Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 63

Isolde's POV

I stirred, my consciousness gradually surfacing from the depths of sleep. The first thing I noticed was the darkness - not complete, but muted - created by high-quality black and dark gray curtains covering what appeared to be floor-to-ceiling windows. These weren't the simple curtains from my room in the Moon Alliance quarters. These were custom-made, expensive.

When I attempted to move, I felt a weight across my body - an arm. Ezra's arm. The realization sent a jolt through my system, effectively banishing any remaining drowsiness. My wolf, Lyra, awakened within my mind, instantly alert and assessing our surroundings.

*Where are we?* Lyra's consciousness stretched within me, taking in the unfamiliar luxury.

Before I could fully process my surroundings, a deep, commanding voice came from behind me.

"Where are you going?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin, my wolf instincts immediately on high alert. My heart hammered against my ribcage as memories from the previous night flooded back.

The invitation delivered by Ezra's personal assistant. Arriving at his penthouse. The tense conversation that somehow led to that kiss—that mind-numbing, soul-shattering kiss that had set Lyra howling within me. Then watching movies in his private theater, one after another until... until what? I remembered falling asleep during the fourth thriller, exhaustion finally claiming me.

But how had I gotten from the theater's comfortable sofa to what must be his master bedroom? Had he carried me? Had he used his Alpha strength to bring me here while I slept? Was this some kind of power play?

"Isolde." My name on his lips sent shivers down my spine. His voice carried that unmistakable quality that only an Alpha possessed—commanding, controlling, absolute.

Lyra responded to his voice with alarming intensity, both loving and fearing the way he said my name. There was possession in it, satisfaction, and unspoken desire.

With deliberate calmness, I turned to face the Lycan King, keeping my guard up. When my eyes met his, I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips before I caught myself and tried to mask it.

"Good morning, Ezra," I said, my voice still husky from sleep.

"Good morning, little wolf," he replied, his gray eyes studying me with that predatory intensity that made my pulse quicken.

I stretched, trying to appear casual as I said, "I have to go now. It's morning."

Ezra's lips curved into that knowing smile that screamed control. "It's noon, Isolde."

My eyes widened in shock. "No, it isn't!"

I quickly pushed his arm away and sat up in bed, my wolf instincts urging me to flee from this Alpha's territory. Looking down, I realized I was still fully dressed in my clothes from yesterday. There were no signs of intimacy between us. Nothing had happened. Lyra whined in disappointment and relief simultaneously.

Throwing back the covers, I said, "I have to go now. Greta will punish me for missing training."

"No one expected you to attend," Ezra replied calmly, his voice carrying that innate authority that brooked no argument.

The meaning behind his words hit me like a physical blow. My head spun, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. Lyra paced restlessly within me.

Everyone at Silver Moon—including everyone in the Moon Alliance program—knew I had been summoned by the Lycan King and had spent the night in his private residence. The implications made my stomach knot.

"Of course, they did not," I said quietly, nervously running my fingers through my hair.

Ezra watched me with that Alpha satisfaction, his eyes flashing gold for just a moment.

"But I still have to go now," I insisted, my voice slightly unsteady as Lyra urged me to leave this dangerous Alpha's territory.

"Do you mind doing a few things for me before you go?" Ezra asked, his voice carrying an unmistakable command beneath the question.

I whipped my head around to look at him, my heart nearly bursting through my chest, my breathing suddenly shallow. Lyra went still within me, wolf instincts sensing something important.

What did he want me to do? Was this a test of my obedience as a potential Luna? Was he finally going to mark me? Lyra howled excitedly in my mind at the thought.

"I have an important meeting with Azurite District representatives in an hour. I need you to prepare my bath and select an appropriate suit for the meeting. Can you do that for me?"

I felt shock wash over me again. Lyra growled in disappointment inside my mind.

*That's it?* my wolf grumbled. *No marking? No claiming?*

The Lycan King continued to surprise me. Was he testing my submissiveness or did he genuinely just need assistance?

"Yes, I can," I nodded mechanically, trying to hide my disappointment. "Yes, of course. I can do that."

I quickly got out of bed, maintaining my dignity while showing efficiency. "How do you like your water? Cold, warm, or hot?"

"Warm, with the essential oils from the right cabinet," Ezra replied.

"Understood. I'll prepare it immediately," I responded, walking into the adjoining bathroom.

The bathroom took my breath away. It was entirely marble, with a smart control system and built-in speakers. I efficiently operated the complex control panel, and in less than ten minutes had prepared a bath at the perfect temperature with the requested essential oils.

I informed Ezra the bath was ready. He rose from the bed and walked toward the bathroom, passing close enough that his scent made Lyra tremble with excitement within me.

I then entered Ezra's walk-in closet and was immediately stunned by its military-like precision. Everything had its place. The space occupied an entire wing, with a central display area and multiple specialized sections.

It was meticulously organized by occasion and type—business meetings, social events, formal dinners, casual wear, sportswear, and even battle gear. All items were arranged not just by color but by fabric texture and designer.

When I reached the business suit section, I was speechless. Each suit was worth a fortune.

"Gods, this is more extensive than all the boutiques in Emerald Valley combined!" I whispered in awe.

Drawing on my fashion sense, I carefully considered the importance of the meeting and the status of the representatives. After examining dozens of custom suits, I selected a deep gray Armani with a silver patterned tie—powerful without being overly aggressive.

Perfect for a Lycan King meeting with important district representatives.