Chapter 185
“Kate likes Karmen?!” Gabriel repeated in disbelief. “Wait a second, was that why you asked me the other day about Karmen’s ideal type? Because of Kate?” He arched a brow, eyes narrowing slightly. “Why didn’t you just tell me? Why keep it a secret p>
Amelie sighed. “Because Kate didn’t want anyone to know,” she admitted. “She was afraid of being judged or of things becoming awkward. But I had to say something now because the Queen is considering marrying her off to someone else. I couldn’t just sit back and watch that happen.” She paused, then added, “That’s why I asked you to call Karmen, to ask if he would be willing to pursue something with her, or, if not, to make it clear so Kate doesn’t keep clinging to a false hope p>
“Karmen is a beta,” Gabriel said as he sat down on the bed, running a hand through his hair. “He already rejected her, Amelie. And yet, Kate had the nerve to tell Mom that there’s someone she likes.” He let out a humorless chuckle. “Mom’s going to lose her mind when she finds out it’s Karmen p>
His eyes darkened with concern as he continued, “You know Karmen, he’s not the type to let Kate get close, especially knowing how far my mother can go. He’s cautious, maybe even scared. Not everyone has it in them to stand up to my mother the way I did when I pursued you p>
“I know,” Amelie said softly, sitting beside him. “But Karmen is a strong beta… Maybe your mother will reconsider, even if just a little,” she added in a hopeful whisper.
Gabriel shook his head. “Never. She’ll never let her only daughter marry a beta, not even one as capable as Karmen. And Karmen would never go against the royal family, especially not my mother.” His violet gaze darkened as he turned to look at Amelie.
“I know him better than anyone. He watched me suffer under her control. The last thing he’d ever do is willingly involve himself with her p>
Amelie lowered her eyes. “Then Kate should move on… She’s been holding on to her feelings for a long time p>
“She’ll have to,” Gabriel said grimly. “Karmen will make sure it ends for good. He doesn’t have feelings for Kate. He never did. There was never even the slightest chance he’d fight for her and he shouldn’t p>
“Hm,” Amelie hummed.
“Even Karmen didn’t tell me that Kate confessed to him,” he muttered, almost to himself. “You should’ve told me, at least p>
“I’m sorry,” Amelie said quietly, lowering her head. “I didn’t mean to keep it from you p>
Gabriel stared ahead on the wall. “Give me a kiss… maybe then I’ll consider letting go of this anger p>
Amelie glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Though Gabriel’s face remained neutral, both he and his wolf jumped with happiness. Then, Amelie reached up and cradled the back of his neck, turning his head toward her. Her lips met his in a tender kiss, coaxing him. She nibbled softly at his lips, inviting him to kiss her back.
Pulling away slightly, Amelie gazed into his eyes. “Don’t be angry. I kissed you… Didn’t you like it?” She pouted, her lips adorably pushed forward.
“I did,” Gabriel murmured, and without another word, he leaned in and captured her mouth with his.
His hands glided down to her waist as he lifted her effortlessly, settling her onto his lap. Her soft curves pressed against his abdomen, their chests meeting in perfect alignment as the kiss deepened.
One of his hands slid up, fingers threading behind her neck, while his thumb rested tenderly on her cheek. He kissed her with slow-burning intensity.
After a while, Amelie pulled away first, feeling breathless. Her forehead touched his. The two of them smiled when Amelie hugged him.
’You stood against your mother for me. I will do everything in my capability to prove her that I’m the most worthy woman for you,’ she thought.
Raidan placed the file gently on the table and turned to his wife, Mabel, who was standing near the window.
“Amelie is doing her best to be a good daughter-in-law,” he said thoughtfully. “I hope you’ll open your heart to her, embrace her as you would your own daughter, my dear p>
“As my daughter? That will not happen,” Mabel said firmly, turning her back to him.
“Why?” Raidan asked, rising from his seat and approaching her. “Because she’s an omega p>
“Even if I explained it, it wouldn’t matter,” Mabel replied. “You’d still refuse to believe me p>
Raidan gently took her hands in his, shaking his head. “That’s not true. Whatever it is that troubles you, tell me. I want to understand. And as for that prophecy… I can’t bring myself to believe in something so shadowed in their past lives. I trust what I see in the present p>
“I know,” Mabel whispered, pulling her hands away. A flicker of pain passed through her eyes. “I’ve given Casaio time to recover from the scars Zilia left behind. But recently… I found out he’s been hurting himself, neglecting sleep, exhausting his mind. He hides it, but I can see it p>
“Yet you spoke so harshly in front of him,” Raidan said. “Why do you do that, Mabel? You hurt him with your kids with your words, only to regret them later p>
“I just… don’t want him to grow weak because of all this,” Mabel replied. “You’re getting older, Raidan. Casaio should already be preparing to take the throne. But without a strong Luna by his side, I fear he won’t be able to handle the weight of the crown p>
Raidan exhaled slowly, then nodded. “I’ve already decided. I’ll pass the throne to Casaio soon. Maybe the weight of responsibility will focus his mind, give him purpose again.” He paused, then added gently, “And as for his Luna… perhaps fate will guide her to him when the time is right p>