T H I R T Y - F I V E

Gabriel and I went separate ways when we got to town. He went to Luna, and I went to go start picking out dresses I liked. Red? Black? Green like his eyes..? I was walking around the same store Theo and I had been in a couple months ago, when Gabriel gave me his credit card. It felt like a lifetime ago, but in a good way, like I've known Gabriel for years, but we're just getting started.

Green, the dress needs to match his eyes. Plus my cloak will look great with it too. I could feel Reia's excitement in my head, she approved of green. I walked around the store to every green dress I saw. Silk, velvet, lace, nylon, satin. I grabbed a few that caught my eye, there was one in particular that I adored and I hope Gabriel did too.

By the time the dresses were in the changing room, Gabriel was walking in with espresso. I smiled at him when he saw me. He stood tall over the dress racks. I was excited to try them on for him, he walked over to me and the dressing room. There was a handsome swagger in his step I hadn't noticed before.

"Find anything good?" He looked at me and I felt woozy, what was happening today.

"I think I found a few you will like.." I smiled softly up at him.

"Are you okay.." he touched my forehead, "you're a bit warm, love."

"I feel great," I said and turned to the changing room to put on the first dress. I stopped and turned to him once more before stepping in, "you're just casting a spell over me today." I smiled when he grinned at me, and stepped behind the velvet curtain.

The first dress was made of silk, it was a shiny forest green. A wave of anxiousness and anticipation rushed over me and I leaned on the wall of the room. It took me a moment but I realized it was Gabriel's emotions and not mine. I controlled my breathing and made myself feel comforted and excited. Hoping that he would feel it back.

I put the dress on, the sweetheart neckline complimented my collar bones, the green straps fell over my shoulders. It was gorgeous, but I was unsure how I'd do my hair that day and I didn't know if I wanted something that exposed so much of my skin. I slowly opened the curtain and stepped out, Gabriel was making small talk with another man sitting on a couch near him. His eyes darted to me and he froze.

I smiled nervously at him, waiting for him to say something. I twirled a little, letting him see the whole dress, "do you like it," I spoke. You could hear the nerves coming from me.

"Of course, you're stunning, love," he smiled at me through the mirror I was standing in front of now.

"So you don't think it's the one," I raised a brow.

"I know you," he smirked, "it's never the first one."

"Okay but what do you think about it," I pressed.

"I think," he raised a brow at me as I turned around, "that I'd rather buy it just to watch it fall off of you later."

I blushed, hard. Not expecting that response from him at all, especially in front of someone else. The man sitting on the other couch nearly choked on his champagne. I lowered my gaze to the floor, slightly embarrassed and turned back towards the changing room.

"I think I have a better one for that," I finally was able to reply, "you'll just have to wait."

I shut the curtain, and stripped out of the dress, suddenly feeling very suffocated by arousal. I sighed, leaning on my hand against the wall. The next one was a cliche ballgown. Still a beautiful emerald green. It had a scooping neckline, and fine details made of pearls on the bodice. The rest of the dress was satin. I opened the curtain again, and stepped out.

I turned and looked in the mirror, I didn't really love it. The color sure, but not the dress itself.

"I think you have something better waiting for me," Gabriel's voice was soothing. His eyes were stuck on me, I could feel his own arousal through the mate bond, him feeding off of me. Nobody knew what happened after you hazed five times, but it felt like we were about to find out.

"I think you're right," I smirked at him, and again, turned and went back behind the curtain. The next one was a close second to my favorite. It was two pieces. The bottom was satin, a gorgeous olive green. The top, was a high neck style. The bottom was plain other than the belt of crystal on the waistline. The top was equally as plain, but the neck had the same crystals covering its collar styled halter.

I walked out for the third time, he was still making small talk with the man beside him and I wondered if he knew him. Gabriel's eyes were drawn to my neck, "where is my hand supposed to go?" He cracked his devilish grin when he saw my face turn bright red again. This time he stood up and walked over to me, he stood behind me and looked in the mirror with me.

"See love," he snaked a hand around me, up to my jaw and throat, "the dress just gets in the way." I stared in the mirror, the warmth of his hand traveled through me, sparks erupted on the small patch of skin he was touching. He leaned in and whispered into my ear, "I want you in something that gives the message that you're not to be messed with," I noticed his other hand on my hip now, "but is also elegant enough to scream that you're, my Queen." Chills ran through me and his eyes met mine in the mirror. They were being engulfed by a darkness, Eros trying to push his way forward. I looked at my own, also turning darker blue, almost to black as Reia did the same.

I returned the devilish grin he had, "I was hoping you'd say that."

He turned away from me and went back to sitting, offering me a drink of the latte he had gotten me. I smiled and took it graciously. I swiftly turned back around when I finished my swig of coffee and entered into the room for the last dress. I looked at him one final time before shutting the curtain, praying to the Goddess he would love this one as much as me.

I wiggled myself into the dress, and managed to zip it. It was a bit difficult to do myself, as the dress was a very form fitting mermaid style. With flowing pieces of fabric seventy five percent of the way around. The catch was that the mermaid style gown was actually pants, skin tight like leggings. I definitely could beat someone up. The entire thing was beaded. My jaw dropped when I saw myself in it. Honestly I looked naked, the beads were attached to the illusion fabric that blended in with your skin. It had long sleeves, again all illusion fabric and beads. The plunging v-neck style was always my best look and I wondered for a moment more about what Gabriel would think, before stepping out and finding out.

I opened the curtain and he was standing, right in front of me, his eyes were glued on me. I took a step out of the room and the girl that was with the other man gasped. Everyone's eyes were on me and Gabriel took my hand, leading me to the podium in front of the mirror.

"That, my love," he stared in awe with a hint of possession, "is the dress." He stalked around me, like a wolf about to kill his prey.

"I'd say, holy shit girl." The other girl spoke and I softly smiled at her through the mirror. She was wearing a dress similar to the second one I had tried on.

"Get them both," Gabriel looked at me, and I was puzzled. He waited for a moment to see if I'd connect the dots, but didn't, "this one, and the first one too."

"I really only need one.." I said softly.

"I told you," he grinned handsomely at me, "I'm watching that other one fall off of you tonight."

My breath hitched at the reminder and the other girl was squirming too, she turned around to the man, "why don't you ever talk to me that way?!"

I nodded at Gabriel, ignoring the lady practically swooning over the dirty words that escaped his perfect lips. I went to change and he pulled me back to him one more time, the ballgown pieces of the dress flowing around me beautifully. He pulled me right into his chest and planted his lips on mine. I didn't hesitate to slide my tongue into his mouth and he didn't pull away from me. Our tongues swirled with one another and I melted into his grasp. I nibbled at his bottom lip and pulled away slightly, giving him a gentle pull. He growled in arousal and pushed us both into the changing room.

I giggled when he picked me up. "You are not allowed in here mister," my voice was nearly a squeal and he placed his pointer finger over my lips to shush me. Instead I kissed it and made my way to his thumb. He traced over my lips and without thinking I opened my mouth. He didn't stop, instead he gently placed his thumb in my mouth and I sucked on it the tiniest bit. I stopped as soon as I received a husky growl of approval. I looked up at him, this thumb still just barely in my mouth and when our eyes connected, there was a wave of emotion that rushed over me. Like the first day we claimed each other.

Mine.

Reia's voice interrupted me like she had just realized Gabriel was her mate.

His brow furrowed, like he felt it too. He stopped and backed away from me, "what did you do?"

"I- I- uh, I don't know.."

He growled and left the room completely. I was standing there, all alone now. I unzipped the dress and changed back into my comfy clothes. When I opened the curtain again Gabriel was gone, I turned to the man and woman that were still there.

"Where did he.." I pointed to the empty chair.

Before I could finish my sentence the lady interrupted, "he rushed outside pretty quick. Looked like he was making a phone call."

"Thank you," I smiled and gathered the two dresses. Either way, I was still buying both. I checked out promptly and found Gabriel outside, on the phone. He didn't seem like he was enjoying his phone call.

"Well, I know what she did, but I want you to confirm, what we already knew." He was seething through his teeth when he noticed me outside. He opened the back of the Jeep up and helped get the dresses neatly inside, then tossed the keys to me with a smile. "We're on our way, you better have answers." He hung up the call.

"You just reclaimed me," he wasn't unhappy anymore, or confused. I on the other hand, had no idea what he meant. He placed a hand on my thigh, "don't worry love, it's not a bad thing." He pulled the directions up and I put the car in drive. I didn't say a word the entire drive, wondering what he meant. Why couldn't he just tell me at home? Where the hell are we going? I pulled into the driveway of a house that wasn't on any pack territory. The house was gray, with white trim and a white picket fence.

I looked at him, my face scowling into more confusion. He got out and walked around the front of the vehicle opening my door.

"Where are we?"

"A friend's house, love," he leaned into the car, even though it was a little more awkward for him, and kissed the side of my head, "she's a seer, but she's friendly, and she knows a lot about Moon Queens."

I snarled, "I'm not going in there."

He stood, "Kai, she's friendly.."

"No," I glared, "they all want the same thing."

"There are things that I haven't disclosed to you, things that I couldn't be sure about until they happened, now, she can tell me if I'm right." His tone held strong now and I sighed my disapproval at him, looking down at my hands. I was more confused now, did the bond break?

"Kai, do you trust me," I could feel his eyes boring into me.

"Of course I do, you big dummy," I got out of the car and he grabbed my hand.

"I promise not to let her touch you unless you say it's okay." His eyes were soft, he was excited. I nodded and took the first step, and we walked together, hand in hand, all the way to the door. He didn't even get to knock before a lady opened it.

"Gabriel!!" She exclaimed in a chipper tone that all women made when they saw him, I wanted to snarl at her, but I held my tongue. "This must be your queen, Kai," she looked at me happily. Okay, she was more respectful than most women, I'd give her that.

"Kai, this is Skade," Gabriel's voice was calming and I could feel him pushing a wave of soothing relaxation through our bond.

"Skade?" I smiled at her, "an intriguing and lovely name."

"Come on in child," she moved out of the way but reached a hand out to me, and I flinched.

"I'm sorry.." I was shocked by my reaction, not wanting to insult her in her home.

"I can feel your fear child," her terrifyingly almost white eyes looked at me, "I know you didn't mean it. Some of us are not as pleasant." Gabriel's hand found the small of my back, and he nudged me forward, encouraging my steps into the house. He followed right behind me, Skade entered last.

Her house was full of crystals, and mason jars of plants, ground spices, some even contained bones. I looked around, taking it all in. She had a massive book shelf covered in old leather bound books, that were falling apart at the seams. There were markings carved into the trim around the walls. My eyes flickered around to all the candles, and finally a podium in a small room straight ahead, I assumed she knew about me long before I even knew her name.

She smiled and lead us to her kitchen area. There were no walls in the home and it looked like she had the second floor taken out to make a massive space. She had a minty tea ready for us on the table. I gulped when I saw the book in her hand. It was small, and probably the oldest one she owned. There was a picture of the Moon Goddess painted on to the front, and the word "Queens" carved out of the book's spine.

"This is the only book written on Moon Queens," she looked between Gabriel and I, "and I'm the author. There have only been four other Moon Queens in our history."

Gabriel smiled, excitedly awaiting her story, her knowledge. I was not. There was so much about me that was going to be uncovered, and I didn't know if I was ready for that.

"The first, was the Moon Goddess herself," my jaw nearly dropped, did this make me a Goddess? "Yes child it does," Skade spoke like she could read my mind, "but only once your true mate has marked you."

"How do I-" I began to ask but she raised a hand and I shut my mouth.

"As a Moon Queen, you ultimately can deem anyone your mate. Your wolf, Reia, can place a claim on anyone." I felt Gabriel wince, "again, only after you fully evolve into your Moon Queen state." Gabriel growled now and it felt like his chest rumbled the entire house.

"Oh hush," Skade smacked him on the arm, "Reia, will claim your true mate, more than once. So far in my studies, it seems she will place four claims, one for each of the Moon Queens before you. Plus one for herself, so I'd say you're a third of the way." She took a sip of her tea and Gabriel was beaming, he was almost jumping up and down, I had never seen him so happy. "Gabriel told me you've claimed him twice, is this true, did she speak to you."

"Ye- yes, she said 'mine' earlier today when we made eye contact," Skade smiled, a brow raising with her lip.

"Did she say anything else?"

"No, she was quie-"

'You can tell her that she can touch me and see for herself.' Reia almost snarled, not wanting to explain herself.

"Just kidding, she said you can 'touch her and see for yourself' and sounded pretty feisty." I was nervously looking between the two of them.

Gabriel watched intently. I had thousands of questions though, "what happens if he is my true mate?" He looked a bit hurt by the blunt question, "what happens if he isn't my true mate."

'He is, I'm sure of it.' Reia interrupted.

Skade looked at me, "she keeps talking to you doesn't she?"

"How do you know," I raised a brow.

"Gabriel dear, watch her eyes, Kai, ask Reia a question."

'How do you know he's our true mate?' I asked, as I was told.

'Can't you feel it, when you're around him, he's power, we pull power from him. He is ours.'

Gabriel's hand lifted my chin to him, our eyes connecting again and he looked back and fourth between mine. A smile slowly crept across his lips, and he kissed me. He pulled away soon after and looked at me again, Reia was pacing in circles now, she wanted out, and she wanted more of him, but she couldn't decide which.

"Your eyes are swirling love, dark and light blues dance around your pupils, but only when she talks to you.." he leaned in, "something entirely different happens when I kiss you." His voice was a whisper, and I pushed him away from me.

"Why is this only happening now," I looked at Skade.

"Shift and let me place my hand on her, to feel her power, let me find answers."

I had an eerie feeling, I didn't want to be touched by another seer. No matter how pleasant Skade was. Gabriel pushed waves of calm energy over us, and I sighed in agreement.

"Fine, I swear to the Goddess if you hurt her," I snarled the threat at Skade and she put her hands in the air, surrendering to me. I nodded again and walked to the living room. I quickly took off my clothing and shifted, I didn't want Skade to really get any time to look at me. Once on all fours I turned around again, it was never a good idea to have a wolf in a tiny house, which made me realize, that must be the reason for the high ceilings.

I looked between the two of them, Skade smirked in what I thought could be disbelief. Gabriel though, his head was cocked to the side a little, "my love, I don't remember you being," he paused, "auburn..." his voice trailed, "like Fern." I whimpered at him, "you're stunning my Queen." I snarled at him, unhappy.

"What color was she," Skade turned to him, "I have a hunch."

"Well, she was a silver she wolf, after our claims had been made her fur turned as white as snow, minus the black mask on her face from the Seer."

"This is perfect," Skade clapped her hands and move towards my quickly, Reia didn't like that. Ears pinned down, lips curled in a snarl, I felt ferocious, ready to kill someone. "Shhh, its okay. You see, you're silver, the Mood Goddess, is white, the wolf that followed her in Queen order, was auburn. Next time you claim him, shift, you should be chocolate brown." I shook the stress out and relaxed, "now, let me see?" She raised a hand to me, I froze, unsure what to do, Gabriel nodded at me.

I took a step to her, and placed my muzzle in her hand.