Marked by the Lycan King

Chapter 16

Aiden and Lyka had already arrived at the office before Matteo. Lyka’s displeasure was obvious. She admired her manicured nails, trying to pass the time. When Matteo stepped in, he glanced at the two of them and let out a faint snicker.

Aiden immediately stood up. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing his head.

Lyka, however, stood frozen for a moment, clearly stunned by Matteo’s appearance. His face was sharp and perfectly sculpted, like something crafted by the goddess herself. Matteo adjusted his collar on his way, loosening a button, Lyka took a sneak peek at his toned chest. He was taller than Aiden, more commanding. "How good it must feel to f**k him," she thought as she slowly became aroused.

Aiden caught the shift in her scent and frowned slightly. If he noticed, then Matteo probably did too, but Matteo showed no reaction. His expression remained calm and unreadable as he walked to his chair and sat down, completely ignoring her obsessive stare.

Aiden cleared his throat. “Alpha Ryan sent us from the Crimson Moon Pack. There is no need for too much formality since we have met before.”

Matteo nodded lightly and played along. “Yes, we have. I attended your wedding.”

“You did?” Lyka cut in, surprised. “How did I not see you there?”

Aiden frowned slightly at her interruption, but said nothing.

Matteo only gave a faint smile.

Aiden quickly brought out the proposal and slid it across the table. Matteo glanced at it without picking it up.

“What does Alpha Ryan mean by this....

proposition?” Matteo asked calmly. “Is he trying to gain favor with us? It is well known that we Lycans remain neutral when dealing with werewolf packs. The Crimson Moon Pack doesn’t exactly strike me as one that seeks help or do they think we Lycans can be bribed?.”

Aiden’s face stiffened. He felt exposed but forced himself to remain composed. “We may be werewolves, but we are among the strongest. We rival some Lycans in strength. A force to be reckoned with, yet His Majesty speaks to us in such impolite tone, it makes me wonder if we have offended him." Matteo applauded Aiden in his heart, his mate's ex was truly something.

Aiden clenched his jaw but continued, “If His Majesty has an issue with us, the least you can do is tell us. That way, we can resolve it.”

Matteo studied him for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips. “Why would you assume we have a problem with you? We accepted your invitation, treated you well, given the best hospitality. You ate well, drank good wine, and enjoyed our land. Where exactly is the hostility?”

Aiden had no immediate response. He cursed himself inwardly for speaking too much earlier. “My apologies. It may have been a misunderstanding on our part.”

“It is,” Matteo replied calmly. Then his tone shifted slightly. “Or has the Crimson Moon Pack done something that would make them expect hostility from us?”

Aiden shook his head quickly. “No, of course not.”

Matteo picked up the document and pushed it back toward him. “We are not interested in any new collaborations at the moment. In fact, we are reviewing our existing alliances. There are… inconsistencies that need attention.”

Aiden’s grip tightened slightly on the paper.

“For now,” Matteo continued, “you may return. There is no issue between us—at least not openly. You are still welcome as guests. Invitations will still be extended when necessary.”

Aiden forced a polite nod. “Understood. We’ll take our leave.”

He grabbed Lyka ’s hand, pulling her along. She cast one last glance at Matteo before leaving.

Matteo didn’t watch them go. The moment they left, he stood up and headed straight for his chambers.

He pushed the door open,

A slender figure stood by the window.