Ch3: The Proposal

The exhaustion from the tumultuous evening finally caught up with me, and I drifted into a deep sleep. My dreams carried me to a serene garden under a blanket of stars, the night air cool and refreshing. I wandered through the blooming flowers, their sweet scent calming my troubled mind.

Suddenly, the peaceful silence was interrupted by the appearance of the Lycan King. He seemed almost ethereal, yet solid and real. "Care to dance, young daughter of Silverclaw?" He extended his hand to me, a silent invitation. I hesitated but found myself accepting. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine.

We danced under the stars, the world around us fading into a blur. "If you had stayed longer at the party, this would have been more than just a dream," he said. His presence was overwhelming, commanding, yet oddly gentle. As the dream shifted, we were no longer in the garden but in a grand bedroom. I was tied to the bed, the King looming over me, his eyes dark and intense.

He started to caress my body, his touch both soft and possessive. I felt a confusing mix of desire and hatred. I wanted him to stop, but at the same time, I craved more. The dream was so vivid, so real, that I felt utterly powerless, as if I had no control over my own actions. I kept trying to drift my head from it, but nothing seemed to happen. "What do you think you are doing? This is my dream."

"Is it, young princess?" he questioned, his fingers tracing over my neck to my cheek. Each stroke felt electric. "Why is it I can't keep you out of my head?" he then added.

"Sounds like a you problem," I told him, still struggling as I was strapped up on the bed. He stood just a breath away, a potent mix of danger and allure that sent shivers down my spine. His presence was intoxicating, like a heady perfume that lingered in the air, clouding my judgment. I could feel the magnetic pull, the way his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that promised both ecstasy and chaos. Each heartbeat felt like a countdown, and I knew I was perilously close to crossing a line I might never return from.

He took his time, each stroke and kiss igniting a fire within me that I both loved and loathed. When he moved to take off my dress, my body was instantly covered again, earning a smirk from him. "Patience," he murmured to himself. "Rare diamonds need dedication, but it will be worth every ounce of effort. And when the moment comes, I'll relish every second," he purred, his voice a sultry promise.

I jolted awake, drenched in sweat, my heart pounding in my chest. The sensations from the dream still lingered on my skin, too real to be ignored. I shook my head, trying to dispel the lingering effects of the dream, and forced myself to get ready for the day in my servant clothes.

I went upstairs to get my daily report from the Alpha. As I approached the Alpha's office, I heard voices inside. A commanding voice questioned, "Why isn't she present in the meeting? She is part of the family."

"She's just a servant, unimportant," Callista's voice responded dismissively.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room fell silent. Callista, Lydia, my father, the Lycan King, and Alpha Gareth were all there. The King sat in Gareth's chair, moving slightly as though he owned everything. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a knowing wink, sending a chill down my spine.

"I'm sorry to interrupt. I was wondering if the Alpha had anything that he wants me to do for him," I said softly, my head slightly bowed, avoiding the King's gaze.

"I would like it if you showed some respect and left this office immediately," Gareth growled angrily.

"Please take a seat, Elara. You are not going anywhere," my father declared angrily. The Alpha was clearly angry, though said nothing, presumably avoiding questioning from the King.

I took a seat, feeling the tension in the room. It was clear that my presence was not welcomed by everyone.

The meeting resumed, with the King asking, "You want my protection, you say. But what will I receive in return for my protection?"

Alpha Gareth offered, "The best resources our pack has to offer—the rich hunting forests. It's why we need your protection."

The King raised an eyebrow. "I am the Lycan King. My kingdom already possesses twice the resources you offer. You'll have to do better than that."

Confusion spread among them as they tried to think of something worthy of the King's favor. He stood up, walking towards the door. Just as he was about to leave, he paused, glancing back at me. "I'll protect your pack on one condition: Elara marries me."

The room erupted in shocked gasps. I felt the ground shift beneath me, the air thick with disbelief and tension. This was far beyond anything I could have anticipated, and as the gravity of his demand sank in, I realized that my life was about to take another unexpected turn.