Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 94

Isolde's POV

"Thalia!" I exclaimed, my face lighting up as she walked through the door of my hospital room.

Without hesitation, Thalia rushed over and wrapped me in a gentle embrace. God, I'd missed her. Having a friendly face visit me in this sterile, cold hospital room meant more than she could possibly know.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, settling herself on the edge of the bed beside me.

"The nurses wouldn't let me in earlier," she explained with a frown. "Said you needed plenty of rest."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "No, I didn't! That was Alpha Ezra assuming what I needed."

*As usual*, Lyra added in my mind. My wolf had been unusually quiet since the incident, almost protective in her silence, letting me process everything at my own pace.

"So," I leaned forward eagerly, "tell me what's being said at the Moon Alliance residence. I'm assuming it hasn't spread yet?"

Thalia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? It's everywhere!"

"Oh, God! That's not good." My stomach dropped as I imagined the rumors circulating.

Thalia raised an eyebrow sarcastically. "There are so many versions going around. Some say you got high on drugs to have the courage to seduce men. Others say Ash drugged you. There's even talk that you were going to be gang-banged by Silver Moon executives."

"No!" I gasped in horror.

"Some are saying you won't be able to walk for the rest of the month," she continued. "And there's another rumor that your father Alaric is coming to take you home in a few days."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My hands clenched into fists as anger coursed through me. Why were they all so determined to destroy what little reputation I had left at Silver Moon? What had I ever done to those girls?

"It's crazy out there," Thalia sighed, shaking her head.

She reached over and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "What matters most is that you know the truth. Don't let their words get to you."

"I'll try," I promised, though we both knew how difficult that would be.

Thalia hesitated before asking in a quieter voice, "Please tell me it's not true about a group of Silver Moon executives sleeping with you."

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "Well, if Orion hadn't shown up, it might have happened."

Thalia gasped, her hand flying to cover her mouth. I nodded grimly, confirming her worst fears.

"After drinking the juice, I don't remember anything," I explained. "Alpha Ezra told me two girls dressed as waitresses dragged me into a private lounge at Silver Moon headquarters where men were waiting. They'd already stripped me, and were about to start when Orion suddenly appeared and stopped them."

Thalia listened with her mouth hanging open, horror etched across her face.

"If it had happened, I'd probably be dead now," I added softly.

*And we would have killed everyone responsible before we died*, Lyra snarled within me, her protective rage washing through my body like fire.

"Isolde, who drugged you? Was it really Ash?" Thalia asked, her voice trembling with anger.

"Yes." The confirmation felt heavy on my tongue. "I felt strange immediately after drinking the juice she gave me. Silver Moon's toxicology experts found traces of drugs in the orange juice in my system."

"Wow! That lying, disgusting, son of a bitch! How dare she!" Thalia exploded.

I shook my head slowly. "I bet this has something to do with Sybilla and Evanthe... they must have threatened her into doing it."

"You never know, Isolde," Thalia replied, her expression somber.

"She's too—" My words were cut off by the sound of the door opening.

Both Thalia and I turned to see Alpha Ezra walking in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his Alpha aura filling the room instantly.

Thalia immediately lowered her head in respect while I remained upright. My heart began racing, and Lyra became unusually excited within me.

"Good morning, Alpha Ezra," we both greeted him, though Thalia bowed while I didn't.

"Good morning. You may raise your head," he responded, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

He walked toward my bed, his gray eyes never leaving my face. My body heated under his gaze, and Lyra practically purred inside me.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked.

"Much better," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Ash has been confined to a secure area at Silver Moon headquarters," he informed me, "but so far, no amount of questioning has made her talk or name her accomplices."

He sat on the edge of my bed, completely ignoring Thalia's presence. His scent filled the room, overwhelming my senses.

I frowned. "Her accomplices?"

"Yes. She couldn't have planned all of this alone. She has partners, but she refuses to name them."

I thought for a moment, then said, "I want to see her. I want to talk to her."

Alpha Ezra looked skeptical. "I don't think she'll open up to you."

"I don't want that," I clarified. "I just want to ask her why she did it." I gave him my most pleading look. "Please. Don't say no. I need to see her."

He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed heavily before nodding. "Fine. You can see her after you're discharged."

"Thank you so much," I said, genuinely grateful.

*He said yes!* I nearly squealed with excitement. Lyra rumbled with satisfaction inside me.

Thalia cleared her throat, drawing my attention away from Alpha Ezra. I felt embarrassed, knowing she had witnessed the strange chemistry between us.

*She saw it. She fucking saw it.*

"I should go now," Thalia announced. "If you're still here tonight, I'll come visit you again."

"Okay. Thanks for coming," I replied.

"Anytime," she said with a smile, giving me a meaningful look before leaving the room.

Alpha Ezra's gaze remained fixed on me, something unreadable flickering in his gray eyes. My cheeks burned fiercely, and I could feel Lyra spinning happily inside me.

I was glad he'd come to see me, to check on my health. My heart pounded faster every time he showed concern for me. If he kept this up, I would fall in love with him, and I would fall hard.

If I hadn't already.

Lyra had long ago decided he was our mate, and for once, I was starting to think she might be right.