The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

ARE YOU PLANNING TO POISON ME ? VALERIA With that pressure weighing on my shoulders and trying not to focus on the fact that he was only wearing boxers , I began testing the clothing options I had selected .

Hmm , too plain … The gray matches his eyes , but not the pants … This detail doesnt work ..

I was so absorbed in holding the garments against him , measuring and matching , that I hadnt realized I was voicing my thoughts out loud .

This one looks too short … Would this belt fit you ? I asked , suddenly raising my head and immediately realizing how close we were .

I was practically pressed against the King .

A drop of water from his damp hair fell onto my lips , and the way this Lycan was staring at me made my heart race .

uncontroHably .

Everything about this screamed danger .

What exactly am I doing ? I I apologi- Try it on me .

Lets see how it fits , he cut me off , spreading his arms wide .

The gesture was clear : Come and test it yourself .

Swallowing hard , I stepped closer , gripping the leather belt tightly as I wrapped it around his waist .

It was impossible not to brush against his bare skin .

The tip of my nose barely grazed his solid chest , from which that intoxicating wine scent radiated so strongly .

As my fingers worked to adjust the belt , I could have sworn heard a low growl rumbling above my head .

I could feel him inhaling my scent or maybe it was just my paranoia acting up .

I gulped nervously , struggling to focus on the task while he remained perfectly still , offering no assistance whatsoever .

It … It seems to fit , I murmured , my voice shaky .

You need to fasten the buckle to be sure , he challenged , his voice even lower .

Hes not even wearing pants , why am I fastening the buckle ?! But I kept my frustrations to myself and forced my trembling hands to finish the task , securing the belt around his waist .

Which was nearly impossible , considering the hard , unmistakable outline beneath his boxers was far too prominent and far too close for me to ignore .

That rich scent of wine was making me lightheaded .

Yes , this one … this one is definitely the right choice , I declared , exhaling a shaky breath of relief .

Do you like this outfit , Sir ? I stepped back immediately , retreating to safer ground .

1/4 ARE YOU PLANNING TOPO SON MET * RE BONUS .

If you like it , then its fine .

I hate those formal robes .

The more comfortable the clothes , the better , he replied , and I nodded , realizing I had chosen correctly .

He was clearly a man of action , not decoration .

Valeria … Have you ever been mated to a male before ? he asked suddenly , his voice dropping a shade deeper .

I froze .

My back was turned to him as 1 folded the extra clothes , and I fell silent for a few seconds .

I didnt want to talk about Dorian or anything from my past .

L … My mind raced .

Lying to him would be dangerous .

Its fine .

You dont have to answer .

I only hope hes dead .

Because if hes alive and dares to claim you , hell wish he was dead .

The way he said it , so cold and possessive , as if I belonged to him it made my skin prickle .

King Aldric was deeply possessive of his things .

We fell into silence as he grabbed a towel and began drying his hair .

We But Dorian wouldnt come for me .

No male would claim me I was nothing now a scarred , broken woman .

No longer beautiful or desirable .

This is the full outfit , I said , motioning toward the final selection .

It will match perfectly with these boots , Sir .

I was ready to leave , eager to escape this charged tension .

Where are you going ? His voice stopped me cold .

My stomach twisted as a terrible feeling settled in my gut .

If you start something , you finish it .

Come here dress your King I turned back slowly , only to find him standing tall , brushing his damp crimson hair back with his large hands , his muscular arms flexing , every inch of him powerful and overwhelming .

Red and black tattoos stretched over his chest , where pale pink nipples stood out against the Ink .

And lower still , his sculpted abs led down toward a thin trail of light hair disappearing beneath his boxers .

And there it was his prize , much larger than expected .

Reluctantly , I forced my legs to move toward him .

Why did have to be the one doing this ? Because youre the maid of a spoiled Lycan King , thats why ***** Ill taste it in a second .

Its not necessary , Im in a hurry .

Are you going to poison me ? he suddenly questioned , his sharp gaze piercing me as he sat at the table , ready to eat .

N no , of course not , Sir ! I stammered immediately .

He gave a brief nod and began eating .

I withdrew to my usual corner , standing silently as he finished his meal and returned to his chambers .

I was busy collecting the dishes when a heavy leather pouch hit the table beside me with a dull thud .

( 17.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO POSON ME +25 BONUS The soft clinking of gold coins echoed from inside .

Thats your payment .

You may leave the castle tonight .

Theres a festival in the pack .

Perhaps youll find something you want to buy , he said from behind me .

My … payment ? I whispered , hesitant to even touch the bag , which was clearly overfilled .

The The housekeeper never mentioned Id be paid- Why wouldnt you be ? Youre not a slave .

I always pay my maids .

That is your reward .

If you need more , you ask me directly , he stated , his tone blunt but direct .

Something twisted painfully in my chest .

The truth was , I did feel like a slave here .

I never expected him to actually give me money , let alone this much .

1 heard his footsteps retreating and spun around quickly .

Thank you , Your Majesty .

Im very grateful for your generosity , I said , bowing respectfully .

His boots suddenly stopped in front of me .

He remained silent always silent like he was contemplating something unspoken .

I was about to thank him again when his rough , calloused hand suddenly rested on my head .

He stroked my hair awkwardly , as if I were a pet .

I stood frozen , head bowed , unsure how to react .

Had I just … been promoted ? As long as you remain loyal , you may have whatever you desire from me , Valeria .

But never , ever think of betraying me .

Believe me , I really wouldnt want to have to separate that pretty head from your body .

Of course .

It wouldnt be the King without a threat mixed in At last , he left the room .

Only then did I exhale , releasing the tension from my lungs .

My life was a constant rollercoaster of stress and confusion .

I stared at the gold pouch on the table .

I wouldnt waste it .

This … this was my escape plan my lifeline for the day I finally had to run .

But I never imagined how soon that moment would come .

It was late at night as I walked through the dim corridors , guiding myself with a single candelabra .

A long coat hung over my nightdress , along with my old , wern slippers .

All these clothes had been provided by the housekeeper .

I was heading to the Kings chambers .

I had forgotten to change his bedsheets earlier , and he was notoriously meticulous about them .

Figuring he would still be at the festival , I quietly entered his quarters .

In the faint glow of candlelight , I retrieved the fresh linens from the closet and began stripping the massive bed .

The eerie silence of the room was broken by a beastly grow that made my blood run cold .

I froze , glancing toward a dark steel door tucked into the corner of the room one I had never noticed before .

OT ARE YOU PLANKING TO POISON ME ? The terrifying sound echoed from behind it , a low snarl so menacing it made my stomach twist painfully .

I reminded myself not to be reckless .

Not to be curious .

But against my better judgment , I grabbed the candelabra and moved toward the partially open door .

It creaked as I pushed it , revealing a narrow , spiraling staircase descending into darkness like a descent straight into hell .

I made the mistake of going down .

And what I discovered in that basement … would change my life forever .