The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 17

VALERIA

I never thought I’d feel this kind of humiliation again—practically begging a man for something intimate only to be completely rejected.

"I’m sorry, I…." I lowered my head, trying to hide the sting of disappointment and shame.

"Stop apologizing for every little thing. It’s my fault. No one else’s," he said, exasperated.

I dared to lift my eyes just enough to watch him turn away, his back to me as he ran a hand roughly through his hair, visibly frustrated, as if he were battling something inside himself.

"Take a bath and change your clothes. We’re having lunch at the Alpha's residence. I’ll come back for you later," he ordered bluntly without even looking at me, then stormed out the door.

Why do I feel so hurt and disappointed?

He was the one who started all this.

What did I do wrong?

"What the hell were you expecting, idiot?" I scolded myself bitterly.

I was angry for giving in so easily. For breaking the one rule I had set for myself.

"Never make the mistake of falling for King Aldric. To him, all women are disposable toys for a single night."

Maybe he was just bored, toying with the scarred freak to see how fast I’d crumble.

Or perhaps it was revenge for rejecting him in the dungeon.

Whatever the reason, it served as a brutal reminder to get my priorities straight.

I’d already had my heart shattered once—I wouldn’t let it happen again.

*****

ALDRIC

I left the inn like a damn coward.

That’s what I was.

I had teased her, whispered filthy words in her ear, consumed by my uncontrollable urges—only to back away like a fucking bastard.

I wandered through the narrow streets, heading straight for the forest. I needed to shift—to unleash my beast, to fight something wild and dangerous.

Anything to burn off this frustration… Anything to forget those heartbroken eyes.

What the hell is happening to me with Valeria?

Why, from the moment I caught that bitter chocolate scent, haven’t I been able to stop fantasizing about devouring her?

Deeper into the woods, I embraced the savage side of my nature, yearning to shed my human skin once more.

I stripped my clothes, stashing them under a bush, and let the transformation take hold.

My muscles expanded grotesquely, bones twisting, lengthening, the pain both agonizing and exhilarating.

Dark fur spread over my skin as I shifted into the beast—into the most powerful Lycan alive.

And yet, the most wretchedly alone.

No matter how many women warmed my bed, none could fill the void gnawing at my chest.

But for the first time in centuries...

I was afraid.

Because I could feel it changing.

This thing inside me—this gnawing hunger—was tied to her.

My claws dug into my chest where that unbearable pressure was rising again...

That primal desire to claim her.