Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,93

sweetest voice he had ever heard said his name from the doorway. Rebekah, his mate, was just as beautiful as he remembered. Unlike him who looked like a fucking monster.

That’s because you are one.

Gabriel’s inner voice never failed to remind him of every bad thing he’d ever done.

Rebekah stepped farther into the room, her happiness outweighing her hesitance. It amazed Gabriel how in tune he was with other’s emotions. He practiced this ability with each guard who entered his room. Being able to read his mate… That was both a blessing and a curse. Gabriel wanted her happiness. Wanted Rebekah to be glad to see him. He was frozen in place as he took in the sight of his mate after all this time. Her hair was graying, and she had lines around her eyes, but she was still the most magnificent creature he’d ever seen.

“Rebekah,” he managed to whisper. Unlike him, Rebekah wasn’t frozen. She ran across the room and threw herself at him. He didn’t hesitate to catch her. He would always catch her. “Rebekah,” he muttered against her hair and hugged her tighter. His mate’s body began to shake, and the sobs escaping her throat pained his cold heart. If anyone could thaw the organ, it was her. The sound of the door closing caught Gabriel’s attention. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was alone with his mate.

“Let me look at you.” Gabriel set her on her feet and brushed the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “Just as beautiful as the last time I saw you.”

“Y-you remember that day?” Rebekah’s voice was small and pained. He had done that.

He went to take a step back, but Rebekah grabbed onto his forearms. “No. Don’t. Please.” She slid her hands down until they were clutching his. Squeezing, she smiled up at him. “The past doesn’t matter. I’m here now. I’m here, Gabriel, and I’ve missed you so much.”

“I—” Gabriel stopped the lie from spilling from his mouth. Until he was reunited with Isabelle, he hadn’t given much thought to the past other than the bad things he’d done. “I’m glad you’re here. Why are you here? And how?”

Rebekah pulled him toward the bed and sat down. Gabriel sat next to her, turning so he was facing her. “Honestly? Connor drew a picture of me, and Isabelle saw it as a sign. She, Dante, Tessa, and Gregor flew out to New Portland to find me. Not a day has gone by in these last thirty-one years that I didn’t think about you. I waited around after the last time I saw you hoping you’d change your mind, but I didn’t know what you’d been through. Isabelle told me everything, Gabriel. I’m so sorry for what happened to you.”

“Not as sorry as I am. But if you know everything, why did you come here? You have to know I’m never getting out of prison.”

“Maybe not, but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is I now know what happened. I know you’re alive. You may not be well, but you’re well enough for me to want to talk to you. Get to know you again. Gabe, I never stopped loving you.”

“So you didn’t move on with your life and find a man?” Fuck, Gabriel didn’t want to know the answer. She was his mate. His heart and soul.

“I did get married, but he was only a friend. Our relationship was one borne of loneliness. I loved him as a friend only. I gave my heart to you, and it’s still yours.”

Gabriel couldn’t stop himself from reaching for her. He placed his hand on her cheek, and Rebekah leaned into his touch, her eyes closing, and her mouth tilting up at the corners. Gods, she was still stunning.

“Where’s your husband now?” Gabriel pulled his hand away.

“He passed away a couple years ago. In those two years, I traveled a bit. I volunteer at a place called The Japanese Gardens. I mostly read and spend time with my cat, Esmeralda.”

“Sounds lonely. I’m sorry you lost your husband.” Gabriel meant it. If Rebekah had remained in New Atlanta for him, she’d have missed out on having someone in her life. Gabriel was glad the relationship had been platonic, because she was his mate, even if he couldn’t do anything about that. He was incarcerated, and they would never have a normal life together.

“He was a good man, and he left me with enough money to retire. I am free