The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

ARRIVING TO THE PACK VALERIA The Kings carriage was spacious and comfortable , lined with soft red and black velvet .

We had left the castle that morning , traveling along winding roads toward a distant pack .

As soon as we emerged from the dark mist surrounding the forest , I tensed slightly , nervously watching out the window .

It was absurd to think they might still be hunting me outside the Golden Moon pack .

Maybe they didnt even realize I was still alive .

His Majesty sat across from me , absorbed in reading several manuscripts , fully focused on his task .

He wasnt a man of many words , and the trip was quickly becoming dull .

At some point , I closed my eyes , but a sudden jolt of the carriage startled me awake .

A comforting warmth was pressed against my side my head resting on a broad , muscular shoulder .

Im so sorry , Your Majesty ! I shot up , stiff as a board , realizing I had been sleeping against the King Wasnt he supposed to be sitting across from me ? Why are you apologizing this time ? For breathing ? Or for drooling on my shirt ? he asked sarcastically , tilting his head to glance down at me .

My eyes immediately searched for any stain on the dark fabric , but it seemed His Highness had also learned how to mess with me .

Go back to sleep , Valeria .

We still have a long way to go , he muttered , his rough hand settling on my hair , gently pushing me back against his shoulder .

The journey continued , mile after mile .

Outside , the temperature was freezing , but nestled between the carriage wall and Aldrics massive body , his protective warmth surrounded me , and I eventually drifted off to sleep again .

When I stirred much later , still half drowsy , I realized the carriage had stopped and I was alone .

Voices echoed from outside .

Blinking the sleep from my eyes , I noticed the Kings heavy cloak draped over me , almost covering me from head to toe .

Carefully , I folded it , fixing my messy hair before peeking out the window .

Youre awake ? his deep voice cut into my thoughts , suddenly filling my view : Come .

Get down .

Were staying here for the night .

I nodded , pulling on my own dark cloak , which shielded my face somewhat from view .

I hated how people stared at me like I was some kind of freak Looking around , I realized we were inside a courtyard .

There was a stable in the back and , ahead , an old wooden and stone building with several floors .

Stay close to me , Valeria .

Always .

Dont stray , he ordered firmly short , precise commands I obeyed without +25 BONUS ARRIVING TO THE PACK question .

I followed the King and the coachman as we left through the gate and rounded the front of the inn .

Sunrise Inn , the sign read above the door .

Aldric gestured for me to enter before him .

We were immediately greeted by a cozy hall filled with tables where people were eating , while the innkeeper stood behind a long counter on the side .

We headed straight for the counter , all eyes turning toward us .

It was impossible to go unnoticed with a towering figure like him beside me .

Few had ever seen King Aldric in person .

There were plenty of exaggerated rumors about him , but the wolves in the room could clearly sense his power .

They recognized a Lycan when they were in the presence of one .

Lycans were rare but the Guardians and the King werent the only ones in the kingdorn .

I need three adjacent rooms , Aldric demanded in his usual blunt tone .

I … Im sorry , Your Excellency , but I dont have three rooms available .

Only two and theyre … separate , the thin innkeeper stammered , visibly shaking with fear .

Is there another inn in this pack ? Aldric asked , his brow furrowing in annoyance .

N No , Excellency .

But if you wait until tomorrow , perhaps- Im not traveling back to return tomorrow .

Give me the two rooms , Aldric interrupted , his voice sharp enough to make the poor man flinch .

I almost felt sorry for the innkeeper .

But I should have been worrying about myself because clearly , I was going to be the most affected by this .

Valeria , youll share a room with me .

The coachman will take the other , he stated , turning to face me with a disturbingly calm expression .

What ?! I wanted to scream in frustration .

Is there a problem ? He raised a brow , noticing my obvious discomfort .

S Sir , I think its … a bit irrational for us to share a room .

You might feel uncomfortable- Would you rather sleep with the coachman , then ? No ! I blurted instantly , shooting a sideways glance at the poor coachman , who was watching me with a silent plea , clearly terrified .

L..I could sleep .- in- Where could I sleep ? S Sir , I can stay in the stable … with the horses- Did I ask for your opinion ? Aldric snapped , turning toward the coachman like a predator .

The man nearly wet himself on the spot .

ARRIVING TO THE PACK We were stuck , and the growing tension was drawing attention .

So , as usual , I gave in to the whims of t insufferable man +25 BONUS Ill stay with you , sir , I muttered , seething with frustration .

If my hands were strong enough to wrap around his thick neck , I would have strangled him right then and there .

The innkeeper looked relieved as he hurriedly handed over the keys , eager to get rid of us .

But before we could leave , the front door burst open .

A tall , burly man with chestnut hair rushed inside , pale faced , wiping sweat from his forehead with his arm .

The moment his eyes landed on Aldric , his face drained of all color , and he approached cautiously , bowing with reverence .