Gabe seemed taken aback by his politeness. “No, it’s okay, don’tworry.”
“Did you know we were coming?” Iasked.
Ryu shrugged. “I had a feeling. But I also heard talk of a new omega in town, just after you and Ruby returned from your journey, so I mostly put two-and-two together.” He leaned forward with a sly smile and said, “So. You’re together,areyou?”
Gabe blushed, as if wondering how much he knew of the past few days we spent together. “Did you read my mindaboutthat?”
“No. I didn’t need to. I saw you two linking armsoutside.”
“Oh.” Gabe blushed deeper and I couldn’t help butlaugh.
I pulled him closer to me and proudly announced, “Yes, we’re together. Gabe’s mine, so don’t even think about putting your clawsonhim.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” His expression turned a bit more serious. “But I do know there’s a reasonyou’rehere.”
I nodded. “There is. I want you to teach Gabriel basicmagic.”
“Me?” Gabesqueaked.
“Yes. I already know you’re magic aligned. You saw the barrier, which normally outsiders can’t see. That means you must have some kind of magic inklinginsideyou.”
Gabriel looked surprised. “That’s so weird. I never thought of myself as magicanything.”
“Then you have a gift,” Ryu said with a gentle smile. “I’d be happy to teach you how touseit.”
But Gabriel seemed unsure. “I don’t know… What if I can’tdoit?”
I took his hand firmly and looked him in the eyes. “Gabe, youcando it. You have no idea how powerful you are. If you don’t try, nothing willhappen.”
“But what do I even needmagicfor?”
I frowned. I hated seeing him like this - without confidence inhimself.
“I want you to be powerful in your own right. You know I’d do anything to protect you, but I also want you to be able to protect yourself.” I added gently, “This isn’t your old pack. You’re not just an omega whose only purpose is breeding. You’re so much more thanthat,Gabe.”
Gabriel’s fingers curled around his teacup as he gazed down at the table. I could tell he was fighting off years of internalized issues. I hated what Stoneheart pack had drilled into him, that he was only good for breeding. They were ready to let him die because he refused their forced choice. But I knew he could fight it off. Maybe magic training would help himwiththat.
Ryu and I exchanged a short glance. Gabriel was still lost in thought, his brows furrowed in concentration. I knew my friend and I were both thinking the same thing - that Gabe wouldn’t want to bother. But we both knew having a hobby and a source of discipline would be good for him, especially for his integration into thetribe.
Gabe caught my eye. “Do you really think I can do it?” he askedsoftly.
“Of course,” I growled. “You’re my mate. You can do anything you put yourmindto.”
He smiled now and turned to Ryu. “Okay. I think I’ll give itatry.”
Both Ryu and I burst into widegrins.
“You’re going to love it,” IpromisedGabe.
“Excellent!” Ryucried.
In a burst of light, Ryu transformed back into his serpentine dragon form. He crouched his long body in front of Gabriel. He extended a clawed hand to Gabe, who smiled andtookit.
Ryu winked. “Shall webegin?”
