Gabriel's POVGabriel waved goodbye to his last patient before closing his clinic for the afternoon. It had been a busy day, which he was grateful for because the late evening with Lucy was running through his mind. Gabriel already had low self-esteem since early childhood and worried he was not good enough for his mate. He had been giving Lucy space today, even though he knew she had just finished her shift at the coffee shop down the street. He told himself she deserved the time to process all of the heavy things discussed on their sunset truck date at Airport Mesa. He knew there was hope because she did kiss him goodbye the previous evening, so that meant she wasn't completely bugged out by him.He put a notebook he was carrying into his car and locked it before walking into town to meet Vance for dinner. He had told Vance about coming clean to Lucy, and Vance wanted to take him out for food and drinks. Vance had always been Gabriel's unconditional confidant and his closest peer

Lucy POVLucy tried to control her breathing. She had to tell Gabriel what happened, especially if they were going to be continuing their relationship. Eventually, relationships can come to a physical nature and she felt like she owed Gabriel an explanation of what she went through in Colorado. It scared her, that experience.She heard him growl, but she was starting to get used to his protective side. She felt tears come to her eyes as she replayed that nefarious day once again in her head."I had unfortunately attracted a senior doctor's attention on our floor. I should have realized he was interested, but I had a one-track mind with my career. I didn't see the signs," Lucy continued on."Anyways, one day in a less populated area of the floor… he had me cornered. He said a bunch of disgusting things he wanted to do to me and he started to touch me. I was terrified. Before he could do anything else, I kicked him in between the legs and I ran from him," Lucy murmured letting the te

Lucy's POVLucy sat next to Shaman Kai questioning her about if there would be any side effects or repercussions involved in enlightening her about the bond between her and Gabriel."Oh, I like her. She's a good niece because she is very smart," Kai laughed. "Yes, you are right. There are side effects to doing this healing procedure on a human. It's abnormal for a human to feel the mate bond, and therefore it can take a toll on your body.""You'll have fever-like symptoms for a day. You will have body aches all over, and even a few fever dreams. It's your body awakening to the mate bond. All normal." Kai nodded satisfactorily as she looked at Lucy."Normal?" Lucy questioned. "Forgive me, Shaman Kai. I come from Western medicine where science, drugs, and first aid are rampant in our culture. I am not sure if I really believe in this holistic naturopathic approach." Lucy shrugged, feeling ashamed to question the methods of a native Shaman."I'm saying the experiences you'll have wil

Gabriel POVGabriel was ecstatic that Lucy was kissing him. She even allowed him to pull her close. He deepened their kiss, brushing his tongue against Lucy's lips in question. Lucy parted her lips slowly, allowing him to brush his tongue against hers.Gabriel felt Lucy press a hand against his chest as their kiss became more and more heated. Gabriel couldn't help but feel her breasts pressed against him. Things were starting to happen… down there for him."Huh? They are?" Lucy suddenly asked him, which broke their kiss.Gabriel froze. Did he say that out loud? "Uh, what are?""You… you said things were starting to happen… down there…" Lucy looked down quickly and the sun was starting to peep through the curtains so he could see her face get cherry red.'Can you hear this? You look amazing getting out of bed first thing in the morning,' he thought and winked at her.Lucy stared at him; her eyes were wide. 'I can hear your thoughts,' her voice spoke inside of his head.'It wor

Lucy's POVLucy hesitated, replaying Gertrude's words in her head. Fennick was Gertrude's mate? Is that why her aunt had never married? Never seemed to pursue any relationships?"Hold on, was?" Lucy said, catching on to the past tense way Gertrude was speaking."Yes," Gertrude answered coolly as if she reviled Fennick. She probably did. "Wait, so he must have rejected you since you are human?" Lucy went on. She felt so confused. It seemed like Fennick, even though he had been nervous, was happy to see Gertrude."No. I rejected him," Gertrude answered. Her jaw seemed to be clenched permanently in an uncomfortable position. "You rejected Fennick," Lucy stated. She was repeating what her aunt said not to question her words but to confirm what she had just heard."Not everyone gets loving mates like Gabriel. If I had my way it would have been someone else," Gertrude continued.Lucy turned on the car to get the air conditioning going since it was starting to get hot with the Arizo