The van door clunked shut behind Thane as he climbed back in, sliding into the passenger seat. The others were scattered—Cassie had called dibs on the bench to sleep, Jonah was curled up around a sack of jerky like a dragon guarding treasure, and Maya had her earbuds in, eyes closed but still buzzing from adrenaline.

Gabriel sat behind the wheel, paws on the steering wheel, idling with a lukewarm gas station coffee in one hand. He didn’t look over. Just sipped. Slowly.

Then:
“So. You gonna tell me when you joined the chivalry squad, or was that a one-night engagement?”

Thane raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry?”

“You know—stepping in, saving the damsel, flexing a little fur,” Gabriel said, dragging out every word like molasses. “Very knightly. I’m surprised you didn’t toss a flannel over a puddle first.”

Thane snorted. “She was getting grabbed, I stopped it. You want me to not do that?”

Gabriel finally turned, grinning wide. Just a little too wide. Icy blue eyes gleaming with the kind of energy that screamed dangerously under-caffeinated and looking for an excuse.

“Oh no, I think it was adorable,” he said, leaning a little closer. “My big strong wolf, defending another guitarist like she’s some sacred relic. Very noble. Very growly.”

Thane gave him a sideways look. “You jealous?”

Gabriel’s ears flicked, and his smirk sharpened—literally. A flash of white fangs. “Me? Nahhh. It’s not like I wanted to handle the guy myself or anything. Or that watching you go full apex predator didn’t make my tail twitch a little.”

Thane rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at the edge of his muzzle. “You done?”

Gabriel leaned in close, voice low and mock-serious, warm breath just brushing Thane’s ear.

“You’re mine. Everyone knows it. Even she knows it. But next time you break out the full ‘protective werewolf’ routine, make sure it’s for me, yeah?”

He paused, then added with a sleepy grin and a teasing glint in his eye, “Otherwise, I might just bite you — just to make sure you remember you’re mine.”

Thane didn’t flinch. He just leaned back, head tilted lazily. “That a promise?”

Gabriel blinked — then grinned again, this time softer. Less fang, more warmth. “Keep talking like that and I’m gonna leave a mark.”

Thane reached over and stole his coffee.

“HEY—”

“I love you,” Thane said, sipping it.

Gabriel sighed dramatically, flipping on the headlights. “You’re lucky you’re mine.”

As the van rumbled back onto the highway, fading taillights glowing red in the misty dark, Gabriel finally relaxed into his seat.

“…Still should’ve let me handle the guy, though.”

Thane smirked. “Next time, I’ll bring popcorn.”