The Forbidden Alpha

Adea

My best friend gives me his signature crooked smile. Before Ethan and Odis have a chance to get up, Leo passes Gabe and dropped down opposite me with a taunting grin. I watched his facial features as he bowed his head slightly in greeting. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about him. We’d have to get along but I was still suspicious. Gabe came to a stop by Ethan’s chair.

“Good morning, Alpha,” Gabe said in greeting. Ethan got to his feet, leaned down, and kissed me goodbye before facing Gabe.

“Morning, Gabe.”

“Leaving so soon?” Gabe asked.

“Yes, I’d stay longer but works calling,” Ethan said.

“I was wondering if it was me,” Gabe teased.

“No,” Ethan said, his lips twitched with amusement, “Have to get back to work sooner or later.”

“I hear that,” Gabe said.

“I’ll see you later,” Ethan said to me. He nodded to Odis before heading out the door.

Leo’s eyes roamed over to the kitchen. When his gaze locked on one of the workers in the kitchen, her back straightened and she grabbed a couple of plates. She rushed over with them in hand and placed the food in front of him.

“I think you’re forgetting my partner,” Leo said. Her eyes widened and she nodded before heading back to the kitchen. A few minutes later she came back and placed Gabe’s food in front of him.

“Thank you!” Gabe said. He flashed her a smile before she disappeared. “Good morning, Luna,” Gabe said as he made his way to the vacant seat at my side. He gave me a small bow before dropping into the chair. I slapped his arm and he grabbed it like I’d tried to rip it off. “Ouch!”

“Oh, you’re fine. Good morning, Gabe and don’t call me Luna. It’s weird,” I laughed. Now that we were closer I noticed the dark bags under his eyes. His eyes were a little red. I whistled. “You look like you didn’t get a wink of sleep.”

“You don’t look like you did either,” Gabe teased. His eyebrows bounced up and down impressively high on his forehead. I barked a laugh as his joke caught me off guard. I couldn’t help but be happy when Gabe was around. Leo was shoveling food into his mouth. He looked up. I didn’t look fast away enough and was caught staring. I lowered my eyes to my plate and pretended to be overly interested in my food.

“Welcome back to the land of the living,” Gabe whispered in my ear. My chest tightened and I fought the smile that wanted to spread across my face. I’m not one to talk about my sexual experiences but I was tempted to switch stories if I could figure out who Gabe was seeing. I had a feeling it was Leo by the way he looked at Gabe.

My eyes darted to Odis. I wasn’t counting my Beta out just yet though. The fact that he hadn’t looked at Gabe hadn’t gone unnoticed. I wasn’t totally out of the loop. Gabe hadn’t greeted Odis and I hadn’t missed that bit either. Gabe had some explaining to do.

“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours,” I teased. I watched Odis for a reaction and when he tensed my suspicions were confirmed.

Gabe gasped and his hand flew to his mouth. “I’ve never seen you so interested in my nightly activities. Actually, if I recall,” he said dramatically, “You used to close your ears when I tried to tell you about the fun I had.” He crossed his arms and pouted at me. “Also, I don’t know what you mean.”

“Mm-hmm,” I said. I didn’t believe that for a second. “And I wouldn’t say I’m interested in your nightlife, Gabe. I’m interested in you and what’s going on in your life. So if you need to talk to me about the fun you have at night… I’m listening.”

“We didn’t have any fun last night,” Leo said through a mouthful of food. Gabe rolled his eyes and I muffled a giggle.

“You aren’t the only guy with muscles around here,” Gabe said. “And I never said I was seeing sleeping around.” Gabe grew quiet and I wanted to hug him. Before I could lean in, a big smile spread across his face. “But maybe it’s time I started getting out there.” I could almost visibly see Leo’s wolf ears perk up in interest, his eyes focused on Gabe, a smile on his mouth.

I ran my fingers down my braid where it hung by my chin as I stared at my best friend knowingly. I doubt he meant it but the weight on my shoulders lifted slightly. I knew better than to expect him to be over Olivia. I was hopeful that he would find someone that could make him happy. I prayed to the Goddess for a chosen mate that could help heal the hole Liv left with her death. The sound of metal against the table brought my attention to Leo.

“So…” Leo threw his arm around Gabe and leaned into him. Gabe didn’t try to get out from under Leo despite the death glare I felt coming from Odis. “You’re saying I have a chance?” Gabe didn’t take it this time, he grabbed his arm and tossed it aside.

“I’m saying get in line,” Gabe said sensually. My jaw dropped at the sight of my bestie flirting. It had been so long since I’d seen this side of him. I was shocked but glad to see him playing around.

“Okay, bestie,” I teased. “I see you.” I leaned back and gave him a clap off. Nodding while smiling at him.

“Well you know,” Gabe said, continuing with the joke.

Odis shoved to his feet with a force that pushed the table back. I got a glance of his face before she turned his back on us. I was expecting jealousy maybe a little anger but what I saw was pain. I felt a twinge of guilt as he slightly nodded my way.

“Have a good day, Luna.” Odis didn’t even turn to look back to look at me. Now that he was standing, my eyes dragged down his body. His suit was ruffled and he seemed… defeated.

“You too,” I said as he headed for the door.

“How long has it been?” Leo’s voice brought me back to the table. My best friend was watching Odis, his eyes followed him as he passed the kitchen and disappeared. Leo was staring at Gabe and he cleared his throat.

“What?” Gabe asked. He looked confused as he stared at Leo.

“Are you guys ready for training?” Leo asked. He chose not to repeat myself and I wanted to scoff at him. Chicken.

“I am,” Gabe said. He pushed himself to his feet with his plate in hand. He walks over to the kitchen and I smile as he tries to place his dishes into the sink. The kitchen workers rush and try to take it from him but he just smiles at them. It reminds me of our days in Half Moon.

“Same. Are you ready to get your ass kicked again?”

Leo growls and I smile at him as I grab my dishes and head over to the kitchen. The women look like they’ve seen a ghost when they see me. I put my dishes on top of Gabe’s.. My best friend gives me a small smile.