Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince

Carlos gestured toward the open doorway, inviting Casaio inside the residence, a sprawling estate that was more akin to a villa than an ordinary home.

As they strolled down the wide hallway, Casaio's gaze lingered on the portraits lining the walls. They all were regal faces of witches and mages from different eras and were framed in ornate silver filigree.

"You act like a nobody among the wolves," Casaio observed, "but your family clearly carries a long and proud history in witchcraft."

Carlos's lips curved into a faint smile, though he offered no reply.

When they stepped into the living room, an elderly man in a neatly pressed black suit greeted them with a dignified bow. He was none other than Osric, the Ashfall family's long-serving butler. His lined face lit with recognition as he also greeted Casaio.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Osric said. "I'll fetch Madam at once."

"No need, Osric," Carlos interjected with a polite wave. "I'll bring my grandmother myself. Just see that Prince Casaio Sinclair is well looked after." He offered Casaio a warm smile before slipping out of the room.

Casaio settled into a deep-cushioned sofa.

"What would you like to drink, Your Highness?" Osric inquired.

"Plain water will do," Casaio answered without hesitation.

With a subtle nod, Osric glanced toward a maid standing nearby. She gave a quick bow before disappearing briskly into the kitchen.

"Carlos!" Ravenna's voice rang out warmly even before she turned to see him. Rising from her reclining chair with surprising swiftness for her age, she opened her arms wide.

"Grandma, I missed you!" Carlos said, stepping forward to wrap her in a tight embrace.

Ravenna's hands patted his back in a rhythm only a grandmother could have. After a long moment, they eased apart, though the fondness in her eyes lingered.

"How's your health?" Carlos asked, studying her with a worry he didn't bother to hide.

"Yesterday I went to the hospital," Ravenna replied with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "The doctor said I'm in much better shape now. I'll be around for many more years."

Carlos returned her smile, though inside, he wasn't fooled. He knew her illness, worsened by age, was steadily wearing her down. But for her sake, he let her keep the pretense, as if her words could bend reality.

"That's wonderful to hear," he said softly, his voice matching her optimism even if his heart didn't.

"Did Casaio come too?" Ravenna asked, her sharp gaze flicking toward the door as if she could see through the walls.

"Yes," Carlos replied. "He's in the living room."

Ravenna's lips curved into a faint smirk. "You should have brought the girl who saved you."

Carlos shook his head. "Amelie is pregnant and is due in two months. It didn't feel right to bring her here. As for Gabriel, he wanted to come, but I told him to stay by her side. That's why his eldest brother came in his place."

He took a breath before adding, "Grandma, your health isn't what it used to be. Just tell me everything you've found out… and how I can end Ophelia for good."

Ravenna's expression sobered, the warmth in her features replaced by a grave intensity. "It won't be easy, Carlos. That witch has been amassing power for centuries. You might not even be able to defend yourself, let alone others. That's why I have to step in."

Her eyes softened, if only slightly. "That girl saved your life without a second thought. I intend to return that selflessness to save her and her mate. The curse she faces is cruel… it ensures that when one dies, the other follows, lost to grief. It is love turned into a weapon."

"But I saw Amelie and Gabriel having a son soon," Carlos revealed with conviction. "My visions are never wrong."

"I know," Ravenna replied with a gentle smile, her hand rising to caress his arm in reassurance.

"Grandma… what exactly will you do to fight Ophelia?" he asked, searching her face for answers.

"We need to dig into her past, the true root of her vengeance," Ravenna said with a serious expression. "Though I told you it was because her child died, we must discover how it happened… and what role both Amelie and Gabriel played in it."

Carlos's chest tightened. 'Your energy might drain in that fight. You're the only family I have left, Grandma.' The words burned in his mind, but they never found his lips. Also, for Amelie, he had to allow his grandmother to fight this battle.

Ravenna studied him for a second longer before straightening. "Come. Let's not keep Casaio waiting any longer. It's rude to leave a prince alone for too long."

~~~~~

Gabriel hadn't managed to speak with his father during the day. The phone was said to be switched off or out of reach. It was a clear sign the Alpha King was tied up with work.

As the evening settled in, Gabriel and Amelie prepared to leave for home.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, for not being able to spend time with you today," David said, bowing his head with genuine humility.

"Your new responsibilities demand your attention and that's understandable," Gabriel replied. A faint smile curved his lips. "We still enjoyed our visit… especially Amelie." His gaze shifted to his mate beside him.

Amelie's eyes softened. "Dad, I'll come again soon. And maybe next time, we can finally share a meal together," she said warmly.

"Of course!" David said with sudden enthusiasm. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his worn leather wallet. Flipping it open, he took out a small stack of bills.

"I don't have much to give you right now," he admitted, pressing the money into his daughter's hand, "but buy something for yourself on the way home."

"Dad, that's not necessary," Amelie protested, shaking her head.

"Just keep it, dear," Samyra interjected gently.

Out of respect, Amelie didn't refuse again. She accepted the money, her fingers curling around it, and in that moment, a memory stirred back when she had yet to awaken her wolf, when her father's quiet pampering had been a rare comfort in her life.

"Amelie…" David's voice was laced with a mix of curiosity and awe. "Did something… change in you? Did you perhaps awaken your wolf?" His eyes searched hers.

"Yes," Amelie said softly. "It happened not long ago."

Gabriel's gaze sharpened. "The assumptions you all made about Amelie, the ones that shattered your own family's peace, were wrong. She carries the alpha legacy of the Conley family. Mrs. Conley already knows this." His hand slid into Amelie's in protectiveness. "Since we're running late, we'll be taking our leave now."

With that, Gabriel guided her toward the door.

David was shocked to learn the truth. "Amelie, wait!" he called out.