The Fugitive - Chapter 152

Esme opened her eyes the following day, her body wrapped up like a burrito in Gabriel’s bed. She rolled to her side, her body still stuck inside the duvet burrito, her confusion apparent as she looked at Gabriel’s naked back. Her eyes lowered down, and Esme grinned at seeing the top part of his muscular bum, feeling the need to bite it to wake her mate up. That was when she paused at seeing the slight bite mark on his right butt cheek.

Wait.. She didn’t do that?

Esme blinked through her groggy mind. “Is?” She reached out to her wolf, but there was no answer. “Isanaaaa….” She tried calling for her again then realised her wolf was asleep. Esme couldn’t help but be a little suspicious of her; she accidentally fell asleep while she played in the woods with her mate.

Her eyes moved back up across Gabriel’s body; there were faint claw marks that were already healing. She looked at the bed covers and sighed in relief by not seeing blood, but when her scrutinising gaze landed back on Gabriel’s face, she almost jumped out of her skin. He was watching her, but he looked cautious and alert.

“Gabriel?” She whispered. “Are you okay?”

He searched her eyes for a moment then pulled her into his arms, the duvet still wrapped around her. He kissed the top of her head and quietly held her there for a moment. “Do you remember anything from last night?” He asked quietly. He didn’t sound mad.

“I fell asleep. Why, what did Is do?” She asked, suddenly aware that those scratches and bites might be because she wanted to.. mate.

It was common in werewolves, though she’d rarely let Isana and Ethan’s wolf mate for obvious reasons. But it must have been a surprise for Gabriel. In fact, she wasn’t pleased with her if she had, though her body didn’t seem to feel any aches or pains.

“Nothing happened,” Gabriel replied to her tumbling thoughts. “Isana just got a little excited; she did want to mate, but..” He kissed her head again. “It was a little too weird for me. You weren’t aware of what was happening..”

“Did she.. attack you or try to force you?” She grimaced, hoping this didn’t affect them in any way.

“She did not force me, and I managed to calm her down..” Gabriel chuckled. “I know your wolf is strong, but I am still much more powerful than you.”

Esme saw flashes of the night before, herself or technically Isana was acting far too excited, making her cringe at seeing herself acting that way. She’d stripped and jumped on the bed, holding Gabriel down, ripping his clothes from him. He was laughing and seemed to enjoy the attention, but when she kissed him, he paused and searched her eyes, stopping when he realised Esme was still asleep.

“How did you calm her down?” Esme asked, feeling her cheeks heat from the embarrassment of what her wolf did. She used her body much like how a type 1 rogue would start to take over, and the human side was unaware of their wolf’s actions.

“Hmm, I told her off and wrapped her up in the quilt,” Gabriel hummed like the night was no big deal.

“I am really sorry.. I thought you’d be fine with her. I didn’t think-”

“Nothing happened, Es.” He squeezed her tighter. “And.. leaving her with me just shows how much you trust me, right? You let your guard down and allowed Isana full control.”

Esme nodded and pouted. “That is true, but never again. She’s so embarrassing, damn horny wolf.”

Gabriel burst into laughter and sat upright, releasing her from the quilt imprisonment. “Isana obviously could not control herself around me,” He winked and stood up, letting Esme get a full view of his delicious body.

“Hmmm, neither can I,” She purred, crawling across the bed towards him.

Gabriel smirked and lifted her in his arms; she wrapped her legs around him and kissed him gently on the lips. “Shall we bathe?” He asked, rubbing his nose against hers.

“As long as it is only bathing!!” Luther called from the sofa in the adjoined room. Gabriel swiftly turned around, so his bare back was on view to the vampire hiding Esme more. They had stopped just next to the clear doors for the bathroom.

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” Gabriel growled, clutching Esme closer to his body protectively. Esme hid her face in Gabriel’s chest, her cheeks growing red again, realising Luther might have possibly heard their conversation.

How embarrassing! At least Gabriel did not seem to mind about the whole ordeal. But now, Luther knew her wolf tried to sleep with Gabriel without either of their consent.

“You kept me waiting last night. Esme, after you have washed, I really want to see you as a wolf! I’ve fought werewolves before, but it will be so nice to approach one without having my head bitten off!” Luther exclaimed, clapping his hands.

“Get. Out.” Gabriel ordered quietly, his voice dropping the temperature in the room.

“Gabriel..” Luther stepped closer to them, and Esme peeked over Gabriel’s shoulder to see the golden-haired vampire was only a few steps behind him now. “Stop acting so shy. I’ve seen it all-”

“Come any closer, and I’ll-”

“Luther, wait at the lounge,” Esme interrupted the pair of them, holding Luther’s gaze. “I just need a quick shower, then I’ll shift into my wolf form for you. How about that?”

Gabriel shifted on his foot, his expression unimpressed, and he glared at the vampire. Esme could tell he was annoyed because of his erection pressed against her stomach.

“Can I stroke you?!” Luther asked excitedly, like he couldn’t read the room. Gabriel tensed at his words, and Esme shivered from the sudden chill in the air.

“Don’t push it,” Gabriel snapped, reaching back to smack him, but Luther dodged his arm and sauntered back to the door.

“I’ll see you soon then, Queenie!” Luther sang behind him as the door closed.

Queenie?

“You didn’t have to agree to him, you know.” Gabriel started walking into the bathroom again, this time going straight to the shower.

“I know,” Esme smirked as she reached in between them. “That’s why you’ll have to make this quick.”

Gabriel’s eyes lit up from her touch. “You little minx,” He chuckled before their lips met, and their time in the shower was spent with more than just washing one another.

After their shower, Esme shifted into her wolf form when she was at the library balcony that overlooked the floor with the piano and lounge and waterfall feature. She jumped down, making the golden-haired vampire jump up from the couch in surprise. He’d clutched at his chest before relaxing and observing her excitedly and even scratching behind Esme’s ears. She couldn’t deny it felt really nice, but a growl escaped her lips when he started telling her what a good girl she was. Thanks to her irritated mate, Luther left swiftly after with a few cracked ribs.

Following that, Gabriel had work to do, and Esme chilled out with Marcus before receiving a few texts from Niko about work. She agreed to work in the evening and returned to her shifts, asking only for evening work so she could spend her days with Marcus. The only day she officially had off was the day Einar warned her about.

That was how her routine had altered slightly; she still saw Leo, Rory and Hana at the bar after Gabriel allowed her to spend a bit more time there than in his VIP room. But her jobs seemed to keep changing between bar work and errands that Gabriel needed. She believed it was more of an excuse so he could see, but she didn’t mind. Sometimes the jobs even included Marcus.

Isana had also calmed down since Esme reprimanded her, making sure to stay awake when her wolf wanted to play with Gabriel. He wasn’t nervous in her presence and still acted like normal. Her dreams returned to normal with no ancient Greek themes going on or seeing her mate, although that saddened her a little, and there were certainly no nightmares since sleeping in Gabriel’s bed. Even if he couldn’t be there, his scent kept her mind calm, and she felt well protected.

All seemed to be going well, which clearly meant that something dark and ominous was about to happen. Esme was not used to such calm and happiness for ‘long’ periods of time. Esme was leaning against the bar, drying some glasses with Leo as she giggled to Leo and Marcus’ jokes when a certain warlock entered the room. His hair was pulled back again in a ponytail, his suit matching the colour of his hair and his usual gloves were in place. All eyes turned to him.

“Good evening,” Einar smiled, then winked at Hana, who blushed and smiled shyly. His eyes moved back to Esme, and he held his hand out for her. “Shall we?”

“Es.. Who’s your friend?” Leo looked at him nervously, and Esme couldn’t help but roll her eyes. It seemed Einar’s looks were stealing Leo’s usual female attention, although Marcus was also sitting at the bar, so it wasn’t looking like a great night for tips for him.

Esme ignored Einar’s outstretched hand and walked around the bar smiling at Leo. “Don’t worry, he’s not staying long.”

Einar dropped his hand, “How rude. You know it always feels like you don’t want to see me; it makes me sad. I wanted to see my dear friend Gabriel..”

Marcus stood from his stool but paused after Esme gave him a look. “He’s busy; let’s talk over here.” Esme started leading the way but stopped when she realised she couldn’t hear Einar’s footsteps behind her. She looked back and grabbed Einar by the arm, pulling him away from Marcus.

“How is it that girl knows all the hot guys?!” Hana whispered to Rory. “I’ve gotta know her secret!”

“Your human friends are funny,” Einar replied with a smirk. “Although, I’m not sure about the blonde guy who looks like he plays that game.. Volleyball.”

Esme looked back at her friend, who was watching them cautiously. As soon as he saw her looking at him, he beamed at her, causing her to smile back. “What makes you say that?” She asked curiously, her hand still on his arm.

“Hmmm, he’s crushing on you.. It annoys me.”