CHAPTER 326: A LIVING HELL

"Leave! Just get the hell out of my sight before I throw you out of this company myself!" Sage’s voice thundered through the office, his finger pointing toward the door.

"You don’t have any control over me," Katelyn snapped back, her chin tilting proudly. "I’m a Princess."

Sage’s jaw clenched, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Then I’ll make sure I have control over you. Until last night, I thought of sparing you, of helping you avoid being mated to me. But now, after witnessing your arrogance, I’ve changed my mind." His voice dropped to a low, dangerous growl, his wolf just beneath the surface.

"I will mate with you, whether you want it or not. You can hate me all you like, but it won’t change my decision. You should never have disrespected my mother’s belongings. They are more precious to me than my own life. For that alone, you’ll pay. Now, get out."

Katelyn gave a short, mocking chuckle, her eyes gleaming with defiance. "Too bad, Sage. I already spoke with my father. Do you really think your father would dare disobey his command? You can threaten me all you want, but I will never mate with you. And you’ll regret raising your voice at me today."

With a scowl, she spun on her heels and stormed out, leaving Sage seething in silence.

He returned to his desk and placed the bag on the top of it. Just then, the phone on the desk rang, and he found it was from his father. Without delaying, he answered the call.

"Sage," William’s firm voice came from the other side, "listen carefully. Princess Katelyn has spoken to her father. She’s demanded that the marriage be called off. The Alpha King has summoned me to meet him in person. I want you there as well. You’ll prove to him with your own presence that you are the perfect mate for his daughter."

Sage’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Of course, Dad," he answered. His eyes drifted to the gift bag on his desk, his jaw tightening. ’If you’d ever valued others the way you valued yourself, Kate... I might have let you go. But now? No. I’ll make your life a living hell.’ His vow echoed darkly in his mind.

"Sage, if you fail to impress the Alpha King, then–"

"Dad, you’re underestimating your son. Whenever I set my eyes, it becomes mine," Sage pronounced.

~~~~~

"Amelie, I told you not to wander alone anywhere in the mansion’s premises," Gabriel’s voice rang out as he rushed toward her. She turned quickly, stepping back from the edge of the pond nestled in the garden.

"You worry for me too much," Amelie murmured, her tone soft yet carrying a faint trace of defiance.

Gabriel caught her words and closed the distance between them. "Don’t you do the same?" he countered, his voice low as his hands reached for hers. Their fingers intertwined naturally.

She lowered her gaze briefly, feeling the warmth of his touch.

"My brothers and their mates have already left for San Ravendale," Gabriel revealed after a pause. "A matter came up that required their immediate attention."

"What matters?" Amelie asked, confusion knitting her brows as she arched an eyebrow at him.

"The Beta Hunters case," Gabriel replied, his jaw tightening. "Juniper’s father uncovered something and wanted them to investigate. I told my brothers not to take such a sensitive matter lightly."

"I hope it’s resolved soon," Amelie said softly.

Gabriel exhaled and gave a small nod. "Hmm. Come, let’s go inside. It’s time for you to eat some fruit," he urged, his tone shifting back into one of gentle care.

But Amelie lingered, her fingers tightening around his. "Carlos has gone out searching for Ophelia," she confessed, worry etched across her face. "I don’t understand why she’s gone so quiet all of a sudden."

Gabriel’s expression hardened. He drew Amelie closer, his protective instinct rising. "I talked about the same worry with Carlos. What we think is that she must have found out what we are up to. She must be strengthening herself to fight us. She knows she can’t win this time."

"I hope Carlos and his grandmother remain safe," Amelie stated.

"Of course, they will. Don’t let yourself get stressed. It’s not good for Noa," he stated. Then, walking slowly, they reached the living room of the mansion. Amelie was shocked to find two men sitting across from the Alpha King.

"Who is with Sage?" Amelie asked quietly, her gaze shifting curiously toward the unfamiliar man.

"Sage’s father," Gabriel replied.

"Oh," she murmured, her expression softening with polite recognition.

Sage’s eyes caught their movement, and he rose immediately to his feet. William’s gaze followed his son’s, and upon seeing Gabriel and Amelie approaching, he too stood, straightening his posture with the composed dignity of an elder Alpha.

"Please, don’t get up," Gabriel said, though his arm instinctively tightened around Amelie’s hand. "We were just on our way to our room."

Sage, however, stepped forward. "I brought something for you, Amelie. I couldn’t come empty-handed," he said, reaching down to lift a white bag that had been resting beside him on the sofa.

Amelie passed a warm smile to him. "That wasn’t necessary, Sage... but thank you." She accepted the bag gracefully, though her eyes darted briefly toward Gabriel.

"And what about me?" Gabriel complained playfully, drawing all eyes back to him.

Sage arched a brow, almost amused. "I thought you didn’t like receiving gifts."

Gabriel clicked his tongue softly. "Who doesn’t like gifts?" he muttered under his breath.

"Next time," Sage promised with a faint smile.

Gabriel’s lips curved in a polite smile as he turned back to Amelie. "You should continue your talk. We’ll excuse ourselves," he said pointedly, his gaze locking with hers.

Amelie gave a small nod, and together they stepped away, leaving the three men in silence.

As Sage and William took their seats, Raidan began, "I can’t force my daughter into this marriage. I know I made a promise to you, William, but I’m sorry for not being able to fulfill it."

"Your Majesty, I like your daughter," Sage pronounced. It was a white lie, but