Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 100

Isolde's POV

A strange feeling settled over me—something had definitely shifted in the way people were treating me.

*How ironic.* I thought to myself as I noticed another employee's overly friendly smile. *Ever since "he" started showing interest in me, everyone's attitude has completely changed.*

*That's how this place works,* Lyra commented in my mind. *It seems in this world, everything depends on how much the Alpha favors you.*

*But it's so fake,* I replied silently. *Yesterday they wouldn't even look at me. Today they're practically bowing.*

"Isolde, Miss. Isolde, Miss!"

*Can my name not get a moment's peace?* I rolled my eyes, letting out an annoyed sound as I turned around with a frown. Whoever was calling me better have a damn good reason for interrupting my thoughts.

To my surprise, Greta was standing there, smiling at me. My frown immediately disappeared, replaced by confusion. This was strange. Whenever Greta approached me, she usually wore a stern expression, ready to criticize something I'd done wrong or remind me of some rule I'd broken.

"Greta, ma'am. Good evening," I said quietly, my guard instantly up. This sudden pleasantness felt like a trap waiting to spring.

"Good evening, dear," she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Have you had dinner yet?"

The term of endearment made me dizzy with discomfort. In all my time here, Greta had never once called me anything but "Miss Blackwood" or simply "Isolde." This fake smile wasn't helping either—her lips curved upward while her eyes remained calculating. It was downright creepy.

"Yes, I have already eaten," I confirmed, wondering what this was about. My mind raced through possibilities, none of them good.

Greta's smile widened, creating more wrinkles around her eyes. "Mr. Silverwood is waiting outside to take you to his penthouse."

I froze. Every hair on my body stood on end. My scalp began to tingle as the words registered in my brain. Ezra. Waiting. For me. Penthouse. Each word was a separate shock to my system.

"What?" I whispered, barely able to get the word out through my suddenly dry throat.

"Yes, dear. You should go to him now," she confirmed, gesturing for me to follow her with a sweeping motion of her hand.

After we'd walked a few steps, I turned to Greta again, needing confirmation that I hadn't misheard. "You're saying that the CEO himself is waiting outside for me?"

Greta nodded and motioned for me to keep up.

"Shocking, isn't it?" she commented, her voice carrying just enough to ensure everyone heard. "He's never done this before. You must be very special to him."

I wanted to argue that I wasn't special to him at all, that this was probably just another power play or test, but I kept my mouth shut and simply replied, "I see." No point giving Greta ammunition for gossip.

"How are you recovering?" Greta asked, changing the subject with surprising smoothness. "And how do you like your new accommodations in the Privilege Apartments?"

I could hardly believe I was having such a constructive conversation with Greta—the same woman who had once threatened to have me disciplined for returning from training five minutes late. I actually pinched myself to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

Forcing a smile, I answered, "I'm recovering well, thank you. Though I'm still grieving for Ash." The mention of her name sent a pang through my chest, a fresh reminder of how dangerous this place truly was.

"May her soul rest in peace," Greta said solemnly, though her tone lacked genuine emotion.

"Indeed," I echoed. "As for the Privilege Apartments... they're magnificent. Only a fool would be dissatisfied with such luxury. I'm honored to be among its residents." I kept my answer diplomatic, giving her exactly what she wanted to hear.

We stepped into the elevator and descended to the ground floor. As we exited the building, I caught the familiar scent of Ezra. My heart both soared and sank simultaneously, a physical reaction I couldn't control.

A black luxury sedan was parked at the entrance, its polished surface reflecting the building's lights. As we approached, the driver stepped out and opened the rear door.

Ezra emerged, dressed in his signature custom suit that fit his powerful frame perfectly. I immediately froze, my knees weakening at the sight of him. Both Greta and I bowed respectfully, a reflexive response to the Alpha's presence.

"You may leave," Ezra told Greta, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. She promptly walked away, not daring to hesitate even for a second.

The driver returned to his seat, leaving just Ezra and me standing there under the building's entrance lights. The night air felt charged with electricity.

"I had hoped to have dinner with you," he said, his eyes intense as they studied my face. "But I hear you've already eaten. That's a shame."

"I could accompany you," I offered quickly, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

His lips curved into a smile, transforming his severe features. "I like that suggestion." I let out a small laugh, surprised by my own boldness.

Then he opened his arms. "Come here and hug me."

My first instinct was to nervously look around, checking if anyone was watching from the building's glass doors or windows. I shook my head, whispering, "Are you serious? Here?"

"Yes, right here," he confirmed, his voice steady and unyielding. "Is there a problem with us embracing outside?"

"People might see us!" I protested, my voice barely audible as panic rose in my chest.

"So what?" he replied with complete indifference that only an Alpha with his power could afford. "I'm going to count to five, and if you're not in my arms by then, I'll kiss you instead. Right here in public. One!"

My heart rate skyrocketed. Sweat broke out on my forehead, and heat flooded my entire body. My nerves were stretched to their breaking point as I faced the impossible choice—a hug or a public kiss from the Lycan King himself. Either option would cement every rumor about us and paint an even bigger target on my back.

*Don't be stupid!* Lyra shouted in my mind. *Get over there!*

But I remained frozen, my feet seemingly cemented to the ground as Ezra continued his countdown, his golden eyes never leaving mine.

The moment Ezra reached "five," I lunged forward, practically throwing myself into his arms. Better a hug than a kiss in full view of anyone who might be watching through the building's glass doors.

My heart hammered against my ribcage as Ezra's arms immediately wrapped around me, pulling me tight against his chest. I could feel the solid wall of muscle beneath his expensive suit, the warmth of his body seeping into mine despite the layers of clothing between us.

*Shit, shit, shit.* My mind raced with panic. *Someone's definitely going to see this. They'll take pictures. There'll be rumors.*

Greta would have a field day with this. Evanthe would probably try to murder me in my sleep. And the other girls... I didn't even want to think about their reactions.