Adea
“I don’t understand why you guys can’t be a thing, see each other, date, choose each other as mates.”
“It’s not that easy,” Gabe sighed as he leaned his head back and raised his eyes to the sky. “It’s more than Olivia, I think his position as Beta is also a part of the issue, and children. Sure we could mess around for some time but eventually, he would need to produce an heir. If I said I would be okay with having a piece of him, would that make me pathetic?” Gabe asked as he looked at me.
“No, Gabby, that doesn’t make you pathetic, not one damn bit. It tells me how much you like him,” I said, “but you need to like yourself too. I was excited at the thought you might be getting back out there but I don’t want you doing something that’s going to hurt you. I want you to value yourself and your feelings. I hate seeing you sad, it physically hurts me.”
“It’ll be okay,” Gabe started, “I’ll be okay.” It doesn’t sound like he believes it himself but he looks at me reassuringly. Gabe smiles at me and squeezes my hand again. “I’ve got a lot on my mind right now but I’m thankful for you.”
“Of course,” my voice cracks as I look him in the eye, “You can always talk to me, Gabe. I’ll always be here for you. If you need a night together, I’ll let Ethan know we’re having a sleepover and we can talk all night like we used to.”
“I know I can always talk to you. You’re my best friend, Ady,” Gabe flashes me that crooked smile I love so much. “Thanks for listening to my little breakdown in the middle of training.” He laughed as his eyes darted towards the field. “But… I don’t think Alpha would appreciate his mate in bed with another man.”
“I can have a sleepover if I want,” I huffed. “It’s been a long time since our last one. He just needs a little convincing,” I said with a mischievous smile. My eyebrows bounced suggestively but Gabe shook his head.
“I appreciate the thought, Ady,” he said with a smile. He leaned over and gave me a bear hug. “But I choose life.” I couldn’t help but sniffle and laugh. I wiped a tear as he used my earlier words against me.
***
“Since I came in first in the competition, don’t you think I should go up a Tier?” Leo crossed his arms and glared towards the field. He’d beaten his opponent and joined us mid-hug.
“It’s not like I can kick my Luna’s ass to up go up a Tier. I think my situation deserves an exemption.” Did that mean he changed his mind on trying to fight me? “Not that I’m saying I won’t,” Leo shot me a side glance, “At this point, I have to ensure I don’t lose my job over it.”
“I look forward to it,” I rolled my eyes.
So much for that.
“Correction,” Gabe said with a bit of sass, “WE, came in first.” He pointed back and forth between him and the giant standing while we sat on the grass. If we’d had more time I would have asked him about what his thoughts on Leo were.
“Yes, we came in first but the issue right now is how I can bump up a Tier. I’m not okay with being Tier 3 for the rest of my life.”
“If you would have just won the first time around, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.” I smiled wickedly as Leo reeled on me and I felt a sense of triumph as he leveled me with a glare that would have made anyone else look away.
“I don’t know what’s going on here but it needs to stop, now.” I could feel Gabe’s eyes on the side of my face and I knew Leo could too. He was the first to look away, his eyes finding Gabe before he turned his head to face my best friend.
“I don’t know what the hell that was about,” Gabe started, “but you need to remember your place and remember who she is.” I smiled victoriously as Gabe glared at Leo.
“But she-” Leo was cut short by Gabe.
“Figure out what you can do with Darci. She might excuse this and pair you with someone else. If she doesn’t excuse you, you can ask Ady for a rematch. If you win you get to bump up a Tier, if not, you need to accept your rank.” Leo smiled as he looked at me.
“We may be training together right now but we are not equals. She is above us and I won’t take you disrespecting my best friend and our Luna.”
“And you,” Gabe turned on me and my smile vanished real quick. “Don’t provoke him. I know you’re angry but he’s not the one you’re angry at.” His words doused the flames that had begun to grow. He’s right, I shouldn’t take my anger at Odis out at Leo… even if he was asking for it.
“My apologies, Leo.” I turned my attention back to the giant. “As Luna, I know better.”
“Mm-hmm,” Gabe looked between the two of us before he looked past Leo.
“Looks like your wish came true,” Gabe murmured.
“What?” I asked. Gabe nodded his head towards the field. I followed his gaze and found Briana staring at me. I audibly gulped.
“Oh yeah, you’re up,” Leo said. “Gamma told me you’d be up as soon as Briana ended her opponent. She was confident she would win.”
He reached out his hand for me and I stared at it a second before I grabbed it. He pulled me to my feet and I pursed my lips to the groan that wanted to escape. I gave Gabe a look and he laughed as I gave in to my fate.