Title: Decisions

Author: Possum

Rating: (this chapter) G

Summary: Having finally accepted Gabriel and the duty of being the alpha female, Vivian gets distracted when some new-comers threaten their relationship, as well as the pack. (summary sucks, but i promise - story will be better.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Vivian, Gabriel, the four, or any other characters from Blood and Chocolate. Annette Curtis Klause does. I don't make any profit off of them or this story. I do, however own my characters.

a/n: This chapter pics up right at the end of the book.

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Chapter 1

"A Farewell to Rationality"

Vivian glances back around her room once more before joining him outside on the balcony. Her eyes are a shade lighter than they were before, and they've taken on a more trusting gleam. She studies Gabriel's broad, naked chest and realises what she is about to do. Taking a deep steadying breath, she raises her eyes to his. He gives her a questioning look and extends his hand to her. It's an invitiation. Not just to run with him tonight, not just to howl with him to the moon, not just to explore the welcoming darkness of the woods in her pelt, but so much more. She hesitates momentarily and then timidly slides her hand into his. He leads them to the edge of the roof, then down the drain pipe, into the yard below. The potent smell of wild onions and honeysuckle invade her senses as they near the edge of the woods. In the distance, she can already hear the four howling, laughing and carrying on loudly. She just can make out ulf's high-pitched titter, a sound that she's heard less and less of since the incident with Astrid and Rafe.

"You coming?" Gabriel's deep voice breaks her from her spell, and a slight blush tints her cheeks.

Sensing her uncertainty, he steps closer to her. His scent swirls around in her senses, and she can feel her gut already willing the change. Gabriel stands between her and the forrest, and it's then that she understands what he's doing.

"We can take it one step at a time. Once you accept me in my human skin, then we'll work on my wolf skin." His eyes search hers and he carefully and tenderly brushes a few strands of her hair behind her ear, his hand sliding to the back of her neck. Hesitating slightly, he leans forward, lightly greetiing her lips with his. As his mouth moves against hers, Vivian can tell that he's holding back. He knew that she was still getting used to the thought of being his mate, as well as being pack queen. She smiles against his lips, and all of her indecision and hesitancy melts away as her lips dance with his.

What was this new found feeling? Just days ago, she couldn't even stand the thought of him . . . and now, this. Something stirs in her gut, something familiar, but yet so distant. She pulls away slightly and looks him in the eyes. This was not the same Gabriel she had known and grown to despise. This was a completely different Gabriel. This was her . . . could she even say it? This man, this loup-garou, was to be her mate. She continues to hold his gaze as she realises that still, through all of the pain, through all of the fighting, through the burden of having to become the alpha male of an entire pack, there was still a glimmer of a pup inside him.

He's only 24. Vivian reminds herself. Maybe he won't be as overbearing and as misunderstanding of me as i thought . . .

Vivian takes ahold of Gabriel's hand once more. She gives him a reassuring smile, letting him know that she's ok, and then allows him to lead her into the woods...

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A/N: Sorry this chapter is short, I'll try to make the others longer, i promise!! Please read and review, I enjoy all kinds, praise or flames. Let me know what I'm doing right/wrong and how i can improve!!!

possum.