Marked By The Lycan King, Betrayed By Fate

CHAPTER 29

(Selene’s POV)

I squirmed as I felt a touch on my stomach. My eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was Lucian’s piercing gaze fixed on me. His golden eyes, intense yet unreadable, studied me with quiet amusement.

"You’re awake," I murmured, my voice still laced with sleep.

Lucian smirked, his fingers continuing their lazy exploration over my bare skin. "You’re beautiful when you sleep," he said, his voice husky. "But you make the most adorable sounds when you dream."

Heat flooded my face as I recalled how the past few days had been nothing but us tangled together, lost in each other. My body still ached from his touch—bruises on my wrists from his tight grip, love marks staining my skin like a declaration of possession. I should’ve been exhausted, but instead, I felt invigorated, more alive than ever. Being marked by Lucian had changed something in me.

His fingers trailed up my side, reaching my shoulder before he leaned in, his lips brushing against my neck. "How are you feeling?"

I sighed, tilting my head to grant him better access. "I feel..." I hesitated, searching for the right words. "I feel like I never want to leave this bed."

Lucian chuckled, his warm breath tickling my skin. "Tempting, little one, but I can’t keep you hidden forever." He pulled back slightly, his gaze softening. "We’ve barely left this room. Maybe I should take you out today."

I frowned playfully. "Are you tired of me already?"

His grip on my waist tightened, his gaze darkening. "Never." The word was firm, unwavering. "But I need to take care of something today. You should rest. You’ll need your strength."

I bit my lip, feeling a flicker of unease. The moment his warmth left me, I knew my mind would start racing. Would he come back? Would he keep his promise?

Lucian studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "What’s wrong?" He leaned down, his lips ghosting over mine before pressing soft kisses along my jaw. "You were happy just seconds ago. Why do you look so troubled now?"

I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "It’s nothing."

He pulled back, narrowing his eyes. "Selene."

His tone was a warning, his grip possessive. I knew he wouldn’t let it go, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.

"I just..." I exhaled. "I keep thinking about Dexton."

Lucian’s entire body tensed. His fingers flexed against my waist before he moved to cup my face, forcing me to look at him. "I told you, Selene. I am not him."

"I know." I swallowed. "But he made me believe he would always be there. Then, one day, he just... wasn’t."

Lucian’s jaw clenched. His eyes burned with something dangerous. "I don’t share, Selene. I won’t let you go."

His words should have scared me. They should have made me feel trapped. But instead, they soothed the raw fear clawing at my chest.

I nodded. "Okay."

He lifted an eyebrow. "Just ‘okay’?"

I smiled softly. "I believe you."

Lucian kissed me then, slow and deep, as if sealing a promise between us. When he pulled away, he ran his fingers through my hair. "I have to leave for a bit. Stay home. We’ll pack up later, and starting tomorrow, you’ll live with me in my mansion."

My breath hitched. "Live with you?"

"You’re mine, Selene." His thumb traced my bottom lip. "My mate. My queen."

My heart pounded. Living with Lucian meant I would inevitably run into Dexton more often. How awkward would that be? I could already imagine the tension, the unspoken words hanging between us. But a twisted part of me wanted to see his face when he realized I had moved on.

Would he be angry? Would he regret letting me go?

I hoped so.

Lucian smirked, reading my expression with ease. "You’re thinking about him again."

I rolled my eyes. "I was just imagining his reaction."

"Good." Lucian kissed my forehead. "Let him suffer."

Lucian had left to handle his business, and Vivian had sent Harper to help me pack. I was gathering my clothes when the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs.

The air shifted.

I turned just as Dexton appeared, his broad figure stepping into view. His movements slowed when his eyes landed on me.

For a moment, we just stared at each other.

His gaze swept over me, taking in every detail—the marks on my skin, the glow I probably hadn’t realized I had. His lips parted, and his hands clenched into fists.

"You!"

His voice was a mixture of shock and something else—something dangerously close to rage.

I smirked, tilting my head. "Miss me?"