"I guess it's too late to see the Institute today?" Sabrina asked seated in the back of the car with Gabriel and River.

"I can always show you tomorrow," Gabriel said. "There's no rush, is there?" He glanced at her side.

"No. I suppose not," she replied.

Eventually, their car came to a halt at large metal gates. River rolled down his window when the gates didn't open immediately. River honked at the gates or the cameras watching them from every angle. But still, no response came. He honked once again, and then, he irritably raked his hair.

"Open the gates," River demanded.

Sabrina guessed he was communicating directly to the cameras. There was a speaker on the scanner at the front of the entryway.

A voice broke the silence over the speaker. "First, I would like you to state your identification?" The other side of the intercom calmly requested.

Sabrina almost burst out laughing when she saw Gabriel and River simply gaping at the intercom. "Seems like you two aren't following the rules correctly," she mocked.

"Open the goddamn gates... Azura," gritted out River.

A snicker rolled in through the speaker. "Ooh, how scary," the woman named Azura said.

Gabriel itched the nerve pulsing on his forehead out of irritation. "Azura..." his deep voice cut through from the back seat over to the speaker. "Open the gates while I'm asking nicely."

And just like that the metal gates opened on cue. River drove the car inside the gates, which closed right after. They drove through a lone path before the property opened up to a massive chunk of land.

Sabrina snickered in the back seat at them. She hadn't realized it when it had happened, but her nerves had lessened from this small encounter. She wondered that maybe the Centauri pack wasn't as intimidating as everyone set them out to be.

River parked the car in front of a beautiful manor. That had a long white porch looking over the acres of fields and cabins. Sabrina guessed that's where the pack members resided. Her eyes scoped the area and she lingered on the lake. Sabrina absolutely adored the glimmering lake, that resembled liquid gold as the sun set right over it. Lavender and pink clouds hid the orange sky, and the massive forest trees darkened for the night.

"Wow," she mumbled under a cool breath. It was even better than she imagined.

Gabriel came beside her after he closed the car door. "The Institute's that way," he pointed to their left.

Sabrina followed his finger and found a massive building. The school resembled a castle, with turrets and lots of arched windows. Although, it had steel glass doors and industrial security fences for protection.

"I'll see you tomorrow," said River when he came around towards them.

"At least eat before you go home," said Gabriel.

River shook his head. "I'm not hungry," he said and then his gaze turned to her. "Goodnight, Sabrina."

She smiled. "Goodnight, River," she said. River sauntered away from them and made his way back to his own cabin for the night.

Gabriel laid his hand on the small of her back "Come on," he said before leading her towards the manor.

She climbed a few steps and sauntered onto the cozy porch, that had lots of chairs and a coffee table. Gabriel pushed open the unlocked double doors and a warm, beautiful home was unveiled. Sabrina swallowed back the butterflies that were making her nervous. She followed him into the house, that was quite rowdy, but that was no surprise. The kitchen was directly on the right side, where Sabrina found Hailey with Hunter. The whole family had already arrived from the hospital and settled back into their home.

Hailey lifted her head and spotted Sabrina. "We're so glad you could join us," she said. She came over from the kitchen already dressed in a comfy pair of jeans and a red tank top.

"I'm glad too," said Sabrina. "Something smells delicious?"

"That's Klaus's cooking for you," Hunter said as he joined his mate's side. "It's great to have you celebrate with us."

Sabrina's smile widened. "Thank you for having me," she said.

Klaus came rushing down the stairs. "Hey, Sabrina," his charming smile was sweet as honey. It seems he already freshened up from the hospital trip.

"Hi, Klaus," she said.

"Sabrina's joining us for dinner," Gabriel told his little brother.

Klaus assessed his brother with a lingering pause, but then, his lips lifted into a grin. "You know I always cook for a million people," he remarked. His green eyes smiled at Sabrina. "You never know when our hungry pack of wolves decide to pop in for dinner as well."

Sabrina chuckled. "They must keep your hands full," she said.

Klaus' eyes filled with tender love. "You have no idea."

"Can you guys keep Sabrina company as I freshen up?" asked Gabriel.

"For sure," answered Hailey chirpily.

Sabrina's looked at Gabriel in sheer panic. He was the only one that she was familiar around. How was she supposed to know what to do without him?

Like he sensed her panic, he whispered; "You'll be fine." He dashed up the stairs, leaving her alone with Hunter, Hailey and Klaus.

"You okay?" Hailey asked Sabrina.

Sabrina didn't even know how to begin to answer that question. "I'm just a little nervous," she said with an awkward smile.

"I understand. It was the same for me too," Hailey shared. She put her arm around Sabrina and they went to the kitchen together. "Being around these guys makes one very tense."

Sabrina watched Hunter with Klaus as they bickered in the kitchen. "How did you-" her question fell thinking it was too offensive.

Hailey guided Sabrina to a chair near the dining table. "How did I mate with a Centauri?" Hailey asked on Sabrina's behalf.

"Yeah," said Sabrina.

"I was scared if they were going to accept me into this family or not," she said openly. Her silvery blue eyes turned over to the brothers. "But, trust me, these siblings are a bunch of pups who love to have fun."

Sabrina nodded. "Thanks," she said.

Hailey shook her head. "Don't worry about it," she reassured. "Oh right-" Hailey pulled out her cellphone- "Here, my number," she said. "If you ever want to talk, feel free to call me."

Sabrina saved Hailey's number in her own phone. She couldn't understand how someone could be this sweet. But as she looked around this entire pack, there were a lot of people as nice as Hailey.

Hunter came over beside Hailey's chair. "I'm gonna freshen up too," he told her. Hailey nodded and sent him off on his way.

"Wait, hold on, Hunter-" Hailey ran after her mate and they joined on the stairs. They spoke for a moment, but Sabrina didn't catch what they discussed before they went up the stairs to their room together.

Sabrina got out of her seat and joined Klaus. "Would you like me to help?" she asked. "I'm guessing since Hailey's pregnant and Viola's sick, you'll need the extra set of hands."

Klaus shook his head. "There's no need, you're a guest."

"I rather not be treated like an awkward guest," Sabrina said. "Friends sounds much better, right?"

Klaus smiled warmly. "I have a spare apron hanging on the pantry door," he said.

Sabrina grabbed the spare and quickly tied it onto her body, so she could help him out. She was glad that all her training in Bobby's kitchen came in handy. Klaus was practically a pro and she was in awe of how well he could cook for his young age.

"I'm getting hungry just looking at it," said Sabrina.

Klaus chuckled. "My cheese casserole never fails to win hearts," he gloated, and she couldn't argue with him.

The cheesy goodness was oozing over the hot pasta and chicken bites. Sabrina had finished grilling the bacon on the other side of the stove. She cut up the hot, crispy pieces and sprinkled them on top of the casserole.

"Oh, Sabrina is here as well-"

Sabrina lifted her head up from the stove and found Vincent, who looked freshly out of the shower. His dirty blond hair was slightly wet and he had a dark navy-blue robe on, that matched his pyjamas. Vincent definitely lived up to all the gossip. He was a natural charmer and his dashing smile was proof of that. Sabrina recognized the differences between all the brothers, but the one thing they all had were those handsome faces and striking eyes.

"Hey, Vincent," she said.

"Klaus's casserole is the best in the world," he declared.

"So I've heard," she chuckled.

Vincent climbed on top of the stool near the counter. "You know, the more I get to know you the more I forget that you're a famous supermodel," he said.

"I was thinking the same," added Klaus. "You're not stuck up or picky with your food."

Sabrina leaned on the counter. "Thanks, I guess," she said. "Being a model is just my job. I don't let that effect my private life... or my food choice," she made them laugh with her. Sabrina put the knives and cutting-board in the sink when her body stiffened. She knew without even turning around that Gabriel had returned.

"I was craving casserole," Gabriel said. Even though it was hot in the kitchen, Sabrina shivered just by hearing his deep, husky voice alone.

"We were all craving it," said Vincent. "How long is it going to take, Klaus? I'm starving."

"It's done," he said turning the oven off. "We just need to set the table."

Hailey and Hunter joined them again too. "We'll do it, Klaus," Hailey offered and Vincent jumped off the stool to help them.

Viola came down the stairs with a jump in her step. "I can finally breath," she announced to the world. "And how blessed am I that the first thing I smell is Klaus' casserole."

"Glad to see you're doing well," said Sabrina.

Viola's smile grew. "Sabrina," she said. "Good to have you join us for this impromptu celebration."

"I love a good party," she said.

Viola patted Gabriel's shoulder before she strolled to the dining room for dinner. Sabrina wondered what that was about. But she let the thought go quickly, because the food was making her drool.

Klaus hastily left the kitchen with the casserole in his oven-mitten covered hands, leaving Sabrina all alone with Gabriel. Fresh out of the shower, he smelt of fresh body-wash and his own spicy pine scent. His hair was wet and tousled back with the help of his fingers. And here Sabrina thought that he looked good in a suit. But right now, he was dressed in casual black slacks and a fitted dark t-shirt. He was simply oozing sex appeal.

"They weren't so bad, were they?" Gabriel asked her privately.

Sabrina shook her head. "Your family was never the problem, Gabriel," she said. "I was nervous because I'm the outsider, remember."

Gabriel frowned. "Not with us, you're not," he said. "Stop worrying so much and let's eat."

They both joined everyone in the dining room, that was loud and hectic. Sabrina found it comforting to know that people still enjoyed their dinner-time like she does. This group's energy was beyond what she imagined.

Sabrina dropped the matter from earlier because she didn't want to ruin the mood. But she felt as if she was intruding on them. Maybe it was because she never had a family bond like Gabriel had with his, that made her feel outlandish. But that was just her thoughts reprimanding her. She knew that none of the Centauri pack members saw her like that, which lessened the twinge of guilt and despair in her heart.

After the delicious dinner, apparently it was a rule that whoever cooked never cleaned. Sabrina urged that she could help, but no one let her. Klaus was on the couch watching television as Vincent and Hunter cleaned the entire kitchen.

It was abrupt when the front door burst open alarming everyone. Sabrina practically jumped out of her shoes making Klaus and Hailey laugh. Klaus turned the TV off and everyone came out of the kitchen. It seemed like they knew who had arrived. It was River and Ryder.

"Did you bring it?" Viola asked quickly.

"We sure did," said Ryder proudly.

"Bring what?" asked Hailey who seemed to be the only one clueless along with Sabrina.

Klaus ran off the couch. "You guys were supposed to keep it discreet," he scolded the twins. "You ruined the surprise."

"No one said anything about it being a surprise," said River.

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Just get the package in the kitchen, you two," he said. River and Ryder escaped to the kitchen with a white box.

"Hailey, will you please come this way," said Vincent.

"What are you all planning?" Hailey asked her mate. Hunter simply smiled and grabbed his wife who was extremely suspicious of them all.

"What's going on?" Sabrina whispered to Gabriel.

Gabriel smiled. "You'll see," he took her with him to the kitchen table where everyone had gathered in a circle.

Viola was quick to act. She had grabbed small plates, forks and a single knife. "Do we need candles?" she asked them.

"I don't think so," said Vincent. "It's not a birthday."

"I mean, technically," Ryder contemplated, "Hailey is pregnant, which means it's a birthday of the baby."

"This was just to celebrate the news," said Klaus.

"We can celebrate the birthday of the baby once he or she is born," said Vincent.

"What are you talking about?" asked Hailey.

"Ta-da!" Viola presented the contents in the white box. It was a round cake, that had white frosting and baby pink lettering with congratulations written in cursive on the top.

This family was too much. Sabrina's lips lifted into a wide smile instantly.

"Aww guys," Hailey's bright blue eyes softened. "You shouldn't have."

"We couldn't prepare a gift fast enough," said River. "But we thought a cake would be better since we all have a sweet tooth."

"It's perfect," said Hailey. "You're all perfect. Thank you."

"We should cut it," said Klaus who was eager to get the sugary goodness, just like Sabrina and actually all of them.

"Did you know about this?" Hailey asked Hunter.

"Maybe," jested Hunter. He wrapped his arm around her and hugged her close. "Thank you for giving me something so special."

"I'm going to start crying," said Viola looking at the mated pair.

Vincent chuckled. "I'm holding back my tears too."

"You're such wimps," said Ryder. Viola and Vincent both punched him in his gut. He grabbed his stomach and groaned. But Sabrina was sure that with his muscular body, the man barely felt it.

Hailey cut the cake with Hunter. There were hugs and kisses all around. Sabrina enjoyed the vanilla cake and the refreshing banter along with it. They all seemed to find it easy to say their thoughts and feelings. None of them were uneasy or felt the need to pretend. Sabrina understood that they all trusted each other.

After they enjoyed dessert, Sabrina grabbed her purse from the couch. "I should head home," she told Gabriel who was also helping cleaning the rest of the clutter in the kitchen. Being the alpha didn't exempt him from the 'cleaning duty' rule either.

"I'll drop you off," he said quickly. From the closet in the foyer, Gabriel slipped on a rugged denim jacket, that made her weak in the knees.

"Are you kidding me," she groaned.

Gabriel titled his head. "About what?"

"Nothing, just forget it," she mumbled. It was too embarrassing to tell him her true thoughts.

"Are you leaving?" Viola popped up beside them.

"Yeah. Thank you for letting me join tonight," said Sabrina.

"You are welcome anytime," said Viola.

Sabrina said her 'goodbyes' and congratulated Hailey and Hunter before she followed Gabriel to a black convertible. The crickets were loud and the sky was pitch black. A few of the lights around the property allowed her to see in front of her. Sabrina witnessed the brilliant crescent moon shining high and bright in the dark sky. The urge to run in her wolf form was brewing strongly inside her.

"Your property is beautiful," she told Gabriel.

"Thanks," he said. Gabriel unlocked the car and opened the passenger side of the door for her.

Sabrina slipped inside. She instantly distinguished that this was his private car, because mixed in with the rich leather was his sultry dark scent alone. Gabriel joined her on the driver's side. She noted that even though he was tall and muscular, the low car fit to his physique perfectly.

"It's gotten pretty late," she said.

Gabriel turned the ignition and the car roared alive. "Time goes fast when you're having fun."

Sabrina's lips lifted involuntarily. "I did have a lot of fun," she said.

Gabriel's gaze brightened. "Good," he said before he shifted over to her side surprising her.

She gaped. "What are you-" she moved back in her seat thinking he was going to kiss her, but she was only embarrassed by her clear misunderstanding. Gabriel had grabbed the seat-belt and fastened it for her. "I knew that," she tried to save her face, but failed miserably.

"Of course," Gabriel grinned wickedly. "I can give what you were thinking of too?"

Sabrina hid her face behind her hands. "Can we just go, please," she insisted desperately.

Gabriel chuckled at her deep blush and exited the Centauri property. The car glided down the empty and dark streets. They reached her home in no time and she was bummed that the ride was so brief. Just a little longer, she thought to herself. But they pulled up to her home and she knew that their time together was over.

Sabrina got out of the car and so did Gabriel. He left the car's ignition on, so the headlights had spotlighted the front door. They climbed up the few stairs and stood in front of her door together.

"Thank you for lunch, dinner and agreeing to show me the Institute," said Sabrina. She looked up into his golden gaze, that was unwaveringly resilient. There was never a moment where those eyes were lenient. The vigour in his aura and gaze was inflexible no matter what the circumstance.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at nine o'clock and show you the Institute," he said softly.

Sabrina nodded. "Okay," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow then." They waited for the other to leave, but neither of them moved. "Why don't I want to leave?"

Gabriel's lips parted, his gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips. "I was wondering the same thing," he stepped closer to her. His hand raised and the back of his fingers caressed the softness of her warm cheek.

"Gabriel..." his name was a whisper off her lips. He cupped her nape and lightly brushed his lips on her forehead. Sabrina breathed in his dark scent, like she was trying to steal it as a memory for the entire night.

"Goodnight, Sabrina," he turned and walked away from her.

Sabrina opened the door to her house and sauntered into the dark home, that was quiet and cold. She couldn't see him through the tinted glass of the car, but she was sure that his eyes were on her. She waved at him before she closed and locked the door. She heard him drive off her property.

Sabrina stood silently wondering what a turn her life had taken. Something she never cared for was becoming the centre of her life. This mating bond was going to be the death of her, if she didn't control herself in front of Gabriel Centauri.

Without turning on any of the lights in her house, she went up to her bedroom and stripped of her clothes and heels. She soaked in a long bath before she went downstairs. But even after a bath, she wasn't sleepy and it was all because of that alpha. Sabrina went to the kitchen and warmed herself some milk, with a pinch of cinnamon to relax her tense muscles.

Sabrina lit the candles around the couch and the fireplace roared alive with a crackling warm fire. She pulled her legs to her chest and drank the warm glass of milk trying her hardest to relax. However, how could she? When all she could see and think of was Gabriel and meeting him again tomorrow.

"This is going to be a long night," she murmured.