Chapter 2

Gabriel's brown eyes opened slowly, the light from the large window assaulting them as best as it could. The first emotion that came to his mind was panic. Pure and simple. This was because, for the first few minutes he hadn't the slightest clue as to where he was at. But his turbulent mind settled a great deal when his thoughts remembered Rachel.

Rachel... But the last thing I remember was... His thoughts trailed as he remembered. The last thing he remembered was falling asleep with one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen on a Martial Arts mat. But now... But now he was in the room that Dawna had assigned him and he was very neatly tucked into the covers, as if someone paid extra special care of him. He then looked uner the coverers. Yep. Naked. He thought wryly.

Gabriel wondered how he had managed to sleep so much. He had never slept this much in this short of a time in years. S'pose I should join the world of the living. He thought with a chuckle and slipped out of the bed.

It felt kind of weird to get out of bed completely naked. He had always slept with his clothes on, or at least his jeans. Gabriel looked at the door of what he was pretty sure was a walk-in closet. I wonder, he thought as he walked over to the closet and opened the door. Yep, full of clothes.

Gabriel gave a short laugh at just how many clothes there were. The closet was packed with every kind of clothes he could possibly want or need. He stared at the selection, for what seemed like about five minutes. Gabriel wanted to make a good impression on his new family.

But in the end, instead of dress clothes (like slacks and blazers) he picked out a pair of new black Levi jeans and a dark-blue button-up shirt. That and a pair of new black leather boots called out to him. He took these items, along with some underclothes and walked out of the closet.

Gabriel took his time on getting dressed. His mind was absorbed in thought. What happened last night? I know I'm not the most experienced on the subject of romance... But I'm pretty sure that what happened last night, is not the fuckin' 'norm'. His mind kept spinning the question around in his head. And what is gonna happen today? His thoughts added.

He quit buttoning the shirt about three quarters of the way up and didn't bother tucking it in as he walked over to the mirror on the wall. Cocking his head to the right, Gabriel surveyed his image. Never before had he worried about his image, but for some reason, he really cared about what Dawna and Rachel thought of him. He looked into his intense brown eyes with a quizzical expression.

Then Gabriel just chastised himself. Fuck it, if they want me better than this, they're just gonna have to be disappointed. He thought, giving the mirror a curt nod. With that thought in mind, he glanced at the clock. 11:30??? Fuck! His mind screamed. Gabriel suddenly felt like a heel. Time to get a move on, Old Boy.

He gave the mirror one last glance. The shirt he was wearing was about two sizes too big, but that was the way he liked button-up shirts. It also just barely gave a glimpse of his chest. Satisfied, he turned and started for the door. Even though he was in a hurry he took his time as he walked. He didn't want to look like he was in a hurry.

As his new leather boots carried him down the stairs, his thoughts kept drifting to Rachel. Gabriel wondered how she would act this morning. He hoped not shy, Gabriel really liked the way she acted last night. The house seemed quiet, but then again, he imagined all huge houses seemed quiet.

Even though he was wearing brand-new boots, he made it down the stairs rather incredibly quiet. Again, he wasn't trying to be, it just always seemed that it turned out that way. I wonder what Rachel is doing... He thought as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Gabriel couldn't help but like her. But he did have to admit, the fact that she slept with him made him a little bias.

After a few steps, Gabriel heard Dawna's voice and followed it. He found Dawna and Rachel sitting at the kitchen table. Rachel was drinking a Mt. Dew and Dawna was sipping on a cup of coffee. He could tell, he could smell it from where he stood.

He just stood and admired the beauty of the two of them. Neither knew he was standing and watching them. He listened with slight awe at the conversation they were having. Damn. He thought, not knowing what emotion he should be having at the moment.

"Why Rachel, you look like you're positively glowing! Must have been some Kondo work out," Dawna said, the mischief was apparent in her eyes. And she was just speaking the truth.

"It's Tae Kwon Doe," Rachel stated with an exaggerated sigh. "And yes, it was a pretty good work out," She said, taking another sip of soda.

"Did you get to meet Gabriel?" This was asked with one of those coy looks that Dawna was so good at.

"Yes, "

"And how did that go?" Dawna asked, she was very amused when she saw the red flush spread from Rachel's neck and into her cheeks.

"I-I-It went pretty good," She stuttered out. More like incredibly AWESOME, but let's not go there. Rachel's thoughts added. And it was, at least for her, she had been wondering how Gabriel would act ever since she got up, though. She really hoped that he would not withdraw like his file said he was prone to do.

"Well, I still say you look better this mornin' than you have in a while, Rachel," Dawna said, sipping her coffee some more.

Gabriel stood at the edge of the kitchen, watching his new foster-mother tweak her daughter, with amusement. With the coy look Dawna had, Gabriel had no doubt that she knew exactly what they were doing last night. And she doesn't even care... He thought. But his thoughts were cut short.

"Well, good morning, Gabriel," Dawna said, raising her cup as if to toast him. She noticed her daughter flush even harder just at the mere mention of his name.

Gabriel had the good grace to blush a little to at being caught eavesdropping. Good one, Gabe. Real good impression. "Good morning," He said with a nod, making his way to the table and taking a seat. "Rachel," He said, acknowledging the girl across from him.

"Gabriel. I would ask you if you would like some breakfast, but its lunch time," Dawna said, tweaking him for a little fun. She watched him as his eyes gave her an apologetic look. She couldn't have that, with it only being his second day there. "But that's ok, you needed your rest," She said with a wink, then stood up and made her way into the kitchen.

Rachel spoke up before Gabriel could be embarrassed by the statement. "I'm s'posed to meet a couple of people at a place called Blues at about two. You wanna come?" She asked with the smallest of a smile. Jesus, he looks good in his new clothes... She thought, and that made the smile bigger.

People? I thought Dawna said she didn't like people. He thought. "What kind of people?" He asked. Gabriel really didn't like socializing.

"What? Ya don't trust me???" Rachel said, her eyes sparkling. I think he'll like her. Rachel thought with an inward grin.

I'm being tweaked. Gabriel thought wryly. "Yeah, sure. I'm game, when do we leave out?"

"After lunch... I can still borrow the car, can't I, Mom?" She asked, looking over her shoulder at Dawna, who was frying some beacon and eggs.

"I suppose. But be careful with her," Dawna never really understood why she thought of that Mustang as more of a person than a car. And they both knew that Rachel was not old enough to drive yet, but some of the rules of life did not apply to the Chosen Ones.

Rachel noticed a look of doubt on Gabriel's face and a little bit of nervousness in his eyes. That's right, it said he didn't like socializing in his file. I don't think he'll mind once he meets her... "Gabe, listen, they're pretty cool people. Just stick by me if you don't like'em. But I'm sure once you get to know them, you'll thank me," She soothed, not even noticing she called him 'Gabe'.

Gabriel gave her a wry grin and a look that said: Whatever you say.

They all fell into a comfortable silence as they waited for Dawna to finish lunch. Gabriel's head was spinning with questions about the place called Blues. He had no clue as to what it was and wasn't sure if he would like it when he found out. Other questions were flying through his mind as well.

Like, why is Dawna giving the keys to her 'Baby' to Rachel when she knows she is fifteen? Rachel seems mature enough, but still, it's against the fuckin' law. So, what's up with that??? And what was that feeling that I had last night... It felt like a damn spark behind my eyes. Not that I'm complaining about the after-effects. But its still as weird as hell. Gabriel thought with more than a little confusion.

Finally, Gabriel got up the nerve to ask a question. "What are these friends of yours like?" He asked, looking pointedly at Rachel, but he tried to leave the edge out of his voice. Gabriel couldn't help it. When he got real confused, he also got annoyed at being confused.

"Just a couple of people that I told I would come and watch compete... I might compete myself, I haven't decided yet," She said with somewhat of a smirk.

"If you ask me, it is a bunch of foolishness," Dawna said as she sat the plates of food in front of the teenagers.

Gabriel looked questionably at Rachel. Rachel just shrugged her shoulders and gave an innocent look. "It's just a street tournament, "

That could be interesting. I always liked WATCHING fights, never cared to be in them though. He thought. His curiosity was definitely peaking. "Rules?" He asked, clearly interested.

Rachel could see the interest almost glowing from the boy across from her. He is just TOO cute for words! She thought... Again. "Knock out or submission. That's the only way a person can win. Winner takes home the pot, which is usually around five hundred or so," She stated in a calm voice.

Gabriel lowered his head, his eyes staring intently at the table's surface. You could make a little money, if you were willing to take a little risk... His thoughts trailed. He knew that he would probably want money sooner or later and hated asking for it. In his way of thinking, this could be an opportunity.

He lifted his intense spanish-brown eyes from the table and stared into Rachel's green ones. "Sounds like fun," He said with a twitch of a smile. Might even impress her... Don't go that far, Gabe. You know better than to make assumptions. He chided himself. "How many people are in it?" Gabriel could tell that Dawna did not like his line of questioning one bit. He could see the side of her face and her jaw was clenching and unclenching. She's already protective of me. For some reason, that made him feel warm inside.

"'Bout... Twenty-three, I think. Maybe twenty-five. Why all the questions?" Rachel asked with inquisitive green eyes. And then watched Gabriel take on a look of complete innocence.

"Just curious," He replied simply. And started on the food in front of him.

"Uh-huh," Rachel replied, but dropped the subject with a smile. One thing is for sure, if he fights, I sure as hell won't. She thought with a little humor. I've seen his skills. Just thinking of their so-called sparring match last night made the girl flush slightly, again.

I know my daughter thinks she knows what she's doing... But I still don't think some stupid tournament will boost his confidence. Dawna thought as she nibbled on some bacon. The daughter in question raised an eyebrow at her, as if saying: He's my student. Dawna kept quiet.

The rest of lunch went by fairly quiet. Hardly anyone spoke. They were all thinking about different things. Gabriel was wondering if it was really a smart move to get involved in a tournament. Especially an illegal one.

Rachel was thinking about how she would subtly acquaint Gabriel with his latent abilities. She knew the best course was the one her mother laid out for her. But it was hard not to just tell him. She knew that she had not known him long, but... She liked him. A LOT. So this was sort of an inner struggle for her. She was already starting to grow attached to him.

Dawna, on the other hand, was thinking of a couple of things. She knew what Rachel was going through. The Chosen always became attached to one another after they consummated their relationship. And she could tell by the way her daughter acted this morning, they had done just that last night.

Dawna's other thought was a simple one: God, I hope he doesn't get hurt.

Blues, as Gabriel would soon find out was a bar. But not an ordinary one. The bar itself was quite ordinary, it was what was in the basement once a month that was a step beyond. The basement was rather large, and was filled with twenty-five teenaged fighters. Along with a bunch of middle-aged men ready to place their bets on the combatants.

Holly Denmark sat like a true queen in the corner. Her black hair falling to the middle of her back and her grayish blue eyes scanning the room with unnerving accuracy. She was wearing her trademark sports bra and black leather jacket, along with a pair of tight jeans.

Her main purpose in life was to be a protector of The Chosen. But the Chosen had become very scarce... And since Rachel had refused her services (but not her friendship) Holly decided to amuse herself with this little tournament for the last few months.

So, when Rachel said that she agreed to come watch her fight a few days ago, it was a surprise. But Holly was surprised even further when she got a phone call from the beautiful girl this morning, telling her that she was going to bring another Chosen with her. Rachel knew her friend well. She knew that she would off her services.

But her hopes fell when she told her that Gabriel did not know of his gifts yet. But what Rachel told Holly next on the phone made the girl a VERY happy Protector. She wanted Holly to move in with her and start her duties unknown to Gabriel. She had to be covert about the whole thing, though.

Rachel had explained the whole situation to Holly. Even though she thought that she didn't need protection, and she was pretty sure Gabriel didn't, but Rachel explained that it never hurt to have back-up and made it very clear she wanted nothing to happen to Gabriel.

She looked over at her associate that was also competing. His name was Josh. He had short brown hair and looked very average. Even though he was also a Protector. But he knew nothing about Gabriel, for the simple fact that Rachel had told her to keep this close to her vest, so to speak. It's gonna be a shame when I knock poor Josh smooth out, though. She thought wryly.

Holly's eyes scanned the room once more, looking for Rachel and Gabriel. She had asked her what Gabriel looked like, all Rachel had to say was "Oh, you'll know him when you see him. He sorta stands out," Holly didn't know whether or not to be happy or sad for her friend over this forced relationship. But, by the sound of her friend's voice when she called... It hardly sounded forced any longer.

She kept the corner of her eye on the stair case that led up to the bar. With all the noise in the room, she had no chance of hearing the door open. There were about 45 to 50 people in the room. It was a little smokey, do to the cigarette smoke, but she adjusted nicely. She had learned to block out the noise after her first visit here. So, she was doing all right.

Holly watched as the light cascaded down the staircase as the door at the top opened. In walked a boy that looked to be about fifteen years old. He was wearing a dark-blue button-up shirt. The sleeves of it were rolled to about mid-forearm. There was a look in his spanish-brown eyes that sent a shiver down her body. That has to be him... She thought. And if it wasn't she knew that she would be disappointed.

But Holly knew... She could feel the presence that Gabriel radiated. She could feel the power that was unknown to him as of yet. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw Rachel following behind him.

Her friend was dressed in a tight white t-shirt and faded blue jeans. A pair of well-worn sneakers carried her down the stairs. Holly watched as her friend ran her hand through her hair in an unconscious gesture. She was always doing that since her bangs were a little long.

<'Don't move, I have to talk to you.'> Holly heard the telepathic command in her head. She knew the voice well. It was Rachel.

Holly's response was simple enough. <'Ok.'> Then she settled back down in her seat. She watched as Rachel whispered something to Gabriel, and started in her direction. The smooth strides of Rachel, The Chosen, always was noticed by Holly. Rachel was definitely a vision.

"Hey," Rachel started as she made it to Holly. She took a seat beside her friend. "Josh, take a walk." She said as she sat down.

"C'mon Rachel-" The boy with brown hair started to protest.

"I mean it Josh, I gotta talk to Holly," Rachel said, looking at him pointedly. She never did like him, but couldn't understand why. She watched as Josh grumbled something and got up and walked out of ear-shot.

"So what's up... no change in plans I hope," Holly said, looking into her friends sea-green eyes. Man, I hope she don't change the plans... This is my chance to prove my worth to SOMA. She thought with a frown.

"Tch, Holly, always thinking the worst," Rachel chided her friend. I hope Gabriel doesn't get mad over these so-called plans... She thought a little sadly. She hated being sneaky with him, but it was for his own good. "Well, I've got good news and I got bad news. Which do ya want first?" She asked in an even tone.

Oh boy. Holly thought. "The good," She replied in a smooth and low voice. It portrayed confidence when she had none at the moment. Holly really did always look for the worst scenarios to happen.

"The good news is, there is no way in hell you're gonna lose this tournament," Rachel said with a crooked grin.

"The bad?" Holly asked, waiting for the worst.

"The bad is... You're not competing in it," Rachel said evenly, squinting her eyes in anticipation of the explosion from her friend. She was pretty sure there was going to be one, given Holly's famous temper. But none came. In fact, Rachel was surprised to see a look of relief on her friend's face.

That ain't so bad. I thought for a minute she was gonna tell me she didn't need me. Holly thought, obviously relieved. But she was curious as to why she couldn't compete. "Why not?" She asked in a light and curious tone.

"Because Gabriel is," She said in an equally light voice. "He told me so on the way over," Now, here is where the explosion comes. She thought with wry humor.

"Are you fuckin' crazy!?" Holly said a little too loudly. It drew several looks their way. She lowered her voice somewhat then. "As his future Protector, I highly disagree with this!" She said in a harsh whisper. "He could get hurt," Holly added with serious eyes. What's she thinking???

As if! Rachel thought wildly. "And as his Mate, I think it is imperative that we build his confidence. He'll need it to reach his full potential," Rachel said with die-hard logic. She then looked over to where Gabriel was standing. He was leaning against the wall, scanning the room. Rachel then looked back at Holly. "This is not negotiable."

Damn it, damn it, damn it!!! Holly's mind screamed. But finally she relented. She knew that Rachel was a Chosen One, and hence, Rachel out ranked her... That is until she was officially Gabriel's protector. Then the only people that could give her order's were him and SOMA.

"All right. But I am still going home with you after this, right?" She asked, showing a bit of hope in her grayish-blue eyes.

"As planned," Rachel agreed with a nod. That was easier than I thought. She thought, as she stood back up. "C'mon, I have to show Gabriel where to sign up at," She said, motioning with her head for Holly to follow. "What's the competition like today?" She then asked making her way to Gabriel.

"Are you competing?" Holly asked, watching her friend give a shake of her head. "Well, then it will be an 'all boys' tournament, since I ain't fighting either," Holly replied with a smirk.

"How good is he anyway?" Holly asked, talking about Gabriel.

"Let me put it this way... You're in for a treat," Rachel replied as they came to a stop in front of Gabriel. She was pretty sure that he heard her, but she was also pretty sure that he didn't know what they were talking about.

Gabriel had been standing in that spot ever since Rachel told him to. He wondered what she was talking about to her friend that would make her friend ask 'Are you fuckin' crazy!?' But he wasn't the kind to be nosey, so he let it drop. He also let the statement 'You're in for a treat' drop. He watched with semi-quizzical eyes as the girl with the long midnight-black hair approached him.

"My name is Holly. Pleasure to meet you," Holly said and stuck out her hand.

Gabriel reached his hand out, grasping hers gently. "Gabriel," He said in a low voice. You know, Gabriel my boy, you should really learn small-talk some times... He thought to himself wryly. But he just looked over at Rachel. He berated himself silently for not talking to her enough on the way over. "So how do I sign up for this?" Was all he asked, though.

"Well, there is a thirty-dollar entry fee you pay to that man over there," Rachel replied with a smirk, pointing to the man in question. She knew that he didn't have thirty dollars. She watched a brief moment of worry cross Gabriel's intense spanish-brown eyes. Then added

"Which I will pay... Seeing how this is you're first time and all, "

Rachel saw the gratitude in his eyes for a moment, then it disappeared, leaving that impassive look she had grown used to over the day. Jesus, he's more closed than I am, now that's bad. She thought sadly. "C'mon, let's get this over with," She said with an affectionate smile and tugged on his sleeve.

The three of them walked over to the overly large man with a clip board in his hand and a small table beside him. On top of the table was a metal box that was used to keep money in. The man's gut hung a good four inches over his belt and he was completely bald on top of his head, but had hair on the sides of his head. He gave a gracious smile when he saw Rachel and holly approach.

"Holly! Rachel!It's always a pleasure to see you here. I take it that you two lovely ladies wish to sign up?" The man asked with a cheerful voice. Gabriel thought the man was a little drunk. But he thought he could be wrong. Gabriel didn't know why, but he just didn't like cheerful people.

"Not this time, Old Man. But I do want to sign my friend here up," She said with good nature, looking at Gabriel. She reached in her back pocket and pulled out a stack of neatly folded bills. She counted out thirty dollars and gave it to the man, who took it with a smile. He then put it in the box on the table.

The man turned to Gabriel and stuck out his hand. "Ah, any friend of Rachel's is a friend of mine. What's your name, boy?" He asked as Gabriel gave his hand one firm shake and let it go.

My name is 'Trouble' if you call me 'boy' again. Gabriel thought, not nicely. "Gabriel," was all he said, though.

"Well, Gabriel, I trust that Rachel here has filled you in on the house rules?" He watched as Gabriel gave a brief nod. "Ok, all you have to do is wait until your name is called, then you just enter the circle... I have to ask, you don't look very big, are you sure you want to do this?" He watched irritation and more than a little anger flash in Gabriel's eyes. "I'll take that as a 'yes'," He added with a chuckle.

Then he continued. "You look pretty sure of yourself, Boy... Would you care to place a side bet?" The man asked. He was pretty sure that he knew who was going to win. And his name was Josh. He would have put his money on Holly but she wasn't in it anymore.

At this point of the conversation, Gabriel was a lot more than a little irritated. If I had money, I'd bet just to knock that smug fuckin' look off your face. White rage was beginning to fill his eyes at this point. He was beginning to consider just knocking the smirk off the old-fashioned way.

Uh-oh. Rachel thought. She could see Gabriel tense up and his eyes squint. She watched in amusement at first, but saw his fingers start to twitch. Better do something. She thought quickly. "No, he doesn't want to place a side bet, but I would," Rachel said quickly.

"I never took you for the gambling type, Rachel. But sure. How much?" He asked, he was on his favorite subject now: Money.

<'How much money do you have?'> Rachel asked Holly telepathically.

<'Bout three hundred... Why?'>

<'Give it to me. I'll pay you back later, '> Rachel replied. She watched as Holly just shrugged and reached into her leather jacket, handing over a money clip.

"How's a thousand sound?" Rachel asked, putting Holly's money with hers. She chuckled as the man's eyebrows shot straight up. This should prove to Gabriel that I have a lot of confidence in him... She thought with an inward grin. "Whatsa matter... too much for ya?" She asked tauntingly to the large man.

Gabriel had to actually bite his lip to keep from laughing. Holly was about in the same condition as well.

The large man's face stayed very uncertain for a few more seconds, then that smug, condescending 'look' came back to his face. I can't let a kid make me look bad... He thought. "Alright Darlin', it's a bet," He said with confidence.

Now I really have to win. Gabriel thought, giving Rachel an affectionate look he had no idea he was giving. Then he turned his eyes back to the large man, the affection turned to coldness. "This young lady has a lot of faith in you, Boy. Let's see if its well spent," He told Gabriel. Then he turned back to Rachel. "Show him where to go," He said in a clipped tone.

Rachel did not miss the affectionate look that Gabriel gave her. It made her feel warm inside.

She knew that Holly didn't miss it as well because she sent her a message. <'I think he has a soft spot, '> Holly told her smugly. Rachel just smiled at her and looked at Gabriel.

"C'mon, Gabe. Let's show baldy there that he is SO out of his league," She said with a chuckle, tugging on his sleeve again.

Gabriel gave her a lopsided grin and a wink. "Whatever you say, Cutie," The nickname slipped out of its own accord and he snapped his mouth shut. He had no intention of saying that out loud.

Ohhhhh. I could tweak him good over THAT one. She thought evilly. But she decided to let it go and pray that it happened again.

The three of them made a steady pace to the east wall of the basement. On the east wall was three long wooden benches put together for the fighters to sit on. They heard the fat man's voice ring out and tell everyone to get situated. Rachel led Gabriel to a spot and motioned for him to sit. She sat on one side of him and Holly sat on the other.

Gabriel had one thought: I hope I don't disappoint them.

Then, as if reading his mind, Rachel placed a hand on his knee and gave a little squeeze. She leaned over and whispered something to him. "You'll do fine," She said in a voice of velvet. Then straightened herself.

Gabriel gave her a twitch of a smile and nodded. Maybe I will. He thought. He watched the fat man step to the middle of the basement floor, noticing everything got quiet. There were a few people milling about, but they quickly got situated when they saw that the show was about to begin.

The fat man stood as a lone figure in the middle of the room. He was looking at the fighters. He was looking at Gabriel. "You all know the rules. Nobody leaves the fight until they knock their opponent out or make them submit... Or have the same done to them. The bets have already been placed, so it is time to begin. First up," He looked at the clip board purely for show, he wanted Gabriel to go first. "Gabriel against Tim Winters. Let it begin," He finished, then walked across the room to take a seat.

Rachel gave Gabriel a nod that said 'I know you can do it' as he stood up and started for the middle of the room. As he was walking, he noticed that his opponent had started to the middle as well. His 'opponent' looked like he outweighed him by fifty pounds. No sweat. He thought wryly and stopped in the middle of the room, his opponent was about five feet from him.

Tim wore a smirk of confidence. He had no doubt that he was going to squash Gabriel like a bug. Rachel had told Gabriel the rules before they got there, so he knew not to move until the fat man said go. But he was hard pressed when his opponent spoke. But he knew that Tim was trying to get him angry so he let it slide.

But Tim's cocky grin was almost too much for Gabriel. He wanted to erase it in a big way. Then the bastard spoke. "Ya know, that's an awfully pretty shirt... Might want to take it off. I'd hate to rip it when I'm tearing into you," He said in a condescending tone.

Gabriel didn't miss a beat though and spoke in a very neutral voice, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Don't worry about it, I have dozens," He said. That got a few snickers from the other fighters.