Babysitting The Amnesiac Lycan King

Chapter 94

Chapter 94

I don't blink.

Can't.

His eyes are locked on me like I've crawled straight out of hell and dragged the devil's pitchfork with me.

And maybe I have.

Because standing here, in the Grand Dowager's room, her porcelain teacup halfway to her lips, while Enoch Blackwell- King of the fucking Lycans-glares at me like I just pissed in his holy water.

Yeah. This might actually be hell.

"Come in," she repeats, deceptively warm.

I step in. One foot, then the other. My heels click warning shots on the polished marble, all of last night still stitched into the seams of my blazer. The one I ironed this morning. As though I didn't sob for twenty straight minutes before pulling on my pantyhose:

But appearances, right?

I keep my chin up. It's not much, but it's all I've got.

"Grandmother," Enoch says, low and flat. That voice. It doesn't rumble anymore. It cuts. Cold and sharp, like winter air sliding down the back of your neck.

"Taryn," the Dowager croons, still smiling. "I'm so pleased you accepted my offer. The palace could use some fresh air, wouldn't you say?"

I don't miss the way her eyes flick toward Enoch. She's goading him. And I'm the bait she wrapped in satin and ribbon.

"Thrilled to be here," I say sweetly, glancing at the King as though he didn't throw me out just days ago. "Can't wait to get started."

Enoch's jaw ticks.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

His voice is pure gravel.

Okay, this is it.

I turn to him slowly, savoring the venom. "Aw. Miss me already?"

He takes one step forward. Big. Broad. Stupidly regal. Like the hallway bent itself to his will the moment he walked in.

"Did you break in again," he grits out, "or did someone finally lose their mind and let you through the front door?"

I raise my brows, smiling like a cat with a dead mouse in its mouth. "Neither. Turns out saving your grandmother's life buys you a seat at the palace table. Who knew?"

He opens his mouth, and the Dowager cuts him off with a clap of her hands.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Enoch. She's not here as a guest. I've decided she'll be my personal aide."

I blink.

Wait-what the fuck?

"I'm sorry-what?" Enoch and I say at the same time.

She just sips her tea like this is her goddamn telenovela and we're her favorite characters.

"She'll assist me with my correspondence, join me in meetings, and accompany me to my treatments. After what she did for me, I want her close."

Close.

Great.

I feel Enoch's stare boiling through my skin.

"She's a liar," he snaps, turning fully to face her. His voice is low but lethal. "She's

not here for you. She's here for information. For a story."

My throat burns, but I smile wider.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you own your grandmother now too? Or are you just mad I'm still breathing the same air as your royal ego?"

His nostrils flare.

"Taryn," the Dowager says, dabbing her lips with a napkin, "would you be a dear and take a short tour of the new wing? Your quarters have been prepared. Enoch will show you the way."

"What?" he growls.

My jaw drops. "Wait, hold up-what?"

She waves a dismissive hand. "You know it better than anyone, darling. And you could both use the time. I'm sure you've missed each other terribly."

I make a choking sound. Enoch just looks as though he's seconds from calling in a hit.

Still, when she stands and begins chatting with her head maid, I know better than to argue.

She's the Dowager. This is her game. And I just became her new pawn.

man headed to execution. I follow, heels sharp, back straighter than ever, even

the corridor stare as if I'm carrying a bomb

Maybe I am.

from the room. I count

a corner. I

I get it. You've missed my charming company.

at me. Doesn't even

going. "This place is bigger than your ego, which is honestly impressive. I

Still nothing.

keyhole or anything.

so suddenly I almost slam into

his face

this is funny?" he asks, voice low and dangerous.

back in

the man

I whisper. "But I'm

narrow. And for a second, I thought he might say

real. Something that burns.

and opens the door

it," he

I step inside.

the second I do, I realize

right across from

it fucking

decided to go back after Enoch's little tour back to

even seated two seconds on the absurdly plush couch before Brooke decides it's her fucking cue to ruin

sipping tea while chatting up her maid about gods know what, when the

And in walks Brooke.

a smirk and her sharp-ass

marble.

trying to sound sweet but choking on bile. "You're still here? How resilient

kind you give someone right before kicking their ass

to make fetch

narrow just slightly. But she recovers fast-too fast-and strolls in as

I sure hope not.

straight for him. Claiming him. Marking

He's mine, you bitch.

nails biting into my

I just watch her like

wineglass.

really a wise appointment, Your Grace?" Brooke says, tilting her head toward the

doesn't even blink. Just lifts one brow, a glass of wine halfway to her lips. "So is my grandson. Yet here

Mic. Fucking. Drop.

swear her eye twitches, but she's too

composure.

a word. He doesn't even react. His face is stone, but his jaw ticks

Good. Let

too long. Lingers as a fart in a sealed

with some made-up excuse about

My ass.

don't miss the way she throws one last glance at me

planted a bomb and is waiting for

head down the corridor, muttering under my breath,

grabs my wrist and

air's thick. My back hits the wall, and he's there.

Way too close.

gets stuck halfway in my throat. His scent slams into me like a drug I swore I'd quit. Fuck. I hate that I still react this way

His eyes are black.

wolf is awake. Watching.

back in my palace," he growls. Voice low.

My fingers twitch at my

me, but close enough

"But I see you near my secrets-and I

you like every other enemy

the eye. My chin lifts, my

just too fucking stubborn

flickers in his eyes. Pain. Guilt.

he backs up as if I just

Good.

***

Dinner is war.

yelling

Worse.

the kind of war where the cutlery's too loud and the silence

screams louder than bombs.

across from Enoch, who looks like

into a

beside him-of

the Dowager's having the

between me and Enoch like we're

and Ken. "Childhood sweethearts reunited