Gabriel's arms snaked around Vivian's slender waist and pulled her against his deliciously strong body. She felt his breath against the skin of her neck and smiled as she felt him nipping playfully before soothing the irritation with a lick and a kiss.

She languidly stretched against him, swooning the feeling of his strong, sinewy shoulders under her delicate arms. She wound her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. He growled sensually against the skin of her neck, indicating how badly he desired her physically. His fingers slipped stealthily beneath her shirt and danced lightly along her spine.

"Where do you think you're going, wolf-man?" she asked teasingly. She brought her lips dangerously close to his own but did not touch them.

Gabriel smirked at her, a lustful glitter in his blue eyes. He was focused on her and Vivian reveled in the feeling it gave her – to know that those intense feeling of desire and lover were directed solely at her.

Suddenly, both Vivian and Gabriel were on alert and sat up. They sensed someone approaching the door – another wolf. But this wolf smelled unfamiliar...and he came alone.

Their visitor knocked politely. Gabriel frowned and slide out form under Vivian. She remained sitting on the chair he had just vacated but was alert, ready to help Gabriel the instant he needed her. She watched as he crossed the expanse of his small living room in three strides.

He opened the door cautiously. Vivian leaned to the side, trying to peer around Gabriel's massive form. Frustrated, she got up and stood behind him.

Gabriel kept his hand on the door, standing slightly behind it. He and Vivian were facing a tall, lean, dark loup-garou. His face was slender with high cheekbones, a forelock of dark hair falling into sapphire-blue eyes. He smiled pleasantly. Looking at him, Vivian immediately relaxed. He was no enemy.

He offered Gabriel a hand, which Gabriel shook after the slightest hesitation.

"Matteo," the visitor said. His voice was smooth, calm and even. "I'm leader of the pack in this area. When I heard that another clan was moving in, I figured I'd stop by to say 'welcome to the neighborhood.'"

Gabriel seemed more at ease. "I'm Gabriel." He gestured towards Vivian. "This is Vivian, my...mate." He smirked at her and she rolled her eyes but still smiled.

She and Gabriel had been mates for about three years, since the ordeal with Aiden Teague and the deaths of Astrid and Rafe.

"Hi," Vivian replied, offering Matteo her hand to shake, too.

Matteo took her offered hand, shaking it politely. He released it – did not linger too long, nor drop it too quickly. Gabriel watched the exchange and Vivian sensed that he didn't feel that Matteo was any kind of threat – not that he made the decision that Matteo was weak, simply that he had no intentions of stealing Vivian from him.

"Come in," Gabriel offered, stepping aside to allow Matteo to enter.

Matteo shook his head. "No, thank you. I have some business to attend to. But, I would like to invite your pack to meet mine. No reason for two packs that live so near to be strangers, especially in these days," he said solemnly.

Vivian knew that Matteo was referring to the dwindling number of werewolves in the world and inwardly, she agreed.

Gabriel agreed to bring the pack to Matteo's that evening. The two exchanged information.

When Matteo had left, Gabriel flopped back on the armchair they had previously occupied. He held his arms out to Vivian and she willingly entered his embrace. Settling herself against his body, she listened as his voice resonated with his chest as he spoke to her.

"So...Matteo..." he began. Vivian could hear the bemused smile in his voice.

"What about him?"

"He seems..."

"Nice?" she suggested. "Polite?"

"Human."

Vivian lifted her head and looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know. It's not a bad thing, though."

She blinked. "Okay. Weird thing to say about someone, though."

Gabriel shook his head. "Forget about it. To his, his own, I suppose."

"Sure," Vivian agreed. She adjusted herself so that she was on her knees and straddling his lap. She draped her arms around his broad shoulders, smiling deviously as he smiled back up at her.

"Now, where were we..." she said before dropping her lips onto his.

That evening, Vivian was looking through her closet for something to wear. She wasn't sure what she wanted her outfit to say. It wasn't as if she wanted to impress the other pack but she didn't want to give a bad impression. After all, she was Queen Bitch.

She finally decided on some embellished jeans and a black leather corset-style halter top. She smiled to herself as she recalled the last time she had worn this particular top. Gabriel couldn't keep his hands off the laces and had nearly untied them in public more than once.

She dressed quickly and brushed her tawny hair until it shone like a full moon. She gave herself a cursory once-over in her mirror and headed downstairs.

Tomas, her mother's mate, and Gabriel were sitting in the living room. Tomas let out a low, appreciative whistle when he saw Vivian and Gabriel stood up to receive her, a hungry look in his eyes.

"Wearing something like that, it'll be a miracle if we get out of here," he whispered in her ear as he embraced her.

Vivian smirked at him. "You like?"

"Very much."

He led her back to the chair he was sitting on and pulled her onto his lap.

"Damn, Viv, you and your mom have really won the jackpot in the genetic lottery," Tomas commented.

"Well, nice to know that my daughter hasn't completely shoved me out of the spotlight," Esmé's voice preceded her appearance.

Tomas, Gabriel and Vivian looked to the stairs as the former Queen descended the stairs with the air of elegance that was fitting of royalty. Esmé wore a lace tank top with a whisper pink silk overcoat. The coat fitted at her slender waist then flowed out over her hips

"So, that's where my boots went to," Vivian stated, staring at her mother's feet. Esmé's shapely legs were clad in skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots.

Esmé shrugged. "You borrow my clothes. I figured I'd return the favor."

Vivian rolled her eyes and got off of Gabriel's lap. "Shall we go?"

Gabriel stood and nodded. They headed for the door. Tomas offered Esmé his arm.

"You look ravishing," he told her, kissing her cheek.

"Thank you," Esmé replied, turning her head to lightly press her lips to his. She caught Vivian watching them and winked at her.

Vivian turned away quickly with a smile on her face. She loved seeing her mother happy. It had been too long. Gabriel noticed her expression and reached for her hand, squeezing it gently as they walked together.

The pack arrived at Matteo's home more or less at the same time. Matteo lived in an old-fashioned New England farmhouse. It was a massive, three floor house with a large wraparound porch and acres of land surrounding it. Vivian got out of Gabriel's truck – he had opted to leave the motorcycle at home – and stared up at the giant house. There were a lot of windows, most of which would face the moon when it rose. Since it was still late afternoon in the waning months of summer, the party was out behind the house.

"Some place," Ulf commented, coming up alongside her. Vivian agreed.

They were shortly joined by the rest of the Five: Finn, Gregory and Willem.

"So," Gregory asked, "what do we know about these guys?"

"Not much."

"Any females?" Finn asked, a crazed look in his eyes and a little too much bounce in his step.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Finn, do you ever think with anything besides your balls?"

"Well, Viv, not all of us have been able to bring along our fuck buddies when we moved."

Vivian punched Finn in the shoulder. He yelped in surprise and pain as the other three roared with laugher.

"Damn, girl," he exclaimed, clutching his shoulder.

"That's it, show him who's boss," Willem said, slinging an arm around her shoulders.

Matteo appeared on the porch.

"Glad you could make it," he said pleasantly.

Gabriel rushed up and shook his hand again. "My pack," he said, indicating the group behind him. Matteo nodded.

"Well, everyone's in back. C'mon."

"Hel-lo," Vivian heard Renata say. "He's cute."

"And you're married," her sister-in-law, Magda, giggled.

"So are you."

Vivian rolled her eyes.

They turned the corner of the house and were met with their first view of Matteo's pack. They were milling in small groups of two or three. There was throbbing dance music playing in the background, low enough not to interrupt conversation. Matteo's pack turned to see the new arrivals. There was a group of females standing off to the side who smiled flirtatiously at the Five.

"All right!" Finn, Gregory and Ulf shouted simultaneously when they saw their potential age-mates of the female gender. Willem hung his head in embarrassment at his friends' behavior and Vivian rolled her eyes. The females giggled at Willem's reaction.

A small, platinum-blonde female walked up to Willem and smiled prettily.

"I'm Bianca," she said, introducing herself.

"Willem," he mumbled shyly.

Finn snickered.

"Can I get you a drink?" she asked Willem.

He met her eyes and smiled back tentatively. "Sure."

Bianca's smile widened. "Great."

She led him towards her group of friends and they headed off in another direction. Not wanting to be left out, Finn, Gregory and Ulf shot after them.

"Not going with them?" Gabriel asked, slipping arms possessively around Vivian's waist.

"Not just yet."

"There are some males already looking at you," he growled against her ear before moving to kiss her neck.

She smiled at the feeling of his lips against her skin.

Esmé had come up next to Vivian, holding Tomas's arm again. "It's a young pack," she remarked.

Matteo, who was nearby, heard her comment. "Unfortunately. We're mostly loners who decided to settle down. My only blood family is my mother, Irina. A lot of the others are loners or siblings who have left their packs for one reason or another."

The two packs began to mingle, the atmosphere relaxed and easy. Vivian noticed that a lot of the elders looked a little out of place and stuck together. Esmé had found Irina, an elegant-looking woman with the same piercing eyes as her son, and they were engrossed in a conversation.

Vivian had wandered among the younger ones and met some of the females. They warmed up to her more when they realized she wasn't after their males but the reception remained lukewarm when they realized she was Gabriel's mate.

So she returned to Gabriel, who spent time talking to Matteo. She liked Matteo. He reminded her of her father. He understood that effective leadership didn't always require violence. He was very cordial and spoke to her with respect.

"Is this your entire pack?" Gabriel asked him.

He nodded. "Pretty much."

Suddenly a dark-haired male larger than Matteo made his way over. He ignored Gabriel and directed his question to his leader.

"Where is Sylvie?" he demanded harshly.

Matteo remained unfazed and answered calmly.

"She's indisposed, Xander."

"You cater to her," the other male growled.

"We'll discuss this later. We have guests."

Xander's dark eyes quickly moved to Gabriel and Vivian before returning to Matteo.

"If and when she comes out, tell her I need to speak with her. I'm leaving," he said stiffly. Then he turned and stalked away from them. Three other males were waiting for him. They fell into line behind him and followed him out. Vivian was strongly reminded of Rafe and the Five under his leadership.

"I apologize for Xander's behavior. Sylvie, his sister, hasn't been feeling well lately."

Vivian noticed the way he spoke about Xander's sister. There was a softness in his tone that spoke volumes about his feelings for her. She suspected that there was a relationship between them that was deeper than pack leader-pack member.

About an hour after Xander had left, the back door had opened and everyone's attention was focused on the door. A beautiful female appeared, descended the two porch steps and walked into the party. She had a fluid gait that exuded a grace unusual for even a werewolf. She wore a scarlet halter mini-dress over a pair of denim jeans and the flowing fabric swished around her, caressing her body.

Her thick, brown hair streamed out behind her, the soft curls twisting and twining around themselves as if alive. She had a long, lean build, like a dancer but was obviously well-endowed with full breasts and a tiny waist. A revered silence fell across Matteo's pack as she moved among them. Vivian's pack, she noticed, watched in awe of her.

She glanced at Gabriel and noticed that he, too, was watching this female with an appraising eye. Suddenly, it was if someone had spun the dial on a stereo's volume control. The conversations began again as everyone tore their attention away from the mysterious female.

Matteo's eyes, however, remained fixed on her. Vivian guessed that this was Sylvie.

"Excuse me," Matteo said and strode over to her.

They spoke quietly, Matteo lightly touching her hand, her cheek, tucking a wavy strand of hair behind her ear.

"You can put your tongue back in your mouth now," Vivian said with more bite than she wanted to.

Gabriel looked at her. "What?"

"I saw you staring at her."

He smiled and put his arm around her, drawing her close. "Don't be jealous," he said, his lips against her hair.

Matteo returned, leading the unnamed female, her slender hand tucked delicately in the crook of his arm. Vivian noticed that his body language was protective, as if he tried to shield this female from the world.

"This is Sylvie, Xander's sister," he told them. "And she's much more personable," he added, smiling warmly at her. She smiled back but it didn't quite reach her eyes, which were an exquisite emerald green.

They exchanged pleasantries before Matteo and Gabriel began talking again. Sylvie remained silently at Matteo's side, staring blankly in front of her.

Vivian took this opportunity to study her more thoroughly. Close up, Sylvie was even more stunning. Looking at her hair, Vivian was struck by one thought, blood and chocolate. Sylvie's hair was a deep chocolate brown, with subtle red highlights the color of dried blood. Her almond-shaped eyes were framed by long, curled dark eyelashes. Her skin was a warm golden tan, as if she absorbed the light of the sun to take with her into the night.

She must be a beautiful loup-garou, Vivian thought, if she's this pretty as a human.

Sylvie came out of her daze and her intense eyes locked with Vivian's.

"Let's get a drink," she said softly, her voice sweetly musical.

Vivian nodded and followed Sylvie to the cooler. She grabbed two cans of Coke and offered one to Vivian.

"There's beer in here, too, if you don't want soda."

Vivian took the Coke. "This is fine."

They walked away from the general area and to the side of the house. There was another female holding court with some other females further ahead. She was a strawberry blonde with a round face and mean look about her mouth. She looked even meaner when she saw Sylvie approaching.

"I'm surprised you've decided to show your face after what happened," she snapped at Sylvie.

"No need to be hostile, Ophelia. I'm just passing through."

"Then keep walking, bitch."

Sylvie ignored her and led Vivian further away.

"She seems pleasant," Vivian said wryly as soon as they were out of earshot.

Sylvie smiled a bit. "Ophelia lives for controversy, even more if she's the one causing it."

They reached a tree with a low branch that provided a perfect seat at the end of the property. Sylvie sat and Vivian joined her.

"So...tell me about yourself," Sylvie said after a pause. "Where are you from?"

"We just moved from Maryland but we're from West Virginia."

They spoke of trivial things, making small conversation.

"And Gabriel's your mate?"

Vivian blushed a little. "Yes."

"First love?"

"Not quite."

"Care to share?"

"It's not important. He's a...well, he was..." Vivian struggled to find the words.

"Human?" Sylvie supplied.

Vivian looked at her, surprised. "Yeah."

"I could tell. I know the look a little too well myself," she said sadly.

Vivian looked at the other girl. There was something about her. When she smiled, it never quite reached her eyes. Her eyes looked...dead. Something clicked in Vivian's mind. Sylvie, for some reason, was heartbroken.