Suddenly A Beta's Daughter

CHAPTER 14: Morning Ride with Dad

Gabrielle POV:

For once I actually got up on time, well at least before Ben came barging in. I quickly got ready before grabbing my bag and heading towards the kitchen.

“Morning ben, what's for-” Who I thought was Ben was standing in the refrigerator turned out to be Rob. “Sorry I thought you were Ben.”

“So I noticed. Good morning pup.”

“Good morning.” I looked around awkwardly for Ben.

“He's out on patrol.”

“Oh.” I looked down the hall towards his door. “Does he usually patrol this early?”

“Usually. He's been leaving a little early this week in order to take you to school.”

“Leaving? So he patrols all night and then takes me to school?” No wonder he always looks tired, when does he sleep?”

“Yeah, good question. Though I'll be taking you today so he'll be able to get some sleep when he gets off.” I guess I made a face because Rob snorted at my reaction to the news. “Does riding with me really sound that bad?” He folded his arms and leaned against the counter.

“I didn't say that.” I looked down the hall again, “Do you think he's mad at me? Seems like I'm giving him a lot of extra work."

Rob shrugged his shoulders “hard to say.” he handed me a bag off the counter, “Ben packed you lunch, told me to make sure you took it.”

“Where's my cup?”

“Cup?”

“Yeah, my green travel mug, Ben usually has it ready for me, do you know where it is?” I walked past him and started searching through the cabinets.

“...ahh”

“Found it.” I filled it up with orange juice before heading for the front door.

“Wait, where's your bag? I'll carry it out for you.”

“Oh, I didn't pack anything. I'll just grab some clothes from home.” I left the penthouse and made my way to the front gates, Rob following close behind.

Robs pov:

As we made our way through the pack house I took the time to take her in. She looked happier this morning than I've seen her in a while. Not that I can recall seeing her in a good mood that often. Still it was a nice change, I'll take content silence over the usual hostility.

Once we got through the main doors we headed down the drive to my waiting car. I was about to get the door for Gabi when she suddenly grabbed onto my arm.

“Rob, look! There are wolves.” She sounded startled and was pointing in the direction of the training fields.

“Of course, you're on pack lands, what did you expect?”

The grip she had on my hand got tighter as she slowly made her way behind me. “ But they’re running this way.” She seemed panicked.

“Alright, calm down. I doubt it's anyone that could cause you harm.” I watched as the two wolves in question got closer, focusing long enough to recognize who they were. A smile played on my lips as the grey and brown wolf finally descended upon us. Gabi let out a little scream as she buried herself into my back. It might seem messed up but it made me happy that she looked at me as someone capable of protecting her. That or she literally just threw me to the wolves.

“Atlas, Boe, that's close enough. You're scaring her.” They both whimpered but stopped a few feet away. “Gabi, no need to be afraid, it's just your i***t brother and cousin.” Her grip loosen slightly as she peeked around me.

“Ben.” Atlas, the dark gray wolf, growled low at being referred to as Ben. “sorry.. Atlas.”

She stepped out from behind me and slowly approached them. Atlas laid down as she got closer and allowed her to pet his head. She let out a little groan when he licked her but she still had a bright smile on her face. She looked over at the brown wolf sitting next to Atlas.

“You must be Jonah’s wolf.” She giggled at whatever one of the boys said before giving Boe a little pat as well. “It's nice to meet you both.” She took a step back and tried her best to look stern but it wasn't working. “But you two shouldn’t just run up on people like that. You could’ve given me some type of warning.”

“Alright that's enough we have to head out.” Gabi nodded her head before climbing into the car while waving the boys goodbye. “You two go get cleaned up and get to bed, I'm sure you need the rest.” They both got up and ran off back to the training fields while I made my way to the driver's seat.

We were a couple minutes into the drive and Gabi was glued to her phone. My mind was racing with things I wanted to say but was sure how to. Thinking back I've never had a real conversation with her. It was no wonder why she was so excited to get away for the weekend.

“So…” she looked over at me briefly before turning back to her phone. “Any big plans for the weekend?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Not really.”

“How's school going?”

“Ok I guess.”

“Just ok, nothing interesting going on?”

She frowned as she looked at me. “What's this about?”

“What's, what about?”

“You.” She paused for a moment, making me more nervous than I cared to admit. “Since when do you take an interest in what's going on with me?”

I let out a dry chuckle. “Fair enough.” I took a moment to think and in that time she turned back to her phone. “Gabrielle, I'm sorry.” She looked back at me but said nothing. “I know this has been tough for you, and I haven't been around as much as I would like.”

I heard her mumble under her breath, “it's not like you were ever there to begin with.”

I took a deep breath, holding back the urge to once again make the argument that it wasn't my fault. As true as it might be I imagine in her eyes it's just another excuse. “You're right. But pup you have to believe me if I knew there's nothing that I wouldn't have done to have you in my life.” she didn't respond, just stared down at her lap. “We've been a bit busier than usual and I imagine its making this transition harder on you than it needs to be but if you ever need to talk I'll drop it all to listen.”

I turned my head to look at her. But she was still concentrating on her lap. We drove on in silence for a while and I contemplated starting another conversation but I feared I'd just be talking to myself.

“I'm sorry.”

I was shocked. I didn't expect her to say anything let alone apologize. “What could you possibly be sorry for.”

She shrugged her shoulders again. “ I know it's not your fault, at least not entirely.” I let out a dry laugh. “I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you.”

“I accept your apology, it's nice to know you don't hate me.”

“I don't.”

“That's a relief.” I reached over and grabbed her hand, giving it a little squeeze. It warmed my heart when not only did she not pull away but gave me a shy smile. “I don't want to ruin this but… I've been talking to your uncle and he thinks it'll be good for you to see a therapist.”

“A therapist?” she slowly pulled her hand from mine, giving me an offended look.

“Well yeah.” I ran my now empty hand through my hair before grabbing the steering wheel. “I'm worried, we all are. I wish I was able to handle this on my own but I don't know how to be there for you the way you need me to. A lot has happened and I know it's hard but you won't talk to us so I thought that would be a better option.” I chanced a look over at her after a moment. It seemed like she was going at it with her wolf so I figured it was best to let her think it over, making the rest of the ride in silence.

We pulled into the school's parking lot and I came to a complete stop before looking over at her. She still looked lost in thought but before I could say anything else she spoke up.

"I don't need therapy, just some time.”

“Alright.” I nodded, though I felt it would be for the best, forcing her to go through with it properly wouldn't end well. “ But can you at least promise to tell me if anything happens or when you feel like it's getting harder to deal with?”

“Sure.” She smiled at me before unbuckling her seat belt and climbing out the car.

“Gabi, wait.” I climbed out the car and raced around towards her, arms out wide. “I won't get to see you for two days, can I have a hug?” She hesitated a bit but she walked the rest of the way wrapping her arms around my waist. I held her close for as long as she let me before wiggling out of my hold and walking towards the building.