Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince

She slowly pulled away, her lips lingering just a second longer before breaking the kiss. Her eyes fluttered open, locking with Casaio's gaze.

"If you're going to start something," he murmured, "you'd better know how to finish it."

A soft laugh escaped Zilia as she placed a hand on his chest and gently leaned back. "I haven't even brushed yet," she said, half-flustered. "Let me freshen up first."

With a firm nudge, she pushed him back and darted to the washroom, leaving Casaio chuckling under his breath.

He rubbed his temple and shook his head with amusement. Rising from the bed, he walked to the mirror and ran his fingers through his tousled hair before reaching for a comb. Once satisfied with his appearance, he set it down and picked up his phone from the nightstand.

A missed call notification flashed across the screen. It was from Estelle, his beta.

He quickly dialed back. "Estelle, you called?"

"Yes," her voice came through. "Since Prince Dominick is away, I received another report from Mr. Vitilleo. Apparently, more beta wolves have been murdered, this time, the signs clearly point to beta hunters."

Casaio's expression turned into a menacing one.

"I reviewed the report," Estelle continued. "There's a specific location mentioned… it could be a major hub for the hunters. I was planning to investigate it myself."

"Wait for me and Dominick to return," Casaio said at once. "We'll go with you. Don't engage them alone."

"But, you're staying another day in San Ravendale. I'll go with a team. So, you don't have to worry. I won't attack them. After doing my research I'll be back," Estelle asserted.

"Estelle, you got into trouble in the past too. While I trust your abilities, I don't want to underestimate the strength of the hunters. Wait for today. Tomorrow I'll be back, then we will go together," Casaio advised her.

Estelle nodded in understanding as she agreed to him. "I'll wait for the Alpha Princes to return," she assured him.

Casaio lowered the phone as it disconnected and slid into one of the pockets of his trousers.

Just then, he heard the door unlock, and Zilia stepped out with a towel wrapped around her.

"I forgot to grab my clothes," she whispered, glancing away in embarrassment.

That familiar flicker of shyness returned to her expression, contrasting the confident woman he often saw. Without waiting for a reply, she padded quickly toward the cupboard and pulled out a fresh pair of clothes.

She slowly closed the cupboard, hoping he would step out. But when he didn't, she went back to the washroom. However, as she pushed open the door, Casaio grasped her hand.

"You can change here. It's not like I haven't seen your body before. So, stop being so shy," he whispered in her ear. His eyes dropped to her bare shoulder, and the urge to ravish her started to build.

You're right," Zilia replied before tilting her head over her shoulder. "I don't know why I feel that way. Just give me a moment."

Casaio let go of her hand. "Change here and come to the dining room. I suppose everyone must be waiting for us," he said and left the room.

As the door shut, Zilia turned around and sighed.

~~~~

In the living room, everyone gathered for the morning tea. Since the others woke up late, the breakfast was delayed.

"So, you'll be heading back tonight?" Gabriel asked, glancing at Dominick over the rim of his teacup.

"Yes, that's the plan," Dominick confirmed with a nod.

"Stay one more day," Amelie said, her eyes drifting to Juniper with a hopeful smile. "It's rare to see all of us together like this."

Juniper offered a warm smile in return, though she gently shook her head. "We'd love to, but the wedding preparations begin tomorrow. There's still a lot to organize."

"That's understandable," Amelie responded softly.

Gabriel then shifted his gaze toward Casaio, who lounged comfortably in a high-backed sofa chair, one leg crossed over the other and a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"And what about you?" Gabriel asked.

Casaio raised an eyebrow slightly. "We'll be staying one more night. We'll set out tomorrow morning." He glanced around the room, brows slightly furrowed. "Carlos isn't around."

"He's probably still asleep," Gabriel replied, putting back his coffee cup on the table.

Just then, Albus entered the room, clearing his throat.

"Breakfast is ready to be served," he announced.

"Let's go eat. Amelie needs to stay on schedule," Gabriel said, giving Amelie a pointed look as he stood.

"It's not that late. Let's wait for Zilia," Amelie murmured, glancing toward the hallway.

As if on cue, Zilia appeared, her steps brisk. "I'm here! Sorry for making everyone wait."

"Perfect timing," Gabriel said, smiling. He gently helped Amelie to her feet while the others rose as well.

As they passed through the hallway toward the dining room, Amelie paused by the window, her eyes drifting outside.

"It's raining," she said softly.

Gabriel followed her gaze and nodded. "Yeah… we won't be going out today. Though," he added with a small sigh, "I might still need to head to the company later this afternoon."

"Then take me with you," Amelie said, a playful pout forming on her lips. "Who knows the rain might stop by then. I'll be bored here since they will go out to explore the city."

Gabriel chuckled softly. "Alright," he agreed. "You're coming with me."

He brought a hand to her shoulder, gently pulling her closer as they walked together into the dining room. Once there, Gabriel pulled out a chair for her and waited until she was seated before taking his own place beside her.

"Gabriel treats Amelie like she's his entire world," Juniper commented warmly, watching them with a smile.

"Well," Gabriel said, "she is my world." He turned slightly toward Amelie. "Her presence brightened my life in more ways than I can say."

Beneath the table, he reached for her hand and held it, his gaze soft and full of admiration.