Mate of Fate

Creek

Gabriel's POV

The forest was a cathedral of silence, the twilight deepening the shadows and casting everything in a soft, ethereal glow. I moved through the trees with purpose, my senses attuned to Alice’s presence. The bond between us acted like a guiding light, pulling me towards her. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but I pushed them aside, focusing on finding her.

Then, I saw her.

Alice was sitting by a small creek, lost in thought, the water reflecting the fading light in ripples of silver. She looked so fragile, yet so fierce, her delicate features set in determination. My heart ached at the sight of her, so alone in this desolate world. The weight of the destruction we had caused pressed heavily on my shoulders, but seeing her safe now, soothed my soul.

I approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. The scent of pine and earth mixed with something else, something familiar. As I drew closer, the faint scent of Zadkiel's kiss lingered on her lips, a bitter reminder of our shared bond. It ignited a fire within me, a possessive desire that I struggled to control. I had to keep myself in check, all I wanted to do right now was rip out Zadkiels throat for kissing her, all while I desperately craved to do exactly the same, kiss those full, rosy lips of hers. As the oldest brother and noblest one of us, I had never felt so out of control and so conflicted between my raw primal urges and my angelic protectiveness. I had to steel myself and shake it off, because I wouldn't want to scare her off now that I had finally found her again.

Hushed Tones

"Alice," I called gently, my voice barely above a whisper.

She turned, her icy blue eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I saw a flicker of relief, but it was quickly replaced by a guarded expression. "Gabriel," she replied, her tone neutral.

I knelt beside her, the urge to touch her almost unbearable. But I had to remain chivalrous and gentle towards her. "I'm sorry I failed to notice you had gone for a walk. You should have told me, I would have come with you, and you wouldn't have had to face Zadkiel alone out here. Did he hurt you in any way? If he did I'll make sure he pays dearly. "

She sighed, looking back at the creek. "I needed to think, and I knew that if I told you I wanted to take a walk, then you'd insist on coming with me, and I really just wanted some time to myself to process everything that happened so far. Zadkiel didn't hurt me, he talked to me, and kissed me, briefly, but he respected my wishes to be alone for the moment being. You can relax now, Gabriel."

I sighed heavily, relieved that Zadkiel had actually been so tender. That's not exactly his style, he has always been more, take what he wants. No questions asked. I thanked the stars that he had at least this shred of decency. Maybe I jumped the gun on him, maybe he actually just needs Alice as much as I do and is as willing as myself to cross the universe if she wants us to. "I know Alice. I wish I could make it easier for you. I will do anything for you, anything at all"

She glanced at me, her gaze piercing. "You and Zadkiel have already made it impossible. My entire world is gone, Gabriel. My family, my friends... everything. And on top of that, it feels like every time we talk I'm left with more questions than I had to begin with. Before I decide anything, I need answers. Serious answers. I want both you and Zadkiel to sit down, nice and easy, quiet and without conflict and answer every question I might have"

The pain in her voice cut deep, and I reached out, my fingers brushing her arm. "Alice, I'm so sorry. If I could undo all the pain we caused you, I would. But I can't change the past. I can only promise to protect you now. And if you truly wish for me and Zadkiel to answer your questions together, then you shall have it. We may be rivaling, but we are brothers, and we do agree on one thing at least, and that is how much we need you Alice. "

I couldn't hold back any longer. The scent of Zadkiel's kiss on her lips, the sight of her so vulnerable yet so strong, broke my resolve. I cupped her face in my hands, leaning in close. "Alice, I can't pretend to be unaffected by this. By you. I need you."

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, I saw the same desire in her eyes. But then she pushed me back, her hands firm against my chest. "No, Gabriel. I won't be claimed like that. Not by you, not by Zadkiel. I will have a word with both of you, and nothing will happen until then. You will both wait."

I swallowed hard, fighting the primal urge to claim her, but for the moment I restrained myself. "Very well, will you at least come back to your mansion with me? It's getting dark and chilly out here, we should talk inside if you don't mind".

Quiet

She nodded silently and got up from her spot in the green grass. I offered her my arm and shielded her from the chill breeze with my wings, as we walked back silently to the mansion.