The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

THE KINGS JEALOUSY VALERIA I trembled as King Aldric appeared through the door , furious completely enraged .

I pulled away from the Lycan who had been tending to me , instinctively curling into the corner of my bed , shivering , clutching the sheets tightly against my chest as they could somehow shield me from his fury .

I was only giving her medicine , sir , the Lycan replied , standing and placing the brew on the bedside table before turning to face him .

You couldve ordered a maid for that .

I dont want you near her , Aldric growled , his voice rough and strange , like when he had been chained .

Fine .

I just wanted to help she was on the verge of death Theres much to discuss about that .

Now leave .

Call the housekeeper .

I want the entire staff gathered in the kitchen , he ordered , and the Guardian left , walking toward the door .

was still obvious he Lycans arent as submissive toward Aldric as the others , but the hierarchy between them was was the King , and he ruled over them all .

At the door , the Guardian turned slightly , glancing back at me .

Our eyes met , his brow furrowed , conflicting emotions on his face .

Anything else youve forgotten , Quinn ? No , sir , he responded and finally exited , closing the door behind him , leaving me alone with the furious beast who turned toward me , approaching the bed step by step .

His anger radiated off him , and I clenched my fists so tightly my knuckles went white .

S Sir ..

I didnt do it , please believe me , I pleaded , lowering my head .

His shadow loomed over me , as if devouring me whole , and the mattress dipped under his weight as he sat on the edge .

The bed was narrow no matter how much I pressed against the wall , his thigh still brushed against my legs .

So , if youre innocent , why did you run ? Were you seeking refuge ? Maybe with another Guardian ? He grabbed my chin , forcing me to look at him .

His steel gray eyes felt like blades slicing through my willpower , radiating danger .

His hand slid from my jaw down to my neck , closing around it , not squeezing but firm enough to terrify me .

N No … I … the housekeeper … My words crumbled as he leaned closer , and I felt death itself breathing down my neck .

A single squeeze , and Id be gone .

I couldnt even form words anymore .

My eyes squeezed shut in surrender .

I hated how easily I cowered under this mans presence .

Why ? His warm breath ghosted over my lips , his skin so close to mine as he trapped me in the corner .

Tell me , Valeria … why do you fear me so much , yet you dont fear him ? Isnt he a Lycan , too ? I didnt understand his question at first .

Was he talking about Quinn ? Comparing them … it was like comparing the heat of the sun to the frozen peaks of deadly mountains .

THE KINGS JEALOUSY +25 BONUS Open your eyes .

Look at me .

If Ive treated you well , why do you always assume the worst of me ? Y Your Majesty- I hate when you call me that , he whispered , and finally , my heavy eyelids lifted .

My heart raced wildly as I found his masculine face mere inches from mine .

Didnt my scars disgust him ? His eyes swirled like storm clouds , a beast lurking beneath the surface .

I thought … I thought you wouldnt believe me .

You accused me of poisoning you .

In the dungeon … that man said you ordered me to be taken from the pack and … punished .

What ?! he roared suddenly , fury rippling through every word .

Dont tell me … dont tell me you actually believed that .

Do you truly think I would order someone to violate you ? To beat you ? Answer me , Valeria ! I swallowed hard , biting my lower lip to keep from answering because , yes , in my desperation , I had believed it .

They knew about the poisoning .

They knew everything .

And only you and I- And the person who set you up , obviously working with them ! he cut me off , dangerous and sharp .

He exhaled heavily , pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to calm himself .

The truth will come to light .

But I want you to understand one thing very clearly if I decide to end your life , it will be by my hands , no one elses .

No one has the right to touch you .

Possessive .

He owned my life or my death .

The small bed creaked beneath his massive weight as he leaned even closer , completely invading my space .

His hand on my neck tightened just slightly , his chest brushing mine , his lips so close they hovered just beyond reach .

His wild red hair fell to his shoulders , damp from the lake , bis entire aura dark , controlling , and somehow .

dangerously enticing .

If I had wanted to kill you , I would have done it back there .

Do you really think Id send another man to touch what I havent even had yet ? he growled deeply , his voice low and rough .

I had to go hunting just to burn off the venom because the prey I truly wanted to devour left me aching with frustration , A blush crept over my skin as the memory of our wild exchange resurfaced when I had almost surrendered to the temptation of this powerful Lycan .

It was logical for me to distrust you at first .

I didnt even eat during the celebration .

I had to return here when the effects hit me and chain myself up .

His explanation made sense now .

With the countless obsessive maids he had dealt with before , he had every reason to be cautious .

I would never do something like that .

I would never poison you … especially not with an aphrodisiac , I insisted .

Someone set me up .

I realized that already .

You made it very clear that you didnt want to have sex with me .

You screamed it loud enough , Valeria , he said through clenched teeth , and honestly , I didnt know how to respond to that .

2/3 12 THE KINGS JEALOUSY +25 BONUS He said nothing more , but his gaze lingered on my bruises or maybe my scars I wasnt sure .

But shame burned in my chest having him examine me this closely .

I tried to calm the frantic beating of my heart , certain he could hear it .

Finally , he pulled back slightly , and I exhaled the breath Id been holding , sitting up straighter on the bed .

I didnt understand his next move until he grabbed the medicine from the bedside table and brought it to my lips .

Drink , he commanded .

Y Your Majesty … Sir , you dont have to .

I can do it myself I protested , lifting my bandaged hands , trying to take the bowl from him .

I didnt see you resisting Quinn .

Should I call him back to give you the medicine instead ? His threat was so clear I shook my head immediately .

The cold porcelain pressed against my parted lips , and I sipped the bitter brew , expecting him to be rough , like everything else about him .

But to my surprise , he was patient careful , tilting the bowl gently with a surprising tenderness .

He even reached for a cloth and wiped the stray drops from the corner of my mouth with the same delicate care .

A strange warmth spread through my chest .

I told myself it was just the effect of the medicine ..

King Aldric … why are you such a complicated man ? His actions … I could never truly understand them .

I was on my way to the servants quarters .

Not on my own feet .

But cradled in the powerful arms of the Lycan King .

How did we end up like this ?