Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 80

Isolde's POV

A bittersweet sensation gathered in my stomach and spread throughout my body as Alpha Ezra carried me from the Battle Arena. Every werewolf warrior we passed stared at us with wide eyes and slack jaws. Being cradled against the CEO's chest like this was every Alliance girl's dream, yet all I could focus on was Evanthe's murderous glare as Orion helped her to her feet.

*I'm dead. She's never going to let this go.*

Fear, confusion, and an inappropriate thrill at being in Ezra's arms made for a dangerous cocktail.

"Put me down," I whispered as we entered the elevator. "I can walk. This isn't necessary."

"Be quiet," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

The medical center staff scrambled when we arrived, their shocked expressions quickly masked by professional efficiency. They led us to a private examination room where Ezra finally set me down on the edge of a medical bed.

"Full scan," he ordered the chief physician, a middle-aged werewolf with salt-and-pepper hair. "Check for internal bleeding, broken bones, and concussion."

"Alpha Ezra, that's not—" I started to protest.

"I don't recall asking for your opinion," he cut me off.

The medical team moved with practiced precision, cleaning my wounds with high-tech equipment and setting up an IV to replenish my energy. They applied werewolf-specific rapid healing salves to my bruises and cuts.

As they worked, my mind replayed the fight with Evanthe. Her speed and strength couldn't possibly have been natural. She must have taken some kind of enhancement drug—there was no other explanation for why I couldn't win a single round.

*She was ready to dig her claws into my face,* I thought, shuddering at the memory. *Completely disregarding Silver Moon's training rules. She was ready to actually hurt me, just because she thought Ezra was interested in me.*

*Moon Goddess! What mess have I gotten myself into? Have I really become Evanthe's mortal enemy?*

*Our mate protected us,* Lyra whispered in my mind, trying to comfort me.

After what felt like an eternity of scans and treatments, I was transferred to a luxurious private recovery room. The space looked more like a five-star hotel suite than a hospital room, with ambient lighting and expensive furnishings.

Ezra sat at the foot of my bed, still in his custom suit, watching as I settled against the plush pillows.

"How are you feeling? Is the pain better?" His voice carried less coldness than usual.

"Yes, Alpha Ezra. Almost all the bruises have healed. Werewolf regeneration comes in handy." I tried to keep my tone light despite the tension in the room.

"Good, good." He sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Hmm?" I looked at him in confusion.

"I noticed she was out of control, but I didn't anticipate she would try to break the rules by attacking you that way. She even partially shifted." His jaw tightened. "I should have stopped her sooner."

"It's okay, Alpha Ezra. You don't need to apologize. This wasn't your fault."

"Evanthe was not herself today. Her speed and strength were inconsistent with her normal levels, which you would know better than I would." He paused meaningfully. "Did you notice anything unusual, Isolde?"

My heart raced. If I directly accused Evanthe of using enhancement drugs, the retaliation would be swift and merciless. She was already gunning for me—did I really want to make it worse?

"I... I'm not sure, Alpha Ezra. Maybe she's just been training harder." I avoided his gaze.

He narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing my answer. "Is that so? Are you certain there's nothing else you want to tell me?"

I bit my lower lip, torn between self-preservation and honesty. "I... just felt she was different today than before. But exactly what it was, I can't say for certain."

"Well," he nodded thoughtfully, "I'll be investigating." His voice dropped lower. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, Alpha Ezra. I'm fine."

A soft knock interrupted us, and Security Director Orion entered, dressed in an all-black high-end suit. His amber eyes immediately sought me out.

"Isolde." He called my name from the doorway.

"Security Director Orion," I acknowledged.

"How are you feeling?" Concern laced his voice.

"Much better. Thank you for asking."

"Are you certain? No fever? No fractures, no excessive bleeding?" He approached the bed cautiously, maintaining a respectful distance.

"None of those. The Battle Arena's scanners are quite advanced."

"Thank goodness." Relief washed over his face. "Isolde, I deeply apologize for my sister's actions—"

"You don't need to apologize on Evanthe's behalf," Ezra interrupted. "As PR Director, she'll make her own apologies. If she still wants to keep her position."

"Of course, Alpha Ezra, she will." Orion lowered his gaze respectfully.

The tension between the two men was palpable. I shifted uncomfortably on the bed, unsure how to navigate this strange dynamic.

"Can I return to the Alliance residence now?" I asked, hoping to defuse the situation.

"No. Your IV treatment isn't complete, and you need proper rest." Ezra stood and straightened his designer suit. "Orion and I will leave you to rest. When you're cleared to leave, my personal assistant and driver will come to take you directly to my penthouse."

My heart skipped a beat. Orion's expression darkened before he quietly exited the room.

"But I can't go there directly from here, Alpha Ezra," I protested weakly.

"Why not?" His tone carried the unmistakable authority of a business magnate used to getting his way.

"I... I need to shower and pack some clothes. There are Alliance Program protocols."

"I believe my penthouse has modern shower facilities and sufficient clothing. It is Silver Moon's most elite residence."

"Yes, Alpha Ezra, but—"

"No buts, Ms. Blackwood. Don't make a fuss when they come for you. That's an order."

Before I could respond, he leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead. 

"Don't worry," he murmured against my skin. "I'll see you soon."

With his hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored trousers, he walked out of the recovery room, his Alpha presence lingering long after he'd gone.

My heart pounded against my ribcage as I stared at the door he'd just exited through. The most powerful man in Silver Moon Group had just kissed me—not on the lips, but intimately nonetheless.

I contemplated the significance of everything he'd done for me today—defending me in front of everyone. Should I have told him that Evanthe was definitely using enhancement drugs? Would he have destroyed her?

What exactly was happening between me and Ezra Silverwood?