time outside the Pen and how she was already deeply entrenched with Gabriel’s family as well as some of the other mates. Dante assured him Rebekah was happy in New Atlanta, and he would be a fool not to mate with her. She wasn’t going anywhere regardless of whether or not Gabriel completed the bond.
When Gabriel made up his mind to take the plunge, he asked Isabelle to come up with a way to cover the small window on his door. Even though most of the guards were shifters and would be able to hear them through the walls, they would at least have that small bit of privacy.
He had taken his time getting to know this version of Rebekah. Gone was the young woman he’d fallen in love with, and in her place was the older version who was stronger than anyone he knew. Knowing she wanted him no matter what he had done in his past made him love her more.
Gabriel had requested an early shower that morning, and during his walk with Aldredge had admitted he wanted today to be the day. Isabelle had spoken with the assistant warden, and they had built a frame around the window with a metal door that could be closed while Rebekah visited. When they installed the covering inside the room, Aldredge explained it was so Gabriel could close it himself whenever he and Rebekah wanted privacy.
Gabriel didn’t rush the few steps between them. He crossed the room slowly, giving Rebekah time to change her mind. When he stood within arms’ reach, Rebekah tugged at the hem of his T-shirt, sliding the garment up. Gabriel reached behind his neck and pulled the plain, white tee off. Rebekah ran her slender hands over his chest. Whatever Flanagan’s minions had done to Gabriel in the past turned all his hair white. His mate didn’t seem to mind. She threaded her fingers through the coarse strands as she scraped the skin below with her nails. Rebekah leaned closer and placed soft kisses over both rounded pectorals. When her hands drifted lower to the cotton pants he wore, he took a deep breath.
Rebekah’s hands trembled. She had admitted to not having sex with anyone since they were together all those years ago, but her hesitation was unwarranted. He placed his hands over hers, moving them back to his chest.
“Do you remember our last time together?” Gabriel asked as he began unbuttoning her blouse.
“Like it was yesterday.”
“Then you have no need to be nervous. Nothing has changed.”
“Everything has changed.” Rebekah closed her eyes when he pushed her shirt apart, putting her bra on display. “I’m not the young girl you last made love to.”
“No, you aren’t. You are the mature woman I love more than anything. Our bodies might look different, but our hearts are still the same. Our souls are still connected.” Gabriel ran a fingertip across the top of Rebekah’s bra. When she shivered, he did it again. “I’m not a good male, but I’m trying to be. In these past few months, I have felt more like my old self. Before you came here, I had a hard time remembering who I was before this happened.” Gabriel gestured to his body. “But you’ve helped. So, no, we don’t look the same on the outside, but I have a feeling once we are together intimately, what’s on the outside won’t matter.”
Rebekah hadn’t meant to make Gabriel feel bad about himself. He was still as handsome to her as he had been when they first met, even if his hair was white and his skin was pale. So maybe he felt the same about her more mature body. “You’re right, and I’m sorry.”
“No need for that. I want you now as much as I did then. Probably more, because now, I know you’re my mate. I know what you’re willing to sacrifice.”
“I’m not sacrificing anything.” Rebekah reached behind her and unclasped her bra and let it fall to the floor. A low rumble emanated from Gabriel’s throat as his eyes filled with desire. “Touch me. Please.” Gabriel did. He cradled both breasts in his hands, sending fire racing from her belly to her core. “Gabe, I need you.”
Gabriel pushed his pants down his legs, stepping out of them. She admired his body while she finished stripping, and within seconds, she found herself on her back with Gabriel stretched out above her. His erection teased her entrance, and she raised her hips. Gabriel didn’t make her