Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 109

SAGE

The journey ahead felt heavier than I expected, and it wasn't because of the terrain. Kieran, the hunter, took the lead, guiding us through winding roads that grew narrower as we neared the mountain. Eventually, we had to park the car at the base, where three horses were

waiting for us.

I should have known this wouldn't be simple. With only three horses, pairing up was inevitable. Titus paired with Anna, his hand on her waist as he helped her onto the horse. My stomach tightened as I watched them-he was so gentle with her, so attentive. I hated the pang of jealousy that crept into my chest, but it was there, gnawing at me all the same.

Scott and Elara took the second horse, their easy banter a sharp contrast to the storm brewing inside me. That left me with Kieran.

"Guess it's you and me, little lady," Kieran said, offering me his hand with a playful grin.

I hesitated, my eyes flickering toward Titus. His gaze was fixed on us, dark and smoldering, jealousy rolling off him in waves. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought he might crack a tooth.

"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, loud enough for me to hear but not directed at anyone in particular.

Kieran chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the tension. "Relax, Alpha. I'll keep her safe," he said, his tone dripping with mockery as he mounted the horse and reached out to help me up.

Iswallowed hard, not sure if the fire in Titus' eyes was going to ignite into an actual fight. Ignoring him was impossible, but I couldn't let his reaction dictate everything. Taking Kieran's hand, I climbed onto the horse behind him.

The ride was awkward, to say the least. I could feel Titus' eyes burning into my back the entire time, even as he rode ahead with Anna. She seemed to hask in his attention, her laughter carrying on the wind. Each giggle made my heart clench tighter.

Kieran must have sensed my tension because he leaned back slightly and whispered, "Jealousy suits him, don't you think?"

"Don't push it," I snapped, but my voice lacked bite. I hated how easily he could read the situation, how amused he seemed by it all.

The trail grew steeper, the dense forest around us swallowing the sounds of our journey. I tried to focus on the mission, on the task ahead, but my emotions kept pulling me in different directions.

Titus' protectiveness over Anna. His anger at Kieran. The way he barely even looked at me after last night.

And then there was Kieran, his calm demeanor hiding the danger he represented and the secret deal hanging between us like a weight I couldn't shake.

I exhaled a shaky breath and tightened my grip on the saddle, willing myself to focus. This wasn't the time to let emotions take over, not when so much was at stake.

But as I caught another glance of Titus helping Anna adjust her position on their horse, a pang of bitterness twisted in my

chest.

The path became narrower as we climbed higher, forcing the horses to slow down. Kieran seemed completely at ease, whistling a low tune as if he didn't have a care in the world. Meanwhile, I felt like I was walking a tightrope, balancing my own emotions while trying to ignore the tension radiating from Titus.

"Not much of a talker, are you?" Kieran broke the silence, glancing over his shoulder at me with a smirk.

"I don't feel like talking," I replied flatly, tightening my grip on the saddle as the horse navigated a rocky patch.

"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, his tone laced with amusement. "But you might want to loosen up. You're stiff as a board

back there."

"I'm fine," I muttered, but the truth was, every muscle in my body was tense. I couldn't shake the feeling of Titus' piercing gaze every time I glanced his way.

Up ahead, Anna's laughter broke the quiet again. I tried to tune it out, focusing on the steady rhythm of the horse's hooves against the dirt. But it was hard when I saw Titus leaning toward her, murmuring something that made her smile.

1 gritted my teeth, the jealousy simmering beneath the surface threatening to boil over.

Kieran whispered, his voice low enough for only me to

business," I snapped, my tone sharper

For a moment, silence settled

down with practiced ease. The sight made my stomach twist, but I forced myself to look away,

trying to hide. He stopped a few steps away and gave Kieran a

eyebrow, clearly amused, but didn't argue. "Sure thing, Alpha,"

silent offer made me hesitate, confusion twisting in my chest. I stared at

turned back to me. He

and Kieran, laid-back and playful, both waiting

intense gaze burning into me, but I forced myself to look

He placed both of his hands on my waist. His grip was steady but didn't carry the weight of the emotions I was trying to avoid. As soon as my feet hit the ground, I

a cheeky

Titus. His jaw was clenched so tightly it looked like he might crack a

his jealousy, that was his problem. I had enough emotions

again before he proceeded to scout the area to make sure it's safe for

me. "You really think riding with him was a good idea?" he asked, his voice

my choice, I shot back, crossing my

gaze locking onto mine. "You're playing with fire, Sage," he said softly, the warning in

with unspoken words. Before either of us could say more, Kieran had already

coast is clear!" he

should keep moving," Scott said, glancing between us

help Anna back onto the horse. I bit the inside of

0

cheek,

which initially indicated that there were other women in the house,

help him taste the chefs' cooking It was like an elder inviting a junior home

continued to refuse, it would be a little disrespectful. "Then I'll have to trouble you

not that dilapidated. From the diagonal direction, one can also see the playground at the back of the police station. Maeve thought to herself, "The person who dared to live here must be someone who was honest. Otherwise, he would not dare to be so close to

arrived, she was warmly welcomed by the female housekeeper and the chef. They took out the tablet menu and let her

a long time since

changing his clothes, the several desserts ordered

like

head of the table and said with a smile, "I don't really like sweet food, but I think it should be good to eat it once

saying that, he told the female housekeeper a name of

carefully, Warren pushed up the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, unable to conceal the smile on his face. "You like

"Sweet food will improve

not in a good mood today?

was silent for a few seconds. The silver fork in her hand gently poked the cheesecake, and her expression

himself. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. I'm not very good with

must be your son acting cute

see." Warren finally

what topic they were talking about, they could continue and speak frankly. The female housekeeper could not help but reveal a heartfelt smile. "I'm sorry, I need to go to the washroom."

and told her that there was something she

changing her sanitary pad, she realized that the back of her dress was

heart. 'I hope I haven't dirtied

walked out of the washroom with a red face. She saw that housekeeper was still waiting for her

was dirty just now. Shall I bring you

it be

already asked Mr. Richard for instructions." The housekeeper smiled considerately. "Since you're here as a guest, we naturally have to do our best to

decoration in the room and asked, "May I