The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 31

Lylah's POV

Before I could force the thought away, the door opened. Alpha Ezra stood there.

A gasp escaped me before I could stop it.

“Alpha I-I’m sorry-"

He said nothing as he walked past me, unhurried, unbothered. My heart hammered painfully against my ribs.

He couldn’t see me. He didn’t know I was standing there.

…Right?

Either way, this was my fault.

“Alpha, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop-"

“I’ll make breakfast,” he cut in calmly, his tone warm, nothing like the cold edge I’d heard moments ago. “What would you like to eat?”

“No, Alpha. Let me take care of it for both of us.”

“Really?” A faint amusement touched his voice. “I thought cooking wasn’t your strength.”

He was already dressed, impeccably elegant, tinted glasses perched flawlessly in place. His scent—soap layered with the unmistakable pull of his pheromones—slid over me, awakening Selestine beneath my skin.

“Maybe it won’t be as refined as what your maids prepare,” I said, “but let me try.”

“Alright.”

He guided me into the kitchen. Like the rest of the penthouse, it was pristine—sleek, advanced, almost unreal. Machines hummed softly, designed to clean, cook, and prepare meals with mechanical precision.

“You usually handle meals yourself?” I asked.

Damon wasn't staying here, and no attendants were lingering in the shadows as I’d expected from an Alpha of his rank.

“Yes.” Alpha Ezra retrieved ingredients from the refrigerator with practiced ease. “I moved out of Moonclaw's territory and my family’s estate without bringing maids. I didn’t want them. Bambi and my other inventions manage the daily necessities. Damon comes by occasionally to restock supplies when I don’t have the time.”

I hesitated. “Then what about your pack? Who governs in your absence?”

“I still return regularly.” His voice was steady. “The council handles routine matters. Trade and business remain under my family’s supervision and are monitored remotely. Moonclaw thrives on stability, but after a while, it became dull for me.”

He paused briefly, as if weighing the truth.

“I wanted a challenge. It’s been three years since I stepped away and tried something new.”

My jaw nearly dropped. Thank the Moon he couldn’t see my expression.

This Alpha was far more restless, far more daring than I had imagined.

When he reached for the pan, I instinctively stopped him. “Let me do it.”

His hand closed over mine, large, warm, and steady. Power rolled through the contact, sharp and electric. Selestine bristled, responding instantly to his touch.

“Don’t,” he said quietly. “I brought you here as my mate. Let me take care of you.”

Heat rushed to my face.

Alpha Ezra moved with ease, cooking as though this, too, was something he had mastered through discipline rather than habit.

A question gnawed at me, refusing to stay silent.

“Alpha… your grandfather,” I began carefully. “Why didn’t you show him our mating license? Why not tell him you have a Luna now? Even if this bond is temporary, even if it isn’t what they expected, it might have eased things.”

“I didn’t make you my Luna to appease them.”

My hands continued slicing butter, but his words failed to sink in at first.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “What did you say?”

“Our bond isn’t a tool to quiet my family. Don’t think like that.”

“Then this mating benefits me more than you,” I said, unable to stop myself. “That isn’t fair, Alpha. If you have another purpose, another reason, just tell me. I’ll help you.”

He turned toward me fully.

“Calling me Alpha,” he said, voice low, “when you are my Luna now, is inappropriate. Use my name."

My breath hitched. “E-Ezra."

“Good.” The word rumbled with approval. “Breakfast is ready, Lylah. Let’s eat together.”

The way my name rolled from his tongue sent a shiver crawling down my spine.

Two more years… could I ever get used to this?

After we sat down, Ezra spoke again.

“My family is fussy and demanding, they’ve always been so. It’s one of the reasons I chose to step away and rule from a distance. I’m telling you now so you won’t be caught off guard later.”

He paused, letting the words settle.

“You’re right,” he continued, a faint edge of amusement in his voice. “Perhaps showing them our photo will quiet their complaints.”