Zephyrine


    It’s different being in a man’s arms like this. A King’s arms.


    Finished


    I am mesmerized for the first time in my life. Yes, I am strong. Yes, I was a warrior, capable of taking care of myself and leading a whole pack. But that doesn’t mean I never wanted to be pampered, patted, or held.


    Before my mate, who had been deniedfort of this kind. Now, I lean into Lycannar’s embrace, and right there I know everything will never be the same again.


    But then I blink my eyes open, and realityes crashing down. I pull away from his arms, stepping back despite the flicker of anger that shes in his eyes. I don’t care, not right now.


    I look up, meeting his stare. The way he watches me, it’s the same as before. He sets his jaw, exhales sharply, then turns, cing both palms t on the table. His presence fills the chamber, formidable and unshakable.


    “I heard what happened from my sister,” he begins quietly, his eyes fixed on the table. “Something about some rogues, but I couldn’t get the full story. I came here in a hurry.”


    He sounds irritated, almost bored, as though the only thing that matters to him is me. He doesn’t hide it, and I find myself wondering why. What does he see in me?


    I have never done anything to encourage his obsession. If anything, I’ve punched him, shoved him, and red <i>at </i>him more times than I can count.


    “<i>The </i>rogues demanded blood, Your Majesty,” Kai says from behind Nyroth, while the King remains silent. Then Lycannar straightens, turning to me, his brow furrowed.


    “What happened?”


    I suddenly notice something. Lycannar never speaks to others directly, not unless it’s me or his sisters. When he addresses outsiders, it’s always through his eunuch.


    I meet his gaze.


    “There’s a rumor that I was in a rtionship with the rogue alpha. That during your coronation, I seduced you and poisoned your mind so you’d kill him.”


    His frown deepens.


    “What is a rogue? I know an alpha is the leader of a pack.”


    “A werewolf without a pack. No scent. Wandering.”


    “Like you,” Kai murmurs<b>. </b>


    Lycannar stiffens. The air in the council chamber turns cold. For the first time since I’ve known him, Lycannar turns his gaze toward someone else, Kai. That look is enough <i>to </i>make the Beta drop his eyes immediately.


    Then Lycannar looks back at me, his expression unreadable.


    “Who is he?”<fncfc0> Newest update provided by find·novel</fncfc0>


    “The Beta of this pack.”


    “You’ll tell me if he ever speaks to you again. I’ll kill him. He doesn’t have much time left anyway.”


    Achill runs down my spine. He has seen Kai’s death. From the corner of my eye, I see Nyroth’s jaw tighten, but I ignore him.


    “Go on,” Lycannar urges.


    “The alpha you killed, they say I was the one who made you do it.”


    173


    9:30 PM p p.


    Finished


    “So everyone was blind when he stormed into my kingdom and spilled the blood of my guards right in my throne room?”


    Silence.


    “What is this gathering for, then? Why was you summoned?”


    “They said I must pay for your sins. That I’m your obsession. They said and I quote “The Lycan King is off–limits, but a woman caught his eye at the coronation. She will pay for his deeds. We’ll take her to rogue territory and make her pay.”


    Lycannar goes still.


    “They called me a whore,” I add.


    His face hardens, his eyes darkening with quiet rage.


    “Who did?”


    “That’s not the point…“.


    “Who started the rumors?<b>” </b>


    “Listen…”


    “Were you in a rtionship with that alpha I stabbed?”


    I freeze, then shake my head slowly.


    “Are you a slut?”


    The words hit heavy, but I shake my head again.


    “Fine. If anyone calls you that again, they die. Don’t me me for the blood.”


    For once, I don’t argue.


    “If the rogues want blood, they cane for me. I killed their alpha, not you. If they touch you, they die.”


    It’s a deration. Nothing could clear my name more than that. The elders shift back, their silence signaling the case is closed. Pam and Olivia watch quietly. Nyroth keeps his eyes fixed on Lycannar.


    The King waits for me now. We both know the rogues won’t risk touching me, not unless they want their lives on the line.


    I sigh, step toward him, and lower my voice.


    “Do you remember the drunk at the tavern?<b>” </b>


    He searches my eyes, then nces toward Chantel, his silent shadow.


    “What about him?<b>” </b>


    “His wife was framed for his death. She’ll be disgraced at Moon Square. Her son’s been called a bastard and is sentenced to death.”


    Lycannar’s frown deepens, genuine confusion in his face.


    “What?”


    “I told you he was an Alpha.”


    “And I killed him because he spilled a drink on you and tried to touch you. Who framed his wife?”


    His voice carries through the hall, leaving no chance for anyone to hide the truth. And in that moment, I realize he isn’t afraid of politics, or the packs, or the territories. If anyone stands in his way when ites to me, he will destroy them.


    “Let’s hurry, Lycannar. She needs us.” I entwine my fingers with his and pull him forward, his bodyguards following in


    PMP P


    silence, making it very clear to everyone that Lycannar and I are far more than a king and a rogue.


    #Finished


    We emerged into the courtyard, and in one swift motion he lifted me onto his horse. Momentster, Lycannar swung up behind me, his hands closing over the reins with effortless control.


    Behind us, Chantel mounted his own horse, and we galloped hard toward the home of Luna Tahlia, where she lived with her mother.


    When we arrived, I dismounted quickly. For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at the silent house set apart on the edge of


    NOWL


    Then, with quick steps, I moved toward it, only to hear the sound of a boy crying. My pace quickened.


    The moment I pushed open the door, my heart dropped.


    “Oh, no!”


    I rushed forward. She was hanging, her legs twitching weakly, her young son clutching the chair, crying in confusion.


    Lycannar came in behind me, his eyes catching the scene. In an instant, he moved.


    Thad never seen anyone summon such speed. He leapt, ws shing as they sliced through the rope. Hended silently, catching Luna Tahlia just in time, lowering her gently to the floor.


    “Chantel!” His voice was sharp. “Take the boy out.”


    The ever–silent bodyguard stepped forward, scooping up the child and carrying him away while I gathered the limp woman into my arms.


    “Is she going to survive? Luna Tahlia?” I shook her gently but no response.


    Then, I felt it. Heat radiating from behind me. Lycannar was awakening his power, something old, something dangerous, something that felt forbidden.


    Mearez. I need you,


    He mindlinked his sister, the healer. The force in his voice made my heart pound.


    Send Gifts


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