Secret Affairs with the Lycan King

Chapter 2

The gleaming fleet of sleek black vehicles appeared over the crest of the hill as our pack house came into view.

I paused at the edge of the tree line, observing the organized chaos unfolding on the sweeping front lawn.

In the center of the activity stood Helena, resplendent as always in an elegant cream dress that complemented her golden hair. But tension pinched the corners of her painted red mouth as she issued terse orders.

Nothing ever ruffled my stepmother's legendary poise. Prince Klaus and his entourage had clearly arrived earlier than anticipated.

Helena's sharp gaze landed on me trudging numbly up the gravel drive, still clad in the simple jeans and cotton shirt I had donned for a midnight escape attempt that now felt naively foolish.

"What in God's name are you wearing?" she hissed, striding toward me, stilettos crunching angrily across the stones. "Have you lost your mind showing up like this?"

"I told you to dress appropriately for our important guest. Must you persist in embarrassing our pack at every turn?"

I flinched away from the disgust marring her patrician features. The urge to confess why I had come from the woods and not my chambers lodged bitterly in my throat.

But divulging Jake's betrayal would only undermine Helena's meticulous plans. She needed this alliance and would crush me for jeopardizing it.

"My apologies, Stepmother," I whispered instead, bowing my head submissively. "I simply lost track of time while walking. Please allow me to change before the Prince notices."

Helena's crimson lips thinned, but she gave a sharp nod and released my aching arm. "Hurry. I've no patience for your foolishness today of all days."

I scurried inside with her strident warnings echoing after me. Within minutes I stood staring down at the shimmering lilac gown spread pristinely across my narrow bed, so incongruous now with my ruined hopes.

Gentle fingers grazed my slumped shoulders. I turned into Helena's unexpected embrace, blinking back a fresh wave of tears.

"There, there, pet," she soothed, stroking my tangled hair. "I should not have scolded you so harshly. I know you want things to go smoothly." Her tone turned coaxing. "You do wish to please your poor deceased father, don't you?"

That vicious barb landed true as always. I nodded mutely against her perfumed throat, loathing myself for craving this pretense of maternal comfort despite knowing her true ruthless nature.

She cupped my chin, eyeing me critically. "Wash your face then get dressed. The Prince awaits."

Once the door closed behind her, I crumpled to the floor, gasping around the shards of agony piercing my heart. My wolf whined and nuzzled in my head.

I scrubbed harshly at my skin before stepping into that exquisite gown I had once dreamed of wearing for my mate to remove at our bonding ceremony.

I made my way slowly downstairs again. As I reached the foyer, raucous masculine laughter echoed from Helena's office followed by a smooth cultured voice that could only belong to one man.

"Come now, let us finalize the contract. I'm eager to collect this rare flower you've promised."

Helena's answering trill of false delight raised bile in my throat. At least someone's ambitions were thriving tonight. I straightened my spine and stepped into the room.

Multiple gazes turned to assess my entrance. I kept mine locked on the prince lounging casually in a leather chair, drinking in his ruthless handsomeness.

Klaus exuded the easy confidence of a man utterly certain of his place in the world. But those piercing eyes promised he would dominate any room and situation. Fear and unwanted heat warred inside me under his scrutiny.

Helena glided to my side, slipping on a polte social mask. "Do forgive my daughter's uncharacteristic tardiness, Your Highness. We aim to teach punctuality here, though Rose occasionally needs lessons."

A few sycophantic chuckles arose from the ring of Council elders. I bit my tongue until copper flooded my mouth, refusing to show reaction.

Klaus waved aside Helena's thin excuse as he slowly circled where I stood. His assessing gaze took in every detail of my body displayed temptingly in satin.

"No matter. The wait proved worthwhile." His admiring tone raised fresh humiliation that he seemed to relish.

Helena ushered me forward to sign the documents laid out on the heavy mahogany desk. My fate was sealed in a few scratching strokes of the pen, no turning back now.

I nearly stumbled when Klaus tucked my hand possessively into his arm, flashed a satisfied grin. "Well gentlemen, if business is complete, I should like to retire early with my intended. The journey has been long."

His true designs clear behind the polished words. My throat tightened. Clearly delaying the marriage would serve no purpose.

As we turned to go, hurried footsteps rang out. I lifted my head to meet Jake's stormy gaze. Something dark flashed over his handsome features at seeing me tucked against his Klaus' side after the events in his cabin mere hours past.

"Apologies for my lateness." Jake's tone was cordial, but his broad shoulders radiated tension. "I rode out to patrol the border and lost track of time."

His bold gaze caught and held mine. I read the silent entreaty there. Ask for time, Cancel this engagement, Choose me.

I wrenched my eyes away. He had lost the right to make such requests the moment he betrayed our bond. No more chances. My decision was made.

Klaus chuckled, relaxed posture contrasting Jake's barely leashed turmoil. "All went perfectly well, young Alpha. In fact, Rose and I were just retiring to become better acquainted. Weren't we, darling?"

I gave a small nod, unable meet Jake's pained stare. Klaus gave my waist a proprietary squeeze. "I'll take excellent care of this little flower. You needn't worry for her happiness."

Jake stepped forward, desperation writ across his handsome features. "Rose, please listen. I made a terrible mistake earlier. You have to know that girl meant nothing!"

I jerked as though he had struck me. After being discarded for my own sister, he dared pretending our love still had value?

Klaus watched this exchange with sharp interest, grinning like a satisfied tomcat.

Jake grasped my hand tightly in his warm callused grip. "You are everything to me, little rose. My true mate. I cannot lose you this way!"

His impassioned confession kindled a fragile ember of foolish hope deep within my battered heart. Perhaps it was not too late! We could still-

At that moment, Nikki burst into the room. "Sorry I'm la…!" She started, until her eyes landed on me. They went round as saucers at the sight of Klaus' chiseled features and commanding presence.

"You're the prince?" She gasped, going deathly pale as she stared hungrily over his muscular form. Klaus raised one arrogant brow at her outburst but said nothing.

Nikki shot a venomous glare my way, then turned pleading eyes on Klaus. "My prince, there's been a terrible mistake. This little fool is promised to our Alpha. Only I am worthy to stand at your side."

She pressed closer, trailing one red nail down Klaus' chest. "Forget plain Rose and make me your bride instead. I vow to serve you devotedly as Luna."

Klaus captured her wandering hand, eyes narrowed. "Mind yourself, girl. The contract has been signed and witnessed. There will be no changes."

Nikki gaped at him, then whirled on me, features contorted in jealous fury. "You wretch! How dare you steal my destiny for yourself?"

Before she could spew more venom, Helene caught her elbow in a bruising grip and pulled her forcefully from the room. I watched them go with mingled relief.

I yanked free of Jake's hold, throwing back my shoulders and lifting my chin.

"You should have considered loss before taking my sister to your bed." My voice remained steady and cold. "As of tonight, you are dead to me, Jake. Our bond is broken."

Shock blanched his tan features. "Rose, no! I made a huge mistake but we are still mates-"

"I reject you Jake." The harsh finality of those words resonated through my soul. "And I reject any claim to a position as your Luna. This pack and its new Alpha are now part of my past."

Anguish and fury warred across Jake's expression. For a moment I thought he might make a scene that could threaten the alliance. But with visible effort he mastered himself, giving a short bow of acquiescence to my decision.

I turned to Klaus with a sweet smile. "Shall we retire now, my prince?"

His answering leer intimated I had pleased him greatly by spurning Jake so coldly. "With pleasure, Rose."

As we strolled toward the line of vehicles waiting to spirit me away, I could feel Jake's accusing stare boring into my back. I kept my head high, refusing to show weakness.

Let him stand there stewing in regret as I slipped from his grasp forever.

Klaus toyed idly with a lock of my hair, smug satisfaction evident on his striking face. Tonight I had served my purpose flawlessly, setting us on the path toward a stronger future of our pack.

Too many relied on me now to be the perfect picture of an obedient Luna and bride. I would play my part convincingly.

My wretched broken heart mattered not at all in the grand scheme. With ruthless decisiveness, I locked away the last shreds of frail hope and girlish dreams.

From this night on I lived only for the duty entrusted to me by my dead father to save our pack from destruction.