Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 168

ORION'S POV

The battles between brothers and sisters in werewolf families can turn vicious, sometimes deadly, if not properly managed.

Evanthe and I had our share of fights growing up. We still argue frequently, but it's different now—our disagreements come from a place of concern rather than hatred or jealousy. Our parents never allowed our conflicts to escalate into something irreparable. They taught us that pack strength begins with family unity.

I couldn't help comparing our situation to the Blackwood sisters.

This wasn't Sybilla's first attempt to sabotage Isolde, but it was certainly her most serious. I suspected my own sister had some involvement in this latest scheme, but I was satisfied that Isolde's name had been cleared. That was what mattered most.

I set down my silver cutlery, feeling content after finishing my meal. After wrapping up the investigation, I'd come straight to the Hawthorne family mansion, famished. Mother had prepared my favorite traditional werewolf dinner—rare venison with herbs that had been used in our pack for generations.

As I rose to leave the dining room, my mother and Evanthe approached.

"Are you finished?" Mother asked, eyeing my empty plate.

"Yes, Mom. Thank you for the meal. It was delicious as always," I replied, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "I need to get back to Silver Moon. There's work waiting for me."

Her smile vanished instantly. "But you just got here. Why are you leaving so soon? Don't you want to spend time with your mother? Don't you miss me?"

"Mom..." I sighed, feeling the familiar frustration rise. I hated when she did this—the emotional manipulation that seemed to be standard operating procedure for werewolf mothers.

"Just stay a few more hours," she pressed.

"Mom, I'm sorry, I can't. I have work to get back to."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Is it about that Moon Alliance member who was framed by her sister? I thought that was resolved."

"It is resolved," I confirmed.

"Then why do you look troubled? You don't seem well to me."

Before I could respond, Evanthe interjected with a knowing smirk. "That's because the girl involved in the scandal is his crush."

I glared at my sister, my eyes flashing gold as I let out a warning hiss. Damn her and her big mouth.

"Crush? A girl?" Mother's interest peaked immediately. "Who is she?"

"No, Mom. Ignore what Evanthe just said. It's meaningless," I said firmly.

"No, it is not meaningless!" Evanthe insisted, earning another stern glare from me, my eyes glowing brighter with warning.

"Who is she?" Mother persisted. "Why haven't you brought her home?"

"If he had the courage to pursue her, he would," Evanthe added fuel to the fire.

Mother looked scandalized. "Orion, what is she talking about? I didn't know you were the type of man who lacks the courage to pursue what he wants. Especially a woman!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes as I exhaled deeply. This was precisely why I avoided family gatherings whenever possible. Between my mother and sister, my sanity didn't stand a chance.

"Mom. Mom. Mother." I placed my hands on her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. "There is no crush. There is no girl."

"There absolutely is!" Evanthe insisted defiantly.

I released my mother's shoulders. "Goodbye, you two," I said, walking toward the mansion's front door.

"Stay the night," my mother called after me.

"I can't," I shouted back as I continued walking.

"If you like her, just tell her," she added as I reached the door. "You're the Security Director of Silver Moon Group, a Gamma warrior. No girl would reject you!"

I quickened my pace, eager to escape as Talon, my wolf, chuckled in my mind.

*She's not wrong about that last part,* he commented.

*Shut up,* I growled internally.

I drove away from my parents' home with a full stomach but an irritated mind. Evanthe always knew how to ruin my mood, especially when it came to Isolde. My sister had an uncanny ability to target my vulnerabilities with surgical precision.

I found myself driving to Privilege Apartments where Isolde lived. I knew Ezra had ordered Nathaniel to take her to his penthouse, and she was with him now. Part of me had driven here hoping to catch a glimpse of her, to make sure she was okay.

I wanted to tell her again that everything was fine, to assure her that as long as I lived, I would never let her be falsely punished again.

I parked my black luxury SUV and rolled down the window, staring at the upscale apartment building while feeling Talon's attention sharpen within me.

If Ezra hadn't taken an interest in Isolde, I would have made my move by now. I would have courted her properly, won her heart, and we might already be planning our mating ceremony.

I remembered the first time I saw her in the Battle Arena—her quiet strength, the way she moved with such purpose. She wasn't like the other women who tried too hard to impress. There was something authentic about her that drew me in deeper with each interaction.

I was certain Ezra would heed my advice and treat her better from now on. He would declare her as his mate, marry her, and they would live happily as Alpha and Luna. That was how it should be.

I needed to get over these feelings for her. The first step was driving past this apartment building and not looking back.

As I shifted my gaze from the entrance to look ahead, about to start the engine, the most peculiar, sweet, and captivating scent hit me. It was so intoxicating I nearly felt dizzy. My enhanced werewolf sense of smell made the experience almost overwhelming.

I cut the engine again and looked back out the window, feeling Talon suddenly alert in my mind.

Two women were approaching Privilege Apartments. One was blonde, and with my werewolf hearing, I could clearly hear her excitedly talking about how happy she was that Isolde had been proven innocent.

When my gaze shifted to the brunette walking beside her, my heart rate accelerated. She was listening patiently to the blonde's assessment of the whole situation. The city's strong winds were playing with her chestnut curls, and she kept tucking stray strands behind her ear, where a small silver moon earring glinted in the night.

She was stunning. The sight of her sent an electric current down my spine, my werewolf senses amplifying the sensation tenfold.

Talon began moving restlessly in my mind, sniffing around—something he had never done before.

*Talon, what are you doing?* I asked mentally.

*I can smell our mate's scent. She's nearby,* he replied, his voice urgent and excited.

My mate!?