Chapter 13: Kill my mate, Alex?
"What is–is Alex doing here?" Amelie's voice trembled as she cast a sharp glare at Gabriel. Her breathing grew unsteady, and her hands clenched at her sides.
"You told him about me, didn't you?" she accused. "Or... did he find out on his own?"
Her legs wobbled beneath her, and she stumbled slightly. Her gaze dropped to the floor, her body shaking as a cold dread settled over her. She touched her belly, fearing Alex would kill her unborn child.
"Amelie," Gabriel whispered her name. "Look at me," he urged, stepping closer. His hands rested on her shoulders, grounding her in a way she hadn't expected. An unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest, bringing her comfort.
Her body trembled as she gripped his hands tightly. "Please, Gabriel," she pleaded. She was barely able to keep her voice steady. "He won't let me live. You don't understand—he's spread horrible lies about me throughout my pack." Her breath hitched as fresh tears welled in her eyes. "He said I cheated... That I claimed another man's child as his. But I never did that. I swear I never did."
Gabriel's expression darkened, his fingers twitching slightly as if restraining his growing anger. "How did you find out what he's been saying?"
"I—I called home yesterday," Amelie admitted as her voice almost broke. "I wanted to speak to my mother, but instead... I overheard my parents talking." Her hands trembled against his. "They believed him, Gabriel. They actually believed Alex rather than me."
Her breath came in short, painful gasps as devastation overtook her. "I'm not lying," she whispered, her tone almost desperate. "Please... don't send me away."
"No one is taking you away from my side," he declared. With a gentle touch, he brushed away her tears with his thumbs, his warmth seeping into her skin. "I trust you."
Amelie's lips parted slightly in shock. "Th–thank you," she stammered, struggling to process his words. This man, this stranger she had only met yesterday, trusted her without hesitation. Unlike everyone else, he hadn't doubted her, hadn't questioned her integrity.
Gabriel tilted his head slightly. "What are you thinking?"