Marked By The Lycan King, Betrayed By Fate

CHAPTER 43

(Selene’s POV)

The tension in the room was palpable, hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break. Lucian’s words still echoed in my ears, but they weren’t enough to drown out the cacophony of doubts that had started to creep back into my mind. Together, he had said. But together, in this world where everything seemed designed to tear us apart?

I could feel it, the weight of every gaze that lingered on us. They knew. The pack knew. They could feel the shift in the air now that Lucian had claimed me as his. The council—Dexton’s betrayal—my heart twisted in my chest at the thought of him. But even worse than that was the war that was already beginning to unfold, one that I had never wanted, one that I wasn’t sure I was prepared to fight.

Lucian had warned me. He had promised me that he would protect me, but the fear I felt wasn’t just for myself—it was for him. His world was crumbling around him, his place as King Lycan being challenged by every corner. I could see it in his eyes, the exhaustion, the constant fight for control that wore him thin. And still, he clung to the hope that we—us—could survive it all.

But I wasn’t so sure.

The truth was, Lucian didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve the chaos that came with me, the burden of my past, the brokenness that followed me wherever I went. He had a kingdom to rule, and I was just an ex-mate turned outcast—someone who had been abandoned by her former mate, cast aside like nothing more than an inconvenience.

And yet, here he was. The most powerful man in the world, King Lycan, with the blood of thousands in his veins—and he chose me. He chose me, despite everything, despite my failures, despite the weight I carried from the past.

I could feel the heat rising in my chest, the burning anger at Dexton’s words still stinging my skin. The way he had looked at me, disgust in his eyes, as if I was the one who had wronged him. Shameless b***h—those words played on a loop in my mind, taunting me.

But I refused to let them break me. I would not be broken again.

I stood up from the couch, pacing the room with restless energy. Lucian didn’t stop me, his eyes following my every movement. I could feel the weight of his gaze on my back, but I couldn’t stop. Not now.

“Lucian,” I said, my voice shaky but firm. “What if they come for us? What if the council decides that they’re going to make their move?”

He stood up too, his tall frame towering over me. There was a hardness in his gaze, a resolve I had never seen before. “They can try. But they won’t succeed. Not while I’m here.”

I wasn’t so sure. I wanted to believe him, but after everything that had happened, after everything that could happen, I had learned to be cautious with my hope.

“Do you think Dexton will just back down? He doesn’t accept me. He never will. And the council… they already tried to kill me once, Lucian. Don’t you see? It’s not just about us. It’s about everything they stand for, everything they believe. The rules they cling to so desperately.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened at my words. He was angry, but I wasn’t sure if it was directed at me or at the situation. “We’ll fight them. We’ll fight them together.”

I shook my head, frustration seeping into my voice. “You can’t just… will things to happen, Lucian. This isn’t a fairytale. There’s more at stake here than you realize. If they push you, if they push us…”

His eyes softened, and he stepped closer to me. The warmth of his body, the strength in his presence, was almost overwhelming. But it was the tenderness in his gaze that caused my heart to ache.

“I know,” he said, his voice softer now. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe. And I’ll do it with you by my side. Don’t you see? I don’t care about the rules. I care about you.”

The words hung in the air between us, heavy and suffocating. And yet, I couldn’t help but lean into him, drawn to the comfort he offered, even if I wasn’t sure I could fully accept it yet.

“I’m scared, Lucian,” I whispered, my voice breaking as the floodgates opened. I felt the weight of everything press against my chest—everything—and I let the tears fall, each one a release from the fear, the hurt, and the anger that had been building inside me for so long.

Lucian pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me, holding me against his chest. I let myself collapse into him, letting the warmth of his embrace surround me. “I know, Selene,” he murmured, his voice low and comforting. “I know.”

For a long moment, we stood there, my body trembling with the emotions I hadn’t been able to express until now. And then, as if to punctuate everything, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

I pulled away slightly, wiping my eyes quickly, but Lucian’s hand cupped my chin, lifting my face to meet his gaze once more. His eyes were filled with a quiet intensity, a promise that he would be there no matter what came next.

Harper walked into the room, his face set with concern. “Lucian,” he said, his tone serious. “The council is gathering. They’re planning another meeting. And from the looks of it, they’re not happy.”

I nodded grimly, turning to face Harper. “I’ll be ready.”

Lucian’s hand slid down my arm, his fingers lightly brushing against my skin. “We’ll be ready,” he corrected, his voice low but full of conviction.

The door clicked shut behind Harper, and we were left alone again. But I could feel the weight of everything pressing down on us, the inevitable clash with the council looming ahead.

“Whatever happens, Selene,” Lucian said, his voice steady, “remember that we’re in this together. You are not alone. You never will be.”

I looked up at him, searching his eyes for the truth of his words. For a moment, I saw only the resolve in his expression, the promise in his voice, and I believed him.

“I trust you,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. But somehow, it felt like the only truth I had left.

Lucian gave me a small smile, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Then let’s make sure they know what happens when they mess with us.”