Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 189

Ezra's POV

I maintained my grip on Isolde's arm as I led her through the unfamiliar corridor. The electronic lock beeped when I pressed my thumb against the scanner, and the door slid open to reveal the spacious living area—a place I rarely used.

She yanked her arm free as soon as we entered, creating distance between us. Her eyes darted around the luxurious space, taking in every detail with obvious suspicion. The scent of her anger filled the room, sharp and bitter.

"What is this place?" she asked, her voice cold enough to freeze hell over.

I stood tall, keeping my expression neutral as I watched her. "From now on, it's your home."

I released her hand and stepped back, calculating. The electronic door lock had already activated. She didn't know the code. There was no way for her to leave this carefully designed cage, and I hated myself for bringing her here even as I knew it was necessary.

"Home? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she demanded, her brow furrowing as she stared me down.

My jaw tightened as conflicting emotions warred within me. I knew she would hate me for this—she already did—but I had no choice. She was too stubborn, too determined to leave. Until this situation with Evanthe was resolved, until Isolde understood that our mate bond wasn't doomed to fail, she needed to stay here.

"I can see you're very determined to leave," I said, keeping my voice low and measured.

She lifted her chin, meeting my gaze directly. "Yes, I am."

"I can't let that happen."

"That's not for you to decide, Alpha," she spat, injecting as much venom into the title as possible. "You have no right to imprison me."

"It is up to me. I decide that you're not going anywhere," I replied, my voice gaining a dangerous edge. "From now until this situation is resolved, you're staying in this apartment."

"No!" The word burst from her lips. "This is illegal detention! No, I WILL NOT stay here. No!"

"Yes, you will," I stated, my voice calm but final.

I stepped toward her, noticing how she shifted her stance, ready to strike if necessary. I wasn't concerned. With my Alpha-level healing abilities, any damage she could inflict would be temporary at best.

"Too many things have happened," I explained, softening my tone slightly. "Besides the fact that I don't want you to leave me, it's not safe out there. I don't know what my enemies are planning against you. So you need to stay here. Don't try to escape. It won't work. There are security personnel in every corner of this building, cameras monitoring every movement."

I moved closer until only inches separated us. My gaze dropped to her lips, and my breathing became heavier. Her scent was intoxicating, despite the anger emanating from her. Those lips, pressed together tightly in defiance, occasionally pursing unconsciously. God, I wanted to kiss her. To tell her everything would be alright.

Prime urged me forward. *Claim her. Show her she belongs to us.*

I leaned in, attempting to capture her lips with mine. Her hand moved in a blur, connecting with my cheek in a resounding slap that echoed through the apartment. My head snapped to the side from the force of it, my eyes closing from the impact.

The sting was nothing compared to the pain in my chest.

I straightened slowly, nodding as I processed what had just happened. "Okay. I got your message. I'll leave now."

I stepped back, turning toward the door. Prime howled in protest at the rejection, clawing at my insides, demanding I turn around and assert my dominance. I fought to maintain control as I walked away.

"I don't want to stay here!" she shouted at my retreating back. "You can't do this to me!"

I pretended not to hear her as I walked out. The door slid shut behind me with a soft click, and I leaned against it for a moment, breathing deeply.

---

I rode the elevator down, my mind racing. She needed to stay there, giving me time and space to handle this properly. First, I needed to deal with Evanthe. That annoying bitch! Her interference had severely damaged my relationship with Isolde.

As the elevator doors opened to the lobby, the security personnel and service staff I'd summoned were lined up in perfect formation.

"Good morning, Alpha," they said in unison, the chorus of voices nearly making me stumble in my distracted state.

"Thank you," I replied, straightening my posture. "I've called you here for an important announcement. From now on, Isolde Blackwood will be residing in the luxury apartment on the top floor of the tower. For the security team, you'll ensure her safety and make sure she remains in the apartment. Note that if she escapes in any way, whoever is responsible will answer directly to me. Isolde is not to leave that apartment. Is that understood?"

The security team members nodded in unison. "Yes, Alpha."

I turned to my housekeeper. "Una, you'll be responsible for delivering her meals, providing clothes, and meeting any reasonable requests she might have at any time of the day."

"I'll serve her with all my heart, my Alpha," Una replied with a bow.

"You must. From now on, I want security outside her door twenty-four hours a day, and if she shows any unusual behavior, report to me immediately. Also, she is to be treated with the utmost respect. She might be your future Luna."

"As you command, Alpha," they responded in unison.

"Good. That's all." I nodded, and they bowed before dispersing to their duties.

I took a deep breath, walking out of the building toward my office. Evanthe would likely be waiting, and Prime was still restless, growling at being rejected by our mate.

---

Outside the headquarters, my driver Cade opened the car door with a bow. "Good morning, Alpha."

"Good morning, Cade," I replied absently, my mind still on Isolde.

As I stepped out, I spotted Orion waiting at the entrance. My security director bowed as well. "Good morning, Alpha."

I nodded in acknowledgment, striding toward him with purpose, my expression serious.

"Did you bring her as I said?" I asked, referring to Evanthe.

"Yes, Alpha. She's waiting in your office," Orion confirmed.

"Good."

Orion searched my face, concern evident in his eyes. "What did she do to make you so angry?"

I stopped and turned to face him.