CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

ROSALINE'S POV

Shock rippled through me as I found Gabriel, my mate beside alpha Novare. I was aware he was a beta, but never in my imagination did it occur to me that he was second in command to alpha Novare of crescent pack.

All through the welcome dinner, he stole glances at me to the point he made it obvious, making the few observant ones around the table to take note. For everytime he did that, I made sure I averted his gaze. It made me inexplicably unsettled. I was used to being the one in control, the one whose single glance could intimidate anyone, male or female alike. His gaze held a warmth that I couldn't quite comprehend, a depth that made me feel exposed and vulnerable.

Instead of thinking of Gabriel, I busied myself with the task at hand. I was at the pack's training grounds, trying to settle the scuffle between different ranks and Gabriel strutted in.

"Talk of the devil," I scoffed and huffed.

I signalled the warrior wolves present to leave and give us ample privacy, wh