Thirteen: Once You Turn

The dining hall was across from the packhouse and was filled with people eating and talking. My stomach grumbled when I smelled food. I looked around to see a buffet-style display set up for people to make themselves sandwiches with multiple different side options.

It did not escape my attention that the room noticeably quieted when we entered.

Gabriel stood at my side, his arm wrapped around my waist. I tried to refrain from pressing myself into him as dozens of eyes turned to inspect us. A glance up at him had me in wonder. His strong jaw looked tense, and his eyes held no emotion. Yet, he stood strong, as if he were proud.

It was like looking at a reflection of him from an alternate universe. When he was alone with me, he was warm and loving, but in front of his pack he seemed so cut off from his emotions.

He led me to the food and dropped his hand from my waist to put together his plate. I followed next to him closely, still feeling uncomfortable with the eyes of the many borin