Gab's p.o.v
Her life in her new apartment has been nothing short of heavenly. But tomorrow she is on her way to Blue, it's Zoe's birthday. Toby and Noah offered to travel with her but she plans to spend time with her alone. That's the only thing she asked for her birthday so she will make it their special day.
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"Zoe is doing well at school… momma look, it's me, you and grandpa." She tugs until she claps her hands and hug her baby, "my teacher says Zoe is smart."
She picks her up and goes to the living room where uncle Tul sat staring at the wall. She needs to bring Zoe to live with her by next year so that uncle Tul can finally rest at the retirement home. She's been saving up to have him placed in the best on in Blue, she's sure he has the money, but she wants to show her appreciation by supporting him too.
"Yes. My Zoe is the smartest." she kisses her cheek, "uncle Tul... hey, i got your medication before coming here."
He smiles and takes the brown package. She goes to the kitchen to make tea for uncle Tul. Who sat giving attention to an active four-year-old.
"How are you keeping up?"
"Not bad. I found a place that I can afford." She looks around the home and she smiles, "it's just a little lonely."
"Focus on seeing if you can juggle school and work first."
She nods handing him his cup and his favourite rusk she brought with her. She bought Zoe ice cream so she's captivated but the TV and treat.
"You should come see it for yourself; here is a picture" she shows him. "I will work hard for a bigger place."
"It looks great for a start, but you know uncle can give you money."
"I want you to not worry about me; I will figure everything out including Zoe."
"I am not rushing you... building takes time."
"Uncle, you've done enough for me. It's my turn to look after you."
He brushes her off and his head faces Zoe.
"Zuǒ is getting older, she needs a father figure… have you found your fated mate?"
She shakes her head. She has adapted to speaking Chinese so in her head certain English words uncle use are forged to Chinese.
"No. How do you still trust my discernment given my past track record?"
"You are a responsible adult now."
"My fated will find me, for now I am working on myself and my family."
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Alex's p.o.v
It has been almost two months living with Noah and it was really great. They were like a married couple; they worked to be in a position where they coexist. Noah has another bedroom she occupied for the first few days as they were getting to learn each other's habits and that's when she realised... Noah is rich. Like his rich, rich. The type of rich where he went to an auction and came back with jewellery for her. He knows she does not like flashy so whenever he surprises her it's always diamonds and gold that is lowkey but stunning. At first that made her insecure until he explained that gift giving is one of his love languages. And boy does he love her; if she ever thinks to sell these things she would also be rich.
[We live here now.]
Her wolf declares. No. This is just temporary. Right now, they opt it better for them both to sleep on the same bed. Not just of sexual gratification but her occasional nightmares that did not find her in the arms of her lover. Noah is one of those annoying morning people who wakes up too early for sense, just to exercise. Madness. She usually wakes up two hours later, while her alpha is at the gym. She usually groans when she gets up, sluggers to the shower and eventually make breakfast. Taking care of her mate is her love language and the appreciation in his eyes makes her feel loved and valued.
"Babi, you back." She hears the door open and shuts. "Go take a shower first, I'm not going anywhere."
The atmosphere blasted with calming classical music; Noah kissed her and walked past her to take a shower. She set the table, and she waits until Noah returns. They sit down and enjoy breakfast together. Noah usually does the dishes, and she spends her time ensuring the apartment is organised and clean. The last part is more for her benefit than the alpha, he just puts up with it and accommodates her as much as possible.
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gab's p.o.v
She's back. She had fun with her family, and she really regrets coming back but she has bill to pay and a future she promised Zoe.
Gab: << 'Contact me if you need anything else.'>>
She sends the message to Blue and hurries to dress, Toby said he will be paying for breakfast. She loves fashion but she cannot afford her interest, but she repurposes her clothes to make something different. Today she wears a low-cut blue tracksuit, she wears jewels around her waist and neck to complement her cleavage. Clothes she would never wear in Blue, uncle Tul would judge her, and she wants to set a better example for Zoe.
"Here."
Toby directed her and his friend.
"This is Alex. Alex this is Gabriella, but everyone calls her Gab."
She never wished to give Toby a bad name ever, even amongst his friends so she willed her life to behave. She politely smiled, shaking her delicate hand. It was clear as day this omega is super high on suppressants. How do they stand the scent? Why is she taking such large dosages of suppressants? Does she not have her alpha? She smells like she does, but that scent is overpowered by the suppressants.
"Nice to meet you."
There are cases she has witnessed where pimps would force their sex workers to take the drug, to of course avoid pregnancies. She was not part of the crowd, but her friend was. Eventually the scent blocker became something she avoided, that drug was a reminder of a life she was grateful she was saved from.
She did not want to say anything or ask in case Alex has her reasons to hide her nature. Everyone has to have a reason to do anything, right. Like her reason to visit Zoe as her secret she trusted an entire pack to do what I think I would fail at.
"Leo will be here in any... Leo over here."
No shit. The dammed odds have to be impossible. Act normal, she is. Why did stupid her heart light up, at best the beta is hot… Liar, his perfect. Common... Her smart brain is beyond qualified to study journalism. But at the moment the arts warned her that Leo is off limits, and he has all that written all over him especially the evidence that was seen last time on his wrist. Act normal. Even he looks surprised to see her, at least she's memorable. Act normal, his looks have nothing to do with lunch and the beta does not know her poor life decisions.
"Leo, this over here is Gabriella, but everyone calls her Gab and Gab this is Leo."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Gabriella."
Fuck. Her ovaries exploded by the mere sound on his voice and damn her name sounds perfect coming out of those lips. Common, Gab act normal. Toby ordered himself pink milk, but they gave her lime. Like her best friend her favourite drink is also the pink milk but a lactose free version as she initially ordered. Perhaps they do not have lactose free milk that is why she has the lime drink? Okay, she can live with the lime, it sounds better than her stomach hating her for poisoning it by drinking something with definite repercussions. To top off her disappointment she is yet to enjoy the bittersweet taste of the drink given to her. What is worse was the combination of sweet and sour berries in the terrible drink. She opted to let it go because she knows how stressful it is working in a restaurant, and she would hate being an inconvenience. Leo got up took her drink and walked to their waiter, who the corrected her drink. The man was unbelievably polite but assertive. A minute later they handed her the corrected drink, and he placed it next her food.
"Lactose free... I apologise; I must have gotten your order mixed with another customer... It is my first day, I will get it right next time."
"Uh. Jer." She reads the waiters name from his name tag. "It is truly fine; it is not a big deal... Don't stress it, thank you and enjoy the rest of your day."
Jer left with a relieved expression, did he think she would involve the manager or his supervisor for a drink? Gab can relate to him though, at first, she also feared irrational and problematic customers that constantly, want to involve the manager for either petty or small mistakes. Truly annoyed by the direction her train of thoughts her mind lead she brought the sweet drink to her lips and took a sip of her pink drink and smiles. There's the taste of heaven; she couldn't help the smile that kissed her lips. Fuck. No one has ever done that for her. Ever. Heart stop. She can't be blushing. Speeding heartbeats. Act normal. He is another hero in her life story. Be normal.
"Thank you."
"You are too cute to frown."
She couldn't control the blush, and comprehensive words left her reasoning panel. This is a new low, how can she find a mated guy to be highly desirable. Perhaps her settings are defected, and this is no way true, having feelings for a mated guy is morally wrong. Thankfully what distracted her train of thought was the man that took a seat next to Toby.
"What is going on here?"
"We also have no idea, but it is kinda interesting though. I have never thought Leo can be that considerate."
Lucas says.
"To. Is this the fated mate you were telling me about? You smell like him… he is right?"
Toby laughs before easing her curiosity.
"Yes... Gab has a sensitive nose, so it is easier for her to pick up different scents."
Toby explains to his friends so they can understand her better
"O. M. G. You two look super cute together... May I take a picture of you?" Leo growls. "Uncle and I were discussing who you would end up with. He is so certain it is going to be Noah of course I was on your side… I swear he will not believe that you finally bagged..."
His mouth was covered by a Toby who ran to shut her up. Was her obsession with the Deucalion wolf a secret? Toby nodded, seeming to catch the drift of her thoughts. Okay. She raised her hands in surrender, promising to not bring this topic up again. Toby went back to his seat shooting his man a cute innocent stare and he shook his head.
"Okay fine brother To. Wait I have one last question... You said No has a fated mate too right.... Do you know who it is?"
She asked and the other two faced the omega with strong suppressants which could mean she is hiding her nature, yes. She was right. Too bad she knows how most homeopathic Chinese suppressants worked and smell like. No one mentioned it, so she saw it best fit to also keep her mouth shut about it too. Alex's face flushed, and she faced Toby confused but her brain continued piecing two and two together.
"Oh damn… I am so sorry… I was not really sure if it was you, I mean you do have traces of your fated mate's scent, but it was hard to decipher over... Never mind, you look really beautiful like Toby did in high school, cute... I mean Toby you still beautiful... I don't know if I should use the word 'beautiful' for you... I should probably keep quiet and finish my food..."
She stammered. Tried to rectify a mistake. The guy next to her, who has been watching him intently must think she's an idiot.
"Who is she?"
Lucas, his friend's fated mate asked, seemingly amused.
"Noah and I met Gab in high school we became good friends. Although we consider her to be more of our little sister. No, we are not blood related, but she is in our pack now and that makes us family... Literally Noah considers Gab to be his sister than he does his own. Her name is Gabriella, but we call her Gab except now, Leo. She's a psychic without the without the Crysels, intense eyeliner and her fashion is impeccable. She applied to Moon to study journalism. She says what she's thinking the moment she has a thought. It is funny and cute when she stammers like she just did. Sometimes she is random or hyper but that is just who she is."
Gab pouts, making sure not to waste by finishing her food.
"Are you all caught up?" -Alex
"For now... Leo will fill me on the rest."
Lucas gave Leo a pointed glare and he nodded.
"Thanks again for lunch To… I have a paper submit… Shia, twenty-nine minutes. I have to start walking if I want to make it to my department in time."
She gave Toby a hug and she wanted to give Alex one too, so she did
"You are somewhat delightful, consider me to be one of your friends too."
Alex smiles when a voice broke through the moment.
"I will take you."
[All eyes face Leo they knew he is not one to cheat but now.... What the fuck is he doing? How is remotely interested in another especially after mating? Hell, he has a mate now. Whatever was happening here he must not drag his sister by choice down with him.] -Toby
"I am going there already; Jay is still there."
"Okay. Thank you so much. I sense there is a tense aura here, meaning there is something that has to be said that does not need my ear... See To, I can read social situations... Yeah, I am right, right? Calm down bro you are making me nervous, face what bothers you... Okay, allow me to excuse myself and go use the bathroom, so you can talk it out I assume with Leo."