Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,97

during the walk from the back door through the hallways. Gabriel wasn’t kept in one of the cell blocks with the other inmates, and for that, she was thankful. She also spent time with the guards when they watched over her and Isabelle as they met with the Reborn. When Isabelle asked Rebekah to assist with their project of reforming the Unholy, Rebekah jumped at the chance. She felt good having a purpose. Gabriel had been vocal in his disapproval, but Dante had been the one to assure Gabriel Rebekah would be safe in her meetings.

After the door was closed behind them, Gabriel kissed Rebekah good morning. “I brought your favorite.” Rebekah had begun taking breakfast to Gabriel so they could start their day together. Today’s offering was something she picked up at the diner where Marley worked. Dane’s mate was adorable.

“You’re my favorite,” Gabriel quipped, taking the bag from her.

Rebekah laughed at his cheesiness. Gabriel had opened up to Rebekah after much hesitancy on his part and stubbornness on hers. She assured him every time he refused to talk about his past that she wasn’t going to judge him or think less of him for all the bad he had done. It took weeks, but he finally shared small parts of what he could remember during his time as Vincent Alexander. Rebekah knew they were going to be okay the day Gabriel broke down in tears and begged forgiveness for his transgressions. His remorse wouldn’t get him out of his jail sentence, but it went a long way in healing his pain.

They shared breakfast, and when they finished, Gabriel stood and took Rebekah’s hands.

“Ready to go outside?” The weather was warmer, and the sunshine helped Gabriel’s moods.

“Not today. I need to ask you something.”

“What is it?” Rebekah squeezed his hands.

“You promised to take time and get to know me. I promised to keep an open mind. I was wondering how you feel now about being my mate.”

“That wasn’t a question, but if you’re asking have I changed my mind, the answer is no. I want you now more than ever.”

“But this life… Having to visit me here… You deserve so much more.” Gabriel’s eyes glistened, and Rebekah wished she could turn back time to make sure what happened to Gabriel never did.

“So do you. You didn’t deserve to be captured and tortured or left for dead. What happened to you was a tragedy of the worst kind. And yes, you committed your own horrible acts, but now you’re paying for those. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve good in your life to make up for what they took from you. I love you, Gabriel. I have always loved you. That never stopped. I spent over half my life without you. Without your love, and I’ll be damned if I go through that again. Even if you don’t complete the bond, I will still be right here, every single day, because you are my life. I want to be your mate for many years to come. Whether that’s here visiting you or on the outside one day.”

“Gods, I love you. I just had to be sure.” Gabriel released her hands and walked over to the door where he closed the covering over the window. When he turned back around, gone was the hesitation. In its place was determination, and hummingbirds took flight in her stomach. After three months – no, after thirty-one years – she was going to be with her lover once again.

Chapter Four

Gabriel hated the fact that they were in a modified cell in a prison instead of Rebekah’s nice home with its lavish bedroom. His mate didn’t deserve to be made love to somewhere so dire, but it was their only option. He walked over to the door and closed the covering on the small window. Gabriel had spoken to Izzy during her visits about Rebekah. He confided in her his deepest fears, and she reassured him often that Rebekah was happy. She was making a difference in the lives of the Reborn, and she was getting to know their family.

Dante had also visited with him. The first time was when Gabriel yelled the Pen down until he got a meeting with the male. Gabriel was beyond pissed when Rebekah mentioned working with the Reborn. Dante calmly explained the working environment and how neither Rebekah nor Isabelle were left unguarded for one second while in the prison. Dante praised Rebekah’s work. He also talked about her