Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 175

EZRA'S POV

I woke up feeling like my entire skeletal structure had been infused with new life. Energy coursed through my veins with an intensity that was almost unsettling. For the first time in years, I felt genuinely revitalized, as if some long-dormant part of me had finally awakened.

The thought of Isolde—of our newly established relationship—sent a fresh wave of energy through me. I had mountains of work waiting at the office, and for once, I was actually looking forward to tackling it all.

As Cade pulled the car up to Silver Moon Tower's main entrance, I schooled my features into the cold, imposing expression everyone expected from me. The moment I stepped out, every employee and security guard in the vicinity froze, bowing respectfully as I passed.

"Good morning, Alpha Ezra," they murmured, their eyes downcast in deference.

I acknowledged them with a curt nod, fighting the smile that threatened to break through my carefully maintained facade. The security team flanked me as I strode through the marble lobby toward the private elevator that would take me to my office.

When I entered my top-floor office, Orion was already waiting, standing at attention near my desk.

"Good morning, Alpha Ezra," he said formally.

"Good morning, Orion," I replied.

Once the door closed behind me, confirming we were alone, I allowed a rare smile to cross my face. Orion's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this uncharacteristic display.

"May I ask what has you in such good spirits today?" he inquired, clearly taken aback by my unusually positive demeanor.

I walked to the bar cabinet on one side of my office and pulled out a bottle of aged whiskey along with two crystal tumblers. Orion stepped forward, taking the bottle from my hands.

"Let me," he offered.

"Thank you," I said, another rarity that didn't escape his notice.

I took a small sip of the amber liquid before settling into one of the leather couches in my office's sitting area. The smile returned to my face unbidden.

"So," Orion ventured, "are you going to tell me what's got you so happy, or are you planning to remain mysterious?"

I chuckled softly, placing my glass on the marble coffee table. "Isolde and I reconciled last night."

I expected a more dramatic reaction, but Orion's expression merely softened, a knowing look crossing his features. He didn't seem particularly surprised, which was somewhat disappointing.

"I'm glad you finally decided to follow your heart," he said, raising his glass. "To that."

"I realized there was no point in continuing to deny what was happening between us," I explained. "After my first mate died so unexpectedly, I was... troubled for years. But I've decided to give this relationship with Isolde a chance."

"You won't regret it," Orion said with absolute certainty.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"I can't explain it really. I just know." He paused, his amber eyes meeting mine directly. "I'm happy for you both," Orion said, his smile warm and genuine.

"Thank you." I nodded.

"No need to thank me," he replied.

After a moment of companionable silence, Orion cleared his throat. "Speaking of mates, there's something I'd like to tell you."

"I'm all ears," I said, leaning forward slightly.

Orion sighed deeply, unconsciously touching the custom watch on his wrist. The gesture told me this was something significant.

"I found my mate," he said, his voice low but firm.

My entire body jolted with shock. I stood up quickly, my gaze sharp and focused on him. Orion nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, I found her," he confirmed.

A genuine smile broke across my face, and I laughed out loud—something I rarely did. I stepped forward and gave him a brotherly embrace.

"That's fantastic!" I exclaimed. "This is absolutely worth celebrating! You should have told me the moment you walked in."

"I was waiting for the right moment," he said.

"There is no right moment for announcing good news. This calls for a toast." I raised my glass to him. "To finding your destined one."

I was truly happy for him. Finding one's mate was the most sacred connection in werewolf society, a blessing from the Moon Goddess herself.

"When did you find her?" I asked eagerly.

"Just last night," Orion replied.

"Who is she? Do I know her?" I couldn't help the questions tumbling out. As both his Alpha and his friend, my curiosity was piqued.

"Who is she? A daughter of one of our business allies, perhaps?"

"No, no," Orion shook his head, seeming almost repulsed by the idea. "She's not even a Lycan. She's an ordinary werewolf."

"That's even better!" I said firmly.

Surprise flashed in Orion's eyes.

"I said exactly the same thing when I met her yesterday. 'That's even better!'" he echoed.

"Is she part of the Moon Alliance Program?" I asked.

"Yes. Her name is Thalia."

I covered my mouth with my hand, my eyes widening in disbelief. Orion looked confused by my reaction.

"What is it? Do you know her?" he asked.

"She's Isolde's best friend. The one who insisted on moving into the Privilege Apartments with her," I explained.

"No way!" Orion exclaimed softly.

We both burst into laughter at the coincidence.

*The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways,* I thought. The idea that two female friends would be mated to two male friends seemed almost too perfect to be coincidental. I wondered if this was some sort of sign from fate itself.

"Nathaniel will be shocked when he hears this," Orion remarked.

"Oh, he absolutely will!" I agreed.

Orion's expression suddenly grew worried. "My parents, especially my father, will be furious when they learn about this."

"Why?" I asked, though I could already guess the answer.

"He's always hoped my mate would be a noble Lycan female."

I nearly rolled my eyes at the outdated prejudice. "That's an antiquated bias. A mate is a mate, whether Lycan or ordinary werewolf. There are differences between our species, yes, but that doesn't make ordinary werewolves inferior. That's one of the old-fashioned notions I hope to change as the leader of Silver Moon Group."

"You'll have my full support in that reform," Orion assured me.

"Could we keep this between us for now?" he asked after a moment. "Thalia is still uncomfortable with the reality of us being mates. She needs time to adjust before facing public scrutiny. You know the media pressure and pack scrutiny she'll be under once this becomes known."

"I completely understand. My lips are sealed," I promised.

"Thank you for understanding."

"Don't mention it."

Orion glanced at his elegant watch. "Your meeting with the Council of Elders is due to start. The elders are already waiting in the conference room."

"Ah..." I sighed, suddenly remembering I had to announce a major decision about the future of the group today. For a few blissful moments, caught up in my newfound happiness, I'd almost forgotten.

*Time to return to reality,* I thought, straightening my tie as I prepared to face the Elders.