Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 294

Isolde's POV

"Daryl, I'm so sorry again for Ezra's sudden intrusion. What he did was completely out of line."

I found myself apologizing for the thousandth time as we sat across from each other at our reserved table. The embarrassment from earlier still burned in my chest, making me fidget with my napkin.

Daryl looked at me with those warm brown eyes, completely unfazed. "I've told you a thousand times, it's fine. It wasn't your fault he showed up out of nowhere, so stop apologizing already."

I sighed, my expression still apologetic as I recalled the mortifying scene. "Looking back, it was really embarrassing. We were ready to leave, then he just appeared from God knows where and started spouting nonsense."

I focused on Daryl's surprisingly calm demeanor. Here was this successful, respected designer, and he was acting like having the CEO of Silver Moon Group crash our date was no big deal.

"He wasn't spouting nonsense," Daryl said quietly.

My eyes widened, and I stared at him in shock. There was something unnaturally calm about his tone, his face and voice showing none of the anger or irritation I'd expected. It was such a stark contrast to what I knew about confronting Ezra—most people either cowered or exploded with rage.

A server approached our table, interrupting the moment. We ordered our meals and drinks—I chose sparkling water while Daryl opted for red wine. After the server left, we locked eyes again.

I cleared my throat, pursuing the topic that had been nagging at me. "So... you don't think he was spouting nonsense?"

"I know he wasn't," Daryl replied, leaning back in his seat with that designer confidence I'd noticed before. "That man was just expressing his feelings."

"Expressing his feelings?" I couldn't hide my disbelief. The idea that the cold, ruthless Lycan King had *feelings* seemed almost laughable.

Daryl smiled then, and damn if it didn't make him even more attractive. The scent of his expensive cologne was pleasant—not overpowering like some men wore, but sophisticated.

"He's in love with you," Daryl said matter-of-factly, "and he doesn't like the fact that I asked you on a date."

I froze. The words hit me like a physical blow, and I felt the blood stop flowing through my veins. A burning sensation spread from my head all the way down to my toes. My mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. It was like I'd lost my voice completely.

*Of course he loves us, we're his fated mate!* Lyra roared in my mind.

After what felt like an eternity of shocked silence, I managed to croak out, "Oh..."

Daryl nodded. "Yes. But that's his problem."

"Um..." I fumbled, my expression a mask of confusion and disbelief.

Daryl adjusted his position, leaning forward with his eyes serious and direct. "This won't stop me from pursuing you... I just know that I like you, Isolde. The fact that you're the Lycan King's fated mate won't stop me from pursuing you. If he loves you enough, he'll fight to win you back, but if he doesn't, I'll take you from him, and I won't apologize for it. I'm serious about this."

I stared at him like he'd suddenly grown two heads. The confidence in his voice was unmistakable—I could tell he meant every word. The fact that he was prepared to go up against the Lycan King, was...

*Wow!* I ducked my head, trying to hide the smile that was threatening to take over my face. *This is good. This is quite interesting.*

"This... this... I don't even know what to say," I stammered, clearing my throat.

"You don't have to say anything," Daryl replied smoothly. "Just relax and let me give you a memorable evening."

*He's brave,* Lyra commented, *but he doesn't have Alpha strength.*

The truth was weighing on me, and I found myself blurting out, "I um... I really don't want to be pursued right now."

I saw the confusion raise his eyebrows, but I pressed on, needing to be honest. "My only focus right now is this design competition. I think I'm not ready to get involved with anyone in the near future. I just want to be alone for a while."

I didn't want to mislead him. Daryl was a genius in the fashion world, and my life already had too many complications. I didn't need the added pressure of a relationship.

"I completely understand, Isolde," Daryl said, and then his right hand slid forward on the table, covering my left hand. His thumb gently caressed the back of my hand.

His touch made my nerve endings tingle, though it didn't carry the electric shock I felt with Ezra's contact.

"I don't mind waiting until you're ready," he continued. "I don't mind going head-to-head with the Lycan King for you. I like you. I want you, and I'll do everything in my power to win your heart. I'll be patient with you, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you," I replied softly, nodding.

*He has no idea what kind of opponent he's challenging,* Lyra laughed in my mind.

"You have nothing to thank me for," Daryl said humbly. "I should be thanking you for allowing someone ordinary like me the chance to pursue you. It's an honor I'll never forget."

"You're not ordinary," I protested. "If anyone between us is ordinary, it's me, not you."

I thought about my journey from street fighting in Emerald Valley District to being forced into the Moon Alliance Program. If that wasn't ordinary, I didn't know what was.

"Don't be ridiculous," Daryl replied, then gently lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.

"You're a rare and precious gem. Ezra's a fool for not immediately claiming you as his and marrying you!" He kissed my hand again, then placed it back on the table.

"You're the woman of my dreams, Isolde, and if Ezra's not careful, I'll make you mine right under his nose. I'm a very determined man. I can achieve anything I set my mind to, so he better watch out for me."

I sat there frozen, staring at him in awe. The audacity of challenging the head of Silver Moon Group was breathtaking.

*If these words reach Alpha's ears,* I thought, *given his possessiveness over what he considers his, this will definitely cause a shitstorm.*

I had a sinking feeling that trouble was brewing.