Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince

"You talk so deeply sometimes," Gabriel said in a tone of admiration, "and it touches my heart."

"I learned from you." A shy smile tugged at Amelie's lips, one she couldn't hide.

Gabriel didn't resist the pull any longer, and he kissed her. His arms held her securely, the scent of his pheromones mingling in the air. The sky above was pale blue, scattered with drifting clouds, as the kiss that began softly stretched far longer than either of them expected.

When they finally pulled apart, both were slightly breathless. Amelie bit her bottom lip, trying in vain to conceal her smile and the blush blooming on her cheeks.

"Don't do that," Gabriel murmured, brushing his thumb against her lips. Their eyes locked. "This dress… it suits you. In white, you look like a fairy."

"Don't say such flattering things. Haven't I put on a little weight? I saw myself in the mirror, my face looks rounder," Amelie said, cupping her cheeks.

"And you're even more beautiful than before," Gabriel countered without hesitation. "They call it a 'pregnancy glow.' You have it. You shine more every day. I love you, Amelie, every part of you." His hands framed her face, his forehead resting gently against hers.

"Maybe after giving birth, my body…"

"I'll love every version of you," Gabriel interrupted softly. "Don't let those insecurities steal from this moment." He pinched her cheeks playfully. "See? Perfect."

Her smile returned, warmer this time.

"Let's go inside. It's breakfast time. Dominick and his mate are probably waiting," Gabriel said, reaching for her hand.

"Sure," she replied, lacing her fingers with his. "Did you speak with Brother Casaio?"

"Not yet, but he said last night they'll be here tomorrow," Gabriel told her.

"I hope everything goes according to plan," Amelie murmured as they walked slowly toward the house.

"I believe in the Moon Goddess," Gabriel said with quiet conviction. "Whatever she has decided for us will happen."

Shortly after, they arrived at the dining room. Dominick and Juniper were already seated, engrossed in conversation. However, their words trailed off as soon as they noticed Gabriel and Amelie enter.

"Good morning," Amelie greeted warmly, making her way to her usual seat. As always, Gabriel pulled out the chair for her, earning a faint smile from her before he took his own place.

"You seem to be in an unusually good mood," Dominick remarked, his gaze flicking toward Gabriel.

Albus stepped forward and instructed the maids to begin serving breakfast.

"I'm always in a good mood, especially in the mornings," Gabriel replied casually, lifting his spoon.

Dominick let out a short laugh. "That's a lie."

A faint smirk touched Gabriel's lips, but he didn't respond. The clinking of cutlery soon replaced their voices, and the room settled into a silence.

~~~~~

"Why were you calling me last night?" Katelyn demanded, her glare fixed on Sage. He lounged in the swivel chair as if he owned the room, eyes half-shut and an air of nonchalance about him.

"And why," Sage drawled without opening his eyes, "did you block me, knowing full well your boss was the one calling?"

"I don't answer calls from unknown numbers," Katelyn shot back, folding her arms. "Especially outside of work."

"I'm your fiancé too," Sage said at last, standing up from the swivel chair. His hands stayed casually buried in the pockets of his trousers as he closed the distance between them.

"Not even in your dreams, Sage," Katelyn shot back, retreating a step with every one of his. "We aren't official. Our parents never made it official. And even if they did, I'd never mate with you. Even an omega would be better than you."

Sage's stride never slowed. Within seconds, her back met the wall, his tall frame looming over her like a shadow she couldn't escape.

"An omega isn't even worthy of standing before me," he said in a dangerously low voice. "And you're comparing me to such low-life wolves?"

Katelyn's eyes didn't flinch from his. "This is why I despise alphas like you. You think you're all-powerful and treat everyone else like worms. Ah, and I also found out you slept with your former secretary. She's an omega from a wealthy family. Did you not feel ashamed then?"

Sage's lips curved into a slow, infuriating smirk. He leaned in, close enough that his breath brushed her cheek.

"Kate, you're so interested in me you've been digging up my past," he murmured, brows arching in mock amusement.

"I'm collecting evidence to show my parents exactly what kind of bastard you are," Katelyn said.

The smirk drained from Sage's lips. His eyes darkened, his expression turning into something far more dangerous.

"You shouldn't have called me that," he said. "Don't test my patience, Princess. Keep pushing me, and I might just move our mating ceremony forward, whether you like it or not."

He took a slow step back, gaze still locked on her.

"Get out of my sight," he growled.

The sudden fierceness in his tone made Katelyn's chest tighten for just a moment, but she masked it quickly. She wanted to throw another insult in his face, to walk away victorious, but something in his expression told her it would be a mistake.

So, without another word, she spun on her heel and strode out, her fury simmering under the surface.

Back at her desk, she dropped into her chair and snatched up the phone. Her thumb hovered over her father's number. For a second, she was ready to end this once and for all… but an inexplicable hesitation curled through her. Slowly, she set the phone down.

"If I tell Dad, he will think I'm just a useless daughter, who only wants to sit inside the four walls of the palace and do nothing. I'll make sure Sage is the one, who tells my parents that he won't mate with me."

Then, another thought lingered in her mind. 'I wish Karmen wouldn't have rejected my feelings. But I can't even ask him to like me back. He isn't the kind of man I imagined him to be.'