, "Her head is bleeding!"

"Give her to Jamie!" someone a male voice, says but I realized my eyes had closed and sparks I hadn't noticed disappeared.

Finally darkness really took over and I could hear nothing else.

"How much longer?" I heard, from Violet, a sigh immediately followed.

"N-owe" I groaned eyes still closed, but trying to speak hurt me.

"Oh God, Chelsea, baby..." Gabriel said, nearly shouting, I groaned at the noise.

"L-loud," I mumbled wanting him to be quiet.

"H-h-hurts," I said feeling like my ears were ringing.

"Sorry, baby. Can you open your eyes for me beautiful? It's dark, no light in the room," Gabe said much softer and quiet for which I was thankful for.

After some time my eyes finally fluttered open. I was in my office with Jamie, Gabriel, Jack and Violet.

When I tried to lift myself up, it felt as if the room and all its contents were spinning, "W-whoa."

"Relax. You have a fractured skull and concussion," Jack explained I nodded but immediately regretted that decision.

"H-how long-g w-as I o-out?" I slurred.

"Well it's 9am so just about 8 hours," Gabe answered.

"Shouldn't-t y-you gu-guys try- try t-to keep-p me- me a-awake?" I kept slurring my words. But didn't know why... it was like my mouth wasn't working right and I couldn't hear Aria and Avena in my head.

I can't hear my wolves, I sent to Jack.

Your brain was swelling, you're slowly coming back from your injury they are just letting you heal it takes energy to converse with them Chelsea, don't worry. While you were out they spoke briefly to my wolf, he replied quickly easing all my worries. If my mind link still worked it would only be a matter of time until I could hear Aria and Avena again.

"W-where is she?" I asked, they were all being silent.

"Spit-t i-it ou-out!"

"You cannot just attack everyone woman that Gabriel has slept with Chelsea," Jamie said shocking me.

J-Jamie took blood a-and gave it to Giovanni f-for F-Francesca I head from Aria but it did not sound the same it sounded like a broken connection with static.

Aria? I thought back and waited but heard nothing back, but I was already furious with Jamie. I was horrified.

"You-you t-took my b-blood?" I asked him shock coating my words, especially that he would do that, but that while I was out he used me.

"Of course! Giovanni knew your blood heals..." everyone gasped, looked surprised that Jamie did that. Which meant they left him with me alone, trusted him and instead of looking out for me he stole my blood.

"She is his family," he said irritatingly, trying to dignify his actions.

I could see Jack holding onto Gabriel who was growling at Jamie, and while I didn't have either of my wolves, Gabriel had his and I could see that he was ready to attack.

He was infuriating, "We marked each other and he asked if she could stay here, he wants her close so they could look out for each other, I didn't think it would be a problem, I'm sure you wouldn't want another death on your hands-"

"Y-you t-took my blood!" I growled, slurring slightly less.

"Maybe I should go give some of my blood to Audrey..." I answered him.

"This and that is not the same thing. Yes. I took your blood but you just attacked her Chelsea. She was naked because she forgot her towel. The moment you saw her you just attacked her, she's told us. Gabriel and Giovanni almost killed each other, when Giovanni tried to get you," he answered.

"G-get. E-everyone. In. H-here. Now," I gritted out angrily.  Although I was in pain I swung my feet over the side of my sofa. Wobbly as I was, I got to my feet, gritting my teeth. Using my fury at Jamie and Francesca, I ignored the pain and went to my computer. When no one came into the room I went to open the door.

"Every- everyone in t-this house g-get the h-hell up here, n-now!" I said loudly. This time within two minutes everyone, Mikael, Noah, Alex, Lucas, James, Saul, Rico, Casey as well as Ava and three men I hadn't met were in the room. The one glaring at me, brown eyes, reddish brown hair, 6feet 2 inches. I gathered that this man was Giovanni.

"Casey you and Ava can go. The rest of you and I might as well do our introduction now..." one by one they started. Giving little pieces of info.

David, 27 years old, no mate yet, black hair, brown eyes, dimple on the right cheek. No other family. While Aria and Avena were not trying to use my energy, they did give me a one-word opinion of David.

Trustworthy.

Anton, 22 years old, but looked no older than 16 had short dirty blonde hair, one blue eye and one green, slim build, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and was raised by his grandparents.

Trustworthy.

I was sitting at my desk. When we got to Giovanni instead of letting him introduce himself I asked a question.

"F-Francesca said-d that I a-attacked h-her, n-no questions a-asked?" He growled and within a second Gabriel had his gun out pointed at him, instantly the growling stopped.

"Yes. She was returning to her room and you didn't even speak-"

"W-watch!" I said as I pulled up CCTV of the kitchen. Turning up the sound so everyone could hear. As the recording played I could feel Jamie trying to mind link me but I wasn't going to budge. He took my blood without my permission. I wasn't going to forgive him so easily. The last thing I wanted is for someone to get their hands on me and use me for my blood. I never thought I would have to worry about that here, in my own house.

I tuned out all the gasps from people in the room, especially when she lunged for me. I could see the color drain from Jamie's face when he saw that I was clearly finished once I punched her in the jaw. You could see that I was making way to remove myself but she wrapped her legs around my neck, slamming me backwards causing my now current injuries.

She attacked me twice, nearly killing me the second. When we get to the part where they all enter the room I stop watching and shut down the recording. Turning to Giovanni, waiting for him to speak, not bothering to try and read his mind.

"We have no family, except each other, we look out for each other," he said and I just laughed.

"L-listen I-I don't care if s-she's your sister she isn't g-going to work. Not for me. S-she is not w-welcomed here and quite f-frankly, I called e-everyone down to the r-room so I couldn't kill her..."

"If she goes, then so do I," Giovanni interrupted me, and smiled Francesca's smug smile.

"If t-that's how y-you feel there's the d-door. J-Jamie can leave with you-you or he c-can s-stay but I don't care," I said to Giovanni but I could see the hurt in Jamie's' eyes.

"J-just know y-you are welcomed here. Your sister is not. Neither my wolf- nor I trust her. I would allow you to stay because Jamie is your mate," I sighed then continued.

"To Alpha George, F-Francesca and y-yourself are re-replaceable, just l-like Gabriel's father thought of M-Maggie. I k-killed her and do n-not want any m-more d-deaths on my h-heads, but your s-sister got the best of me now, she w-won't get that again. I pulled away b-because I didn't w-want to kill her, b-but she issued a c-challenge. T-The next t-time I see her, I will f-finish w-what she s-started."

"I'm d-doing you a f-favor," I said to him.

"Alpha George brought her here so she would kill me or I would kill her. No matter what happened then Gabriel would tie loose ends and kill you. You are just a means to an end Giovanni. To Alpha George, your life in exchange of getting his son back seems okay."

"Anyway m-make your de-decision, stay or l-leave. I don't care but your sister comes anywhere n-near me... I w-will kill her." I said to Giovanni, out of the corner of my eyes I could see David and Anton watching me with wide eyes, however James, Saul and Rico were all smirking. I could see James biting his lips, vibrating, it seemed like he was

Getting up slowly, still wobbly, Gabriel picked me up bridal style carrying me out and back to our room.

"We aren't going to school today... we are going to spend the whole day in bed relaxing. Then tomorrow evening, we're going out on our date," he said with a smile as he laid me down softly.

Despite everything that had happened, I felt like I was in a good place... especially since if Gabriel had actually cared for Francesca he would be angry and running off to take care of her instead of being here with me.

I had almost forgotten that we had a date tomorrow and was wondering what he was planning. I could go into his mind and take the information, but I wanted to be like any other girl and I was. Nervous. I laughed quietly.

"What?" Gabriel asked right away.

"Well I was just laughing because I'll be having my first date, after my first kiss," I said smiling, not minding at all, then yawning, even though I apparently slept for 8 hours.

"Nothing is typical about us, and if you don't mind then neither do I baby," Gabriel said yawning himself.

"Tired?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep when you weren't waking up, you bled a lot..." he said tiredly.

"Head in-injury," I answered but my eyes began feeling heavy.

"Lets' take a short nap baby," Gabriel said between yawns.

I just nodded closing my eyes, resting my head on his chest.

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Chapter 61 - The Start of a New Beginning (Gabriel POV)

I'm not sure why my father thought giving Chelsea up would ever be an actual option, I thought to myself.

Because you've never once claimed to love any woman Gabriel...

I'm not in love with Chelsea either, I thought back to Max but the moment I did the words felt wrong to even think...

Yes you do Gabriel! Why do you think it bothered you so much when you thought she slept with Jamie? Did you care when other women you messed with had other guys as well? NO.

I had just met her the night before Max

Can you picture a life without Chelsea?

Can you go more than an hour without thinking about Chelsea?

Do you place importance on Chelsea's opinion? I mean you must since you told her about the planned attack at the drop... right?

Does Chelsea make you want to be better? Do more, be more for her? For Ava?

Do you enjoy sleeping next to Chelsea? Not even doing much but holding her? When has holding a woman ever brought you joy Gabriel?

You and her have made it through you cheating with who shall not be named... right? Well if you didn't love her would you even have bothered trying to make things right?

Max asked question after question, not really giving me a chance to answer, but giving me plenty to think about, while sounding...

Chelsea was sleeping, beautiful and healing nicely but I was hiding my anger from her. I was putting it aside to be what she wanted and needed me to be right now. That is what I realized and had to face since she came along; I could no longer be selfish not if I wanted her and I to work together as mates, as leaders. Yet as I watched her sleep and knew she would be down for another 2 hours at the most I wanted to slip away and return before she could know.

No go! Stay in bed in our Mate! Max thought angrily as I eased myself away from her.

Max didn't understand that while I did not want to leave our mate I had put this off for as long as I could. I was furious, meeting mad when I saw Chelsea and Francesca fighting.

This was Chelsea's house but I needed to talk to her. Make her see how things should be handled. When she passed out and it turned out that Giovanni and Jamie were mates I was relieved that Jamie had found a man like Giovanni, but disappointed that Francesca would be around. They went to the beach and both came back marked.

Then without Chelsea's consent Jamie agreed to let Giovanni stay as well as Francesca and I knew why but I also knew why Jamie thought Chelsea would agree with his decision.

Chelsea didn't grow up with a family but she liked the idea of a family, which is why she continuously made that choice for people. Telling Giovanni not to let Francesca come near her but saying that 'he could come and go.'

In reality she should have made him cut ties with his sister if he wanted to work for her. Or me for that matter. This was why I wanted to get this done. Chelsea shouldn't be so laid back all the time, clearly Francesca attacked her. Francesca knew what would happen, she is not a child. Everything that happened should not have.

I was steadfastly learning things about my mate, as well as feeling her pain, anger and disappointment in Jamie. We had left him with her for no more than 10 minutes, and in that time he abused that trust, friendship and closeness with her as well as what everyone else placed in him. Not one of us thought that Chelsea had attacked Francesca the way she said but apparently Jamie and Giovanni had. But ask Violet and she would tell you what she told me. "If a woman that had a physical relationship with my mate was walking in my house naked, I'd attack her no questions asked," she said and I briefly wondered how Lucas her quiet mate dealt with her; Violet was wild, out spoken and his total opposite.

Mate is our opposite human... Max thought to me

Which made me think about all the questions he asked and so many other things; things that pointed to my true feelings.

I did love Chelsea and I suspect that I loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her...

After letting the guys know we were going to my dad I went to the car. As I drove down to my dads' place I was holding onto a false cool and calm persona. And as I sped up the driveway, and threw my car in park I felt the façade slipping but I wouldn't let him see that.

Leave me in control Max! We cannot shift right now okay?

He sent Francesca to hurt our mate!

Yes like he sent Maggie Max... he planned this Max! We can't let him win... not if we want our mate... I thought to him hoping that we could get in, get out and go home.

Home to mate!

I entered the house and the moment my mother and father saw me they smiled but when they really took in my facial expression both their smiles dropped.

"Gab-"

"Don't! You couldn't even wait more than 24 hours to rescind the pack order could you George!" I said shouting and I had to give it to him, he even looked surprised.

"I'm done!" I yelled not giving him a chance to speak.

"Gabriel what are you talking about?" my mother said looking between my father and I confused, by my guess.

"George here said that he gave a pack wide command that no one would hurt Chelsea. But guess what? She's currently at home recuperating from a fractured skull!" I growled. "From someone in your pack!" I pointed at my father who I knew was a great actor so I did not believe that shocked look of denial he wore.

"How long?" I gritted out my jaw clenched. "Long enough to see me drive away?" I roared demanding an answer.

Jamie might have been the one to let Francesca stay in the house but my father promised me he would be sending people to protect my mate not stab her in the back when she wasn't looking.

Chelsea and I had been trying especially her, she saved my brothers' lives while putting herself at risk and I couldn't let this continue. If I wanted to protect her I needed to do one thing first and that was completely break ties with my father.

"I'm done George. You want someone to train the boys? Call granddad and Nonno to do it. I cannot believe how unappreciative you are. She sent her blood to save your two sons, I guilt her into doing that. She takes it upon herself to heal mom after the practice was blown up. You ignored the break when I left the pack and sent Maggie to kill her. How many more George? What were you just going to send in different people to- to what? Make her leave me? Kill her?"  I shouted not losing an ounce of steam.

"You didn't even think did you? The myths? Kill a white wolf and you kill all they've healed? Andrew, Ethan, and that baby would die... Or maybe not the baby but Andrew and Ethan, then again the myth states that it's the blood so since she actually used her blood to save them but not the baby it was okay? What about me? I've marked her George? I had to drink, taste her blood." I spoke freely because I knew I had to get away from my family, inside Max was ready to shift, I was ready to shift as well. I could feel Max fighting for control but I wouldn't relent.

That's what he wants Max, if we shift and attack he will find away to make me Alpha of his pack I tried to calm him down. Repeating the statement over and over again.

When George spoke I could already tell her knew that I was done with him completely, he had to have known there was a difference. No one ever attacked or was able to use any of the women I messed around with as leverage because I did not care about them, just my needs. Chelsea was different, she was my mate. I drew a line and the last person I expected to cross it was my father.

"Gabriel, son-" I growled when he said son, but that didn't stop him for long.

"I did give the order and I haven't taken it back or changed my orders," he finished.

"Bullshit! Francesca nearly killed her, George," I fumed.

"I know you brought her to bring trouble but it ends now. She or anyone else from this pack comes near Chelsea again and I will. Kill. Her. And. Them." I tell George before walking away and leaving the men that he offered behind. Who knows what he was planning to have them do to her.

"I did not do what you are accusing me of Gabriel! But even if I were, could you blame me?" he shouted but I wouldn't take the bait.

I did not turn around for his words, nor did I turn around when I heard him cock his gun and most likely point it at me.

He continued shouting at my back as I walked to his office door, "She is taking my son away from me, away from your titles and away-" he was interrupted by my mother.

"Do. Not. Point. A gun. At. My. Son!" My mother snapped.

"George, let him go before you both do or say something you regret..." I heard my mother say but tuned her out.

Back home to mate! Back home to mate! Max thought, not angry just antsy to get back to Chelsea. When we were away from her and her wolf both Max and I were always uneasy. Her smell, soft touches and heartbeat... She relaxed us.

Opening the door to my father's office I walked past Francesca with my hands clenched trying to reign myself in but then I went back. Stiffly, I stood right in front of her.

Her eyes teary, pleading and her leg still badly injured but not as bad if Jamie hadn't stolen Chelseas' blood.

I was shaking with rage.

"Gabriel-"

"No! Stop!" I said between my teeth, my eyes only saw red. One of the things I thought was attractive in Francesca was that when her mate died she was strong even after that. Something that should have broken her down and slowly killed her off... well it did not do that. However now, after attacking my mate because in that delusional mind of hers she thought that she would get me, I was going to speak the truth and as the old saying goes, 'the truth hurts.'

I wanted to crush her, so I did.

"My father wasn't the one that wanted to send you away; I. Told. Him. To. Send. You. Away." I spat then walked away, ignoring the call of my name mixed in with sad sobs.

Out the door into my car and back to my mate. I had a feeling that she was awake because I was receiving a small dose of her emotions. Tense. Angry. Chilled.

I wasn't sure what would happen with my family or any of my enemies but I knew one thing: Chelsea and I would be facing it together. I didn't expect to have my mate find me, instead of the other way around but I guess that's how life happens. Obstacles come to pass even when you have other plans, and instead of trying to force the aftermath into that nicely structured plan, you make a new plan. You take what you have and run with it, even if that means leaving the ones you love. I had hoped that I would be able to have it all, that my father would eventually put my happiness first and accept that Chelsea was my future but he couldn't do that, would not do it.

I had a mate and daughter, two new people that I was not expecting but gladly and willing to give up my old life for. It wasn't that hard of a decision because what I had before Chelsea came in I could hardly call it a life, much less living. I was just sailing, following the set out path that my father instructed.

The problems we had to fix between the two of us only occurred because I did the worst possible thing anyone could ever do when met with change, especially the unplanned kind. I panicked.

But it wasn't just that it was unplanned, there was so much more to my adverse reaction.

I did what was in my nature; I met my mate, marked her and fell in love with her immediately. I wasn't ready for the overwhelming need to make her mine and start our life off together, others be damned. I blame no one and at the same time I blame my parents as well as myself. I was clueless, because my father tried to rob me of something else that was mine. My mate. The feeling of completeness I can only achieve with Chelsea.

He never once sat me down and explained what would happen when I found her, because it was never in his plans for me to be with her. He wanted me to pay for his mistakes, and decisions.

Only a seventeen year old girl, dancer, painter with green eyes and brown hair changed all that and I wasn't prepared. Despite the fact that I had planned to go find her...

I did not expect to love her like I did, love her so much that it soothed me, scared me, hurt me and confused me all at once. Inside I was warring with myself, with my nature, of the love I felt for Chelsea, love I was certain she did not believe I felt for her. Love that I felt from the instant I knew she was mine, which only amplified while I was in awe of her.

But it wasn't just that I noticed the waterfall of good qualities that Chelsea had shown, I realized my behavior had altered as well. I was willing to talk about my past with Chelsea, even the things that were less than flattering. I was willing to compromise with and for Chelsea in the sake of our relationship. Most importantly, and damning was when I first thought Chelsea was leaving the night we met I immediately offered to leave with her. Leave everything behind, something I had never offered or actually considered but was doing now, for her, for me – for us.

As I drove home admitting to myself what I felt for Chelsea was indeed love, I was euphoric and slightly disheartened but with myself. I was the one that screwed up, and I knew that there was no way that Chelsea could possibly be able to return those feelings for me.

She might not be able to return them now, but that doesn't mean she will never be able to... Plus you have no idea... maybe she is harboring those same feelings for you Gabriel, but can't express them properly... Max theorized.

I could hope she felt that way, but whatever happened next, whatever new obstacles were thrown; Chelsea and I would face the unexpected together.

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