Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 139

ISOLDE'S POV

I stared at the clock on my nightstand as it ticked past seven. No message from Ezra. No summons to his penthouse. Nothing.

A strange mix of relief and disappointment washed over me. After last night's cold, almost mechanical encounter, I should be grateful for the reprieve. The way he'd taken me—detached, emotionless, almost rough—left me feeling like nothing more than a body to satisfy his needs. Yet some twisted part of me still missed his presence, still craved his bed.

*You're disappointed about what exactly?* Lyra mocked in my mind. *That you won't experience another round of that emotionless sex? He treated you like a blow-up doll, not a mate.*

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "I don't know what I feel anymore."

The luxury apartment Silver Moon provided for Moon Alliance members suddenly felt suffocating despite its spaciousness. The plush furnishings and expensive decor that had once impressed me now seemed hollow—beautiful shells hiding an empty core, much like my relationship with Ezra.

Thalia emerged from the walk-in closet with a green face mask, her hair wrapped in a towel. "Looks like we're roomies tonight," she said, flopping onto her bed across from mine.

"Yeah, yeah," I replied glumly.

She studied me for a moment. "You don't seem thrilled about that."

"I don't know what I feel," I repeated, this time aloud.

Thalia sat up, cross-legged on her bed. "What's going on with you? You've been moping around all evening."

I hesitated before the words tumbled out. I told her everything— Ezra's increasingly cold behavior, and last night's emotionless encounter.

"He just... used me," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "No kissing, no tenderness. Nothing. Just... mechanical sex, and then he turned away without a word. I felt so... empty afterward."

"Wow!" Thalia's eyes widened. "That's... that's really not good. I can imagine how heartbroken you must feel."

"You have no idea!" I exclaimed. "He humiliated me in front of everyone at the Battle Arena, saying I was 'too sloppy,' and treated me like an object in bed the night before."

I absently fingered the wolf family pendant around my neck as I spoke, the cool metal a small comfort against my skin.

*You really think he'd listen to a debt girl's concerns?* Lyra scoffed. *He's the CEO of Silver Moon, the king of the werewolf world.*

Thalia watched me thoughtfully for a moment. "I know you're going through a tough time right now, but it will all work out eventually."

"I doubt it," I muttered. "It's probably just a matter of time before we get sent back to the regular Moon Alliance quarters."

"They won't," she said confidently. "And even if they did, so what? Have you considered talking to Ezra about this?"

I looked up at her, tears threatening to spill. "I've thought about it. But I'm too scared to bring it up. He hasn't exactly been friendly lately. He seems angry with me, and I don't want to do anything that might make it worse."

"Listen," Thalia said firmly. "He may be the CEO of Silver Moon, but that doesn't mean you can't express your concerns to him, especially when he's the sole cause of those concerns. From where I stand, you should talk to him. He needs to know what you're going through."

"I'm afraid," I admitted, my voice small.

"Until when?" she challenged.

I wiped away a stray tear and nodded. "Fine. I'll try to talk to him."

"Good. That's better than sitting here being all miserable and self-pitying."

As Thalia returned to her own bed, I sat with my thoughts. She was right—I needed to confront Ezra, regardless of how terrifying the prospect was.

*He might get angry at my presumption,* I thought, *but I'd rather face his anger directly than continue in this agonizing limbo.*

A sharp knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. An older woman from Moon Alliance management—Greta—called my name from the doorway.

My heart raced. Had Ezra changed his mind? Was he summoning me at this hour after all?

"Ms. Greta," I acknowledged, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Security Director Orion is here to see you," she announced.

A shock ran down my spine. "Orion?" Why would he be here at this hour?

"Yes. He's waiting downstairs for you. Come now."

"But I... I'm in my nightclothes," I protested, gesturing at my silk pajama set.

"It's fine. He just wants a quick word," she replied dismissively.

"Oh... okay." I bit my lip, trying to guess Orion's purpose but coming up blank.

As I followed Greta through the hallways of Silver Moon Tower, the central air conditioning raised goosebumps on my skin. I hugged myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable in just my thin sleepwear.

Outside, Orion's luxury SUV waited, the passenger door already open. Through the window, I could see him sitting in the driver's seat, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

My heart pounded as I approached. "Security Director. Good evening, sir," I said with a nervous smile.

"No need for formalities, Isolde. Get in," he replied, his tone giving nothing away.

I slid into the passenger seat and closed the door. Warmth immediately enveloped me, a welcome contrast to the chill of the night air. The car's interior was breathtaking—black leather seats with silver trim reflecting Orion's refined taste.

*Be careful,* Lyra warned. *Don't forget he's Ezra's man.*