Author's Note: CallowWanderlust, your idea is brilliant, health bars for review boxes should totally be a thing! And yes, your feedback is important to me even if you don't think it is. It keeps me motivated :)

(Also thanks to pinknose1!)


Founding Day


"Are you sure about this?"

Rin raised an eyebrow at her friend.

Nova sighed and muttered something under her breath as she dipped her brush into the red paint. Rin closed her eyes, inhaling softly as the cool fluid was daubed around her eyes, the gentle brush strokes soothing. She tried to relax as Nova painted the red band across her face, but the butterflies in her stomach wouldn't let her settle. Today was Founding Day, which meant Gabriel was returning to Eladoro. And she had a plan.

Well, sort of.

It was less of a plan and more of a decision. She'd let Nova iron out the details – outfit, hairstyle, jewelry. Things that Rin had never really mastered. The best she could do was a ponytail. It was a historical fact that ponytails would never go out of style.

Nova hadn't exactly been enthusiastic about her decision to confront Gabriel, but she wasn't talking her out of it either. She was worried. It was natural. Although she could use the lighthearted Nova she was used to, Rin thought. Tight-lipped and agitated Nova was starting to make her doubt herself. The butterflies re-doubled their panicked efforts and she started feeling slightly queasy.

Her friend lifted her chin, the brush slipping from the bottom of her lip to the bottom of her chin. White lines outlined the red bands across her eyes and jaw, Nova blowing on the paint to help it dry faster. She shook Rin's shoulder to let her know she was finished and Rin blinked as she opened her eyes, the cool paint heavy against her skin. Nova sported elegant orange swirls on her cheeks and white dots around her eyes, her loosely plaited hair falling down her back in golden waves. Rin's hair had refused to cooperate and in the end even Nova had had to admit defeat. She wished she had straight hair.

She grabbed her datapad and flipped it around, tightly gripping the edges in case Nova decided to take it again.

"'Why aren't you lecturing me? I know you want to,'" read Nova, her frown deepening. "Yeah, you're right. I want to tell you how this may not be the smartest idea right now. You were almost raped, Rin. I think you're rushing things."

I'm telling him how I feel. What harm is there in that?

"I know, but… are you sure it's not just a crush?"

Rin glared and started scribbling a reply on her data pad, Nova's hand gently grabbing hers. Instinctively, she jerked her pad away. When she looked up, her friend was laughing. Nova pulled her hand back. "I'm just teasing. You're so easy, Rin."

Rin huffed and stuck her tongue out for good measure, but inside she was grinning. This was the friend she knew.

Nova returned the gesture.

One day I'll get you back.

"Ha, doubt it. Now, let's go over what you're going to do," she said, crossing her legs and scooching forward to adjust Rin's outfit and wild hair. They went over the plan, butterflies beginning to flare inside her stomach again as she glanced up at the dual clock on the wall. It was midday. Gabriel would be here soon.

~\'/~

Ixion was beginning to set when Gabriel finally set eyes on Eladoro, the blazing orange ball of light casting deep shadows over the settlement nestled between the mesas. He paused at the top of a large hillock and breathed deeply, the cool wind carrying the scent of zarok stew and smoke from the bonfires. Cucumber stirred beside him, squawking and stomping in anticipation, his breath coming in pale puffs of steam. Gabriel patted the lonma's neck, rumbling. Cucumber was loaded with most of the equipment and spoils of Gabriel's hunt, but he bore it without complaint. They'd been traveling for nearly two Navarran days and the lonma were eager to rest in their home stalls. Gabriel let out two sharp clicks and the lonma burst forward, trotting as fast as their burdens allowed them.

As usual, Luke was the first to spot him. This time though, he rode out to greet him on the newest addition to the Ferguson's modest group of lonma, Lightning, a gift for his 10th birthday a few months ago. The young lonma crowed a greeting as he bounded up to the two older mounts, his crest flaring in excitement. Rasha and Cucumber chirped and warbled as Gabriel tugged on their reins to keep them from nipping at the boy. Luke circled around to Gabriel's right, pulling Lightning alongside Rasha. "Hey Gabriel! What'd you get this time?"

Gabriel detached his rebreather and clipped it to his belt, taking several deep breaths to orient himself. Dozens of smells permeated the air and the closer they drew to the settlement, the stronger they became. "Lots of things." It felt strange to talk after many days of silence.

"Like a dire cat?" Luke's eyes shone with excitement.

Gabriel chuckled, his laughter like boulders tumbling and crashing down the side of a mountain. "Not this time."

"A foxwolf?"

He shook his head.

Luke frowned. "A water dragon?"

Gabriel patted his shoulder. "Better. I got things we can eat."

"Ugh, I don't want any more karrow. It's not karrow is it?"

Gabriel snorted. "Of course not."

Luke grinned. "You ready for the arm wrestling competition?"

"Is it a competition if I win every time?"

Luke's grin widened. "Can I try this year?"

"No."

"What?! Why? I'm ten now."

"'Cause you'd beat me."

Luke laughed and challenged him to a race, Lightning bolting down the hill before Gabriel could even answer. Sensing the competition, Rasha and Cucumber flew after him as fast they could, Gabriel trying to rein them in to keep the furs and meat from flying everywhere. Naturally, Luke beat him, the boy and his lonma crowing triumphantly when the trio finally made it to the edge of the settlement.

Gabriel reined his lonma to a halt, his claws digging into leather straps and palms of his hands as the sweet perfume of female pheromones and the heavy musk of the men wafted through the air. A strange buzzing sound filled his ears. Heat flared across his chest and arms as his hearts began to thunder. He could smell them. He could smell all of them.

"…ey. Hey, Gabriel."

The buzzing noise disappeared and he snapped his attention to Luke, who was staring at him.

"What's wrong with your arms? They're all green. Are you bleeding?"

He looked down himself, his eyes widening in surprise. Tiny slivers of white light curled and twisted over his shoulders and down his arms, his skin puckering and tingling wherever the coruscating vessels pulsed beneath his skin.

"Cool, they're like glow-in-the-dark tattoos. I didn't know you could do that."

Neither did I. He dismounted, tugging his thick, leather jacket free from one of Rasha's satchels, quickly slipping it on. People had begun to notice his arrival and the last thing he wanted was the wrong kind of attention.

"Why are you covering them up?"

"It's cold," Gabriel snapped. Luke's smile disappeared and he instantly regretted his outburst. "Sorry. Just tired. Go play. I have to see Mr. Chandler."

"Okay." Luke trotted off, Gabriel watching him while he made his way to Ephrim's store. He unloaded most of the meat into the back freezers, answering the manager's questions with sharp clicks and grunts. The buzzing had returned, along with a sharp, painful throbbing inside his skull, the searing heat traveling down his spine and across his shoulders. His arms and chest itched, the veins beginning to push through his skin. He felt ten times worse than he had in the mountains. An irrational anger gnawed at his temples, his claws unconsciously flexing by his sides. He paused at the edge of the festivities, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of noise and heat. Gabriel tried to slow his breathing and slipped on his re-breather to mitigate the smells assaulting him.

Slowly, he guided Rasha and Cucumber through the throng of people, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. The heat of a thousand bodies and the towering bonfires, combined with his jacket, was almost unbearable. The crowd swirled around him, pressing in, his hackles rising each time someone darted in front of him. He dropped off the lonma at the town stables, making sure they were taken care of before leaving.

What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe he was sick. He glanced over the heads of the crowd, the butte his parents shared with several other families not far. He could make it. Just as long as no one—

"Hey, Gabriel!"

He huffed, his shoulders slumping. So much for trying to slip away unnoticed.

"Gabriel." Slightly drunk Jeremy staggered his way through the crowd, stumbling to a halt in front of Gabriel and cutting him off from his escape. "You're back! Just in time. Quinn thinks he can take you this year," he said while trying to wrap an arm around Gabriel's shoulder and guide him towards the large group of men gathered about a wooden table.

"Quinn always says that," growled Gabriel, Jeremy futilely trying to shove him forward.

"Geez, you're like a boulder. Come on, they're all waitin'-"

Gabriel grabbed Jeremy's good arm, the other tucked inside a sling. "What happened to you?"

Jeremy staggered, dancing on his toes. "Jesus, Gabriel! Put me down!"

Gabriel obliged, glaring while his friend adjusted the sling cradling his left arm. There were stitches across his friend's brow and several bruises.

"What, this?" Jeremy shrugged his injured shoulder. "Pfft, it's nothing. Tornado threw me and I fractured my arm. No big deal. You parents said I'll be good in a few weeks."

Gabriel grunted. Well that was a lie. Nothing startled Tornado. "What about your face?"

"What? I can't understand you with your mask on."

The mask came off with a hissing pop but when Gabriel looked up Jeremy was making for the table and waving him over. The men waiting saw Gabriel and lifted their drinks in a hearty welcome as he followed his friend, tensing as the crowd began edge closer. The men pushed and shoved at their companions to be the first to take him on, shouting good natured bets at each other. The arm-wrestling competition had started several years ago when Gabriel had still been just a teenager. Even then, he'd still been stronger than all the other men.

"Alright ya cowards, who's taking on Gabriel first?" Quinn Holbrook shouted. The blonde-haired, burly man was Markus' oldest. He was also the only one who'd come close to beating Gabriel. But that was only because he'd been slightly drunk at the time. Quinn had been trying to beat him for years now. It was all in good fun though.

"You first, Holbrook," someone shouted from the back. The men laughed.

"Uh-uh, I'm saving the best for last."

Jeers went up, someone accusing him of waiting till Gabriel was tired out. Finally, someone took the chair across from him. His name was Jamir, if Gabriel remembered correctly. They locked hands, their free hands gripping the edge of the rounded table. Gabriel's hackles rose, the shouts of the men sending shards of electricity over his skin. Sweat soaked his shirt, his tendrils contracting and twisting inside their sockets as heat bled from his pounding skull. But he didn't dare take off his jacket.

"The rules are simple: whoever lasts the longest against Gabriel, wins. And you only get one shot. No rematches. Ready... go!" shouted Quinn.

Gabriel slammed Jamir's hand against the table. The men roared with laughter and approval.

"Next victim- I mean opponent," called Quinn, earning a few laughs from the crowd.

One by one, the challengers stepped up, Gabriel going easy on those who were obviously just doing it for the fun of it, while making sure the cocky ones woke up with a sore hand the next morning. Leandro, one of Eladora's deputies, and Ezequiel, a communications officer, put up the best fights, but even they were no match.

Eventually, Jeremy stepped up, his friends slapping him on the back. "My right arm's still good," he announced, his smirk morphing into his trademark wildcat grin. He missed Quinn's cue and Jeremy pushed him down, the crowd exploding in excitement. Gabriel clenched his arm and with a sharp bark, shoved Jeremy's hand against the table. As Jeremy left he shook his hand, grinning and wondering aloud if he needed another sling.

Quinn patted him on the back as he joined the crowd before taking the chair opposite Gabriel, his expression all business. They stared each other down, Gabriel trying to focus for the confrontation. Quinn was strong. He couldn't take him lightly. They clasped hands, neither breaking eye contact. They squeezed each other's palms as Quinn's brother Kale counted down, the men and women cheering for either him or Quinn.

For a brief moment, the sea of bodies behind Quinn parted and Gabriel's breath ripped away from his lungs. Silhouetted by the flickering light of the bonfires, Rin stared back at him, her outfit doing little to hide her supple figure. Time slowed, Gabriel mesmerized by her bright eyes that burned from within the dark, red band across her face. Shards of light and shadow danced across her bare shoulders, her black tights and leather boots clinging to her legs.

Pain shot up Gabriel's hand and he looked down, unable to comprehend what had just happened. The crowd exploded, Quinn staring at him in shock. The man began to protest, calling for a rematch.

Gabriel couldn't believe it. I... lost.

"Hang on, I want a rematch, Santillo! You weren't paying attention."

"Uh, Quinn, rematches aren't allowed, remember?" Kale reminded his older brother.

Quinn grimaced and rose. "Next year, Santillo."

Gabriel growled and left, Jeremy shouting back as he followed after him. "Enjoy your win, Quinn! It's the only one you'll ever get!" He caught up to Gabriel, whistling a random tune. "So you lost, huh?"

Gabriel grunted.

"What happened?"

He shrugged, ignoring Jeremy's narrowed gaze."Well, we can always say Kale rigged the count in favor of his brother and you were worn out from all the other matches."

"Hey, dread head and sidekick, wait up!"

The pair turned, both frowning, but for very different reasons.

"I will have you know, that as the brains and the best looking, I am the hero." Jeremy jabbed his good thumb at his slightly puffed out chest. Nova rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling as she sashayed up to them. Gabriel took a small step back and lowered his gaze to the ground as Nova tugged Rin into view. His world contracted, bringing Rin into sharp focus while the background blurred into a writhing crimson glow. Shame and lust filled him as his loins stirred, unable to resist glancing at her wide hips and plump breasts.

"So, you guys wanna get something to eat?"

"Heck, yeah. I'm starving," said Jeremy, throwing his good arm around Nova's shoulders and stealing a kiss before she could react. Nova blushed and shoved him away, ducking behind Rin to escape.

Rin grinned, silently laughing as the two ran circles around her, Nova using her as a shield against Jeremy's affections.

The two had bonded instantly the day after the attack. Nova had excused herself from Rin's company for a moment to go thank Jeremy for saving her before he left to go home. After an hour had passed, Rin had become worried and went looking for her friend. To her great surprise and amusement, she'd found the two animatedly chatting and laughing, oblivious to her presence. She'd silently backed away, deciding not to interfere. Nova had profusely apologized a few hours later for losing track of time. Rin hadn't been able to resist her chance to tease her friend. So when's your next date?

Nova scoffed. "Pfft, please, date. There's no date. We- we just talked. That's all."

For three hours.

Nova's cheeks burned scarlet against her pale skin. "We're just gonna go watch one of the new movies in the hangar deck..."

I thought you said you had no interest in guys like Jeremy?

"Well... he's not like I thought he was. I mean, I've never hung out with him and he was homeschooled, plus the things other girls would say about him... But he's not like that at all. He's..." she struggled for the right words. "He's funny. And he thinks I'm funny. And..." She shrugged. "I don't know what happened."

Jeremy finally managed to corral Nova after Rin ducked down and hugged her knees. She grinned as she stood, watching the pair verbally spar, wishing she could understand what they were saying. She turned to explain to Gabriel what had happened and her hands froze.

He was gone.

~\'/~

Gabriel's skin burned as he quickly made his way to where he'd left Rasha, shoving a man, he didn't know who, out of the way. He didn't know if it was losing the competition, seeing Rin or watching Jeremy steal another heart, but he knew one thing: he couldn't stay in Eladoro another minute. He'd made a terrible mistake coming back. He tore open the stall door and jumped onto Rasha before anyone could stop him.

He'd made it to the edge of town when another rider pulled up beside him, cutting their lonma sharply across his path. Gabriel snapped the reins taut, Rasha shrieking as she reared, clawed toes batting at the air. He swung her around, preparing to give whoever had done such a stupid thing a piece of his mind.

The words died in his throat as it filled with the familiar scent of freshly turned earth and jasmine. Rin reined in Cucumber, holding him steady, her eyes locked on Gabriel. The wind kicked up, whistling over the high grass and fluttering through the bright streams of her wild hair. We need to talk.

Rin, no. I can't—

She spread her fingers into an upturned "Y" and sharply dropped her hands. Now. Rin clucked twice, Cucumber chirping and galloping off.

Rasha snorted and stamped, eager to chase after. He ignored the warning sirens in the back of his mind and dug his heels into his lonma's flank, racing after her. Rin wanted to talk. So they would talk. Besides, wasn't this what Brother John had said he needed to do?

Gabriel slowed when he realized where she was leading him, watching her ride up the hill and disappear into the grove of trees surrounding her home. He found Cucumber tied to a tree and he slid off Rasha, leaving her next to him. "Stay," he growled. She snorted, her glittering copper eyes promising nothing. He rumbled and turned to face the entrance to Rin's garden.

Deciduous trees shielded it from the outside world, a narrow dirt path winding between their thick roots. Amongst the wet moss and silverbells, he could smell her waiting for him, her agitation and impatience sending a warm shudder through him. Gabriel clenched his fists and lowered his gaze, striding forward. It wasn't how he'd imagined telling her, but it was now or never.

He found her at the edge of the waterfall, her boots tossed aside. He kicked his off as well, the cool sand a welcome relief to the burning pain that churned through his veins. There was no light save for the stars, but Gabriel could see every detail. Every gesture Rin made stood in stark contrast to the violet waters and burgundy plants, her body a beacon to his soul. Something stirred in him as Rin turned to face him, a primal confidence that surged through his loins. The dark desire materialized from the depths of his psyche: she was alone. How easy it would be to rip off her thin garments and take her. Make her his. Make her scream as he exuded his will-

Gabriel froze just a few paces from Rin, silently cursing himself and his lack of control. He resolved to remain still no matter what, like the game they used to play, 'Stone Face.' The goal had been to make the other laugh. Tonight, his goal was to protect Rin.

His skin burned, sweat soaking into the fleece lining of his leather jacket. This close her scent was intoxicating. She was at the peak of fertility, primed and receptive.

Gabriel, I need to tell you something very important. She rubbed her thumbs and forefingers together, a nervous habit of hers. The last few weeks have been very confusing and... and I had this whole speech made up but now I can't remember it. I- I just couldn't let you leave tonight without telling you how I feel... about you.

Every muscle in his body clenched, Gabriel's hearts hammering inside chest. What did she mean? She couldn't mean... no, it wasn't possible.

I realized something after you left Eladoro. I realized that I cared about you as more than a friend. I... I love you, Gabriel.

The air ripped from Gabriel's lungs and he nearly staggered back. She waited for him to respond, shifting anxiously as the seconds ticked by. He couldn't move. He could barely breathe. A wave of disbelief shivered through his legs and he collapsed to a crouch, guttural gasps morphing into laughter. Gabriel felt lightheaded. She loved him. How many times had he desperately wanted to see those words slip from her hands?

His euphoria was quickly replaced with pain as Rin stepped forward. Gabriel barked a warning and held up his hand. The knowledge of her desire had only intensified his rut, his instinctual need to mate in overdrive. Not only was there a lone female at the peak of fertility nearby, she desired him.

Heaving gasps wracked his chest as he stood, his groin on fire as it swelled. Gabriel's hands trembled as he signed, but at this point he didn't care. He would tell her what he could and then leave. He couldn't bear the thought of hurting or driving her away. Rin... Shit, where did he start? I've been wanting to tell you the same thing... for a long time. But it looks like you beat me to it.

A smile pricked the corners of her mouth, but her brows remained furrowed in concern as she watched him struggle to form a coherent sentence.

Her smell was everywhere and his vision had begun to throb in time with his pulse. There are a lot reasons why I didn't tell you... I can't really remember them right now... but the most important is this. He slowly removed his jacket, rumbling in relief as he tore the wet, sucking fabric from his arms.

Rin's eyes widened in shock and even Gabriel was taken aback. The tiny, glittering veins of light had transformed into thick, glowing vines that twisted and curled over his shoulders and arms. He felt them winding down his back and thighs, a few tendrils slowly crawling their way up the back of his neck and sides of his cheeks. The cool night air doused his burning skin, steam rising from his flesh.

Gabriel, what is that? Are you hurt? She rushed forward and he backpedaled, grunting as he slammed into the uwanu tree.

No! Stay away.

Why? You're hurt.

I'm not hurt, I'm- A wave of pain tore through his groin and he slid to the ground.

Rin was hovering over him, cupping his face with her soft hands. Her touch jogged him from his haze, electric tingles prickling over his jaw. Rin, don't- don't touch me. The rut... He grimaced as his abdominal muscles squeezed and twisted. I can't... I can't fight it. Please- please don't touch me.

She withdrew her hands, but instead of heeding his warning, she knelt on the grass between his legs. What is 'rut?'

Desire... mating season...

Mating season... she tried out the symbol, rubbing her thumbs and forefingers together thoughtfully.

Godammit Rin, why aren't you leaving? Go back to town, he thought, fighting the urge to grab her by the hair and throw her to the ground, the primal beast lurking within clawing at his sanity, sapping his will. Yet Rin remained, cautious but unafraid.

Is that why you've been avoiding me?

Gabriel squeezed his eyes shut, nodding. The buzzing sound had returned, drowning out his rational mind. Don't move. Don't move. Don't move. The mantra tumbled inside his head. The pain, fed by his resistance, seared through him and he dug his claws into the earth, clenching his mandibles against his jaw to keep from snarling.

Gabriel froze as soft fingertips brushed across his cheeks, Rin's scent tinged with perfume filling his mouth and throat until he was drowning in roses and jasmine. He didn't dare open his eyes. Or move, letting her hands explore him, her gentle caresses sending shivers through his core.

His breath caught as she climbed onto him, her hips straddling one of his thighs as she leaned in, her hands pressed against his heaving chest. Gabriel leaned away, the back of his scalp pressing against the uwanu tree. His hearts thundered in chest as she moved in time with him, gently nuzzling his collarbone. Then she kissed him.

Soft lips grazed his exposed neck, their desire becoming more fervent with each caress. Rasping growls wracked Gabriel's body as she licked and nipped at his throat, the sensation making him delirious. Her hands ran over his chest and arms, his glowing veins tingling wherever she caressed.

The next thing he knew, he was tearing Rin's shirt off while she fumbled with his belt buckle, her efforts thwarted as he ripped the fabric from her body.

The night dissolved into a tangle of limbs and cries of bliss, the beast within howling in triumph.

~\'/~

The soft pitter-patter of claws against rock pulled him from his pleasant dreams. Gabriel rumbled, his mandibles splaying as he let loose a growling yawn. He rolled over, searching for Rin. When he didn't find her, he sat up, a small yip waking him from his groggy state. Peering over the foot of the bed was the small, black puppy he'd given Rin as gift. She watched him, her head cocked to the side as her large black paws gripped the edge of the blanket at the foot of the bed.

He slid off, crouching to let her smell and remember him. Hesitantly, she wagged her tail in greeting as she approached, feinting harmless bites before lowering her head submissively and rolling onto her back, pawing at Gabriel's massive hand when he reached to scratch her belly. A sharp tsk-tsk from downstairs made her leap up and she barrelled through the cracked bedroom door and down the steps, her excited scrambling echoing through the Harris' home. Gabriel sniffed, catching whiffs of fresh meat from the kitchen.

He stood, surveying Rin's cozy room, her taste simple but like everything else, she'd managed to transform it into a place of beauty. A wooden dresser and a desk took up what little space was left, paper books and her sketches of plants neatly organized. But is was the pictures that got his attention. Dozens of frames, each a different shape and color decorated the walls. If he squinted, he could just make out who was in each of them. He searched them, finally resting a particular favorite of his that he hadn't seen in years. It was a close up of them when they'd been young. They'd been going through their sign language lessons together when his mother had stopped them to take a quick picture. Rin had wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed the side of her forehead against his, a faint smile on her lips. His mother had managed to capture his stunned expression at the hug. It was one of the few pictures where he wasn't either glowering or had his mask on.

He noticed his clothes had been laid over her desk chair and he picked them up, smelling them, surprised to find them clean. Slipping them on, he pried Rin's door open, sniffing to make sure her father wasn't awake. While the man might be grateful that he'd defended her from the Young brothers, Gabriel wasn't exactly the person a parent would expect or want to see walking out of their daughter's bedroom.

He paused at the top of the stone steps, rubbing his neck as he tried to think of what to say to Rin. They'd barely had a chance to talk last night. She'd said 'I love you' and he'd keeled over as if Cupid had shot him with a sniper round. Embarrassment filled him as he recalled how dramatic he'd been. Easy to say now that you're not burning up from the inside out, he reminded himself as he carefully made his way down the narrow steps. Only a few glittering veins remained on his arms, his lust sated. But for how long his head would remain clear was the question. Already he could feel the rut begin to stir, his needs distracting him from trying to figure out what to say to Rin.

Gabriel followed the sound and smell of sizzling of meat, hanging back out of sight and listening as Rin banged around the kitchen, oblivious to the noise she was creating. Quietly, he slipped out of hiding, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms, content to watch her from afar. The black furball was surprisingly still, sitting and watching her mistress cook, occasionally pawing at Rin's' leg for a scrap.

Rin flinched when she finally noticed him, letting out a puff of exasperation and shaking her head, unable to hide her smile as she turned back to the stove. He moved beside her, his mouth watering as he breathed in the scent of barely cooked zarok. He was starving and his stomach grumbled loudly in agreement. She playfully pushed him away as he tried to sneak a pinch of pink flesh, whisking the sizzling cut to the table.

Gabriel wrapped his arms around her once she'd set it down, nuzzling the back of her head and neck. He laid his left hand across his right wrist, gently raising his right palm up. Good morning. She wriggled around until they face-to-face, bringing her right hand from her mouth down and back up slightly. Morning.

How long have you been up? he asked, pulling back so she had room to speak.

A little while. I'm a morning person. She smiled.

Gabriel made a face, earning him a stuck-out tongue.

He glanced around, noticing there were only two plates set. Where's your father?

Rin grinned. My dad and his friends were so drunk, he broke out his secret stash of good scotch. He won't be awake for awhile. Then she brought her fingers to her mouth, tapping her lips several times. Eat, she ordered, gesturing towards his breakfast.

He tore into it, his claws easily tearing off thick, juicy hunks and swallowing them whole. It was perfect. Lightly fried but still bleeding. I could eat this every morning. Way better than dried jerky.

Rin smiled as she sucked on several pieces of marango, a tasty fruit native to Navarra that looked and tasted like a cross between an orange and a mango. They were becoming quite popular in the surrounding sectors and there were plans to set up larger groves in the northwest part of the territory.

As the meat settled in his stomach, he sat back, his stares making Rin pause. She raised an eyebrow. What?

I don't deserve you.

She shrugged and popped the reddish-orange fruit into her mouth. Too bad. You're stuck with me.

Seriously, Rin. Why didn't you just leave? I could've hurt you.

She shook her head. No, you wouldn't have.

Weren't you scared at all?

Yes, for a moment. Especially after you took off your jacket. You were glowing and steam was coming off of you. In fact, he'd been terrifying, the Gabriel she knew replaced with an alien monster. Rin recalled his golden eyes glinting silver like a cat's in the moonlight and the fear that had filled her because they'd reminded her of Korwin's hate-filled orbs. But when he'd explained, when he'd begged her to leave him, when he'd done everything in his power not to touch her, she'd decided to take a risk and gamble it all. When she'd woken up, she'd been surprised at how content she was compared to all those times she'd woken up next to Tyrik or alone, filled with regret or confusion. I thought about going. But when I said 'I love you', I meant it.

Warmth filled his chest. He didn't see any hesitation in her movements or expression. She'd made her choice. And she'd chosen him.

He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck as he recalled the night before. Sorry about your clothes. Did any of them survive? Ajolt of horror pierced his gut. I didn't scratch you did I?!

Rin shook her head. I'm okay. Although I can't say the same for my outfit... those were Nova's clothes. She popped another pece of fruit in mouth and then scooted her chair around the table so she could be closer. Now, I have some questions for you, she signed.

Uh-oh. Gabriel braced himself.

How long have you liked me and why didn't you ever tell me?

A long time. Since we were about 10. You remember when we played Sleeping Beauty?

She nodded.

Well, when I kissed you, that's when I sorta fell in love. It only got worse after that. But I was too afraid. I hated myself... you remember how I was as a teenager. Always moody and disappearing. And then you started dating Tyrik and - I almost killed myself, he thought to himself - I guess I started trying to convince myself that we were better off as friends. I didn't want to lose you. So I tried to distance myself, but it only made me miss you more. And then the rut came and I couldn't stay away. That's why I ran out of the bar the last time I saw you.

I'm sorry.

What? Why?

For not noticing. It feels so obvious now. I don't know why I didn't see you - us - until a couple of weeks ago.

You shouldn't be sorry. He growled, even though he knew she couldn't hear him. His reluctance was on him and him alone.

Well, you should thank Nova next time you see her.

He cocked his head.

She's the one who pointed out that you liked me.

His eyes narrowed. Wait, she knows you're here with me?

I told her I was going to tell you how I felt. She might be a little worried that I didn't come back...

Great. The sheriff's daughter knew.

Rin winced when she stood to take his plate.

What's wrong?

She took the dishes to the sink and ran some water over them before answering. I'm just sore from last night. Really sore, actually, but Gabriel didn't need to know that. He'd been rough, dominating and - her cheeks began glow - huge. I'll be fine. She did her best not to limp back to the table, gritting her teeth to keep from wincing as she'd sat. Thankfully, Gabriel had accepted her reply. He even seemed pleased with himself.

Rin's puppy, who'd been ignored long enough, began growling and tugging on Gabriel's pants. He grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and plopped her into his lap, rubbing her belly.

I named her Shadow.

Gabriel clicked in surprise. I thought you'd name her after a flower.

I have plenty of flowers. Besides, she eats them.

The puppy squirmed upright, placing its paws on his shoulder to lick his face. Shadow's tail happily thumped the table until Gabriel set her on the floor.

Is your rut gone?

He shook his head. Still a week or two to go. Rin was close now, barely an arm's length away. Her loose t-shirt teased him with glimpses of her cleavage. Now that he'd seen her naked it was like he had x-ray vision.

She noticed him staring and glanced down, instinctively covering her chest with her arms. Gabriel pulled her into his lap, hugging her against him. She was cold and he rubbed her smooth legs to warm them up. They sat like that for a while, Gabriel ignoring his baser urge to lay her over the table and take her like he had last night. Now was not the right time and he was patient. There would be other moments. Right now, he was truly happy and he wasn't going to mess that up. The dual clock chimed and Gabriel looked up to see that it was late afternoon on Earth and nearing dawn on Navarra. He gently helped Rin off his lap, telling her had to go. But before I go, let me see your data pad.

Brow furrowed, she left the room, returning with the device in hand. Gabriel didn't bother using the tiny stylus, using his foreclaw to find the contact list. He added his comm number, Rin happily kissing him on the cheek. I love you.

He pulled her head down and brushed his mandibles over her forehead. I love you too.

~\'/~

Rin followed him outside, Shadow weaving between their legs. Despite Gabriel's assurances that the lonma were used to dogs and wouldn't try to eat her pet, she picked up her curious puppy. As expected, Rasha was nowhere in sight. He put his right forefinger and thumb into his mouth and blew, his short, sharp whistle echoing between the buttes. A few minutes later, she came galloping up the hill, a large, half-eaten rodent hanging from her jaws. Cucumber whined, but Rasha ignored his hungry pleas, enjoying her kill on her own. Gabriel rumbled, chiding her for her selfish behavior when she finally let him grab her saddle. When she was settled and he'd adjusted her straps, he tied her to Cucumber.

He turned around and crouched for one last goodbye. Puppy still in hand, Rin wrapped an arm around his neck, burying her face in his tendrils.

Gabriel left her standing at the edge of the woods, her and Shadow's bodies brightly glowing against the dark hillside. He grabbed the meat and furs left at the stables and then made for the Ferguson's. He felt exhilarated and forlorn at the same time. Rin loved him. And he missed her already. Gabriel was already planning out what days he could afford to return to town.

Ixion rose over the cool plains by the time he arrived at the Ferguson's ranch, bathing the butte and violet grass in crimson rays of light. He sent Rin a message, chuckling when she instantly replied.

He gave the lonma a thorough wash down and extra food, going through the list of chores left over by Marianna and Isaak with gusto.

The sun was high in the sky and Gabriel was covered with green engine fluid when Sheriff Brady's craft landed. The noise attracted Naomi and Luke, who'd been working in the large family garden nearby. Isaak was still inside, nursing a hangover.

Gabriel slid out from beneath the machine, wiping his hands and arms as he stood. As Brady strode down the ramp from his ship, Gabriel didn't need to smell him to know that something was wrong. His eyes were narrowed and mouth set in a grim line. The sheriff nodded to Luke and Naomi as he approached Gabriel. "Gabriel, I need you to come with me."

"Why?"

Sheriff Brady glanced over at the boy and his mother, the pair anxiously watching their conversation. "I'll tell you when we get to Eladoro." He lowered his voice. "It's best if you come willingly."

Anxiety tightened Gabriel's chest and he cleaned his hands as best he could, assuring Ms. Ferguson he'd be back as soon as possible. He climbed into the small hovercraft, the cramped passenger area sealed off from the cockpit by bulletproof glass. A terrible sense of foreboding filled him as the craft began to accelerate and he recalled Rin's comment about Nova knowing about their secret affection for each other. Had Brady found out? What would they do to him if they knew?