CHAPTER 4

GABE'S POV

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. "What do you mean you won't tell them I'm their father?" I ask, trying to process her words.

"You lost that right when you told me to abort them," Emma says, her eyes flashing with anger.

I take a step back, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, regret, and a deep longing to make things right. "I was young and stupid, Emma. I didn't know what I wanted. But now...now I want to be a part of their lives."

Emma shakes her head. "You can't just waltz in here and expect everything to go back to normal. You need to earn the right to be their father."

I nod, knowing she's right. "I will. I'll do whatever it takes. But please, don't keep them from me. I want to know them, to be a part of their lives."

Emma looks away, her expression softening slightly. "We'll see. First, we need to find them."

I nod, determination coursing through my veins. "I'll do everything in my power to find them. I promise."

We stand there for a moment, the tension between us palpable. Then Emma speaks up.

"Let's get to work. We have a lot to do."

I nod, and together we start making plans to find our children.

As we work, I can't help but steal glances at Emma. She's still as beautiful as I remember, with a fire in her eyes that I admire. I know I have a long way to go to regain her trust, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

After a few hours of planning, we take a break. Emma goes to rest, and I'm left alone with my thoughts.

I think about my children, wondering what they're like, what they look like. I think about Emma, and how much I still love her.

I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I'm ready to face it. I'll do whatever it takes to be a part of my children's lives, and to win Emma back.

I'm lost in thought when I hear the door open. I turn to see Esmeralda walking in, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Gaberiel, we need to talk," she says, her voice icy.

I sigh, knowing this conversation is long overdue. "Esme, I—"

"Don't even try to explain," she cuts me off, her hands on her hips. "I know all about her. About your little family reunion."

I stand up, trying to calm her down. "Esme, listen—"

"No, you listen," she spits, her voice venomous. "We're getting married in five months, and you're still pining after your ex? After the mother of your children?"

I take a deep breath, trying to reason with her. "Esme, it's not like that. I—"

"Don't lie to me, Gaberiel," she snaps, her eyes flashing. "I saw the way you looked at her. The way you still love her."

I rub my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Esme, I care about you. But this is complicated."

"Complicated?" she repeats, her voice rising. "You're telling me. You're still in love with her, and you're going to marry me?"

I try to placate her, but she's having none of it. "Esme, please—"

"No, Gaberiel," she says, her voice cold. "I deserve better than a man who still loves another woman. I deserve better than you."

And with that, she turns to the door ready to walk out on me but that only made me more angry as her words.

Esmeralda's words and behavior ignite a fire within me, and I feel my anger boiling over. I take a step closer to her, my voice low and menacing.

"Esme, stop right there," I warn her, my eyes flashing with anger. "You're forgetting yourself. I'm still your Alpha, and you'll do what I say."

Her eyes narrow, but I can see the faintest glimmer of fear in their depths. She knows I'm not a man to be trifled with.

"You're still pining after her, and you're going to marry me?" she repeats, her voice dripping with venom.

I take another step closer, my fists clenched. "I said, enough," I growl. "You'll not question my decisions, Esme. I'm your superior, and you'll do as I say."

Her face pales, but she still tries to push back. "Or what, Gaberiel? You'll punish me?"

I sneer, my anger reaching a boiling point. "I'll do more than that, Esme. I'll dissolve our engagement, and I'll make sure you're cast out of the pack. You'll be nothing without me."

Her eyes widen, and for a moment, she's silent. I can see the fear and doubt warring within her.

"Remember your place, Esme," I warn her, my voice cold. "I'm your Alpha, and you'll obey me. Now, drop it."

She nods, finally, and I can see the fight drain out of her. For now, she'll comply. But I know this isn't the end of it. Not by a long shot.

I stand there, my eyes fixed on Emma's figure, my mind racing with regret. I miss her, I realize. I miss her spark, her fire, her unwavering determination. I miss the way she makes me feel, like I'm home.

But I push those thoughts aside, knowing I have to focus on the task at hand. Finding our children.

Just as I'm lost in thought, Luca's voice breaks the silence. "Gabe, we think we've got a lead on the kids' location."

My heart skips a beat as I turn to face him. "What is it?"

Luca's expression is grim. "It's not certain, but we've got a source that suggests they're being held in an abandoned warehouse in the outskirts of town."

I nod, my mind already racing with plans. "Let's gear up. We'll get them back."

I turn to leave, but my eyes linger on Emma's figure, my heart heavy with regret. I know I have to make things right between us, but for now, finding our children is my top priority.

As I walk out of the room, I can feel Emma's eyes on me, but I don't look back. I know I'll have to face her again soon, but for now, I have to focus on the task at hand.

And with that, I head out into the unknown, ready to face whatever lies ahead.