Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 123

Ezra's POV

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Every detail of Isolde consumed my thoughts as my luxury sedan glided through the city streets. Her voice, still raspy from our night together. The way her body had responded to my touch. The scent of her arousal that had filled my penthouse.

"Her image is burned into my brain," I muttered, adjusting uncomfortably in the leather seat. "I can't fucking shake it."

My mind replayed how her lips had tasted like ripe strawberries, sweet and addictive. How her skin had flushed beneath my hands. How she'd looked at me with those defiant blue eyes even as she surrendered to pleasure.

This obsession was foreign to me. As CEO of Silver Moon Group and Alpha of the most powerful pack in the city, I wasn't accustomed to being so thoroughly captivated by anyone. Yet here I was, like some lovesick teenager.

*What the hell am I thinking?* I berated myself, running a hand through my hair in frustration. I'd failed to mark her when I had the chance. Then I just said nothing this morning, likely pissing her off.

I needed to do something to appease her. Something to show her that last night meant more than just sex.

I was on my way to an important meeting in the financial district, trying desperately to purge Isolde from my thoughts, when my driver took a route past the Privilege Apartments. My attention immediately snapped back to thoughts of her, wondering what she was doing right now. Was she thinking of me too?

That's when I saw her.

Isolde was stepping out of a black SUV, her arms loaded with shopping bags from high-end boutiques. My heart rate accelerated as I watched her through the tinted windows of my car. She looked stunning in casual clothes—jeans that hugged her curves and a simple blouse that somehow made her look more elegant than any designer dress.

Then Orion—my security director—emerged from the driver's side, circled the vehicle, and pulled her into a friendly embrace.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Isolde's face lit up with a brilliant smile as she looked at Orion, waving goodbye before heading into the apartment building.

"Stop the car," I commanded, my voice dangerously low.

"Sir?" my driver questioned hesitantly.

"I said stop the fucking car!" I growled, my eyes never leaving the spot where Isolde had disappeared.

The car pulled to the curb smoothly. I watched as Orion got back into his SUV and drove away, completely oblivious to my presence.

I sat back, shock giving way to an unfamiliar sensation that crawled up my spine. Jealousy. Raw and primal.

"I've never bought her anything," I realized aloud. Despite her being my mate—my fucking destined mate—I'd treated her no differently than any other woman in the Moon Alliance Program. Meanwhile, Orion was taking her on dates, lunches, and shopping sprees.

"Damn it!" I cursed, slamming my fist against the leather seat. "Orion is ahead of me in pursuing her. What the fuck am I doing?"

*You didn't want her to know how you felt,* Prime reminded me. *You wanted to maintain your image as the untouchable Alpha.*

"Well, I've been acting like a man who's lost his mind lately," I admitted, recalling how I'd broken my own rules repeatedly when it came to Isolde. "I've done things that make me ashamed of myself."

*You're afraid of losing her,* Prime stated simply. *Did you see that smile on her face when Orion hugged her? Orion fucking hugged her! I'll kill him!*

"I trust Orion as my security director," I said, trying to be rational despite the rage building inside me.

*That's not the point,* Prime growled. *The point is Isolde. Orion is a strong competitor. We need to step up our game.*

My wolf was right. Orion was handsome, powerful, and from a respected bloodline. Women were drawn to him naturally. And now he was spending time with my mate.

"I know what game Orion is playing," I said through clenched teeth. "But he won't win. Isolde belongs to me and only me."

I needed to act now. Jewelry, designer shoes, high fashion. Something much more expensive than whatever Orion bought her!

I leaned forward and addressed my driver. "Take me to the most exclusive jewelry store in the city."

"Yes, sir," he replied, immediately changing course. "I'll inform security to prepare."

I settled back into my seat, crossing my arms over my chest. "I know what game Orion is playing, but I won't let him win. Isolde belongs to me alone."

My driver cleared his throat. "Sir, I've notified security. Some vehicles are following us, and others have gone ahead to secure the jewelry store."

I rolled my eyes, irritated by the excessive security measures that ruled my life. "Damn it!" I muttered, but there was nothing I could do about it. This was my reality. Tight security, constant protection—it was pathetic, but necessary.

When we arrived at the jewelry store, the entrance was already lined with suited bodyguards. One opened my car door, and I shot my driver a disapproving look before stepping out.

Inside, the store had been completely cleared for my visit. Sales associates stood in a neat line, bowing slightly as I entered.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Silverwood," they greeted in unison.

An elegant woman stepped forward, apparently the manager, but I cut her off before she could introduce herself.

"I don't care about your name," I said bluntly. "Show me your finest jewelry collections. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings—all of it."

I settled onto a luxurious sofa as they scrambled to bring out their most exclusive pieces. For the next hour, I examined countless jewels, evaluating each with a critical eye. This was my first time buying jewelry for Isolde, and I wanted it to be perfect.

I eventually selected pieces with clean, elegant designs. Though this was my first gift to her, I had a sense that Isolde preferred understated sophistication over flashy opulence.

After completing my purchase, I returned to my car and immediately called Greta.

"Contact several top designer brands," I instructed without preamble. "Have them send their latest women's collections to my penthouse. If they can deliver the entire collection today, make it happen. Remember, only the highest-end women's clothing."

"Your instructions will be executed immediately, sir," Greta replied efficiently.

"Also, inform Isolde. Let her know she's expected at my suite tonight."

"That will be arranged at once."

I ended the call and gazed at my reflection in the car window, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. Isolde had no idea what awaited her tonight.