Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 321

Isolde's POV

Despite everything that had happened today - the sabotage, the competition disaster, the emotional breakdown - I couldn't help but focus on how stuffed I felt. Ezra had practically force-fed me that entire steak dinner, plus dessert, and now I could barely breathe properly.

"Are you still mad at me for insisting you finish your steak and dessert?" His tone was low and amused, with that hint of playfulness that always made my chest flutter.

I let out a half-joking huff and rolled my eyes at him. "I don't want to talk to you right now. Leave me alone."

Ezra's low chuckle filled the car, a sound that seemed to resonate directly in my chest. In the dim lighting of the sedan, his eyes caught the streetlights and seemed to glow with dangerous amusement.

That laugh sent an unwanted wave of warmth through me. I hated how being around him always had these unexpected sweet moments, even when I was determined to be irritated with him. Did he feel the same way about our time together, or was this all just a game to him?

"You told me you were starving," Ezra said, "Yet after less than five bites of your steak, you declared yourself full. That's ridiculous."

I lifted my chin, trying to maintain my position. "No, it's not. Some people don't need to eat large quantities of food to feel satisfied."

Ezra raised one eyebrow. "So you're telling me five bites of premium wagyu beef is enough to satisfy you?"

I searched for a way to respond, then gave up and decided to double down on my ridiculous claim. "Well... you know what? Yes! No matter how hungry I am, I only need five bites of any food to feel full."

"That's a lie. An obvious lie." His voice was matter-of-fact but amused. "Isolde, I never thought you were a liar. You surprise me every day."

"I'm not lying! It's true." But the laugh that bubbled up from my throat betrayed me completely.

"You see," Ezra said, his tone taking on a playful edge. "That sounds so ridiculous that even you're laughing at your own words. But don't worry - from now on, I'll make sure to take you every evening for a proper meal."

My eyes widened. "You mean stuff me until I'm ready to explode and get fat? So people can have even more reasons to mock me?"

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Ezra replied, his eyes glinting with that dangerous light that always made my pulse race.

My jaw practically hit the floor. I gasped and glared at him. "Seriously! Is this how the CEO of Silver Moon Group treats women?"

He shrugged casually. "Yeah." His tone was completely nonchalant. "A good dinner won't make you fat, but even if it did, that would be fine. My werewolf genetics will ensure you stay in perfect shape."

I stopped talking altogether, pinching the bridge of my nose and closing my eyes, trying to breathe and calm down. "You know what... I don't want to discuss this topic with you anymore. It looks like we've arrived. I'm going back."

I reached for the car door handle, but Ezra's hand covered mine, stopping me. His arm nearly trapped me against the seat as he leaned over to reach the handle on my side.

We nearly collided face-first. I suddenly realized how close we were - Ezra had to lean toward me to reach my door handle.

My cheeks burned, and my heart hammered against my ribs. Our lips were only inches apart.

*Ezra, I'm frozen solid right now, staring at you and sending you signals with my eyes that you can kiss me because I know you want to, but you're afraid of my reaction. I won't push you away. I won't curse at you. I'll kiss you back, and we'll have a make-out session in this car that could make Lillian insane with jealousy.*

If he had marked me, I could communicate these thoughts to him telepathically. But now I could only express myself through words, and I'd rather die than say any of this out loud.

"Even if you got fat, I'd still want you," Ezra said quietly, his breath brushing against my face.

That statement hit me like cold water, completely killing any romantic thoughts in my head. "Seriously? That's what you can think of to say right now?"

"Um... Mr. Ezra," I said, trying to regain my composure. "I just want you to know that there's nothing wrong with being fat. If I wanted to gain weight, I would, regardless of what you think. So don't be so presumptuous!"

Ezra nodded, his eyes gleaming with what looked like victory. "Does that mean you'll join me for dinner every night from now on?" His voice carried a note of satisfaction. "Since you know... you don't mind gaining weight."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Like I said, I don't want to discuss this topic anymore." I gently tapped his hand that was still on the door handle, trying to ignore the electric current that shot through me at the contact. "Move your hand from the door handle. I want to leave. I need to get to bed early."

"I know," Ezra replied, his voice low.

"Then why are you stopping me from leaving?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice firm.

Ezra's gaze roamed over my face, and a smile played at the corners of his mouth - that dangerous, captivating smile that made my cheeks burn and almost catch fire every time I saw it. His eyes lingered on my lips.

This man's smile was dangerous and mesmerizing, making me lose my mind every single time, even when I didn't want to admit it.

"I know I did some things tonight that made you angry," Ezra said, "but I'm happy to see you like this - so animated."

I let out a short, sarcastic laugh. "Sir, you must be mistaken. This..." I drew a circle around my face with my index finger. "This is not me being animated. Actually, I'm very angry right now, and if you don't let me go, I'll have Lyra cause trouble for you. I'm serious!" I tried to maintain a serious, threatening expression, even though I knew that as an Alpha, he wouldn't be intimidated.

"Cute," Ezra said, his voice low and sincere.

That single word made my facial muscles betray me completely. My mouth curved into an involuntary smile despite my best efforts to stay serious, and I had to turn away to hide it.

"You trying to hide your cute smile hurts my feelings, Isolde," Ezra said. "I want to see it."

I pressed my lips together, my eyes fixed on the car window. Internally, I had to admit I couldn't resist his charm. *Damn this mate bond!*