After freshening up and changing into comfortable home clothes, Amelie stood in front of the mirror. Instinctively, her hand rested on her stomach.
"Gabriel feels you," she murmured softly.
The thought brought both warmth and pain. Gabriel, a man with no biological connection to the child, could already sense the bond. Yet Alex, the pup’s own father, felt nothing. Not even an ounce of responsibility or attachment.
"I shouldn’t think about that jerk," she muttered. "This pup is mine alone."
With a deep breath, she exited the washroom and settled onto the bed, lying down to rest. But sleep didn’t come easily.
"Gabriel wants me in his life," she whispered into the dimly lit room. "He’s the first person who made me feel like I belong somewhere."
Yet, doubts gnawed at her. The way Gabriel’s brother had reacted upon seeing her was telling. His entire family, descendants of royal Alpha blood, would surely disapprove. And she? She was just an omega. A pregnant omega.
"I can’t ruin Gabriel’s reputation because of me," she thought bitterly.
And if their relationship became public, there was no doubt that her old pack would find out.
Her fingers clenched into the bedsheet. ’But shouldn’t Alex be the one shamed if the truth comes out?’ she thought. Amelie wanted him to suffer ten times more for the betrayal that had shattered her. And her sister... the very person who had betrayed her without a second thought.
"They deserve to pay," Amelie muttered, sitting up abruptly.
Determined, she slid on her slippers and left the room. She needed to see Gabriel.
Reaching his door, she knocked and waited. No response.
"Gabriel?" she called out, pushing the door slightly. To her surprise, it was unlocked.
Stepping inside, she was met with complete darkness. Gabriel wasn’t present in the room.
"Has he gone out?" Amelie murmured, stepping back before turning around.
She barely had time to react before colliding with something solid yet warm. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her, steadying her.
Looking up, she met Gabriel’s intense violet eyes.
"I—I wanted to talk to you," she stammered.
He let go of her as she took a step back.
"Speak," Gabriel said, and with a single clap, the room was instantly bathed in light.
Amelie’s gaze swept over him. Dressed entirely in black, he looked as imposing as ever, but something about him felt off. His fists were clenched tightly, as if someone angered him.
"Did something happen?" she asked.
"No," he replied curtly, turning toward the recliner next to the bed. "What is it you wanted to talk about?" He arched a brow, pressing a finger to his temple.
"You don’t look fine," Amelie observed. "Did someone anger you?"
Gabriel exhaled sharply before answering. "I caught a hybrid werewolf today. He’s begging me to save his mate, and I have no intention of doing that."
"What? Why?" Amelie’s eyes widened in disbelief. So what he had told her before about only helping her was true. He didn’t extend the same kindness to others.
"Because Ewan is a fucking trickster," Gabriel stated flatly. "He’s caused chaos in multiple packs by creating his own faction." He leaned back, resting an arm on the chair’s handrest. "Take a seat. Don’t just stand there."
Amelie hesitated before walking over and settling on the edge of the bed. "But his mate must be in danger. That’s why Ewan is asking for your help."
Gabriel scoffed. "I doubt his mate even needs saving. What if it’s a ploy to lure our wolves into a trap? And don’t forget, Ewan is known for using magic. His mother is a witch, but she stopped using those powers a long time ago."
Gabriel studied her for a long moment before giving a slow nod.
"You’re right," he admitted.
Amelie felt a slight relief before gathering the courage to continue.
"Umm... I want to reveal the truth about my pregnancy to the Red River Pack," she said firmly. "If I don’t, they’ll always see me as the villain. I did nothing wrong."
Gabriel remained silent, listening intently.
"When we attend the gala and you introduce me to your family, I don’t want anyone questioning your choice. We feel a connection. You through my pup, and me through your scent. I don’t want Prince Gabriel to be doubted for standing by me," she asserted, locking eyes with him, searching for his response.
"I can make it happen," Gabriel said. "But I am known for my twisted choices. I don’t care for others opinions. Had I, you wouldn’t have been sitting on my bed, Amelie."
"I want it to do it myself," Amelie said. "I know in your presence Alex will eventually speak the truth. But I want him to admit it before everyone when I confront him. I want to go to the Red River Pack after attending the gala," she pronounced, finally revealing her true desire.
"So, you want to go to a place from where you wanted to run away," Gabriel remarked.
"To reveal the truth!" Amelie replied. "I don’t want to go back there to live. There’s a difference between the two," she added.
"Fine. I’ll do as you want," Gabriel agreed to her, bringing a bright smile on Amelie’s face. "Do you wish to be mine? Can I claim you as mine?"
"I’ll answer you in the gala," Amelie replied, lowering her gaze.
"I hope you give me a response I desire to hear," Gabriel stated.
"Hmm. I’ll go and check the dinner preparation." Amelie rose to her feet, feeling lighter than before. However, Gabriel caught her wrist and pulled her down on the recliner, right on his lap.
Her loose hair fell to the front while her nose brushed against his.
"Stay. You aren’t supposed to do household chores, Amelie. Just stay with me and talk to me. I love it when we converse. I feel I am not alone and I won’t die in loneliness," Gabriel pronounced, peering right into her eyes.
She parted her lips to speak when Gabriel kissed them, thus startling her.