The sun was setting behind the forest trees, but the entire pack wasn't ready to call it a day. The carnival was just getting started for the night. All the lanterns turned on and the stalls for the games were still going strong. Every kid was holding a rainbow snow-cone or ice-cream sundaes. Their parents had popcorn or hot-dogs as they won toys and played games.

That all made sense, but not the crowd that was around Gabriel.

Gabriel thought his pack was a rowdy bunch. But clearly, he was wrong, because when Isaiah's brothers joined them the commotion grew tremendously. Zachariah and Victor were with all the guys too. They had arrived a little later after Alec and Vadik.

Gabriel, River and Hunter were with Alec and Vadik who were quite taken aback by the chaotic atmosphere. Gabriel understood that Alec and Vadik never had the chance to see how people would normally spend their days off. So, it made sense that the men held a lost expression for hours into the carnival. But that didn't lessen their competitiveness at all. Zeiden, Ronin ganged together with Vincent and Ryder to challenge Alec and Vadik against all the games, which in the end, lead to the four men losing every single game.

"Damn, you boys suck," Azura remarked with a chuckle.

Vincent rolled his eyes. "We don't suck," he said. "Alec and Vadik are just better shooters."

Azura patted his shoulder. "Keep telling yourself that, buddy."

"Let's go another round," Zeiden challenged the Waldorf siblings again.

Vadik looked at the boastful wolf's sterling blue eyes. "I think we've beat you enough," he said.

"Come on, I was going easy on you, Vadik," jested Zeiden.

Ronin put his arm around Alec's stiff shoulders. "Why don't we take this to the dunk-tank game and make this competition a little bit more interesting."

Azura shook her head. "You all are going to regret it, I'm telling you." She sauntered away towards the group of girls who were sitting near the funnel cake stand.

They reached the dunk-tank game, and as expected their bickering broke out when they decided who'd get dunked.

Ryder shook his head. "Nope. I don't wanna get wet," he said.

Vincent looked at him remorsefully. "That's what happens when you lose at rock-paper-scissors, buddy," he said.

Ryder groaned. "Goddamn it. You guys tricked me, didn't you?"

From the funnel cake stand, River quickly got to his feet. "I need to see this," he said licking his fingers of the remnants of cream and sugar. Gabriel followed River who was eager to see his twin brother get dunked in water that was colder than ice. Gabriel didn't say it out-loud but he wanted to see it too.

"Ready?" Vadik asked Ryder who was seated above the water.

Quite the crowd gathered and Gabriel was sure that Ryder would go straight into the water.

River never smiled more brightly. "Better get him on first try," he egged Vadik on.

Ryder glared at his brother. "What the hell-" before he could finish, Vadik swung his arm back and hit the bullseye, dunking Ryder into the frozen water. The crowd hollered and the ones laughing the most were Ronin and Zeiden who suggested this game in the first place.

Ryder got out of the tank shivering. "I...hate...all of you," he muttered through chattering teeth. Vadik handed him a towel from the side.

Gabriel chuckled and composed himself so Ryder wouldn't get too embarrassed.

"Maybe Gabriel should give it a try," suggested Vincent.

Gabriel froze in his tracks.

The next minute, River and Hunter caught hold of Vincent and they dragged the man over to the dunk-tank seat, and Gabriel was the one who aimed to dunk him.

Ryder laughed at Vincent. "Should've kept your mouth shut, Vince!"

"Fuck me-" Vincent dunked into the cold water on the first try, but that's to be expected since Gabriel was playing. Vincent climbed out of the tank sopping wet and frozen to the bone.

"Who else wants to give it a try?" Ryder asked all the guys, but none of them responded. Even Zeiden and Ronin stayed away.

"You guys are going to get sick if you don't change your clothes," commented Zachariah who was holding his son, Dimitri. Zach's son was the spitting-image of his father. Dimitri looked to be enjoying the carnival to the fullest. He had glow sticks around his small wrists with a Mickey-mouse headband on his head. He hated it at first, but Hailey and the rest of the girls made sure he kept it on for them, so he did. He grew to like it since it kept his black hair out of his big blue eyes. His mom and Zachariah's mate, Evangeline had the same pair on, but hers fashioned a pink bow on the top.

Gabriel grabbed a beer from the cooler and joined Hailey and Ashley who were eating away a large platter of poutine. Viola, Azura and Evangeline were all sitting together after they had all enjoyed the massive bouncy-castles. Hunter personally had to escort the girls away from the bouncy-castles, so other kids could have a chance. Klaus was busy keeping all the kids in check, but no one gave him any trouble, they never did. This carnival was held to ensure the pack had a good time, but Gabriel knew that the ones who enjoyed it the most were his blundering siblings.

The darkening sky hinted at the time. Just before the barbecue began, Hunter and River helped Klaus start the bonfire with the rest of the pack. Gabriel loved when they started the annual bonfire, it was the only time the whole pack got together, under the night sky with refreshing crisp breeze. It was the perfect time to unwind and let their wolves enjoy as well.

All the other pack members gathered around Gabriel's table, that was specifically arranged to fit the large number of guests. Zachariah and Evangeline settled on the side with Alec and Vadik, but Dimitri ditched his father and sat on Victor's lap who was glad to hold his nephew. Gabriel would be too, and now it was going to come true since Hailey was carrying the first Centauri nephew or niece. Isaiah sat next to Ashley who was far into her pregnancy, it definitely started to show and looked quite daunting. But she carried the child like it was nothing at all. Isaiah never left her side and neither did Lazarus and Adrik.

The night truly was wonderful, but something was missing and Gabriel knew what it was, or more like, who it was. His mate hadn't arrived yet. This was the umpteenth time, Gabriel looked down at his watch. He was just about to pull out his cellphone when he was interrupted by Zach.

"Why do you keep looking at your watch?" asked Zachariah.

"Do you have somewhere to be?" Alec asked thereafter.

"He's waiting for someone," remarked Vincent who had returned after a change of clothes with Ryder too.

"Someone very special," Viola snickered beside Hailey.

Zachariah and all the other guys looked to Gabriel to explain the mystery. But there wasn't any need, because the reason he kept looking down at his watch walked onto the field in front of them. In a floral white dress and red sandals, Sabrina strolled over to their table.

"Well, that's a surprise," remarked Zachariah. "Who would've thought we'd get to see a supermodel here."

"Hi, everyone," Sabrina gazed directly into Gabriel's eyes, that were on her since he saw her. "Sorry I came late-" she moved her gaze over to Hailey and Klaus now.

Hailey waved her hand. "Don't worry about it," she said. "Gabriel told us that work held you,"

"The barbecues about to start so you didn't miss anything," informed Klaus.

"Come, take a seat, Sabrina," offered Vincent.

It was embarrassingly noticeable when Vincent pushed Ryder from sitting in the empty spot next to Gabriel. The entire group viewed Vincent with bafflement.

"What the hell man," Ryder glared at Vincent confused.

"Sit over here with me," Vincent pulled the man away. "Sit down, Sabrina." Vincent gestured towards the seat right next to Gabriel.

"Thanks," said Sabrina. She slid on the bench and sat without sensing the grimace in Gabriel.

Gabriel's elbows were leaning on the table. He hid his frown behind his fastened hands. Thankfully, Sabrina didn't see the panic all over his face, because she started talking to Ashley. Gabriel was so close to walking over to Vincent and killing that man for being so goddamned obvious.

"I'm going to start the barbecue," announced Klaus.

"Let me help you," said Lazarus who was quite the chef in the kitchen. The massive beta followed Klaus. Hailey would've helped too, but Hunter quickly stopped her from going near the flames. Isaiah stopped Ashley and they took the ladies to a comfortable seat.

Everyone got out of their seats and followed the man to the large grills lined up on the pavement. Under the fairy lights, large wooden tables were lined side-by-side. Barrels of beer and soda was served. The students made sure everyone had a plate, because everyone knew that wolves took their dinner very seriously. Apparently, Alec was also very good with the grill and he joined Klaus. Gabriel didn't even realize when Sabrina had slipped past them and joined Klaus as well. She was wearing white but had no fear of sauce stains or flames, that could potentially stain her clothes. Gabriel took the seat that he could see her clearly from where he was. He knew it was obvious that he was staring, but who really had the nerve to tell him to stop.

"So-" Zachariah grinned like a cheeky wolf- "this is unexpected."

Gabriel's focused on what was beside him. His gaze shifted over to Zach. "What?"

Zachariah's raised a brow. "Do I need to spell it out?"

"No," said Gabriel. "What you're thinking is spot on."

Zachariah smiled with all his teeth. "Gabriel, this is great news," he said. "Does everyone know?"

"Yeah," Gabriel said. "It's kind of hard to hide."

Zachariah chuckled. "You can say that again," he remarked. "I remember how hard I had to control myself with Evangeline. I almost lost my mind just trying to not scare her away."

"How'd you do it?" asked Gabriel, because out of all of them, Zach and Evangeline were mated the longest with the most experience.

Zachariah's eyes moved over to his mate and child who was playing with Hailey. "I just showed every piece of myself, and didn't hide anything," he told Gabriel. "Being pack leaders comes with hard duties and sometimes we think we need to hide it from our mate. But trust me, that's the worst idea."

Gabriel swirled the beer in his glass. "I know," he sighed.

Zachariah put his hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "Be yourself and be honest with her," he said.

"Thank you for the wise words," remarked Gabriel.

"What can I say, balancing a mated life, a child and being alpha makes one very-"

"Sentimental-" observed Gabriel.

"Perceptive," corrected Zachariah. He joined his mate and child where it was the most comfortable and complete.

Gabriel moved from his seat and went over to his own mate who was with Klaus. He was glad that she was comfortable around his siblings, because he would always be with them, and he wanted her to merge into the family. That way it was going to be a little easier to convince her to join his pack, because the thought of her rejecting made his gut sink.

"Is it almost ready?" Gabriel came around. He purposely put his hand on her arm to get her attention drawn to him.

"Yeah, I think so," she told him. Her eyes lifted and met his gaze, but she quickly averted her eyes and focused on Klaus more.

"Only because you got the grill started," remarked Klaus. "Sabrina saved the day."

Sabrina chuckled. "Sometimes machines just need a good kick," she said.

Alec and Lazarus had already chopped up the steaks, sausages and every other meat they could get their hands on.

Gabriel moved closer to her. He deliberately pretended that he wasn't trying to tease her in front of the entire pack. "I don't know how long the pack can hold out, Klaus," he said nonchalantly.

Klaus chuckled as he looked over to his pack who were watching him (or the grill) very intently. Maybe it was precarious to say that they literally looked like hungry wolves. Klaus was bent over the grill with the tongs in his hand. Sabrina grabbed the platter of meat from Alec, and Klaus quickly laid it all down on the hot grill. Quickly, the meat grilled to perfection and Lazarus and Alec passed the trays down the tables for everyone. Once the meat started to reach their hungry bellies, Klaus was replaced by Lazarus and Alec began to eat too.

"Aren't you hungry?" Gabriel asked Sabrina who was holding the last tray for Lazarus.

Sabrina nodded. "Very," she said. "I'm going to eat after this-"

"I'll eat with you then-"

"There's no need," she said. "You don't have to wait for me. Besides, I was going to look around with Ashley and Hailey too."

Gabriel grabbed the tray from her and placed it on the counter for Lazarus. "How about I join you instead," he smiled. "Come on."

Sabrina hesitated for a moment, but she quickly followed his steps. Gabriel took her onto the field where the games had quieted down but were still bright and lively. More of the students were playing the games and decided to enjoy the barbecue later. All of the young kids had grown acutely aware of them two. Their heads turned as they saw Gabriel walking with Sabrina, but they didn't know what to do except make room.

Instead of it being awkward or strange, Sabrina was quick to get swept up in the carnival atmosphere. By the end of it, Gabriel was barely keeping up with her as she ran to each stall playing the games or tasting the sugary food. With the students she met at the Institute, she played in all three bouncy-castles with them. She even won a fluffy wolf plushie at the ring-toss game, which amused Gabriel that she was more competitive than the high schoolers. Gabriel offered to hold the toy as she feasted on cotton-candy, but she refused to part with the black wolf.

"I'm getting full, do you want some?" Sabrina held the pink and blue puff of sweet candy in front of him.

Gabriel's gaze shifted from the cotton-candy to her rosy lips. He stepped closer, his hand wrapped around the one she held onto the stick with. He bent down and knew that he was inches away from her lips, he heard her light gasp that urged him to play with her more. He bit into the soft fluff and moaned deliberately as he stared deeply into her eyes, that clearly told him that she was stunned.

"Mmm, delicious," he teased.

She shook her head. "You are very dangerous, Gabriel Centauri," she huffed and turned away. Gabriel smirked and matched her short steps with his own. "Is it just me or is everyone staring at you?" Sabrina asked idly.

Gabriel looked away from her and his eyes landed on the entire pack around the benches, and they were definitely staring. It was like they were enjoying a soap opera as they ate dinner. Gabriel's demeanour grew strict.

Sabrina moved past him when he deliberately lingered behind her. His golden eyes hardened and he threw his whole pack a firm glare to stop them from staring right now. Understanding their alpha's message loud and clear, all the wolves quickly averted their eyes.

Sabrina looked at him confused, but he smiled as if nothing happened. "Should we eat dinner now?"

Gabriel nodded and took her to his table to eat dinner. He didn't expect a comfortable dinner since his pack was never the quiet type. It was usually hard to handle them all, especially for lone wolves who have never been a part of a pack. Gabriel would have thought that it would be hard on Sabrina to get comfortable around so many wolves, but she was a natural charmer and relaxed around his family. This was more than he could have asked for. It was always important to him that his mate loved his family since his family was such a big part of his life. He wasn't going to lie and say that he wasn't nervous around Sabrina. Maybe it was because he really didn't want to screw this up more than anything.

Gabriel sat back and watched Sabrina as she comfortably sat between Klaus, Viola, Vincent, Hailey and Hunter. He knew that she wasn't trying to fit in, because he would sense it. This side of her was completely genuine and he found himself captivated by it... by her. Gabriel's wolf clawed inside of him, erratic and desperate to bond with her. His wolf was growing more angst knowing that she wasn't marked to him.

As his siblings planned to go another round at the bouncy-castle with Sabrina, he planned what to do next with his mate, that was still unmarked. Gabriel was a patient man to give her time to merge into this mating bond. But he won't lie and say that he wasn't a possessive wolf. Gabriel tamed his wolf's temperament for tonight, but this wasn't going to last long. Especially since Sabrina was breaking through his defences and melting his chances to walk away from her. Not that he planned to. Sabrina was his mate, and now his pack knew as well. So, it was time to claim and mark her for himself.