Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 329

Ezra's POV

The evening air felt crisp against my face as I walked through the lobby of Silver Moon Tower, my mood buoyant in a way I hadn't experienced in years. The security personnel nodded respectfully as I passed, and I found myself actually nodding back with genuine warmth instead of my usual perfunctory acknowledgment.

*What a fucking amazing day,* I thought, unable to suppress the smile that kept creeping across my face.

Every moment with Isolde had been perfect. The way she'd surprised me by showing up unannounced, the lunch we'd shared, the easy conversation that flowed between us—it all felt so natural, so right.

She was meant for me. The Moon Goddess had chosen her as my second chance, and today had erased any lingering doubts I might have harbored. I could never choose Lillian over Isolde. The very thought was laughable.

*I need to accelerate the investigation into Lillian's past,* I decided as I stepped into my private elevator. *Whatever game she's playing, whatever secrets she's hiding—I need to know. The Moon Goddess brought Lillian back not so I could reunite with her, but so I could uncover the truth and finally put that chapter of my life to rest.*

The elevator climbed toward my penthouse, and I felt my chest tighten with determination. Nothing would come between Isolde and me again. I wouldn't allow it.

The elevator doors opened. Una appeared almost immediately, her professional demeanor as impeccable as always.

"Welcome home, sir," she said with a respectful bow.

My eyes automatically scanned the spacious living area, searching for any sign of Lillian's presence. When I didn't hear the clatter of dishes from the dining room or her voice echoing through the halls, relief flooded through me. The last thing I wanted was to deal with her dramatic attempts at domesticity after the perfect day I'd just had.

"No need," I said when Una moved to take my briefcase. "I've got it."

I paused, my expression growing more serious. "Where is Lillian?"

"In her suite, sir. Likely resting," Una replied smoothly. "She's been quite... quiet today."

*Thank God.*

"How has she been today?" I found myself asking, though I wasn't sure why I bothered.

"Very quiet, sir. She's kept herself locked in her suite all day, only came out for dinner." Una's tone remained neutral, but I caught the subtle undertone. "She seemed... troubled by something."

I simply nodded. "She'll be fine," I said dismissively. "I'm heading to my suite."

Una's voice followed me. "Shall I have dinner sent up to your room, sir?"

The question made me think of the incredible meal Isolde and I had shared, and I had to bite back a smile. My cheeks actually felt warm remembering how she'd laughed at something I'd said, the way her eyes had sparkled with genuine mirth.

"No, thank you. I've already had dinner. Good night."

I reached my suite door still wearing that ridiculous smile, already planning how I'd spend the evening reliving every detail of our time together. Maybe I'd call her later, just to hear her voice before bed.

I pushed open the door and stepped into the warm, familiar comfort of my bedroom, my mind already lost in thoughts of—

My heart nearly stopped.

There was a naked figure lying on my bed, and it took a split second for my brain to process what I was seeing. Lillian was stretched across my king-sized bed, completely nude, propped up on one elbow with a smile that made my skin crawl.

"What the fuck?" I whispered, blinking rapidly, hoping I was hallucinating.

But no. She was still there, still naked, still smiling at me like she belonged there.

Heat shot up through my chest and out my nostrils. My heart rate spiked, and my hands began trembling with rage.

I forced myself to take a deep breath, clenching my fists at my sides.

"Lillian..." My voice came out strained, barely controlled. "What is this supposed to mean?"

She slithered down from the bed like a snake, standing before me in all her naked glory, her smile growing more seductive.

"Do you like what you see?" she purred.

I kept my eyes firmly fixed on her face, though every fiber of my being wanted to roar at her to cover herself. *No, I don't fucking like it,* I thought, but I forced myself to respond more... diplomatically.

"You shouldn't be here," I said quietly.

She stepped closer, and I automatically took a step back. "Why not? I'm your mate. I have every right to be here in whatever state I choose."

The sheer audacity of her statement left me speechless for a moment. I backed up further, maintaining distance between us, feeling trapped in my own goddamn bedroom.

"No... stop," I said sharply when she moved to close the gap again.

"Why do you want me to stop?" Her voice took on a wheedling tone. "You never used to ask me to stop. You used to love coming home to this sight."

I let out a long, frustrated sigh. This couldn't continue. I needed to get out of here before I lost control and ruined everything.

"I'm going out for some air," I announced firmly. "When I come back, I expect you to be gone from this bedroom. Clear?"

She opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. "No buts... just leave."

I turned and strode out of the room, my hands shaking with barely controlled fury.

---

Standing in the hallway outside my own bedroom, I felt the incredible mood from my day with Isolde crashing down around me. The rage and frustration were overwhelming.

*Please let her be gone when I get back,* I prayed silently. *If she's still there, I won't be responsible for what happens next.*

This arrangement wasn't working. I couldn't live like this, couldn't have Lillian invading every sacred space in my life. Tomorrow, I needed to have a serious conversation with Orion. We needed a new plan, because this one was going to drive me insane.