The morning had just begun, but the ruckus in the kitchen could be heard all the way up to Gabriel's room. Last night was long, so Gabriel needed to sleep in, but of course his pack didn't give a damn that their alpha and alpha-female were asleep upstairs.

The sun was bright, streaming through the open blinds onto the entire bed. He could barely open his eyes, but his hands definitely could find what he searched for. His mate's warm body was stretched out beside him, she was curled up on her side, dead to the world. He would've loved to have to some fun with her still asleep, but it had been a long night for Sabrina, so he let her sleep while he freshened up first. Gabriel still remembered last night when Ryder called him telling him that the stalker had gotten into the house again. He couldn't have gotten to Sabrina faster, his body moved purely on instinct. His wolf crazed for the blood who terrorized Sabrina. Gabriel knew that the stalker after Sabrina would attack again, but he didn't expect for the attack to be so soon. He was going to have to take action soon if he wanted to keep his mate safe.

Gabriel returned to the bedroom, his eyes landed on his mate who was safe by his side. He knew that she was terrified of whatever was happening, but she concealed it really well, kind of like himself when shit got real. A sudden surge of pride grew in his chest that she was as tough as him, even though she was half his size.

Gabriel knew that she was his just by looking at her, Sabrina bonded with him and told him that she loved him. Gabriel never thought that he'd really be able to convince a lone wolf to mate him. He was surprised that Sabrina had agreed to be by his side. He found who he was in search for all this time, the soul that made him feel warmth and complete belonged to Sabrina. She was for him and he was hers and he was going to protect her with his life.

Gabriel went into his closet to get dressed. He came out and found Sabrina awake but still curled up under the sheets.

"Why's it so cold," she muttered.

"Is that an invitation?" he asked. He didn't need any convincing to get back in bed and warm her up.

Sabrina chuckled, she removed the duvet off her face. "You're in a good mood," she smiled at him.

If he wasn't buttoning his shirt, he would've grabbed his mate by now. "It's only for you," he said. "I'm not a morning person."

"Me either," she scrunched up her little nose. "But I wake up early for you too. So, we're not that different."

Gabriel froze half way through getting ready. "I'm ready to undress again if you keep that up," he dared.

Sabrina held her hands up in truce. "I should take a shower too," she said and she got out of bed. "Do you have work today?"

Gabriel nodded. "I need to get back to the company," he said. "Do you?"

"No," she yelled back from inside the bathroom. "I'm here all day."

Gabriel joined her in the bathroom. He loved watching her as she moved around the bathroom, comfortable with being here with him. "You have the day off, that's making me jealous," he said crossing his arms. Sabrina chuckled. She tied her hair up in a bun before she stepped under the spray of the hot water. "Makes me want to take a day off too," mumbled Gabriel.

"You should," advised Sabrina. "It's much more fun at home with me."

Gabriel noted the tease in her voice. "Are you toying with me?" he asked through the glass that was the only thing protecting her from him.

"Maybe," she jested, her sweet laugh made him smile too.

"Better be careful, Sabrina," he warned.

Sabrina slid the door open and peeked out. "You don't scare me," she then closed the door on his face.

Gabriel's control snapped. He slid the door open surprising her. "I told you to be careful," his eyes darkened over her. He closed the shower head and grabbed his mate, he pulled her to receive his hard kiss, that made them both melt in pleasure.

Sabrina pushed at his shoulders, but he was too strong to just push away like that. She was going to need to use a different trick to get him off her. She gasped when she was out of breath, but Gabriel just found his chance to deepen their kiss. He didn't know it could feel like this with someone. The kiss alone was enough to push him off the edge.

Sabrina moved back pulling him into the glass chamber, her shoulder must have hit the latch when both of them got rained on by the shower.

"Oh crap!" exclaimed Sabrina. She pushed him out trying to save him but it was too late. She closed the water and they both stood sopping wet.

Gabriel raked his wet hair, the neck of his shirt and shoulders were wet too, but the pants were saved.

Sabrina burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, but you deserve that," she said. "Who told you to mess around in the shower with clothes on."

"So, it would've been fine if I undressed first?" asked Gabriel.

"You're finally starting to get it," she teased.

Sabrina got out of the shower, but Gabriel was faster to fetch a towel. He wrapped it around her body but didn't remove himself from her. He bent down and kissed her slow and soft. She combed her fingers through his wet hair, which made her giggle again. Gabriel kissed his mark on her neck, living for the flutter in his body he got when she moaned softly. They stood in each other's arms, not aware of how much time passed.

"Everyone's probably waiting for you downstairs," she said.

Gabriel lifted his head. "They'll be fine if I take my time with my mate," he said hotly.

"But this mate you speak of is starving and needs breakfast," mocked Sabrina.

Gabriel smiled and moved away. He took his shirt off to change and Sabrina got dressed too. The both unconsciously wore white, not realizing that they looked rather powerful standing together.

They joined everyone in the kitchen where the front door was left wide open, Gabriel knew that River, Ryder, Azura and Lupin had all arrived. The group had towered inside the kitchen, eating the breakfast Klaus prepared for them.

"Use plates," scolded Klaus.

Ryder was eating a pancake without a plate. "It tastes better this way," he said.

"They sure do," added Azura and Lupin. Vincent smacked them for giving Klaus trouble and he handed them plates.

"I'm off today, so you won't need to come with me," Sabrina told Ryder and Lupin.

"You're with us all day," Hailey perked up. "Want to come to the Institute then?"

Sabrina smiled in excitement. "I was thinking of doing just that," she said.

"We should probably head out," said Hunter as he got out of his seat with his dishes and Hailey's. "Time's not waiting for anyone, kids."

The group left the kitchen table to get dressed for the day ahead of them. Sabrina and Gabriel finished their breakfast and enjoyed hot cups of coffee. Gabriel silently watched his family being at ease with Sabrina. None of them seemed apprehensive or strange with her, which was nice to see. He knew that one day he'd have to ask Sabrina when she'd move here with him. But why wait until later? he thought.

"Is it good?" he asked softly.

Sabrina broke a piece of the pancake coated in maple syrup and whipped-cream. "What some?" She held the fork near his mouth. Gabriel's heart skipped a beat. He took the offered bite, but it wasn't sweeter than Sabrina's smile.

"I know all the students will be excited to see you again," Klaus came and sat with Sabrina.

"I'm excited to see them too," said Sabrina. "We played a lot together during the carnival, so I'm eager to see how they're doing."

"The guys will be in the gym today," said Klaus, "or the pool."

"The pool would be nice since it's really hot outside," added Sabrina.

"I thought so too," Klaus agreed.

Gabriel noted the ease in Klaus's green eyes. A warmth spread inside Gabriel when he realized that Klaus had opened up to Sabrina. It was true that Gabriel was most nervous about Klaus, he wanted his little brother to accept Sabrina more than anyone. But it seemed he was worried for no reason, because Sabrina had won over Klaus too.

"I should probably get dressed too," Klaus got out of his seat and put his dishes in the sink before he left them alone.

"Did something happen?" asked Gabriel.

Sabrina put her cup down. "I talked to him last night," she revealed.

"Last night?" he asked.

"I came to get a drink when I found Klaus here too," her smile saddened. "He couldn't sleep, so we talked for a bit until he felt better."

Gabriel's heart warmed that Sabrina helped Klaus. "What did he say?"

"I think you already know," Sabrina said softly.

She was right. Gabriel already knew why Klaus had difficulty sleeping sometimes; it was a horrible memory that haunted his brother's sleep. A memory which was Gabriel's fault that Klaus had. He failed to protect Klaus and that's the reason why his brother was scarred enough to lose sleep.

Suddenly, Sabrina grabbed his face and kissed his lips startling him. "Stop blaming yourself," she said.

He raised a brow. "How do you know that I was blaming myself?"

"Because this Centauri family always feel everyone's pain and make it their own," said Sabrina.

"I have to ask you something?" Gabriel's heart pounded, it was strange that he was nervous.

She leaned an elbow on the table and placed her chin on her palm. Sabrina's minty-green eyes looked at him attentively. "I'm all ears."

"I know for a wolf that has never been part of a pack, it's hard for them to join one," said Gabriel. "So, I was wondering if you ever thought about joining this pack, my pack." Sabrina looked stumped. She didn't speak for a while. "I can wait all you like, until you decide-"

"There's nothing to decide," she interrupted, "because I'd love to join your pack."

Gabriel smiled. "Good."

"I thought it was pretty clear that I'd join once we mated," she shrugged her shoulders. "I guess even the great Centauri alpha doesn't know everything."

"You're right," said Gabriel. He touched her warm cheek. "When it comes to you I seem to forget everything, even what I am."

Sabrina knew exactly how dangerous he was because he had told her his sins, his demons and his past. "You're just a sucker for family, Gabriel. That's all," she remarked. "And you're making me one too." Gabriel finally laughed and she smiled too. "You have a beautiful laugh," she said. "No wonder your family loves you and everyone fawns over you."

Gabriel shook his head. "Damn, if only I could take you back upstairs," he released a sigh.

Sabrina smacked his shoulder. Viola, Hailey and Klaus were ready to go and dressed for the day. "You guys ready?" asked Sabrina.

"Yeah," said Viola. "Let's get this party started."

"We're going to school," remarked Hailey.

Viola put her arm over Hailey. "It's a party wherever we go, sweetheart," she said.

Sabrina moved past Gabriel. "I'll see you after you come back," she told him. Gabriel grabbed her hand and prevented her from parting with him. She looked at him confused, but she easily understood what he implied when he stared at her lips intently.

"Ugh, just kiss already," remarked Vincent who also arrived. Sabrina was clearly embarrassed when they all started snickering at them.

"Are you four going to get out or do I have to come over there," Gabriel threatened from his seat.

"I got it," Hunter arrived and dragged the group outside onto the porch.

Sabrina hid her face behind her hands. "That was so embarrassing," she groaned.

Gabriel grinned. "Get used to it. You already agreed to join our pack, so there's no turning back now," he said. Gabriel got to his feet and faced her. She removed her hands from her face and then suspiciously narrowed her gaze on him.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" she alleged.

"Maybe, or maybe I just really wanted to kiss you," he said hotly. He cupped her nape and kissed her the way he wanted to all this time.

Sabrina leaned her forehead against his chest. "You're such a tease," she moved and went to his family waiting on the porch.

Gabriel would've followed but his phone rang. He saw the caller and answered promptly. "Is everything alright, Isaiah?" he asked Isaiah who rarely called if it wasn't important.

"Yeah, everything's fine," said Isaiah, his cool and calm voice was the same as usual. "I had Lazarus dig up some information for you."

Gabriel's shoulders stiffened and his whole mood darkened. "What's this about, Isaiah?"

"I know you're looking for King Vitiello, so I had Lazarus track him," said Isaiah. "He'll be at the Underworld tonight."

"The nightclub," said Gabriel. The Underworld was a notorious nightclub that was the haven for rogue wolves to hang out. A place that was away from the wolf shifter policies and rules. But the owner of that nightclub held a tight reign of the conduct in that place. And Gabriel also happened to know the man behind the scenes of that famous nightclub.

"He's visiting his friend who owns the club," said Isaiah.

"Thanks, Isaiah," said Gabriel. "I owe you one."

"No, this was just what I owed you," believed Isaiah. "You helped me with Ashley and Vito Donovan, so consider this my imbursement to you."

Gabriel smiled. "I'll call you and tell you how it goes."

"Have fun," said Isaiah. "I heard King's one tough son of a bitch to handle."

Gabriel laughed at that. "Well, I'm not that easy to handle either." They both cut the call and Gabriel joined his pack on the porch. "How about we all hit the club tonight?" His siblings' excitement grew.

"I could do that," said Vincent.

"Count me in," smirked Ryder.

"Go without me," shrugged off Azura.

"Oh, don't be a spoilsport, Zuzu," Viola circled her arm around Azura's neck. "Let's put some killer heels on and get drunk."

Azura groaned. "I'll stick to my Gin and Tonic, thank you very much."

"What's the sudden mood for this?" asked Klaus.

"I just thought it'd be fun," answered Gabriel. But they all didn't find it convincing enough. "We're going to the club to celebrate that Sabrina joined our pack."

The group's mood instantly brightened and they started freaking out. But Hunter's eyes assessed Gabriel, although he knew that this wasn't the time to ask his alpha any questions. The group separated and promised to meet later tonight.

Sabrina was in the car with Gabriel as everyone drove to the club that apparently hosted wolves like them. "So, why are we really going to the club?" asked Sabrina.

Gabriel glanced at her. "I told you," he said. "We're going to celebrate you joining us."

Sabrina raised a brow. "Some of Klaus's cooking would have been enough," she said.

"Aw, thanks, Sabrina," said Klaus who was in the back seat with Azura. He was dressed in a simple leather jacket and black everything, his golden hair was tousled and he was more relaxed than Azura.

"And maybe Hailey could've made us some cake," Azura added with a sigh. Her looks could kill and so could she, thought Sabrina. Azura wore a corseted leather blouse and leather pants with killer leather boots. Her black hair was braided back revealing her sharp features and striking silver eyes.

On the other hand, Sabrina didn't have time to go home and get a dress, so Viola helped her out again. Thankfully, Gabriel's sister had the same style, that Sabrina adored even though the size was a bit off because Sabrina was taller and curvier than Viola.

Sabrina was going to pick a simple black dress, which was the colour everyone had chosen for themselves. But Viola disapproved and told her that the 'lady of the night' needed something special. She pulled out a little silver sequin dress, that barely reached the middle of her thighs. Hailey provided Sabrina a pair of silver heels to wrap up her outfit. Sabrina couldn't believe that she was playing dress up with the girls, but she loved it. It was good to know that they all had a good eye to fashion, like her. The dress may be tighter than she'd like and too short, but Sabrina was a supermodel, so wearing clothes that weren't made for comfort was her religion.

The car stopped in front of the massive club. Outside the building, the music pounded loudly enough to break the brick walls. Two very large men guarded the double door and there was a massive line on the side, they all waited to get inside the nightclub known as the Underworld. The nightclub that was beloved by wolves and human alike.

Their group got out of their cars and now all of the eyes were definitely on them, which Sabrina knew it was because the Centauri pack had arrived. Everyone in the line gaped, Sabrina could understand perfectly well that the Centauri's were definitely a lot to handle, and it wasn't their looks alone, the energy this pack had was dangerously powerful.

"Mr. Centauri," the large beefy man who was bald greeted Gabriel politely. "Welcome to the Underworld." The men hastily opened the double doors and presented the massive nightclub.

Loud music, laser beams and the dance floor had been crowded by thousands of people- some wolves and some humans. The massive bar was busy and everything was black inside the club. Nothing of colour, even the ceilings looked like the night sky. No sign of natural light came into this building, which was probably why people partied all night without any trouble.

Sabrina sensed the sudden tension in the club once they entered. Amongst the humans, the wolves sensed the powerful pheromones from Gabriel and his pack. Their eyes landed on Gabriel first and they knew right away who had walked in.

"They look terrified," Sabrina whispered to Gabriel.

He smirked. "It's not every day that my wolves and I make an entrance here," he said haughtily. Sabrina shook her head and was amused by his smug tone. Gabriel put his arm around her waist before they came inside and his arm hadn't dropped since then. He kept her close to him and she was glad that he did because a lot of people were staring at them and now her, because they certainly recognized her too.

A man appeared from the dark tunnel ahead of them. First thing Sabrina saw was the man's immense height, wide shoulders, penetrating blue eyes as dark as kyanite gemstones and just as rigid. He had stylish black hair, that was raked back probably with his fingers. He was extremely handsome, but downright scary too. Dangerous didn't even come close to what this man looked and felt like to Sabrina.

"Gabriel," the man's voice was suave, cavernous like velvet. "It's been a while."

"How'd you know I came?" asked Gabriel.

The man raised a brow. "I know everyone that walks through those doors," he said.

Gabriel grinned and stuck his hand out. "It's good to see you, Trez," he said. Trez accepted the hand and smiled too.

"Let me take you and your pack upstairs," said Trez.

They all followed this man's lead to the second floor, that had separate chambers for more privacy and definitely meant for people of Gabriel Centauri's pedigree. Sabrina and Gabriel walked into a massive velvet chamber, that had a rounded leather couch, a personal bar and bartender too. The golden chandelier provided just enough light to see their faces. Sabrina noticed the rounded glass window, that showed the entire club at their feet. It was really spectacular and being up here was a whole different sensation.

The entire group settled on the couch. The bartender quickly put drinks into every hand, expect Hailey who enjoyed a Pina-colada with a cute pink umbrella, which matched her dress and her red hair was clipped back.

"Thanks, Trez," said Gabriel.

"Anytime," said Trez. They exchanged a knowing look before the man walked out of the room.

"Who was that?" asked Hailey after the door closed.

"That's Trez Luciano," answered Hunter who was seated next to his mate, dressed in a simple blue shirt and black pants, his black hair was tousled and his amber eyes were concentrated on everything. They came here to relax, but the dominant beta was definitely not relaxed.

"The owner of the Underworld," alleged Vincent who was looking drop-dead gorgeous in his burgundy suit. Sabrina knew that he was the only one out of the brothers who actually took time picking his outfits.

"He's the owner," astounded Hailey.

"He looks so young," added Klaus.

"He opened the club like five years ago," said Ryder.

"Six years," River corrected. The twins had both chosen to wear white shirts and black trousers. It was casual and laid-back, but their silvery-blue gazes were powerful no matter what they tried to do.

Azura crossed her legs at the knee with her Gin & Tonic in her hand. "He's quite the buzz around here in Brooklyn," she said. "Made a name with such a pristine club."

Gabriel put his glass down. "The club's a facade," he said. "That man rules the wolves in this nightclub."

"He's not the only one ruling Brooklyn," said Hunter. His amber gaze narrowed on Gabriel. "We're here for him, aren't we?"

"Damn and here I thought I had the night off," grumbled River as he put the glass of rum on the rocks down.

"I'm not here for any trouble," reassured Gabriel. "So, you can enjoy one drink, River."

Sabrina knew now that something else was under the curtain, that Gabriel kept closed. This visit to the nightclub had double motives.

"Yeah like that lays my worries to rest," remarked River.

"Besides, I'm going to talk to King alone," said Gabriel.

Sabrina's ears perked. "King?" she repeated. Gabriel looked at her. "You wouldn't be talking about King Vitiello, right?"

Gabriel and the rest of them regarded her with bewilderment. "How do you know him?" he asked her.

"King's my friend," said Sabrina. "He was in the same orphanage as me. I told you about my friend there, remember?"

Gabriel gaped at her. "Yeah, I remember," he said. "But I didn't really expect that your friend would be the Don of Brooklyn."

Sabrina smiled brightly. "Did you say that he's here tonight too?" she asked. "I want to see him too."

"I think you just found your way in, Gabriel," remarked Hunter.

Gabriel smirked at his mate. "I think we just did." Sabrina got out of her seat and Gabriel followed her. They went to the room that Gabriel somehow already knew that King was tonight.

"I'm kind of nervous," she turned and looked at Gabriel. "I haven't seen King in years."

Gabriel put his hands in his pockets. "I'm pretty sure he's not the same snot-nosed kid you knew back then."

Sabrina laughed. "Are you jealous?" Gabriel rolled his eyes. Sabrina sweetly kissed his lips and smiled before she knocked on the black door. No response came but then a bartender opened the door.

"Mr. Vitiello isn't receiving any guests tonight," he said curtly.

"Tell him that Sabrina Sinclair is here to see him," she said with an enchanting smile.

The bartender blushed brightly, he quickly turned and told the man in the room who had come to the door. In moments, the door opened and sitting alone on the black leather couch was King Vitiello, the man who ruled Brooklyn with an iron-clad. His petrifying pheromones alone filled the chamber, the dark scent had dominated the space and anyone in it.

King was definitely nothing like the kid she remembered from the orphanage. His small body was gone and he was built like a machine. Dressed in a charcoal-black pinstriped suit, his muscles stretched out the expensive suit. Sabrina's only friend had transformed completely, but his Egyptian-blue eyes were the exact same. His black hair was shaved on the sides and longer on the top raked back. The danger and rebellion in those eyes were both still incredibly present, his resolute gaze that got him trouble so many times never yielded to anyone and neither did it now. Sabrina couldn't believe that he had grown up so much.

"It seems the little wolf is all grown up now," said King.

Sabrina smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt. "It's good to see you, King." A flutter made her stomach plunge. She couldn't believe that her old friend was sitting right in front of her. King's grin dropped when he spotted Gabriel beside her.

"It seems you brought company," remarked King.

"Of course, he's my mate after all," said Sabrina, but the news didn't surprise King, it was like he already knew.

Sabrina had a feeling that something was much deeper than both of the men were letting on. Sabrina turned her back towards King, she faced her mate's stern frown. Gabriel's glare softened when he looked into her eyes.

"Let me talk to him," she told Gabriel.

"Go ahead-"

"Alone-" she interrupted. Gabriel was definitely not feeling that idea. "He trusts me more than you. And I know that King will never hurt me." She knew that Gabriel was concerned for her safety, but King was the last man who'd hurt her, since he spent a better part of his life protecting her from vile people at the orphanage.

"Fine," he said. "I'm right outside." Gabriel closed the door on his way out.

Sabrina turned towards her old friend. "I don't know if I should hug you or kill you," she crossed her arms.

"Neither, thanks," he sighed.

"Why aren't you giving Gabriel a chance?" she asked taking a seat on the couch beside him.

"Because all these high-power guys are the same," said King.

"Not Gabriel, he's different and I've seen it for myself," said Sabrina.

King raised a brow. "And you're not biased at all by sleeping with him," he remarked.

Sabrina faced his smoky sapphire blue eyes. "Okay, because we're old friends, I'm going to let that one go," she said sternly. "This isn't about Gabriel because you don't know him. But you know me, and to judge me like that, is not okay with me-"

"Sabrina-"

"No, let me finish-" she held her hand up- "I could tell Gabriel was a good man before I mated with him, just like how I could tell that you were a good man too."

King put his glass down and faced her. "I'm sorry," he said.

Sabrina knew that it wasn't easy for this alpha-male to admit that to anyone. "Thank you," she said. "Look, give Gabriel a chance and you'll see why everyone talks about him."

King looked past Sabrina and his eyes were directly on Gabriel. "And if you're wrong?" he taunted.

"Was I wrong about you?" she retorted.

"That's arguable," said King with a cunning grin.

Sabrina smiled. "You two are very similar," she said. "And you'll come to realize it sooner than you know."

King looked down into her warm gaze. His hand rose and he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You really like this guy," he stated. Sabrina's cheeks blushed and proved his statement true. "Stop blushing like school girl-" King shook his head and settled back in his seat again- "I'll talk to your mate, but on my own terms, make sure to tell him that."

Sabrina clapped her hands together. "Thanks. You're the best," she said before she frowned and faced him again with her hands on her hips. "And how come I can never call you?"

"My number changes every few years," he mumbled.

She gaped at him. "What, why?"

"It's safer you don't know," he answered vaguely.

Sabrina smacked his shoulder but it didn't hurt him. "Well, send me a letter every time you change it," she rebuffed. "Is that so hard?"

"A letter," King mocked. "What are we in the fifteenth century?"

"Apparently, you are," she rebuked. "You disappear and don't do normal things like email."

King looked at her like she had two heads, maybe even three. "Do I look like someone who'd answer emails?"

Sabrina opened and then she closed her mouth. "No, you don't," she said truthfully. "But seriously, it's been too long and you were my only friend in the orphanage. So, I want to know how you're doing from time-to-time."

King asked for another drink, which quickly came. "You were my only friend in that god-awful place too, you know?"

Sabrina smiled proudly. "I know," she said smugly. King tipped his drink back. "I was considered pretty badass for making you my crony." King almost choked. Sabrina chuckled. "Sorry, I take that back," she said swiftly. "You were clearly my bitc-" Sabrina froze mid-sentence.

King raised a brow. "Finish it-" he urged. "I dare you."

"Actually, I'd like to live a little longer," Sabrina laughed. "Anyways, how've you been all these years."

"You know me," he sighed. "Work is running smoothly, so everything's good."

"No special lady?" she asked teasingly.

King stiffened. "Never was and never will be."

Sabrina grabbed a napkin from the bar and snatched the pen from King's jacket pocket, surprising him. "If you ever want to eat dinner and catch up-" she scribbled down on the napkin as she spoke- "This is my phone-number, which never changes unlike yours. So, call me."

"Sabrina-"

Sabrina shoved the napkin in his strong hand, that had multiple gold signet rings. "Anytime you want to talk or just hang out," she looked at his firm gaze, that she remembered being the same when they were kids. "My door is always open for you, King-" Sabrina hugged her old friend- "Call me and please stay safe, okay." King's strong arm circled around her waist.

"You're still as sentimental as I remember," said King.

Sabrina pulled away and raised a brow at him. "And you're still such a hard-ass," she rebuked. King rolled his eyes at her. "So, should I call Gabriel inside now?"

"Fine," said King. "And I don't mind at all that you disturbed my night."

"You're here all alone," remarked Sabrina. "Come to our booth, we'll show you a good time, Centauri style."

"Just get that man of yours here already," said King. "I want to go home."

Sabrina chuckled. She opened the door and Gabriel stood right where she left him. "He's ready for you," she said. Hunter and River were also outside the hall. Hunter escorted her back to their room and River stood guard outside for Gabriel.

-Gabriel's POV-

"Why does the great Centauri alpha bother with the likes of me?" asked King sarcastically.

Gabriel took a seat. He rarely found another wolf who was as intense as King, those sapphire eyes and dark aura was enough to make any weak man quiver in fear. "Give yourself more credit," said Gabriel. "You're not the asshole everyone thinks you are."

King raised a brow. "You do remember that I tried to kill you, right?"

Gabriel smiled at that. "Only because I let you," he remarked. "Do you really think you'd have a chance at me if I hadn't given you one on purpose?"

"What's stopping me from doing it right now?" challenged King.

"You won't," believed Gabriel.

"You seem so sure of yourself," scoffed King.

Gabriel looked deep into those fiery eyes. "You won't hurt me," alleged Gabriel daringly. "And it's because you care for Sabrina."

King stiffened in his seat, his lips lifted into a cold smirk. "It's been over fifteen years since I left her side," he said.

"She told me a lot about her friend from the orphanage," said Gabriel.

King put his glass down. "That friend is long gone from the man I am now," he said. "I'm not as weak or helpless."

Gabriel called the bartender for another round of drinks, before he told him to step outside. The man left without any questions and closed the door. River was still outside with Hunter by his side. King spotted them too, even though he acted like he hadn't. Well, it was hard not to take notice of the two scary men glaring inside at King.

"Sabrina told me about how you protected her at the orphanage," said Gabriel as the whiskey cooled his gut and throat.

King's gaze darkened. "You want to know from what?" he goaded coldly, a chilling evil swam in his eyes. "What did I protect that girl from?"

Gabriel's mood darkened, he already had a faint idea of what happened to girls at orphanages. Gabriel's blood boiled from just imagining it happening to Sabrina, his mate, the love of his life.

"It was the day after we moved into the orphanage together," said King. "A social worker took quite a liking to your mate's pretty face."

"King," warned Gabriel, gritting his teeth.

"She was asleep in her bunker, completely unaware of who had walked into her room," continued King. "But I knew that she was in danger of getting raped, and that was the day I killed someone for the first time."

Gabriel frowned, he closed his eyes. His heart ached for Sabrina and King. "You were just kids."

"No. I knew fully well what I was doing," said King. "Sabrina doesn't remember that day much. I took her out of that place long before people found the body."

"How'd you separate from her then?" asked Gabriel.

"I was a murder suspect, Gabriel," said King. "I wasn't going to let them hurt Sabrina or ruin her future." King's lips lifted slightly, a small but sad smile. "She lived the life I wanted for her. Well, now it seems she has fallen in love too." Gabriel smiled. "What are you smiling about?" asked King.

"Just how you make yourself out to be the bad guy," said Gabriel. "But in fact, you're just like me." King was surprised. "I've killed to protect the people I love too."

King's eyes softened. "I know what you've done," he said. "Everyone knows how great you are."

Gabriel shook his head. "Not great... just kind," he said. King smiled sweetly for the first time after Sabrina had left the room already.

"What are you here for?" asked King.

"What do you know about Richard Brady's death?" asked Gabriel.

"Trez told me about that incident," King frowned. "He was slaughtered in his own home like a pig that he was," he said.

"Do you know why?" asked Gabriel.

He shook his head. "Richard was a lecher, but didn't do any dirty work," said King. "His death was unexplainable as far as I know."

Gabriel already suspected that whoever killed Richard had no connection with the man, it was Sabrina that tied this murder together. She was the thread between Richard Brady and the killer. "Okay, thanks. That's all I needed to know," Gabriel got out of his seat.

"That's odd," alleged King. "I was expecting you to ask me about more pressing matters, and not some loser who died."

Gabriel crossed his arms. "Do you want me to ask you about your work with the Underworld wolves?" he retorted.

King's eyes gleamed brightly. "I would've given you anything today, Mr. Centauri," King bemused. "You see, my mood is quite sweet right now."

Gabriel smiled. "Mine too," he said. "And I think our reason for it is the same."

"Take care of her," King scowled at Gabriel. He faced him one alpha to another. "If she gets hurt, then the second time I come for you won't be for a tease."

It had been a while since someone dared to threaten Gabriel, he quite enjoyed the nerve of this alpha-male. "I'll invite you to the wedding," Gabriel jested.

King's brows rose. "Get out before I decide to kill you right now."

Gabriel chuckled. "Sabrina would love if you came."

"Already planning a wedding huh," amused King.

"No, I haven't asked her yet," said Gabriel. "But I will now, since I know I have your approval."

King laughed. "Leave me alone," he lifted his glass to cheers to their couple. "You two are insane."

"Here, I'll give you this," Gabriel put his card on the table. "I'm going to tell you what I told Trez and the other alphas." King looked into Gabriel's eyes, the eyes that were not fearful but formidable. The power that many admired, they were always caught off guard and so was King too. "My goal is to make friends that will help me protect the ones I love. If you have something you want to protect, then I suggest you call me and try doing something in life that you'll feel proud about. Life's too short, King and I don't think you want to spend the rest of your life drinking alone."

Gabriel left King's chambers with that message lingering in both of their heads. As he stepped out, his brother and River were waiting for him. Gabriel was the same as King. He cared only for himself and his how to get rid of his enemies. But as much as Gabriel had gotten rid of his enemies, it never made him sleep easier at night. Gabriel knew that King was the same, he may be one of the richest and most powerful men in the world now, but if he was just like Gabriel then King wasn't satisfied or happy. However, now Gabriel understood how his life tied to King; it was because of Sabrina. His mate, once again, proved why she was chosen to be his alpha-female. She was remarkable with every breath of hers.

"How did it go?" asked River.

"It went great," said Gabriel. "I think King is going to look at our proposal with a new perspective."

"How the hell did you convince him?" asked Hunter.

Gabriel smirked. "I didn't do anything this time," he said. "It was Sabrina that got us this win."

The three men returned to their VIP room, the voices were loud enough that his pack could be heard outside the door. Gabriel's heart filled with happiness, he loved his family above everything, he'd die for every single person in this room and he knew that they'd die for each other. There was nothing more Gabriel could ask for that would mean more than his pack's loyalty. The trust he had with the wolves in this room beat all odds that went against Gabriel. And now, by his side was the woman of his dreams. The woman who completed his soul, he thanked his goddess Maya who gave him such a gift.