Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 43

Orion's POV

 

The rhythmic thud of fists striking training pads echoed through the Battle Arena as I observed from the elevated platform reserved for executives. My attention was fixed on one particular fighter—Isolde Blackwood.

 

She moved with a grace that belied her formidable strength, executing a perfect combination against her training partner. Her chestnut curls were pulled back in a tight ponytail, a few rebellious strands framing her face as she pivoted and struck with precision that would impress even the most seasoned warriors.

 

Isolde Blackwood was unlike any woman I'd encountered in Silver Moon Group—or anywhere else for that matter. She wasn't my destined mate; my wolf hadn't responded with that legendary recognition. But there was something about her that drew me in nonetheless—her fierce independence, her resilience in the face of adversity.

 

"Security Director," Alex called from below, interrupting my thoughts. "The new combat simulations you ordered have arrived. Would you like to test them today?"

 

I nodded, though my attention remained on Isolde as she helped a younger warrior correct his stance. The Battle Arena had transformed since her arrival. The warriors trained with renewed vigor, inspired by this woman who challenged their preconceptions about Alliance Program participants.

 

The door to the executive viewing platform swung open, and Ezra strode in, his custom suit immaculate as always. I straightened automatically, offering the respect due to my Alpha and CEO.

 

"Alpha Ezra," I greeted, inclining my head slightly.

 

He acknowledged me with a brief nod, his stormy gray eyes immediately scanning the training floor below. I followed his gaze and wasn't surprised when it locked onto Isolde.

 

"The Blackwood girl continues to impress," he remarked, his tone deliberately casual.

 

I studied him carefully, noticing the subtle signs I'd been trained to detect—the slight tension in his jaw, the way his fingers tapped against his thigh, the almost imperceptible flare of his nostrils as he breathed in the scents from below.

 

"She's a natural fighter," I agreed, keeping my voice neutral despite the revelation unfolding before me.

 

Ezra Silverwood, the Lycan King himself, was interested in Isolde Blackwood.

 

Over the past days, I'd noticed his increasing presence at training sessions, his unusual focus on her progress, the way he'd personally intervened in her punishment. I'd attributed it to his meticulous attention to all aspects of Silver Moon Group's operations.

 

I'd been a fool.

 

"Make sure she receives advanced weapons training," he instructed, still watching her. "She has potential beyond standard combat techniques."

 

"Of course, Alpha."

 

He departed shortly after, leaving me with newfound clarity.

 

The CEO of Silver Moon Group, my Alpha, had romantic intentions toward the same woman I'd been drawn to.

 

---

 

The revelation weighed heavily on my mind as I sat in my office later that day, reviewing security protocols that couldn't hold my attention. My wolf paced restlessly within me, agitated by the complicated situation I now faced.

 

The door to my office burst open without warning. My sister Evanthe stormed in, her designer heels clicking aggressively against the marble flooring, her face contorted with fury.

 

"Orion!" she exclaimed, slamming her palms on my desk.

 

I sighed, setting aside the tablet I'd been pretending to read. "What is it now, Evanthe?"

 

"At first, they were just whispers, rumors," she hissed, her perfectly manicured nails digging into the polished wood. "But now it's getting worse and worse!"

 

"What exactly are you talking about?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew.

 

Her blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'm talking about that bitch, Isolde Blackwood!"

 

I couldn't control my reaction—my eyes widened at the mention of Isolde's name, my pulse quickening involuntarily.

 

"What about Isolde?" I asked, my voice betraying more concern than I intended.

 

Evanthe's eyes narrowed further. "Look at your expression! Why do you look so worried? Is it true then? You're interested in her too?"

 

"Too?" I echoed, feigning ignorance.

 

She let out a frustrated laugh. "That girl is better than I thought. More dangerous. I'll need to take more serious measures against her."

 

"Evanthe, what are you implying? What has Isolde done to you?"

 

"First you, and now Ezra," she spat, pacing the length of my office. "What magic does that girl possess to attract both of you? What's so special about her?"

 

"You still haven't answered my question," I pointed out, my voice hardening.

 

"Please, stop!" she snapped. "It's bad enough that you're giving her special treatment. Ezra cannot be on that list. She cannot take what belongs to me!"

 

I studied my sister carefully. Evanthe's obsession with Silver Moon's CEO had long concerned me. Despite the absence of a mate bond, she'd fixated on becoming his Luna with single-minded determination.

 

"He's not even your fated mate!" I reminded her.

 

"And she's not his!" Evanthe shouted, her voice rising. "If any woman is going to be the Luna to the Lycan King, it should be me! I come from the Hawthorne warrior lineage, and I'm a warrior myself. I'm beautiful and brave. I have all the qualities a worthy Luna should possess. Ezra should be attracted to me, he should be with me—not that worthless werewolf girl!"

 

"Evanthe, enough!" I commanded, rising from my chair.

 

She paused, a calculating look replacing her rage. "You know what? I think you should continue pursuing her. Though I don't approve of my brother chasing after that bitch, I think it's my only option now. Get close to Isolde, court her, make her yours—that way, she won't have a chance to get close to Ezra. Once Ezra sees you and Isolde together, he won't think about her anymore."

 

I studied my sister with newfound clarity. Her ambition had always been evident, but the extent of her ruthlessness—her willingness to manipulate even her own brother for personal gain—was becoming increasingly apparent.

 

"Evanthe, I'm afraid I can't do what you're asking," I said firmly.

 

"What do you mean?" she demanded. "It's simple. Isolde is just a worthless werewolf—you just need to do some nice things for her, and she'll fall for you, if she hasn't already. That's all you need to do. Make her yours."

 

I shook my head slowly. "It's not that simple. What you're asking me to do is compete with the Lycan King for a woman, and you know no one is allowed to do that. I do like Isolde, but since Ezra appears to be interested in her, I must back off. I have no choice. So if you want to become the Alpha's Luna, you'll have to fight for it yourself. You won't have my help."

 

Evanthe's face transformed with fury and disbelief. "To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I'm ashamed to call you my brother. You're nothing but a coward!"

 

With that, she stormed out of my office, the door slamming behind her with enough force to rattle the awards on my wall.