Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 120

SAGE

"We need to talk," Titus whispered, his deep voice low and intimate, meant only for me...

I glanced around instinctively, my eyes sweeping the room. The mood was jubilant; everyone was too caught up in celebrating the new alliance to notice us. That gave me a momentary sense of relief, but also doubt. Why did we need to talk now, when any interaction could risk drawing unnecessary attention to us?

I opened my mouth, ready to brush off his request and avoid whatever charged conversation he had in mind, but before I could, Anna appeared out of nowhere.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with false cheer as she quickly looped her arms around Titus. "We're just a step away from reclaiming the throne. This calls for a proper celebration!"

Her bold display made my stomach twist, but what caught my attention even more was Titus's reaction. His jaw tightened, and a flash of irritation darkened his crimson eyes. He stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable with Anna clinging to him like that. Without a word, he gently but firmly peeled her hands away from him, his expression sharp enough to cut through her

enthusiasm.

I didn't wait to see what would happen next. While he was distracted dealing with Anna's unwelcome embrace, I took the opportunity to slip away. The last thing I wanted was to get tangled up in whatever drama her presence would undoubtedly create.

My heart raced-not just from the tension of the moment but from the unease that had been building since my passionate night with Titus.

my head. What did he want to talk about? Did it have to do with last night? Or worse, had Anna somehow planted doubts in his mind? Shaking my head, I tried to banish the thought. None of that mattered right now. All I wanted was space to clear I slipped into one of the quieter hallways, my steps soft against the cold stone floor. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses from the hall grew fainter with each step, until it faded completely. Turning a corner, I was met with silence, the cool morning air brushing against my skin, grounding me in the stillness of the moment.

in soft shades of gold and pink, while the crisp air carried a hint of dew. Leaning against a wall, I closed my eyes, trying to calm the whirlwind

But that peace

didn't last.

the stillness, low and steady, yet

soft light outlined his broad frame, making him

quickly, crossing my arms in a weak attempt to look composed.

closer. "I thought I made myself clear that I wanted a word with you," he said,

was anything else to say," I replied, my voice unsteady

talk about," he shot back his voice calm but determined as he

why you keep avoiding me." between us with steady, purposeful

some excuse or denial forming

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his 16e firm but not unkind. "If Another he is about to come from those beautiful lips of yours, spare both.

my voice barely

murmured, his crimson eyes locking onto mine as he stepped closer, invading the

scrambling for words that

lips Imm?" he murmured, leaning in until his warm breath fanned against my skin. His lips brushed lightly against the curve of my neck, sending an involuntary shiver through me "You can run as much as you like, kitten, but

my chest. Gathering every ounce of courage I had. I pushed back against the overwhelming pull of his presence. "Why wouldn't I run?" I shot back, my

as if frozen in place. Slowly, he straightened, lifting his gaze to meet mine. The intensity