Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 22

**Isolde's POV**

 

"The Midnight Lotus?" I read the elegant gold lettering as Orion's SUV pulled up to the curb. "I've heard of this place. It's impossible to get a reservation."

 

"Nothing is impossible with the right connections," Orion replied, handing his keys to a waiting valet.

 

I hesitated before accepting the valet's offered hand, painfully aware of my casual jeans and sweater—hardly appropriate for one of the city's most exclusive restaurants.

 

"I'm not dressed for this," I whispered to Orion.

 

"You look fine," he assured me. "Trust me, no one will say anything."

 

The moment we stepped inside, the maître d' rushed forward, practically bowing. "Director Hawthorne! What an unexpected pleasure."

 

"Last-minute decision, Marcus," Orion replied smoothly. "Is my usual table available?"

 

"Of course, sir. Always for you."

 

As we followed him through the dimly lit restaurant, heads turned. I caught snippets of whispered conversations—most mentioning Orion's name with tones of respect or fear. The Security Director of Silver Moon Group clearly commanded recognition well beyond corporate walls.

 

Our "table" was a private alcove, separated from the main dining area by delicate paper screens adorned with hand-painted lotus blossoms.

 

"Your usual privacy, sir," the maître d' murmured before departing.

 

"Your 'usual' table?" I asked once we were alone.

 

Orion's lips quirked upward. "I entertain business associates occasionally. The privacy is... useful."

 

"I'm sure it is."

 

He chuckled. "You're not like the other Alliance girls, are you?"

 

"Is that a compliment or an observation?"

 

"Both." He opened the leather-bound menu. "Order whatever appeals to you. The chef trained in Paris and Tokyo."

 

I glanced at my menu and nearly choked when I saw the prices. The simplest appetizer cost more than what most people in Emerald Valley earned in a day.

 

"This is too much," I said, closing it. "I would've been happy with a sandwich."

 

"Indulge me," he replied, his tone making it clear this wasn't up for debate. "Consider it an apology for suggesting you spar with Alpha Ezra."

 

Orion ordered for both of us in fluent Japanese—another surprise. When the server departed, he turned his full attention to me.

 

"Tell me more about your combat training in Emerald Valley."

 

For the next hour, conversation flowed more easily than I'd expected. We discussed martial arts techniques and combat strategies. Orion was knowledgeable and surprisingly good company, asking thoughtful questions and actually listening to my answers.

 

The food was transcendent—delicate portions of perfectly prepared dishes I couldn't even name. Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself relaxing.

 

"So why did you really bring me here?" I finally asked. "I doubt it was just to feed a hungry Alliance girl."

 

"Perhaps I simply enjoy intelligent conversation."

 

"There are plenty of intelligent people at Silver Moon Group."

 

"But none quite like you." His amber eyes held mine. "You intrigue me, Isolde. You're an Alpha's daughter with combat skills to match, yet you were traded away like a asset. And instead of using your looks to climb the ranks like other Alliance girls, you're training with warriors."

 

"I'm not trying to climb any ranks," I said firmly. "I'm just trying to survive until I can find a way out."

 

Something flickered in his expression. "Out? You want to leave Silver Moon?"

 

I immediately regretted my candor. "I meant... find my place within the structure."

 

"And what place would that be? Have you considered your options?"

 

"What options? I was sent here as payment for my father's debt. I doubt I have many choices."

 

Orion leaned forward. "You underestimate your potential value. Alliance participants with your... abilities... often find themselves with unique opportunities."

 

Before I could ask what he meant, I glanced at my watch and felt a jolt of alarm. "It's almost curfew. I should get back."

 

"Don't worry," Orion said calmly. "I'll handle it."

 

*He wants something from us,* Lyra whispered as we drove back. *No one in Silver Moon does favors without expecting something in return.*

 

As we approached the Alliance residence, I spotted two guards at the entrance, checking IDs. My stomach dropped.

 

"There seem to be extra guards tonight," I observed anxiously.

 

Orion's expression hardened slightly. "Stay in the car," he instructed, approaching the guards alone.

 

From inside the vehicle, I watched as he spoke to them, his posture commanding respect. After what felt like an eternity, he returned and opened my door.

 

"Come with me," he said quietly. "Follow my lead."

 

As we approached, the guards straightened their postures.

 

"Good evening, Director Hawthorne," the taller one greeted, then nodded at me with less enthusiasm. "Ms. Blackwood."

 

The second guard frowned, consulting his tablet. "Sir, our records indicate Ms. Blackwood did not scan out of the building this evening. Alliance Program protocol requires—"

 

"Ms. Blackwood has been assisting me with a security assessment," Orion interrupted. "Her combat expertise was needed to evaluate potential vulnerabilities in our perimeter defenses."

 

The guard blinked, visibly torn. "I... I see, sir. But regulations state that all Alliance participants must be logged—"

 

"Are you suggesting that I, the Security Director, am unaware of our security protocols?" Orion's voice dropped dangerously low.

 

"N-no, sir! Of course not!"

 

"Good. This will be logged in my personal records. Is that clear?"

 

"Absolutely, Director. My apologies for the confusion."

 

"None needed. You're doing your job." Orion placed a hand lightly on my lower back, guiding me past the guards. "Ms. Blackwood, thank you for your assistance tonight."

 

I nodded, matching his professional demeanor. "Happy to help, Director."

 

In the elevator, I finally exhaled. "Thank you. I would've been in serious trouble."

 

"It's nothing," he replied, pressing the button for my floor. "Besides, I wasn't entirely lying. Your combat insights *are* valuable."

 

"Orion, why are you being so nice to me? Most executives don't give Alliance members a second thought unless they're... interested in other things."

 

He studied me for a long moment. "Let's just say I recognize quality when I see it. Talent shouldn't be wasted, regardless of which program you're in."

 

The elevator chimed at my floor, and Orion held the doors with one hand.

 

"Goodnight, Isolde. I enjoyed our evening."

 

"Goodnight," I replied. "And thank you again."

 

As I walked toward my room, I could feel his gaze following me until the elevator doors closed. The evening had been pleasant, even enjoyable, but as I let myself into my darkened room, Lyra's warning echoed in my mind:

 

*No one in Silver Moon does favors without expecting something in return.*

 

So... Could it be that Orion was really into me？