Chapter 566
“I wish I could return the favors you’ve done for me. But I am unable to,” Flora murmured, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the trees.
“Why don’t you come to the pack for a few days? Be my guest,” Zander suggested, his tone shifting from serious to hopeful. “You can’t refuse. Consider it the ’favor’ you keep speaking about,” he added with a playful nudge. “You can take a few days off, I believe, now that you’re a regular employee. What do you say p>
Flora hadn’t expected him to make such a request, but the thought of being near him, was too tempting to decline. “Okay. I’ll do that. I’ll inform you once my leave is approved p>
“Let’s head to your house then. We are already through the park,” he stated, leading the way. However, as they transitioned into a quieter street, a group of miscreants suddenly blocked their path. They looked like common thugs, brandishing baseball bats and wearing menacing sneers.
“If you two want to leave unscathed, then hand over the money,” their leader demanded, tapping his bat against his palm.
Zander immediately stepped in front of Flora. She reached out, gripping his sleeve, her heart hammering against her ribs. “Let’s just give them the money. We can inform the police later,” she whispered urgently.
“No,” Zander refused. A low growl vibrated in his chest as he bared his fangs, his eyes flashing a predatory gold. Before the thugs could even react, he lunged. The group didn’t stand a chance against an Alpha’s speed and strength; within seconds, they were scrambling away, dropping their bats and fleeing like rats.
“It’s unusual that they chose such open ground to loot,” Zander noted, turning back to her and smoothing his clothes as if he hadn’t just fended off five men.
“They could have hurt you,” Flora replied, her eyes wide as she checked him for injuries.
“Those bats wouldn’t have even bruised me,” Zander chuckled, sensing her worry. He gently grasped her wrist and walked her toward his parked car. Once inside, the tension of the encounter began to fade as he drove her toward the safety of her home.
Pulling the car into the driveway, Zander turned his head toward Flora. “Wait!” He stopped her just as she was about to step out. Reaching into the backseat, he grabbed a white bag.
“It’s a small gift for you,” Zander stated. “Please, don’t refuse it p>
“You didn’t have to bring me a gift,” Flora replied, accepting the bag. “But I’ll take it this time. Do you want to come inside p>
“No. Maybe next time,” Zander declined the offer politely.
“You always say that,” Flora chuckled, biting her lower lip playfully.
“I’m afraid that if I enter your home, I might find myself asking your parents for your hand in marriage,” Zander confessed, the depth of his feelings finally surfacing. “I have the authority to do so, but I don’t want to win you in such a formal, traditional manner. I also know your parents wouldn’t dream of declining p>
Flora nodded, her heart racing at his words. “Goodnight, then. I truly enjoyed the evening, thanks to you.” She offered him a small, genuine smile before stepping out of the car. She turned to wave one last time before walking through the gate and into the house.
Zander restarted the engine and drove back toward his hotel.
Back at the palace, the atmosphere was far less peaceful.
Amelie paced the length of the large chamber balcony, gently patting Noah’s back. The infant was restless, refusing to settle into sleep. She knew exactly why; he could sense the absence of Gabriel. The bond they shared, though not biological, was strong enough that the lack of Gabriel’s scent and presence kept the little one in a state of constant, quiet agitation.
The night had turned colder, and she moved back into the room to shield the baby from it. Ashna stepped forward, her expression full of concern. “Your Highness, should I try again to help the little prince sleep p>
“You tried earlier, Ashna. Noah is simply missing Gabriel,” Amelie replied with a weary sigh. “His phone is off; otherwise, I would have video-called him. Perhaps seeing his face would have made Noah feel better. You should go have your dinner and head to bed p>
“How can I have my supper when my lady hasn’t eaten yet?” Ashna insisted, refusing to leave Amelie’s side.
“Pa Noah whispered, the small sound muffled as he pressed his face against his mother’s chest. Tiny tears pooled in his eyes, shimmering in the dim light.
To the world, he was just a restless infant, but Amelie could feel his emotions. Where was his father? Suddenly, the air in the hallway shifted. A familiar scent cut through the stillness of the palace, the unmistakable pheromones of Gabriel, the deep musky scent.
Amelie’s heart leaped. Was he back so soon?
Without a word, she hurried toward the door, her pace quickening with every step. Ashna followed closely behind as Amelie stepped out of the bedroom. There, at the entrance, stood Gabriel. He looked exhausted, his clothes slightly disheveled from travel, but his eyes instantly locked onto hers.
The moment Noah caught the scent, his tiny head snapped toward the door. Seeing the familiar figure, he let out a cry, “Pa p>
“Gabriel!” Amelie breathed his name, a radiant smile breaking across her face. The sight of him standing there, safe and whole, let all the tension drain out of her heart.
Noah practically lunged forward, his tiny arms reaching out. Gabriel was quick to react, scooping the boy up from Amelie’s embrace. “Pa!” the toddler whimpered, burying his face against Gabriel’s chest and gripping his shirt with small, determined fists.
“Daddy has returned,” Gabriel whispered. He patted Noah’s back rhythmically while keeping his gaze locked on Amelie. Sensing the intimacy of the moment, Ashna bowed and quietly retreated, leaving the family alone in the soft light of the hallway. Gabriel didn’t waste a second; he reached out with his free arm and pulled Amelie into a tight, grounding hug.
“Noah was missing you so much,” Amelie murmured against his shoulder, the warmth of him finally easing her own restlessness. “He refused to sleep, and he wouldn’t even touch his milk p>
“Really? Little man, you’ve been troubling your mother,” Gabriel said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Noah’s head. If anyone had asked him where his safe haven was, he knew the answer clearly. It was right here, with Amelie and Noah.