lay it all on me

He had tracked Gabe down once more. Gabe hadn't asked for solitude in so many words but Sam had given it to him nonetheless. His ears pressed back. He knew what he should do, but he was too much a coward to do so. He could not think of facing the world alone once more, not when he was so close to having someone else to stand with him.

He padded along, his head hung in shame. Gabe's words still stung but he didn't let it show. It was a survival mechanism he had learned. If he didn't let anyone know they had gotten to him then he would be okay, he would live to cry in solitude alone like the failure he was. For that's what he was. Gabe did a good job reminding him of that. That he was alone and would never know the love of his family as he once had. Gabe hated him, and held such disgust and disdain for him.

Then there was Michael, a saint of the purest rage. He hated Sam so much. Wanted Sam dead. How was he to cope with the rage that Mike held for him?

He padded on gentle paws. He knew he was at his breaking point. Mike had thrown a wrench in his happiness. Had made sure Sam couldn't continue to live the lie he did. As he viewed Gabe ahead he stopped. They were all least 20 feet from each other but Sam couldn't bring himself to close the distance. Instead he reminded himself what others saw, a monster. A being so worth nothing it deserved nothing more than death. He lowered himself to the ground there. His ears pressed back. He made himself the easiest prey Gabriel had ever hunted in that moment. His head touched the ground and he lowered his eyes from Gabe.

If Gabe ended him and took his hide back all would be made well again. Or at least that's what he told himself. No word was needed to let Gabe know he was there. He hadn't conceal his approach or tried to hide his scent. The wind blew it directly to Gabe. He didn't want to surprise the Herald.