Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 126

Isolde's POV

I sat on the edge of my bed, checking the time on my smartwatch again. The shopping bags from today's excursion were neatly arranged in the corner, each containing luxury items I never expected to own again.

The head consultant, Lisa, had introduced me to exclusive designer collections and premium footwear brands. Some names I recognized from my previous life, but others were completely new—ultra-luxury labels that catered only to the wealthiest clientele.

"At least I've learned something about current fashion trends," I said to myself, my tone measured. The experience had been pleasant, I had to admit, but I couldn't fully enjoy it given my circumstances.

After speaking with Ezra, I'd initially planned to select only several essential outfits. But Lisa and her team had other ideas.

"Miss Blackwood, a woman in your position needs options for every possible occasion," Lisa had insisted. "Business meetings, casual outings, formal events, intimate evenings..."

By the end of the day, I'd tried on what felt like hundreds of outfits. The final selection included nearly dozens of different ensembles, dozens of shoes, and more jewelry than I could possibly wear in a month.

Lisa had even offered to teach me professional makeup techniques. "For someone in your position, appearance is everything," she'd said with a knowing smile.

I'd politely declined. "I'm just a regular member of the Moon Alliance Program," I'd told her, though the words sounded hollow even to my own ears.

*You know this isn't just the Moon Alliance Program,* Lyra's voice echoed in my head. *It's a modern harem. Stop kidding yourself.*

I glanced at my smartwatch again. Ezra had said he would come by after his business meeting, and I was waiting to thank him properly for the shopping trip. I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and resentment. The gifts were generous, but they didn't change the fact that he still refused to mark me as his mate.

*He lavishes you with gifts but denies you what really matters,* Lyra observed.

"I know," I muttered. "But there's nothing I can do to force an Alpha like him."

The security system chimed. When the door slid open, Ezra stood there, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Ezra," I said, my voice steady.

"Isolde," he responded, his voice deep and smooth.

I stepped aside to let him in, then walked back into the suite, offering him a smile.

"Shopping went well, I take it?" he asked.

"Yes, it was quite an experience," I replied, maintaining my composure. "Lisa and her team were very professional. I was only going to select several outfits, but they insisted on a more comprehensive wardrobe. The quality is impressive, especially the shoes and jewelry. Thank you for arranging it."

My tone was appreciative but measured. I wasn't going to fawn over him just because he'd spent money on me.

"You're welcome," Ezra said, studying me intently. "You don't seem as excited as I expected."

I met his gaze directly. "I am grateful, Ezra. It was generous of you. I'm just... processing everything."

"Hey," he said softly, taking my hand and tilting my face to meet his gaze.

I looked up at him, keeping my expression composed. He was smiling, his amber eyes glimmering with an unusual light.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine," I replied. "It was a good day. Thank you for that."

Ezra pulled me into a gentle embrace. After a brief hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his waist. His scent was intoxicating, but I tried not to respond too obviously.

"You had a good day, didn't you?" he asked.

"It was nice," I said honestly. "I'm happy."

Our eyes locked, and I felt a familiar warmth spreading through me. Lyra stirred restlessly within.

"Your eyes are mesmerizing," I said without thinking.

"God, Isolde, if you keep that up, I'm going to fuck you right here," he replied with unmistakable flirtation. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and stepped back slightly.

*Coward. You know you want him,* Lyra taunted.

"If it makes you happy, you can schedule shopping every week," he suggested.

"You'd be a terrible father!" I blurted out. "You'd spoil all your children rotten."

The moment the words left my mouth, I froze in horror. *Children? Where did that come from?*

The color drained from Ezra's face instantly.

I covered my mouth, mortified, and looked away.

Ezra stepped closer. "I would spoil my daughters," he said. "Their mother would have to discipline them because I couldn't be stern. But for my sons, she would leave the task of molding them to me. I learned a lot from my father about raising strong heirs."

I felt my temperature rising but fought to maintain my composure.

"Don't be shy, Isolde. Look at me," he commanded.

I raised my eyes to meet his, unconsciously biting my lower lip.

"Don't do that," he growled. "You're testing my self-control."

*He wants you, just as much as you want him,* Lyra whispered. *But he still won't mark you.*

"Would you like me to show you some of my new clothes?" I asked, stepping back and gesturing toward the shopping bags.

"I want you to try on everything new for me," he said. "That will be my entertainment for the evening."

"Come with me," I said, taking his hand and leading him to the living room. "I also wanted to mention that my suite doesn't have enough space for all these items."

"A dedicated closet will be arranged for them at Silver Moon headquarters. Simple," Ezra replied.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "A dedicated closet at headquarters?"

"Yes," he confirmed, sitting down on the leather sofa.

*A dedicated space for my clothes at his core territory?* I thought. *That's a significant gesture.*

*Told you the mate bond can't be resisted for long,* Lyra said smugly.

"Isolde, my patience is limited," Ezra interrupted my thoughts.

We spent quite a long time with the fashion show, with me trying on various outfits while Ezra offered comments and compliments. As the Alpha pheromones in the room increased and our eye contact became more heated, the fashion show naturally came to an end.

What followed was an intense intimate encounter in the late hours of the night—an experience that exceeded all my expectations.