The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Caught in His Arms

The hall leading to the Alpha quarters was colder than the rest of the estate. Like even the walls knew not to speak.

I had no intention of coming here without an invitation. Royal etiquette dictated that noble guests never entered private quarters without permission. But this wasn’t a social call. I’d already searched every accessible part of the estate—courtyards, pack houses, even servant quarters. The only places left were the dungeons... and this.

I couldn’t access the dungeon without raising alarms or giving a politically justifiable reason.

But the Alpha quarters?

They wouldn’t dare close the door in a prince’s face, would they? So, I decided to visit this place first and confirm that she wasn’t here before planning my next move toward the dungeons—without alarming anyone.

My boots echoed on the marble as I walked with jaw tight, my heart beating faster than it should. I was prepared to find nothing. Or worse—find proof of how far they’d buried her. But halfway down the hall, I stopped short.

Her scent.

It was faint, but it was still there and I couldn’t be wrong.

Selene... she was really here. So those bastards actually made her stay in their quarters.

My breath hitched. I took a step forward. Then another. Her scent grew stronger.

My hand curled into a fist as I approached the wide double doors, carved with the crest of Silver Dawn. There was no one outside and I didn’t wait for permission. I simply pushed the doors open.

And the first thing I saw made me froze.

~~~

Selene’s POV

seat made of dark wood and velvet, a seat more like a throne than a sofa. Lucian lay back, stretched out with that smug look on his face, like he owned the place and

on the carved pedestal beside

by one and placing them between his lips. He chewed with exaggerated delight,

the

But I didn’t.

another "correction." The last one still throbbed on the side of my

Lucian like some silent

detached. But just as my mind started to drift...just as I forgot myself for one bitter

with a fluid shift of muscle, and before I could retreat, he grabbed me by

hitting the velvet cushion as he adjusted my position like I was a pet he was trying to pose. One arm circled my waist, locking me in place. I was straddling him now,

are you doing—" I began, but he leaned in fast, pressing

threat in his

then, I heard it. Footsteps

arms stood up, What game he

Lucian’s grip tightened at my waist, his fingers digging in just

see who

But Lucian did.

expression shifted instantly from smug amusement to fake embarrassment, his face lit with a

called over my shoulder. "Forgive the scene. I wasn’t expecting you. How unfortunate you had to walk in while I was... entertaining myself with my

moment my breath stopped.

a second, my heart didn’t beat. My lungs forgot what they were supposed to do. I

turned to ice, and the world narrowed into a sharp, ringing silence. Like I’d been

couldn’t be

Lucian’s shoulders. I felt sick and humiliated. As if the velvet

place, his palm still at my waist like I was a possession. A prize. Something he wanted to show

struggling to hold on to whatever shred of dignity I had left,