Chapter 675
Karmen strode into the local bar, his jaw clenched the moment he spotted Eryx in the private lounge. His hearing had always been sharp, and it didn’t take long for him to catch every filthy word Eryx was saying about Aisha in front of his friends.
Violence had never been his way. He preferred restraint. But today, reason had no place here. Eryx had crossed a line, he should never have.
“Eryx p>
Karmen’s voice cut through the room like thunder as he stopped at the entrance of the lounge, where all the nonsense had been taking place.
Every head turned toward him. For a moment, there was silence.
Then Eryx frowned. “Who the fuck are you p>
Karmen answered with a cold sneer. Without a word, he slipped on the gloves he had brought with him. Before any of Eryx’s friends could react, Karmen surged forward.
He grabbed Eryx by the collar, slammed him against the nearest wall, and tightened his grip around his neck.
A bottle lay nearby on the table.
Karmen seized it and smashed it over the head of one of the men who tried to intervene. The man crumpled to the floor, whimpering in agony.
Next, Karmen jumped onto the table, his boots thudding against the wood. He crossed it in seconds, seized Eryx by the hair, and yanked him up.
“Let—let go!” Eryx screamed.
But Karmen didn’t. He drove his fist into Eryx’s face repeatedly.
The others remained frozen, terror rooting them to their places. No one dared to move or interfere. They had never seen anyone like this before.
Outside, the capital was celebrating its first snowfall of the season. Inside, Karmen was turning his rage into blood and bruises.
He didn’t stop until Eryx was barely conscious. By now, Eryx’s face was swollen while his body was trembling.
“You’re dead,” Eryx gasped weakly. “My father p>
Karmen slammed his face into the floor. Blood smeared across the tiles.
“I don’t give a fuck about your father,” Karmen growled, pressing harder. “You harassed my woman first p>
He leaned down, whispering in a deadly voice, “If you’re really the son of an alpha, then fight like one p>
He released his grip and stepped back. “Not like a coward, Eryx p>
Eryx collapsed, coughing and whimpering hard.
At that moment, Karmen turned away.
Behind him, Eryx’s friends finally found their voices. They rushed forward, joining their hands, bowing their heads, begging for forgiveness.
“Please… We’re sorry… We didn’t do anything p>
Karmen didn’t look back.
He had said everything that needed to be said to Eryx. With that, he stepped out of the lounge, pressed his hand to the bluetooth in the ear. “Turn on the camera after I leave.” With that, he soon left the bar.
Gabriel scooped up a handful of fresh snow and packed it tightly between his palms, shaping it into a perfect ball. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he took aim.
Before Amelie could react, the snowball flew through the air and struck her squarely.
“Hey!” she laughed, bringing her arms up to shield herself as cold snow scattered over her coat.
Nearby, Noah sat comfortably inside his stroller, bundled in soft blankets. His wide eyes followed every movement with fascination. The falling snow and flying white balls seemed like magic to him.
“Boo… boo he babbled excitedly in his own little language, stretching his tiny fingers as if he wanted to grab the snow out of the air.
“Gabriel, wait!” Amelie called out between laughs.
She quickly bent down, scooping up snow and pressing it together with determination. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and from excitement as she prepared her counterattack.
But Gabriel was quicker. With a burst of laughter, he hurled another snowball.
It hit her right in the chest, bursting apart on impact and sending icy flakes down her jacket.
“Oh, you’re going to regret that!” Amelie declared, pretending to glare at him.
She crouched down again, this time forming her snowball with extra care. Then, with a sharp swing of her arm, she launched it straight at him.
Smack!
The snowball struck Gabriel squarely on the cheek.
“Ah!” he cried out dramatically, stumbling back a step.
For a moment, he blinked rapidly, seeing tiny stars dance in front of his eyes from the sudden impact. His face was dusted white with snow, and his expression was of shock and disbelief.
“Oh my God!” Amelie rushed to Gabriel’s side, her laughter instantly replaced with concern. She reached up and gently cupped his face between her gloved hands, tilting it slightly to examine his cheek.
“Does it hurt?” she asked softly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you so hard p>
Gabriel kept his eyes closed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he leaned into her touch.
“Not there,” he murmured. “A little to the left, Amelie p>
She shifted her hand carefully. “Here p>
“No… lower,” he replied, still pretending to suffer. “Yeah… even lower p>
Amelie followed his guidance, her fingers moving slowly until they brushed against his lips. She frowned slightly, wondering if the snowball had struck his mouth.
Before she could ask, Gabriel suddenly opened his eyes.
In one smooth motion, he lifted his hands and cradled her face. His grip was gentle yet possessive. Before Amelie could react, he leaned forward and captured her lips in a warm, lingering kiss.
Her eyes widened in surprise. But only for a second.
Then she relaxed against him, kissing him back with a soft smile. When they finally parted, she playfully nipped his bottom lip, making him chuckle.
“There,” Gabriel said with a wide grin. “The pain is completely gone now p>
Amelie shook her head, laughing. “You’re impossible p>
“Daddy! Mama! Ow… oww p>
Noah’s excited chirps drew their attention. From his stroller, he stretched his tiny hands toward them, his face glowing with curiosity and delight.
Both of them reached for him at once, and Gabriel gently lifted Noah into his arms, holding him close.
“Look,” Gabriel said softly, pointing ahead. “The entire land is white p>
Noah’s radiant blue eyes widened as he stared at the snow-covered ground. His fingers opened and closed eagerly, as if trying to grab the shimmering snow from a distance.
Smiling, Gabriel lowered himself onto his knees and carefully set Noah down, supporting him as he leaned forward.
The baby squealed happily as his tiny hands plunged into the cold, fluffy snow. He grasped it clumsily, fascinated by the strange new texture.
Amelie knelt beside them, watching with a fond smile.
Their laughter blended with Noah’s delighted giggles, wrapping the snowy afternoon in warmth and love.
“Throw it!” Gabriel said.
“Boo Noah let go of the snow from his hand, giggling.
From the front balcony of the palace, the Alpha King and Luna Queen watched them play in the snow.
“Gabriel is so happy,” Raidan said, feeling a flutter in his chest, seeing his boy enjoying his life.
“Yes. He got a family he always yearned for,” Mabel stated. “I’m just worried for Nick now. All our kids have found love, except Nick. I don’t even know how he’s doing in Gridlock p>
“He’s buried himself in work. We can only wait because Nick’s heart can only be healed with time, dear. Nothing else,” Raidan stated as his gaze hardened.