Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 206

Isolde's POV

The hotel suite was quiet except for the occasional rustling as the maid, carefully laid out the outfit I was expected to wear. Her movements were precise and efficient, though I noticed her hands trembling slightly as she handled the expensive garments.

"Miss, if you could please hold still," she requested softly, reaching up to fasten a diamond and sapphire necklace around my throat.

I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the woman looking back. The midnight blue designer gown hugged my curves perfectly, making me look like I belonged in this world of wealth and power. The jewelry adorning my neck, ears, and wrists sparkled under the lights, each piece strategically selected to showcase my status as Ezra's chosen companion.

"I don't want to go," I said, my voice hollow. "I have no desire to be paraded around like some prized possession."

Her eyes flickered to mine in the mirror, quickly looking away as she adjusted the necklace. "I'm sorry, miss, but Alpha Ezra was very clear about your attendance. The car will be arriving shortly."

"What's your name?" I asked suddenly, tired of not knowing what to call the maid assigned to me this morning.

She appeared taken aback by the question. "Faye," she answered after a moment's hesitation, her voice softer.

"There," Faye said, stepping back with a small bow. "Alpha Ezra mentioned that all the important executives and Alphas will be present tonight."

I nodded stiffly, my heart sinking. I was headed for a spectacle I couldn't escape.

---

The luxurious black car glided through the city, its silence oppressive. Ezra sat beside me in his perfectly tailored suit, his presence impossible to ignore. Neither of us had spoken since leaving the penthouse. And we barely talked since that night.

I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. My star-shaped birthmark on my shoulder burned slightly beneath the fabric of my dress, responding to my escalating emotions.

"We're here," Ezra announced as the car slowed to a stop.

I didn't respond, keeping my gaze fixed on anything but him.

The car door opened, and security personnel lined the path to the entrance of Silver Moon Tower. Business executives and other Alpha werewolves paused mid-conversation, turning to observe our arrival.

Ezra exited first, then extended his hand toward me. I ignored it, climbing out independently, feeling dozens of eyes scrutinizing every movement.

The night air chilled my exposed skin as I lifted my chin, refusing to appear cowed despite the chaos within me. Everyone knew I was supposedly Ezra's chosen mate, and I could sense their increased deference, the subtle shifts in posture as we passed.

*I don't give a fuck about their fake respect*, I thought bitterly.

At the entrance to the grand ballroom, Ezra offered his arm. "For appearance's sake," he murmured, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

I reluctantly slipped my hand through his arm, hating the way my skin tingled at the contact. Orion and three other security members escorted us inside, their vigilant gazes scanning the crowd constantly.

The moment we entered, all conversation ceased. The opulent space, with its crystal chandeliers and marble floors, fell silent as every person—werewolves and humans alike—bowed respectfully to their Alpha and CEO.

Ezra leaned close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. I instinctively flinched, remembering all too vividly how those same lips had moved against my neck just nights before.

"I need to speak with some business partners before we take our seats at the main table," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge of authority.

"I need you to wait here for a moment."

My fingers tightened around my small clutch. "Fine."

Ezra's eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't try anything clever. Look around this hall... the entire venue is covered with my security personnel who are well aware of your tendency to run. You wouldn't make it to the elevators before being brought back."

I met his gaze directly. "You've made your point crystal clear."

"Good. I don't want to treat you like a prisoner, so behave yourself. Don't force me to take more drastic measures." He brushed his lips against my right cheek and whispered, "I love you," before departing with Nathaniel and two security guards.

I stood alone, feeling the weight of countless stares. Silver Moon security personnel were stationed at every exit, and I knew without a doubt that every single one was watching me specifically.

*It would take a miracle not to melt under their burning gazes before Alpha Ezra returns*, I thought grimly.

I snagged a glass of whiskey from a passing waiter's tray and downed it in one gulp, placing the empty glass on a nearby table. A group of socialites seated there gave me looks of disgust, which I pointedly ignored as I reached for a second drink.

As the alcohol burned down my throat, providing momentary relief, a familiar voice made my heart sink.

"Well, look who we have here."

I turned to find Evanthe standing there, looking stunning in a form-fitting red dress that subtly emphasized her pregnant belly. My mood instantly plummeted.

"Isn't that line a bit cliché?" I interrupted, my tolerance for her games nonexistent. "You should come up with a new opening, don't you think?"

Her eyes flashed golden for a split second, but her professional smile remained fixed in place. "Still as defiant as ever. I thought the Moon Alliance Program would have taught you some obedience, but I guess I was wrong."

"Evanthe, I don't want to talk to you. Could you please go away and leave me in peace?"

"Of course," she said with mock sweetness. "If that's what our future Luna wishes."

As she moved past me, she deliberately bumped into my arm, causing my drink to spill across my expensive blue gown. I gasped in shock as the glass slipped from my fingers and shattered on the marble floor. Horror washed over me as I watched the stain spreading across the fabric.

Evanthe let out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh my God, Isolde... I'm so terribly sorry!" She pulled out a silk handkerchief and pretended to help dab at the stain.

I stood frozen in disbelief, staring at her while she muttered false apologies. The more she touched me, the angrier I became, until I finally snapped.

"Evanthe! Get away from me!" I pushed her away—not forcefully, just enough to create distance between us.

She stumbled backward dramatically, falling to the floor with an exaggerated cry of pain that drew everyone's attention. I looked down at her in disgust.

"I don't know what kind of scene you're trying to create, but stay away from me!" I shouted, aware that we were now the center of attention.