Chapter 201
Gabriel was making his way toward his chambers when he noticed a servant walking in the same direction, balancing a tray of fresh fruits in her hands. He slowed his pace and stopped her gently.
“Are you taking those to Amelie?” he asked.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the servant responded with a respectful bow.
“I’ll take it from here,” Gabriel said, reaching for the tray.
The servant hesitated for a moment, unsure, but eventually handed it over. With a nod, Gabriel turned and walked ahead.
When he entered the room, his gaze fell on Amelie, who was folding up a yoga mat and placing it in the corner.
“Were you exercising?” Gabriel asked, setting the tray carefully on the small wooden table near the window.
Amelie turned toward him with a bright smile. “Yes. And welcome back,” she said warmly as she walked up to him. Hugging him, she looked at his face. “Everything is fine between Kate and me. You won’t say a word to her p>
“I already said I wanted to,” Gabriel murmured. “On my way back, I picked this up for you.” He held out a small, elegant gift bag.
Amelie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took it from his hand. “What’s this p>
“See for yourself,” he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.
She moved to the nearest chair and sat down, carefully opening the gift bag. Inside was a neatly wrapped box, which she unwrapped with growing anticipation.
“You keep buying me gifts,” she said with a playful pout, though her voice carried a touch of fondness.
“Because I love you. I love pampering you,” Gabriel said with a soft smile.
Amelie opened the box and found a red silk scarf nestled inside, her initials delicately embroidered in gold thread near the corner. She brushed her fingers over the soft fabric.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered, her voice touched with warmth. She wrapped the scarf around her neck, letting it settle lightly against her skin.
Gabriel watched her with admiration, then picked up the bowl of fresh berries and offered it to her. “You can pair this scarf with some of your dresses,” he remarked.
“Yeah… thank you,” Amelie replied. Rising to her feet, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Gabriel turned his head slightly in a teasing tone, “You could’ve kissed me on the lips p>
A playful smile curved on her lips as she tilted her face toward his and kissed him. It was gentle but full of affection. Gabriel responded instantly, one arm slipping around her waist to draw her against him.
They lingered in that closeness, their lips parting slowly, but Gabriel wasn’t finished. He leaned in again, brushing the tip of his nose along her cheek before peppering her face with the tender kisses.
“Gabriel, that tickles,” Amelie giggled as his nose brushed against her cheek.
He pulled back with a soft smile, clearly pleased with her reaction. “Eat the berries now. You have to finish the apples too,” he said, a playful sternness in his voice.
Amelie took the bowl from his hands and sat down again on the chair. Her eyes followed him as he began unbuttoning his shirt and settled comfortably in the chair across from her, relaxed but still watching her closely.
“You should have some too,” she said, leaning slightly toward him and holding out a berry.
But before she could offer it, Gabriel gently caught her wrist and made her sit on his lap.
“I want to watch you eat first,” he murmured, his fingers lingering briefly on her hand. “Then maybe I’ll think about sharing.” He brought her hand to her mouth and made her eat the berry.
“Did you meet your parents?” Gabriel asked.
Amelie nodded softly. “Hmm. Like I told you before, Flora’s been really depressed after everything that happened. I spoke to my parents and suggested they move to San Ravendale. I think a fresh start would help p>
Gabriel leaned back slightly, processing her words. “That sounds like a wise decision p>
She glanced at him, studying his face. “What about you? Did you finish your work? Did you find out anything how these beta hunters are actually operating p>
“Not yet. We did meet Juniper’s father,” Gabriel replied. “He’s going to investigate the matter p>
Amelie set the bowl aside, her expression shifting into a serious one. “I have something important to tell you p>
Gabriel leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking with hers. “What is it p>
Her eyes searched his face. “Why didn’t you tell me about the mark p>
He blinked, caught off guard.
“That day… you noticed the mark on my neck. You even asked about it, but I brushed it off. Still, you never brought it up again. Why did you hide it from me, Gabriel p>
Gabriel’s expression tensed. “Did your mother talk to you about it p>
“No,” Amelie shook her head. “I asked her myself. I found out on my own. Only then did she tell me… and she said you knew about it too. She even mentioned what the priest told her about this mark p>
“I wanted to find out everything first before telling you,” Gabriel said. “I’m sorry for hiding it from you p>
Amelie studied him for a moment, then asked, “You have a mark too, don’t you p>
He gave a slight nod. “Yes. On the crown of my head.” He hesitated before adding, “My mother only told me recently. It’s not just a coincidence, Amelie… We’re connected. From a past we don’t yet fully understand p>
Amelie’s breath caught in her throat, and Gabriel continued, “I’ve started searching for the witches who might know about these marks, those who might understand what this bond truly means p>
“I’ve an old acquaintance, who is the son of a witch. I’ve invited him for tomorrow’s reception. I think we can find through him,” Amelie informed him.
“Who? How do you even know a witch’s son?” Gabriel asked with astonishment.
“Umm… I saved his life accidentally once when he came to our pack. That’s how I got acquainted with him. His name is Carlos,” Amelie replied.
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