Marked By The Lycan King, Betrayed By Fate

CHAPTER 13

(Selene’s POV)

I couldn’t say anything; I could only swallow my fear as Harper approached Dexton and grabbed him by the collar.

“If you mess with her again, I won’t stay silent, Dexton!” Harper threatened.

“Or what? You’ll beat me to death?”

“I could if your father ordered me to. You know he never takes his words lightly, even when it comes to his own family!”

Dexton was still consumed by anger and lust, raging inside him. He hadn’t yet satisfied his desire to have me, but luckily, Harper had arrived at just the right time.

“You should leave, Dexton!” Harper ordered.

“Oh? Do you want to enjoy her too? Just like my father did? We can share while we still can, Harper. I know you must feel—”

“Enough! Whatever you’re talking about, it’s pointless! If you want to fight man-to-man, then I challenge you!”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I watched them. Harper was holding himself back from punching Dexton, waiting for Dexton to agree to the fight on his own.

But I knew Dexton wouldn’t dare accept Harper’s challenge. Harper was stronger than him—one punch could kill him.

“Bastard!” Dexton cursed before storming off, defeated, with no other choice.

I let out a relieved breath as I watched him leave. My entire body, which had been tense, gradually relaxed, leaving me weak.

I was already exhausted from making love all night, and then, this morning, Dexton had appeared out of nowhere, gripping me forcefully.

I swore I would hate him for the rest of my life. He had proven just how cruel he truly was.

“How are you, Selene? Are you okay?” Harper asked, though he turned his face away from me.

“I—I’m fine. Thank you for arriving at the right time, Harper.”

He nodded, still looking away. “You should get dressed, Selene.”

Hurriedly, I put on my scattered clothes, feeling uncomfortable knowing Harper was averting his gaze because I was naked.

A few minutes after getting dressed, I let out a deep sigh, feeling slightly awkward. Harper had caught a glimpse of my bare body. It was embarrassing, but what had happened was a terrible misfortune.

I shuddered to think of what would happen if Lucian found out about this. He would be furious—I could already imagine his rage if he saw the hickey marks Dexton had left on my neck and chest.

The mere thought of it made my whole body go rigid. Lucian would kill Dexton if he found out.

But what haunted me even more was the disgust I felt toward myself as I replayed the events in my mind.

A new fear emerged—the fear that Lucian might hate me because Dexton had touched me, even though it was against my will.

What if Lucian refused to make me his queen? What if he took back his words and abandoned me the way Dexton had?

“Selene?” Harper’s voice broke my thoughts. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I blinked rapidly and sighed. “Yeah, I’m really fine. By the way, where is Lucian? And why did you show up at just the right time?”

“The Alpha left for some business he didn’t disclose to me. I came because, from now on, I’ll be guarding you 24/7.”

I frowned. Being guarded by Harper around the clock… every single day? That meant he’d be watching me constantly.

I had never liked being monitored by anyone. It made me feel like I had no privacy. But I knew Harper was only doing this under Lucian’s orders.

“And this is Lucian’s command?” I asked for confirmation.

He nodded. “Yes. Now that everyone knows you’ll be the Alpha’s mate, your safety is at risk.”

“So many people don’t approve of me being his mate.”

I wasn’t surprised. People knew who I was and my past with Lucian.

Maybe if Lucian had been just an ordinary Alpha Lycan without the title of King, our relationship wouldn’t have turned into a scandal. There wouldn’t be whispers and judgment from all sides.

“So, he really wants you to guard me, huh?” I muttered, annoyed.

“Don’t blame him, Selene. This is for your own good. Alpha doesn’t want you hurt or in danger.”

I was grateful that someone cared so much about my safety, someone who wanted to protect me and loved me—though I still disliked the idea of being watched all the time.

“I know.”

“A lot of people oppose your relationship. You’ve attended the council meetings, haven’t you? You saw how much they disapprove. To them, it’s a scandal that the Alpha wants to make his son’s former wife his Queen. Especially since you’re a she-alpha, who was rejected by the Alpha’s son.”

I let out a long sigh. Being reminded of it so bluntly made me recall yesterday—a truly awful day.

“Selene!”

Lucian’s voice rang out. He appeared suddenly, calling my name.

He pulled me into his arms, and I was momentarily stunned. More than anything, I was surprised that he had returned earlier than I had expected.

Harper immediately stepped away, leaving us alone. Lucian released his embrace, cupping my face with both hands.

“I heard what happened. Forgive me for leaving you behind without asking you to come with me.”

He looked genuinely worried, regretful for leaving me. His concern reassured me.

“I’m fine, Lucian.”

Then his gaze landed on my neck. Damn it. He saw it.

“What is this?” He touched my neck, his voice darkening. “Did he…?”

When he looked at me for confirmation, I hesitantly nodded, fear creeping into my chest.

Lucian immediately pulled at my shirt, revealing more of my skin, likely wanting to check for himself.

His eyes darkened with pure rage. His face turned red, and his irises shifted into a deep crimson—a mix of anger and possessive desire, a trait only a king possessed.

“Lucian…” I called his name cautiously.

“f**k!”

He crashed his lips onto mine, kissing me fiercely, tearing off the rest of my clothes with force.

“No one is allowed to leave a hickey on you except me! That bastard Dexton!” he growled, breath heavy with fury. “And now, I’m going to make love to you again, Selene! Seeing that mark makes me possessive and jealous!”