Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 70

Isolde's POV

"You always find a way to get yourself into trouble, don't you?"

Una's voice slashed through the air like a whip as I sat before her desk, feeling like a ghost of myself. Caught red-handed. I'd known the consequences of trying to contact my father, but I'd risked it anyway.

*Nice job, Isolde.*

Una was furious, practically breathing fire like a dragon as she paced behind her desk. Her gray hair was pulled into its characteristic severe bun, not a strand out of place despite her obvious rage.

"Una, I'm really sorry," I offered, knowing it was useless.

"Sorry?" She stopped pacing to glare at me. "Do you think 'sorry' changes anything? Contacting family members is a punishable offense. You know the rules of the Moon Alliance Program. Such actions could result in your expulsion." Her thin lips pursed tightly. "I wonder how your father would react to having you dumped back on his doorstep after he paid your debt with your presence here."

I bit my lip to keep from smiling. Being expelled actually sounded perfect. I didn't care if my former pack accepted me back—I had no intention of returning anyway.

I looked at Una's angry face and sighed heavily.

"I just wanted to hear my father's voice. I miss him," I admitted, the partial truth slipping from my lips.

"Oh please," Una scoffed. "Every girl here misses her family, yet they all manage to follow the rules." She adjusted her designer blazer with an angry tug. "You had just made a good impression on Ezra, and now you're likely to end up on his blacklist."

"I know, yeah," I muttered, hanging my head and fidgeting with my fingers.

My mind raced through possible punishments. Would I be scrubbing toilets? Cleaning rooms? Or worse—back to the basement isolation cell?

My star-shaped birthmark tingled against my shoulder as I watched Una pick up her phone. My stomach dropped as she dialed.

"Yes, this is Una. I need to report an infraction." She paused, listening. "Isolde Blackwood attempted unauthorized contact with her family." Another pause. "Yes, I'll make sure Ezra knows about this."

My heart hammered against my ribs. I was truly screwed now. Ezra would be furious. What would he do to me? Expel me from the program? Punish me personally?

*Oh god, what if he invites me to spend the night and sleep with him this time?*

My face flushed hot at the unbidden thought. The idea of casual sex was shocking—but the bad girl inside me hoped it would happen. Imagining Ezra doing *that* to me... wow!

"Isolde."

I looked up, fear-filled eyes meeting Una's cold gaze. My heart climbed into my throat, and I swallowed hard. My scalp began to itch with anxiety.

"You're in big trouble. Ezra wants to see you."

"He does?" I asked nervously, standing from my seat. My breathing came quick and hot as steam. I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear, standing helplessly before Una.

She pointed toward the door. "Yes, he wants to see you. Now, off you go... and good luck."

I looked between the door and Una's face, silently cursing her for making such a big deal of this. She could have handled this herself. This was my first offense—didn't I deserve a second chance? She was just like Evanthe, wanting to see me fail.

I shot her one last hateful look before leaving her office.

The journey to Ezra's private quarters was long but interesting. I momentarily forgot my predicament as I admired Silver Moon's infrastructure and gardens. The headquarters was magnificent, with numerous employees and security personnel bustling about.

*Thank god I'm not a regular employee.*

I was halfway across the main courtyard when a familiar lilting laugh stopped me in my tracks. My stomach clenched as I turned to see Sybilla surrounded by her usual entourage of Alliance girls. Her blonde hair caught the sunlight as she tossed her head back dramatically, clearly the center of attention as always.

When she spotted me, her laughter cut off abruptly. Her pale green eyes narrowed, taking in the security guard escorting me.

"Well, well," she called out, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "If it isn't my troublemaker sister being hauled off for punishment again."

The guard beside me shifted uncomfortably but didn't intervene.

Sybilla sauntered over, her designer outfit highlighting every curve she was so proud of. "What is it this time, Isolde? Stealing? Fighting? Or just your usual failure to follow basic rules?"

My birthmark burned against my skin as I fought to keep my expression neutral. "Not now, Sybilla."

"Ohhh," she cooed mockingly, "someone's in serious trouble!" She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. "Let me guess— you got caught breaking another ridiculous rule? That woman is on a mission to make your life miserable."

I remained silent, which only encouraged her.

"You know," Sybilla continued, examining her perfectly manicured nails, "I heard an interesting rumor this morning. Apparently, Ezra has been asking about you. Several times." Her eyes gleamed with malice. "I wonder what Evanthe would think about that?"

"I need to get going," I said tightly, moving to step around her.

Sybilla grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "Good luck with Ezra," her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "I hear he doesn't tolerate troublemakers!"

The guard cleared his throat. "We need to keep moving."

As I approached the building, a security guard stopped me.

"Isolde. Is that right?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Follow me. Mr. Silverwood said to bring you to him."

I nodded simply and followed him, noticing this wasn't the building I'd entered last night. I frowned but remained quiet and on my best behavior, still shaken from the encounter with Sybilla.

When we reached Ezra's office door, my heart began to thunder in my chest. The guard knocked and then motioned for me to enter. I pushed the door open weakly and stepped inside.

The office was spacious and as elegant as his bedroom had been. His desk sat in the far corner of the room. I cleared my throat and lowered my head.

"Mr. Silverwood," I said respectfully.

Ezra stood from his seat, hands in his suit pants pockets as he walked toward me. I felt so nervous I could almost disappear into thin air. I didn't even have the courage to look at his face.

"Look at me," he commanded.

I dragged my gaze up to his face with difficulty. His expression was neutral, giving me no clue whether he was angry or not.

I swallowed hard.