Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 108 SAGE

The next morning, the air in the hotel restaurant buzzed with tension. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in a warm glow that felt at odds with the icy atmosphere at the table.

Kieran, the hunter, lounged casually in his chair, sipping coffee like he hadn't a care in the world. His sharp, calculating eyes roved over the group, landing briefly on Titus before flicking to me.

"Morning," he greeted with a grin, gently raising his coffee cup.

That gesture immediately earned a sharp look coming from Titus.

He was glaring at me, and his eyes were filled with accusations.

I quickly look away from Titus after responding a stiff nod towards Kieran, sliding into the chair across from Titus. My movements were deliberate, but my pulse quickened as I felt Titus's eyes boring into me from across the table. His sharp gaze hadn't softened since last night, and I didn't need to look to know he was still fuming.

"Coffee?" Scott offered, clearly trying to break the tension as he handed me a steaming cup.

"Thanks," I murmured, avoiding Titus's glare by focusing on pouring cream into my coffee.

Kieran leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening as he glanced at Titus. "Alpha, you look like you didn't sleep a wink. Too much on your mind?"

Titus's fork clattered against his plate, his grip tightening around the silverware. "Stay in your lane, hunter," he said coolly, though the edge in his tone was unmistakable.

"Easy now," Kieran chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Just trying to make conversation," he added before turning his attention squarely to me. "How about you, little lady? Glad you made it back safe and sound last night."

My body stiffened, and my heart skipped a beat. Panic rose in my chest as his words sank in. We had an agreement-no one was supposed to know about the deal we struck last night. I shot him a wide-eyed warning look, silently begging him to stop talking.

But of course, nothing escaped Titus's sharp gaze. His jaw tightened, the muscles ticking as his piercing eyes darted between me and Kieran, suspicion written all over his face.

table almost suffocating. "I have no idea what you re talking about, I said, my voice deliberately calm as I focused on my plate, cutting into my food to avoid meeting

his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "What's going on?" he demanded, the authority in his tone sending

was... charming, though I doubt she could hold a candle to you, my lady." His tone was light, but the glint in his eyes told

unrelenting. It was as if he

beside me, cleared his throat, sensing the tension reaching a boiling point. "Hunter, keep in line," he said,

Beta," Kieran replied with mock deference, tipping an imaginary hat in Scott's direction before turning back

a glance at Titus, who was still watching me with those searing eyes, and quickly looked away. My heart pounded in my chest, the

the mission ahead. Maps were unfurled, strategies debated,

target location's about a four-hour trek from here. It's remote, but I know

the risks?" Titus asked, his voice a

said he relished the danger. "The usual-hostile forces, traps, and possibly worse.

discussion continued, I kept my head down, picking at my food. I could feel the weight of Titus's gaze on me like

there made my

it anymore. "Excuse me." I mumbled, standing abruptly. I barely heard anyone's

onto the veranda,

to myself. The

around me, soothing the storm brewing inside my chest. I gripped the railing, staring out at the horizon as if the answers I sought might be written in the pale light of the rising

startled me, soft and cautious, like she already knew I was

the doorway, framed by the soft light of the morning. A light breeze tugged at the loose strands of her hair as she

it felt fragile and fake. "I'm

believe me for a

her head slightly, her sharp eyes scanning me like she was piecing together a

I not? Trouble seems

around every

got your name on