“Catlin, please try to understand. Going to the facility is crucial for your well-being,” Kevin pleaded with a mix of sadness and desperation etched on his face. Standing behind him, Gabriel’s anger simmered, evident in his piercing gaze. They were insistent on me seeking help from the facility, where Gabriel had found ways to suppress his own voice. But since I met Gabriel, The Voices seemed to have vanished. It had been a week, and they hadn’t returned.

“Kevin, I don’t see the necessity of it. The Voices have quieted down, and I feel fine,” I replied, my irritation seeping through my words. “Besides, who will manage the shop if I leave?”

Gabriel’s eyes bore into my head, his frustration palpable. Sensing his impending outburst, I turned to him and mustered the sweetest smile I could manage. “Don’t you have something to say? You’ve told me I’ve been doing great, that I almost don’t need your help anymore. Do you agree with Kevin? Do you think I need to go to this place?”

Gabriel locked his gaze with mine and slowly approached. In the past week, the intense attraction I had initially felt had subsided, but now, a wave of emotions rushed back, accompanied by a familiar fluttering in my stomach. I couldn’t help but admire the way his tight jeans hugged his muscled legs and narrow waist. A flush warmed my cheeks as my eyes longed to meet his almond-shaped gaze.

“For this week, you’ve shown incredible control. I assure you, the Voices will return,” Gabriel whispered in a low tone that drew me closer. I was transfixed by his mesmerizing eyes, yearning to agree with him without hesitation. His soft hands grazed my cheek, and his signature scent of baby powder filled my senses. In that moment, I longed to lean into his touch and kiss him tenderly.

“Catlin! Are you even paying attention?” Kevin’s sudden outburst jolted me, causing me to startle and hit my head on the kitchen cupboards. Anger surged within me, and I could feel The Voices clamoring to break free. I turned to Gabriel, gasping in pain.

“Kevin, leave now! The Voices are back, and they’ll harm you!” Gabriel shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Kevin insisted on helping, but Gabriel firmly denied him, “Not this time!”

Gabriel’s grip tightened around my neck, squeezing the air out of me. Instead of fear, a strange surge of desire coursed through my body. Our lips collided in a possessive kiss, and I couldn’t resist responding with equal fervor. It felt as though my very life depended on it.

“NO! You’re mine! You can’t be his! He isn’t your mate, don’t you understand? He’ll imprison us!” The Voices cried out in my mind, accompanied by a searing pain that wracked my body. Yet, amidst the agony, Gabriel’s presence engulfed me, his hands encouraging me to explore his body, igniting a passionate response.

“It hurts, Gabriel!” I gasped, torn between pain and passion.

“I know, but if I don’t do this, The Voices will take control. I need to have you,” he pleaded desperately. “Please, Catlin, be mine. Let us be together as we were meant to be!”

“No! She is mine, only mine!”

As the morning sun cascaded through the curtains, filling the room with a warm glow, I slowly opened my eyes. A profound sense of peace enveloped me, as if a heavy burden had lifted from my shoulders. The echoes of The Voice seemed distant, almost

 fading away.

Turning my head, I saw Gabriel lying beside me, a gentle smile gracing his lips. His mere presence brought solace and renewed hope.

“Good morning,” Gabriel whispered, his voice exuding warmth and tenderness. “How are you feeling?”

Unable to contain my own smile, a flicker of joy danced in my eyes. The darkness that had consumed me began to recede, giving way to a glimmer of light.

“I feel… different,” I confessed, my voice tinged with relief and curiosity. “The Voice, it’s quieter now. It’s as if I’ve regained more control over it.”

Gabriel nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “That’s a positive sign. We’ve taken the first steps toward finding a way to coexist with The Voice, rather than letting it consume you. We’ll face this journey together, Caitlin.”

Reaching out, I clasped his hand, a renewed sense of trust and companionship enveloping us. It was an unspoken vow that we would confront whatever lay ahead as a united front, supporting each other unconditionally.

With newfound determination, I realized I wasn’t alone. I had allies by my side, guiding me through the challenges that awaited. The path ahead may be uncertain, but I clung to the glimmer of hope illuminating the way—a beacon leading me toward reclaiming my true self.

“Do you think we can discuss the facility now without any anger?” Gabriel asked softly, his face filled with concern. I smiled, assuring him, “Certainly, but I’d like Kevin to join us. He’s like a brother to me, and I can’t exclude him from this. If it weren’t for him, I might be dead or have caused harm to others.”

“Fair enough. I had no intention of going anywhere, and I don’t mind you being intimate with each other. You know I was never an option for you… but did it really have to happen in my place?” Kevin’s voice echoed from the front door. He tossed me one of his shirts to cover up. “I had to get a damn hotel room because you two were going at it like rabbits! At least use a room, not my damn sofa! If I had shared a wall with anyone, they would have heard everything!”

“Sorry, man. It just happened,” Gabriel attempted to explain, but Kevin interrupted, “You know what? I don’t want to know the details. Let’s just focus on the facility and what lies ahead.”

“Sure, Gabriel, please tell me more about this place. I don’t want to say yes without fully understanding what I’m getting into,” I said, eager to learn.