The Luna and The Beast

Agreement

Gabriel POV

The tension from the battle still lingered as Gabriel joined his father in the Alpha’s office. Christian was seated at his desk, poring over maps and reports from the southern border.

“You should rest,” Christian said without looking up.

Gabriel crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway. “I’m fine.”

Christian glanced up, his eyes narrowing. “You’re not fine, Gabe. That display back there? It scared even me.”

Gabriel said nothing, his jaw tightening.

The rest of the morning went by in a haze as his mother entered the office from time to time to update them on Alpha Elijah. His mate was in labor, so he wouldn’t be able to make it to the Alpha Meeting.

The weight of the battle still clung to Gabriel like a second skin as he stepped outside the Alpha’s office. The scent of parchment and the sound of his father’s hushed voice, laced with affection for his mother, had been too much to bear.

He leaned against one of the tall columns at the packhouse entrance, his gaze fixed on the distant forest. The warriors were already cleaning up the battlefield, and a strange stillness had fallen over the pack.

He envied his parents. The way Christian looked at Nora, as if she hung the moon and stars, was something he’d never known. Morgan tried. She really did. But no matter how hard he pushed himself to feel more, to want more, it wasn’t there.

She wasn’t the one.

The thought burned. His wolf, Draven, stirred restlessly within him. They both craved what his parents had—a connection so deep it was carved into their souls.

“Alpha,” one of the gate guards called out from the edge of the driveway. “The first car is approaching.”

Gabriel nodded and straightened. His father was still Goddess-knows-where, probably making up for lost time with Nora, leaving Gabriel to handle the arrivals alone.

The first vehicle rolled up the long drive, its glossy black paint gleaming in the sunlight. Gabriel forced a polite smile, stepping forward to greet the Alpha couple.

“Welcome, Alpha Dunn, Luna Freya,” he said, his voice steady.

They exchanged pleasantries, but Gabriel’s mind was elsewhere, his sharp senses already tracking the second car making its way up the road.

Alpha after Alpha arrived, some bringing their heirs, others their younger children. Gabriel maintained his stoic facade, his father’s absence barely registering anymore. The other Alpha’s were respectful, but Gabriel could see the suspicion and fear behind their eyes. It didn’t bother him though, he was used to it by now.

When Christian finally appeared, striding toward him with an easy smile, Gabriel couldn’t help the slight smirk that tugged at his lips.

“Leaving me to do all the work, huh?” Gabriel said.

Christian chuckled. “You’re young. Builds character.”

They shared a quiet laugh, the tension between them from earlier easing. But it lasted only a moment.

The next car pulled up, and the air shifted.

The scent hit Gabriel first—something sweet yet earthy, with an undertone of warmth that he couldn’t place. His wolf surged forward, nearly knocking him off balance.

Draven growled. Mate.

Gabriel’s eyes snapped to the car as the doors opened. His pulse pounded in his ears as a woman stepped out. She was beautiful—stunningly so. Her long, wavy brown hair caught the sunlight, framing a face that was both delicate and fierce.

Then her eyes met his, and his world tilted.

“Maya,” he whispered, the name slipping from his lips unbidden.

Her sapphire-blue eyes widened, her face pale as the realization dawned on her too.

“Mate,” Draven growled aloud, his voice blending with Gabriel’s.

The bond snapped into place, sharp and immediate, pulling at him with a force that left him breathless.

“Maya!” Antonio’s voice barked, breaking the moment. The Shadow Rock Alpha stepped between them, his glare cutting like a knife. “Get back in the car!”

Gabriel growled low in his throat as Antonio’s hand moved to Maya’s shoulder, guiding her back toward the car.

“Don’t,” Gabriel snarled, the sound primal and raw. His eyes darkened, his power radiating outwards in a dangerous wave.

Antonio froze, his hand hovering mid-air.

Anthony stepped forward, his stance rigid, his sharp green eyes narrowing on Gabriel.

“This isn’t happening,” Anthony snapped, his voice a low growl as he moved to stand between Maya and Gabriel. “Stay the hell away from my sister.”

Gabriel’s lips twitched into a smirk, though his wolf, Draven, growled low in his chest. He didn’t like being challenged—especially not by someone who was barely holding himself together.

“Anthony,” Mackenzie’s voice was firm, cutting through the tension. She stepped between her son and Gabriel, placing a calming hand on Anthony’s arm. “Stand down. This isn’t how we handle things.”

“But Mom, you can’t seriously think this—” Anthony gestured to Gabriel as if he were something disgusting. “—is okay.”

Mackenzie’s eyes softened slightly, though her tone remained unyielding. “You’re the future Alpha, Anthony. Act like it. Go to the meeting room and wait for us there.”

Anthony’s jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he looked between his mother and Gabriel. For a moment, it seemed like he might argue, but then he huffed sharply, his anger palpable. “Fine. But don’t think for a second that I trust him.”

As Anthony stalked away, Gabriel’s gaze followed him, the smirk never leaving his face. “Someone’s got anger issues,” Gabriel muttered under his breath.

“Gabe,” Christian’s voice cut through the tension, calm but firm. He stepped forward, his hand landing on Gabriel’s shoulder. “You’re scaring your mate.”

“Let’s talk inside.” Mackenzie said.

Maya’s eyes flicked to his once more, wide and filled with something he couldn’t place. Fear? Confusion?

She was his mate, and yet she seemed to be pulling away.

Gabriel followed as the group made their way to the Alpha’s office. He hung back, his eyes fixed on Maya’s retreating figure. Her hair shimmered in the light, and for a moment, he let himself imagine what it would feel like to bury his hands in those soft waves.

His wolf growled possessively. She’s ours.

Her scent lingered in the air, intoxicating and maddening. His fingers twitched, aching to reach out, to pull her into his arms and make her his.

But the look on her face when their eyes met was burned into his mind—a mix of disbelief and something else.

Anger.