Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 58

Isolde's POV

My heart hammered against my ribs as I stepped out of the Alliance residence building into the cool evening air. The star-shaped birthmark on my shoulder burned beneath my dress—a physical manifestation of the anxiety coursing through my veins. Tonight I would be serving Alpha Ezra in his private penthouse. The mere thought sent a wave of heat flooding through my body.

"Isolde!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of my name. Spinning around, I found Security Director Orion standing beside his black SUV, amber eyes watching me intently.

"Security Director, you scared me," I said, pressing a hand to my racing heart.

His lips curved into an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's okay." I walked toward him, curious about his unexpected presence. "What are you doing here?"

"Well..." Orion hesitated, his eyes briefly scanning the parking lot before returning to me. "You didn't show up at the training center today, so I wanted to check if everything was alright."

"Oh... that." I shifted uncomfortably. "I did miss training today. But I think you've already heard why. It's the hot topic around Silver Moon."

Orion's expression remained carefully neutral, but I caught a flicker of something in his amber eyes—concern, perhaps, or something deeper.

"Are you okay?" I asked, noticing the tension in his shoulders. "You seem troubled."

He shook his head dismissively. "I'm fine. Are you heading to Alpha Ezra's penthouse now?"

The blunt question caught me off guard. "Yes," I admitted, my birthmark flaring with heat.

"Let me drive you," he offered.

"That's not necessary. I can walk—"

"Isolde," he interrupted gently, "I insist. The main tower is across the business district, and it's getting late."

When I hesitated, something playful flickered across his face.

"Helping you is never a burden to me, Isolde. Now, get in the car. Or I'll carry you in myself."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're such a bully."

His SUV smelled of expensive leather and his subtle cologne. As we pulled away from the Alliance residence, soft jazz music filled the comfortable silence between us. I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past.

The awkwardness of the situation wasn't lost on me. A man was driving me to another man's home for what everyone assumed would be intimate services. My cheeks burned at the thought.

As we approached the financial district, Silver Moon Tower loomed ahead, its glass and steel structure dominating the skyline. The upper floors glowed with light, including the very top floor—Ezra's penthouse. My stomach clenched.

Orion pulled up to the VIP entrance, his eyes studying my face with startling intensity.

"Have you done this before?" he asked suddenly. "Private service for the Moon Alliance Program?"

I swallowed hard and shook my head. "No. Never."

"Make sure you tell him that," he said, his voice oddly strained.

"Should I?"

"Absolutely."

As I reached for the door handle, his warm fingers wrapped around my wrist, stopping me. When I turned back, his expression made my heart ache—he looked almost heartbroken.

"You'll be okay, right?" he asked softly.

"Yes."

"Take care of yourself."

I nodded and slipped out of the car. Orion remained parked, watching as I approached the private elevator entrance. The security guard scanned my Alliance ID card and stepped aside, allowing me access. Only when the doors closed behind me did Orion's SUV finally pull away.

The elevator ride to the penthouse seemed to take forever. My reflection in the polished metal doors showed a girl I barely recognized—elegant dress, carefully styled hair, makeup that enhanced rather than masked my features. But my eyes betrayed my nervousness.

When the doors opened, I was greeted by a well-dressed personal assistant with a surprisingly warm smile.

"Welcome to Mr. Silverwood's penthouse," she said pleasantly.

"Thank you," I replied, startled by her friendliness. This was the first time someone from Silver Moon's upper management had treated me with genuine courtesy.

"Dinner is ready," she informed me, leading me into the vast penthouse. "You can have anything you'd like. CEO Ezra is currently in his video conference room with international clients. He'll join you shortly."

"May I take your bag?" she offered. "I'll put it in his bedroom."

"Oh... sure. Thank you." I handed over my purse, hoping she wouldn't open it to discover the lingerie I'd packed for tonight's "service."

She led me through a spacious living area furnished with modern pieces that somehow managed to look both elegant and comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape.

"This way to the dining room," she guided me, opening a set of double doors.

My jaw nearly dropped at the sight. The dining table was set with what looked like haute French cuisine—multiple courses arranged on fine china with crystal glassware. It looked like a dinner prepared for a board meeting, not for what I had assumed would be a quick meal before... other activities.

"As I mentioned, dinner is ready. Please enjoy whatever you'd like. I'll put your bag in the bedroom."

As she disappeared down a hallway with my purse, I slowly approached the table, utterly confused.

"What is happening here?" I whispered to myself.

This was nothing like what I had expected. I had mentally prepared myself to be immediately led to a bedroom for the "services" expected of Alliance girls. Instead, I was being treated like an honored guest.

Whatever Ezra had planned for tonight, it certainly wasn't what the rumors suggested.