Rejected and Pregnant Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince novel Chapter 193

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Chapter 193: Avoided considering Katelyn

"Then be emotionally strong," Gabriel said firmly. "I understand she’s your sister, but she’s also a culprit. This is the price she has to pay. Don’t burden yourself, or Noa, with her mistakes. Do I need to remind you of the horror of that night?"

He didn’t want to lose his temper, yet it pained him to see how easily Amelie could be swayed by a few tears or Flora’s remorseful words. He needed her to stay guarded.

"I understand where you’re coming from," Amelie said softly, her voice losing strength. "Let’s not talk about it anymore."

A sudden ache pierced her head, likely a symptom of her pregnancy. She rubbed her temple gently.

"You should rest," Gabriel said immediately. With care, he lifted her legs onto the mattress and adjusted the pillows to help her sit more comfortably. Then he took a seat near her feet and pulled her legs into his lap, beginning to massage one of them.

"Gabriel... you really don’t have to do this," Amelie murmured, trying to pull her legs back.

He gently held her in place. "I read that pregnant women often experience leg and foot pain. You haven’t said anything, but I can see it. Just let your mate take care of you."

A smile tugged at Amelie’s lips as she watched him. Her thoughts drifted to the dream she had about him, and the haunting words of the Queen. Gabriel wasn’t meant to be loved. Loving him would only lead to loss and suffering. Yet here he was, so gentle, so devoted.

’The punishment is cruel,’ she thought. ’He loved me even before, so why is he cursed? And what role do I play in all of this? Mom... I need to talk to her soon. I need answers, especially about the mark Her Majesty mentioned.’

"What are you thinking?" Gabriel asked, noticing her distant expression.

"That I have the most wonderful mate anyone could ask for," she replied with a faint smile. "One who loves me more than words can ever express."

Gabriel brushed her ankle lightly with his thumb, a silent affirmation of her words.

"By the way," she added, "has Zilia’s brother arrived yet?"

"He’ll be here shortly," Gabriel replied. "Would you like to meet him?"

"I think I should. Poor boy’s lived without his sister for so many years. But Gabriel... once he disappears from the Blood Dominion Pack, won’t that raise suspicion? I mean, wouldn’t their Alpha, or whoever assigned Zilia to spy on the royal family, find it odd?"

Gabriel simply smiled at her concern. "As far as the Blood Dominion Pack knows, her brother is already dead. That’s the story we planted, so there’s no need to worry."

Amelie’s eyes widened in surprise. "You staged his death? Then... that means he can’t stay with Zilia, right?"

"Exactly," Gabriel said with a nod. "Zilia won’t be allowed to meet him, except on very rare, supervised occasions. Casaio will make sure of that. It’s too risky to allow her constant access to him."

Amelie’s expression turned somber as she absorbed his words.

"I’ll be handing the boy over to Casaio," Gabriel continued. "From that point on, it’ll be his responsibility to ensure the boy’s safety and well-being. I trust he’ll do what’s necessary."

"I had hoped Zilia’s life wouldn’t turn out this way," Amelie said. "We didn’t talk much, but... she always seemed like a good person."

Gabriel gently placed her feet back on the mattress, then clasped his hands and rested them on his lap. He studied her for a moment.

"You’re too soft when it comes to things like this," he remarked, though his voice held more affection than criticism.

Amelie offered a faint smile, but her thoughts were still with Zilia.

Gabriel’s gaze shifted slightly, a trace of resolve sharpening his expression. "Anyway, I should get started on the Beta hunters’ investigation."

"You’ve got so much on your shoulders, Gabriel. Why not ask your second brother for help?" Amelie suggested gently.

"I will," Gabriel replied with a nod.

Just then, the soft buzz of his phone broke the calm. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the screen.

"Karmen," he murmured, standing up as he answered the call. "Alright. I’ll be in the main hall shortly."

Ending the call, Gabriel turned back to Amelie. "Karmen’s here, most likely to address Kate’s concerns. I won’t be long. In the meantime, just rest. Don’t go anywhere, alright?"