Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 295

Isolde's POV

The evening had exceeded my expectations in every way. Daryl's humor had me laughing until my sides ached, and for the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely carefree. My heart was still buzzing with excitement and contentment, and I had a feeling sleep would be elusive tonight.

Daryl turned off the engine and shifted in his seat to face me, his brown eyes holding mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

"If you could see inside my mind right now," he said softly, his gaze never wavering, "you'd find it full of reluctance. I hate how fast time moves when I'm with you."

There was something undeniably appealing about his sincerity that was hard to resist.

"I had a wonderful time with you too, Daryl, even though it was brief, I'll treasure this evening."

His smile widened, and he nodded with confidence that seemed to radiate from him. "I'm so glad you feel that way. Because I feel the same—I'll hold onto the memory of tonight until we meet again."

Then his expression grew more serious, more determined. "If you don't mind, I'd like to invite you to dinner again. This time, you can choose the place."

"Of course, only if you want to," he added quickly.

"Of course I want—"

*Calm down, Isolde. Don't seem too eager,* I warned myself internally. My situation was complicated enough without appearing desperate for his attention.

I pressed my lips together, took a deep breath, and forced myself to regain composure.

"Another dinner sounds wonderful," I said more coolly. "I look forward to it."

His eyes immediately brightened, and his smile expanded. "You have no idea how happy that makes me. Thank you."

"Don't mention it," I replied.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Daryl spoke again. "Well... I should probably walk you inside before your brother Holden comes out looking for you himself. I wouldn't want that."

He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out, walking around to open my door like a perfect gentleman.

I was still smiling, thinking fondly of my newly blended family. Despite being my half-brother, Holden was protective of me in a way that warmed my heart, even if I was technically older than him.

"Thank you," I said as I stepped out of the car.

As we turned toward the apartment building entrance, my eyes caught sight of the luxury villa nearby, and my thoughts unwillingly drifted to Ezra. I hated that just seeing that building could make my heart race, despite our complicated relationship. Tonight's happiness had nothing to do with him and everything to do with Daryl.

Daryl took my hand, and we began walking toward the entrance together.

That's when I saw him.

Ezra stood there, several yards away.

My face went pale instantly. The moment our eyes met, I felt an electric current shoot through my entire body. Instinctively, I pulled my hand free from Daryl's and clenched both fists at my sides.

There he was, maintaining his characteristic calm and composed posture—feet slightly apart, hands in his pockets, expression serious, those gray eyes like ice. His black suit was immaculate as always. He began walking toward us, each step radiating that unmistakable Alpha aura.

"Mr. Silverwood," Daryl acknowledged with a slight nod, his voice carrying obvious tension.

I didn't bow or show any sign of submission. Instead, I lifted my head and met Ezra's gaze directly, my mind screaming questions about why he was here, why he was watching me.

"I'll take it from here," Ezra said to Daryl, his voice cold and gravelly.

Daryl gave me a pained smile that made my heart ache for him. "See you tomorrow," he said before quickly walking back to his car and driving away.

I watched him leave with burning anger in my chest, then turned to face Ezra, fury building inside me like a wildfire.

"You must feel very powerful right now," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I do," he replied, his tone carrying an unusual sincerity. "Because I'm in front of you. Your presence makes me feel powerful."

I rolled my eyes hard, completely unmoved by this line.

"How long have you been waiting here?" I demanded, my expression hardening.

He pointed to himself, made a scoffing sound, looked down, shook his head, and laughed dismissively, as if the idea was ridiculous.

Then his expression turned serious. "Yes."

I was completely caught off guard. "Yes, meaning you've been here since I left with Daryl?" My voice pitched higher with shock.

"I know it makes me look pathetic, but yes. From the moment you and Daryl left, I've been here waiting for you to come back."

My mind reeled. My breathing became rapid and shallow. The idea seemed insane, unbelievable. *This is crazy behavior,* I thought.

"That's absolutely creepy and unacceptable!" I gasped, my breathing becoming labored as my eyes began to show flecks of gold.

"No, it's not," he defended. "I was just waiting, not following you. Following would be crazy."

"Don't... don't say another word!" I turned away, pressing my palm to my forehead, breathing heavily. My heart was pounding so hard I felt like he might drive me insane.

"But why?" I demanded. "Why would you wait here for hours?"

"Because the thought of you with another man was torture!" he said, his gray eyes flashing anger. "Because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep unless I saw with my own eyes that he brought you home safely. That's why I stayed."

"You're pathetic," I said flatly.

"I know this makes me look foolish, but Isolde, I love you—"

"No!" I held up my hand to stop him. "Not today. Not now. I'm too tired to listen to your nonsense tonight. I need to go rest."

His expression crumpled, his shoulders sagged, and he released a defeated sigh. The broken, vulnerable look on the face of the Alpha was so rare and unexpected that it made my chest tighten with guilt.

I hated how easily he could manipulate my emotions. *Don't soften so quickly,* Lyra reminded me.

"The design competition starts tomorrow," I found myself explaining, though I didn't owe him any explanation. "So I need to rest well and keep my head clear."

"I understand," he said quietly. "See you tomorrow."

At those words, I frowned and fixed him with a sharp look.

"Ezra, don't even think about showing up at the competition venue or anywhere around it," I warned sternly.

"I won't. We'll meet here," he replied.

"Don't come here either."

"I'm begging you," he said, and I caught a flash of vulnerability in this powerful Alpha's eyes.

I rolled my eyes again, feeling the absurdity of the situation.

"Whatever," I said with resignation, then walked past him toward the elevator.

"I love it when you call me Ezra," he called out behind me. "It sounds incredibly sexy."

I didn't stop or turn around, but I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips.

"I'm glad I could make you smile," he added. "Good night, my love."

My heart felt like ice melting in flames.