Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 106

ISOLDE'S POV

I stepped out of the sleek black luxury car, thanking the driver with a smile. The morning sun glinted off the glass façade of the Privilege Apartments, making me squint slightly as I looked up at the towering modern structure.

*At least I don't have to deal with those hateful stares and whispers here,* I thought gratefully as I walked toward the entrance. The security was tight, with cameras tracking every movement and guards stationed discreetly at strategic points. Unlike the crowded quarters where most Moon Alliance participants lived, this place housed only a select few residents.

My fingerprint granted me access to the lobby, all marble and minimalist design. I caught my reflection in one of the mirrored walls and noticed the flush on my cheeks, the slight upward curve of my lips that I couldn't seem to control. The private elevator whisked me upward, and I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes as memories from last night flooded back.

Being in Ezra's penthouse. The way he'd let me explore his body. The look on his face when I made him come undone, when I actually made the almighty Alpha beg for mercy.

*That was the most incredible night of my life,* I thought, my cheeks heating further.

*He tasted so good,* Lyra purred in my mind, a satisfied growl rumbling through my consciousness. *Our Alpha.*

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and I swiped my keycard at our apartment door. As it opened, I caught sight of Thalia stepping out of the bathroom, a fluffy white towel wrapped around her body, her short hair damp from the shower.

"Why are you coming back this early with that stupid grin on your face?" she asked, eyeing me suspiciously. "You look like you've been drugged or something."

I dropped my bag on the couch, trying and failing to wipe the smile off my face.

Thalia's eyes widened. "No way. Don't tell me you finally did it?" She gestured vaguely with her hand. "You know... *it*?"

My cheeks burned hotter, and I could practically feel Lyra preening proudly in my mind.

"Oh my god, you're blushing like a tomato right now!" Thalia exclaimed, pointing at my face. "You totally did something with him!"

"We didn't go all the way," I admitted, unable to meet her eyes. "But I think we came pretty close!"

Thalia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh? Did he go down on you?"

"Thalia!" I gasped, feigning disgust. "You're so dirty-minded!"

"So he did!" she declared triumphantly.

"No, he didn't!" I protested, but my voice sounded unconvincing even to my own ears.

She tilted her head, studying my face. "Then you went down on him."

I turned away, heading toward the bathroom. "I refuse to continue this conversation."

"Oh my god, you did!" Thalia laughed, following me. "Did he push your head down? Did you make noise? I bet you were like 'mmm, Alpha Ezra, mmm!'" She made exaggerated moaning sounds that had me cringing.

"You little wolf!" I shot back, my face burning. "I do not sound like that!"

Thalia wasn't deterred. "Did he finish in your mouth or on your face and tits?"

I gave her the middle finger and rushed into the bathroom, closing the door behind me as I heard her laughing on the other side. Leaning against the door, I couldn't help but smile despite my embarrassment.

*How the hell did she guess all the details so accurately?* I wondered. Thalia always seemed so quiet and proper, but apparently, there was much more beneath that calm exterior. *Still waters run deep, I guess.*

After a quick shower, I dressed in the black training gear provided by Silver Moon Group. I grabbed my sports bag and a small blue box I'd been saving, then headed back to the living room. Thalia was already dressed and ready to leave.

"Did you already have breakfast at Ezra's penthouse, or are you coming with me to the corporate cafeteria?" she asked.

"I'll come with you to the cafeteria," I replied, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

As Thalia reached for the door, I called out to her. "Wait a second..."

She turned, looking at me questioningly.

I bit my lip nervously, looking down at the small blue jewelry box in my hand before holding it out to her. "I want to give you this."

Thalia took the box cautiously, opening it to reveal an elegant diamond bracelet nestled inside. She looked at the bracelet, then back at me, confusion written all over her face.

"What is this, a bracelet?" she asked, examining the delicate piece.

"No, it's an engagement ring," I joked, rolling my eyes. "Of course it's a bracelet, you silly wolf!"

We both laughed, the tension breaking.

"Take it," I said, pushing the box back toward her when she tried to return it. "It's yours now."

Thalia's eyes widened as she examined the bracelet more closely. "This looks really beautiful, and... expensive!" She looked up at me in shock. "Are these... are these real diamonds?"

"Yes, they're real," I confirmed.

"Diamonds!" she exclaimed. "How do you even have a diamond bracelet? Where did you get this?"

I smiled softly. "Don't worry. It was a gift from my father for my sixteenth birthday. I've treasured it ever since."

"Then why are you giving it to me?" Thalia asked, still looking bewildered.

I took a deep breath. "Because you're my friend, and I love you," I said honestly. "Thank you for always standing by my side. We've been through so much together, and I just... I want you to have it."

Thalia tried to hand the bracelet back. "I know, but this... this is too expensive. A diamond bracelet? I can't accept it."

"Yes, you can!" I insisted, gently pushing her hand back and closing her fingers around the box. "I want you to have a piece of me with you always. You're more of a sister to me than Sybilla ever was."

"Isolde, you're going to make me cry," Thalia said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

When she tried once more to return the bracelet, I took her hand and firmly closed her fingers around it. "Keep it. Please."

Thalia looked at me for a long moment, then suddenly pulled me into a warm, sisterly embrace. I melted into the hug, my heart full. I was so grateful that Greta had assigned us as roommates. In this place full of schemes and competition, finding a true friend was rare and precious. Thalia had become the sister I'd always wanted but never had in Sybilla.

As we pulled apart, both of us blinking back tears, I squeezed her hand one last time.

"Come on," I said, composing myself. "Let's go get breakfast before training starts. I'm starving."