Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Unlock the content CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE I lowered my head, the sudden intensity at the 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 Titus's scrutiny.

Titus's chair scraped against the floor as he leaned forward, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "What's going on?" he demanded, the authority in his tone sending a shiver down my spine.

"Oh, my mistake!" Kieran replied smoothly, his playful smirk widening. "Must've been the whiskey. I probably mistook you for someone else. The woman I spoke to last night was... charming, though I doubt she could hold a candle to you, my lady." His tone was light, but the glint in his eyes toldhe was enjoying this far too much.

Titus didn't look convinced. His gaze lingered on me, sharp and unrelenting. It was as if he were peeling back layers, trying to get to the truth hidden beneath.

Scott, seated beside me, cleared his throat, sensing the tension reaching a boiling point. "Hunter, keep in line," he said, his tone firm. "We've got a mission to plan. Save the theatrics for later." "Of course, Beta," Kieran replied with mock deference, tipping an imaginary hat in Scott's direction before turning back to his plate.

I stole a glance at Titus, who was still watchingwith those searing eyes, and quickly looked away. My heart pounded in my chest, the weight of his suspicion pressing down on me. I needed to tread carefully-one wrong move, and everything could unravel.

As the rest of the team trickled into the dining area, the conversation turned to the mission ahead. Maps were unfurled, strategies debated, but the tension between Titus andwas palpable, an undercurrent no one dared to address directly.

"Alright," Kieran said, his tone shifting to business. "We head out at noon. The target location's about a four-hour trek from here. It's remote, but I know the terrain." "And the risks?" Titus asked, his voice a low growl.

Kieran shrugged, though the glint in his eyes said he relished the danger. "The usual-hostile forces, traps, and possibly worse. But you knew that when you hired me." As the discussion continued, I kept my head down, picking at my food. I could feel the weight of Titus's gaze onlike a physical thing, hot and unyielding. Every tmy eyes darted up, I caught his, and the intensity there made my chest tighten.

After a while, I couldn't take it anymore. "Excuse me." I mumbled, standing abruptly. I barely heard anyone's response as I hurried out of the restaurant, needing a moment to clear my head.

I stepped onto the veranda, needing a moment to myself. The cool morning air wrapped 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 sun.

"Sage?" Elara's voice startled me, soft and cautious, like she already knew I was lost in my own head.

I turned to see her standing in the doorway, framed by the soft light of the morning. A light breeze tugged at the loose strands of her hair as she stepped closer, her face filled with concern and curiosity. "You alright? You look like a mess" she said, raising an eyebrow.

I forced a small smile, though it felt fragile and fake. "I'm fine. Stop worrying about me," I said, trying to sound convincing.

Elara didn't believefor a second.

She tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes scanninglike she was piecing together a puzzle. Crossing her arms, she let out a slow breath. "How Can I not? Trouble seems to follow you around every corner like it's got your non it." I chuckled. "Trouble and I go way back," I said with a forced lightness, trying to brush it off, though my voice didn't carry the humor I was aiming for.

Elara didn't laugh. She didn't even smile. Instead, her frown deepened as she took another step closer. "What's up with you and that hunter?" she asked bluntly, her tone low but sharp.

I stiffened, my mind racing, but I tried to keep my expression neutral. "What do you mean?" I asked, playing dumb, though I could already tell it wasn't going to work on her.

Elara's eyes narrowed further, and her voice dropped, firm and

insistent. "You know exactly what I mean. Don't play coy with me, Sage. One minute, Kieran's playing hard to get, refusing to join us, and the next, he's suddenly on board with our mission? That's not a coincidence. Did you have something to do about it?" I swallowed hard, glancing away toward the horizon. "Why would you think that?" I hedged, still hoping to avoid the conversation altogether.

Elara let out a short, humorless laugh, shaking her head. "You're not as good at dodging questions as you ер think Sage. I've known you long enough to know when you're hiding something. So, what is it? What did you say or do to get him to agree?" Her words hung heavy in the air, and I could feel her gaze boring into me, waiting for an answer I wasn't sure I was ready to give.

"It's better if you don't know, Elara," I said, trying to stay calm even though my chest felt tight. I couldn't tell her everything-not yet. "I can't drag you into this."

She didn't take it well. Her brows furrowed, and she gavea sharp look, like she could see right through me. "By saying that, you're only confirming that you're in trouble," she said, her voice full of worry. I tried to laugh, but it cout flat. "Just don't ask, Elara," I said quietly, hoping she'd drop it.

She crossed her arms and sighed, looking frustrated and concerned. "Fine, like you ever listen to me," she muttered, shoulders drooping in defeat.

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