CHAPTER THREE

I stood frozen as the King's bodyguard gripped my arm firmly. My heart pounded in my chest. This could not be happening.

"The King requests your presence immediately," the bodyguard stated in a no-nonsense tone. He began leading me away from the crowd.

I opened my mouth to protest, to explain that there had been a mistake. But what could I possibly say? That I had shamelessly thrown myself at the Lycan King while drunk at a bar? I clamped my mouth shut as burning humiliation rose within me.

We walked through the grand palace hallways in tense silence. Splendid hangings and suits of armor lined the walls. Under different circumstances, I may have admired the luxurious surroundings. But currently, my mind whirled with panic and dread over facing the King after my unforgivable behavior.

At last, we arrived at a set of decorative double doors. The bodyguard gave a curt nod before pulling one open. He gave me a light push to enter.

I stepped hesitantly into what appeared to be the King's private study. My eyes immediately landed on his tall, imposing figure standing with his back to me, hands clasped behind him as he gazed out a broad window overlooking the grounds.

"Leave us," he commanded in that powerful baritone voice that made my insides clench with disquieting awareness.

The bodyguard shut the door behind me with a soft bump . I was alone with the Lycan King - the most powerful, revered figure in all the wolf packs. The immensity of the situation threatened to overwhelm me.

Slowly, the King turned to face me. His chiseled features were set in a mysterious expression as those pale eyes speared into me. After a pregnant pause, his mouth curved into a faint smirk.

"I must admit, I didn't expect to be reunited with you quite so soon after our… encounter."

My face felt really hot when I remembered our fiery kiss. I was so embarrassed, I couldn't even speak.

The King watched me struggle, with that annoying half-smile still on his face. "No greeting, my lady? No witty comments like last night?" His eyes sparkled with metallic amusement.

I gulped nervously, making myself look him in the eye, trying not to shrink away. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was... really rude and out of line. You probably think I'm foolish and disrespectful for behaving like that."

To my surprise, the King chuckled - a rich, rasping sound that sent shivers down my spine despite my shame. "Rude? Inappropriate? Hardly." One eyebrow rose mockingly. "I found our little moment rather... intriguing ."

My face became hotter. This arrogant, powerful male was toying with me like a cat tormenting a mouse. I bit my lip, unsure how to respond.

The King's expression sobered as he regarded me closely. "Tell me, did you have a chance to consider my proposal after you were… coherent?"

My proposal? It took me a disoriented second to realize what he referred to - his outrageous suggestion for me to become his fake mate for six months.

My first thought was to shout, "No way!" How could I manage such a tricky, uncertain situation? Living a lie, even if it seemed appealing, with the powerful Lycan King so close?

But then, I remembered his motive. He obviously wanted to get rid of his unwanted, obsessed "true mate" once and for all. And for me, it meant a break from the hate and contempt I faced daily from my own pack because of my supposed curse.

I strove to keep my expression neutral. "You want me to pretend to be your mate." I asked him even though It wasn't a question.

"For six months, yes." The King paced in a loose circle around me, his manner turning abruptly businesslike. "You will stay here, living among my household and playing the role of my mate in public. In exchange, you'll be afforded every luxury and protection my position allows."

His pale eyes stared at me sharply. "And you, in return, will help me finally get rid of Emily's obsession. Then, you're free to leave whenever you want."

I felt suddenly light-headed from his words. Six months of pretending to be this all-powerful alpha's mate? Being stuck in the middle of his fragile romantic entanglement as some… some paid consolation prize?

But then, he mentioned the rewards- Luxury, Protection. A coveted reprieve from the rejection and fear I normally faced.

Hope fluttered inside me - a dangerous, desperate sort of hope for a better life, even if just temporarily. I knew with sinking certainty that I shouldn't agree… and yet, how could I not?

I lifted my chin, finding my voice. "If I do this… will I have your word no harm will come to me?"

The King's smile turned wolfish. "You have my solemn vow."

I exhaled a shaky breath. "Then I accept."

Satisfaction glinted in his pale eyes. The King closed the distance between us in two long strides, until his powerful frame loomed over me.

His rough finger ran along my jaw, lifting my chin so I had to look at him. "Smart move," he said with a deep voice. Our lips were almost touching, his alluring smell of cedar and smoke making me dizzy.

I held my breath, half thinking he'd kiss me like he did the night before, boldly sealing our crazy new deal with the undeniable spark of passion.

Instead, after a tense moment, the King dropped his hand and took a step back. When he spoke, his voice was clipped and all business once more.

"We have much to discuss regarding the parameters of this situation. My first order is that you will move your belongings here immediately to take up residence." His pale eyes glinted. "We cannot have an unconvincing performance if you are not living by my side as a proper mate would."

I blinked at his words, suddenly realizing the full implications I'd just agreed to. Leaving my home, my pack, everything I'd ever known even if just for six months… it was overwhelming to consider.

The King seemed to read my nervous thoughts . "You're doing the wise thing," he stated impassively. "This is a mutually beneficial arrangement for us both to finally find peace."

Peace… The thought of it was so appealing after enduring years of misery and being shunned by others. The idea of living without judgmental stares and open rejection, even if only for a while, filled my heart with longing.

Squaring my shoulders, I met the King's unwavering stare. "I understand. I'll go collect my things right away."

He gave a curt nod of approval. "Marvelous. We can discuss additional details upon your return. For now, go prepare yourself. Our game begins the moment you step back through these doors as my mate."

His emphasis on that last word sent a shiver down my spine. What had I just agreed to? Nervousness blossomed in my chest, both frightening and deliciously thrilling.

Keeping my expression schooled, I gave a short bob of a curtsy. "As you wish...my King."

The barest ghost of a smirk curved his lips at my acquiescence before he turned away dismissively. Message received.

I turned quickly and left the room. My head was spinning from the King's strong presence, and my body still felt tingly from how close we were.

One thing was clear - I couldn't change my decision now. My family's curse, which had troubled me for so long, was going to face its toughest challenge yet. I could only pray that I was strong enough to make it through this risky situation I'd gotten myself into.