Chapter 509
The Past 3:
“What do you mean you are different!?” Amelie asked, confusion clouding her eyes. She shifted closer, looking intently into Gabriel’s face.
“Father always stresses it. My mother wasn’t the Luna Queen, but someone—someone he won’t tell me about,” Gabriel explained, the topic clearly a source of deep-seated unease. “My elder brother died mysteriously one day, and because of that, the immense responsibility of the entire Aurevalis kingdom has been shoved onto me.” He looked away, his gaze lifting toward the pleasant blue sky, burdened by his fate.
Amelie shifted her weight, propping herself up on her elbows. Her face now hovered directly above his as she placed her palm softly against his cheek. “Gabriel, you have me,” she offered sincerely. “I can manage your work as your assistant, if that’s what you need p>
Gabriel smiled genuinely, his hand wrapping securely around her waist, drawing her warm body close against his chest. She listened to the fast, powerful rhythm of his heart beating against her ear.
“Do you miss your mother?” she asked softly.
“A lot,” Gabriel answered promptly.
Amelie simply tightened her hold on him, offering silent comfort. As a gentle breeze blew through the carriage window, soft petals of the jasmine she smelled like fluttered down over both of them. Gabriel picked one such petal from Amelie’s hair before smoothly sitting up, taking care to keep her cradled securely in his embrace.
“With you, I don’t have to wear any mask, Amelie,” he confessed, looking deeply into her eyes. He suddenly revealed a simple, elegant ring cradled in his palm. “Will you marry me and be mine forever p>
“Gabriel, what is this? Is this how a man proposes?” Amelie teased, her face radiating with bright joy and affection despite the suddenness. “Of course, I will marry you,” she whispered with happiness before extending her left to him.
Gabriel carefully slid the ring onto her fourth finger and then kissed the knuckles of her hand, sealing the promise. Their eyes locked for one breathless moment, and then their lips crashed together.
Amelie’s hands wrapped around his neck, pulling herself impossibly closer as they kissed like there was no tomorrow.
He gently nipped her lip, causing her to gasp in a mix of pain and pleasure, which he used as an invitation to slide his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues met and eagerly intertwined, then withdrew and sought each other again. The powerful, combined scents of their pheromones completely enveloped the air around them, igniting the intense fire of passion between them.
Before Amelie knew what was happening, Gabriel suddenly teleported them.
She opened her eyes in surprise as her back landed softly on a mattress. She realized they were now in a magnificent private chamber. Their kiss continued as she briefly glanced around the room.
Finally, Gabriel pulled away, letting them both suck in much-needed air.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his violet eyes dark with desire.
“You always say that,” Amelie replied, her fingers already moving instinctively to the tunic of his formal wear. She started unbuttoning it, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. “My mother keeps asking who my mate is. I didn’t tell her because of the promise I made to you p>
“I’m sorry for that burden,” Gabriel said. “I don’t want any trouble to fall on you and your family because of me. I have too many enemies because of the position I hold. Just a few more days, then I will come myself to your house to tell your parents and officially ask for your hand,” Gabriel promised, catching her hands which were halfway through unbuttoning his tunic. He brought them to his lips and kissed them gently, emphasizing his sincerity.
“I know,” Amelie said softly, reaching up to stroke his jaw. “Just take care of yourself. I know you’re strong and powerful, but still, I can’t help but get worried, Your Highness p>
Gabriel pulled her closer, burying his face deep into the sensitive crook of her neck, inhaling her jasmine scent greedily. “I want to mark you, mate. Allow me,” he murmured against her skin. It was a request filled with primal need.
Amelie stiffened slightly at the intensity of his demand but instinctively tilted her head, exposing the vulnerable spot. “Are you sure?” she whispered, her heart accelerating. “Because once you mark me, then everyone will know I am taken. There will be no hiding p>
A fierce determination hardened Gabriel’s resolve. He pulled back slightly, looking at her with blazing violet eyes. “Fuck! I think I am coming with you this evening to tell your parents about me,” he decided, realizing that if he kept dwelling on his enemies, his union with Amelie would be indefinitely delayed.
“What?” Amelie was completely shocked by his sudden, rash announcement. Before she could push him away or stop him from acting on his impulse, she felt the terrifying, thrilling sensation of his teeth grazing the delicate skin of her neck. Simultaneously, his hand moved lower, stroking her belly, subtly readying her for the impending mark.
“Gabriel, are you— Ahhh!” Amelie cried out, a sharp spike of pain escaping her lips as his teeth sank deep into her skin. The agony was immediate, but simultaneously, she felt an intense surge of foreign energy flooding her body. The sensation made her feel instantly and profoundly connected with Gabriel at a level that was impossible to convey in words, a complete union of soul, mind, and spirit.
His sharp canines withdrew and he licked that spot before kissing on it. “You’re mine, Amelie, My mate, my other-half,” he said possessively as his face now inched above hers. His large palm rested on her cheek and he continued, “Not only in this life, but in every life, I want to have you as my mate, Amelie. Only you. I-I can’t live without you anymore. I want you more than anything I have ever desired in this world p>
Amelie’s smiled brightened, reaching her eyes when she pulled him down for another passionate kiss.