The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 26

ALDRIC

Seeing Valeria so wounded and vulnerable was breaking my heart while, at the same time, a relentless rage grew inside me.

“He” was fighting to break free—to comfort her, to lick her wounds.

I could feel him scratching at my mind, trying to take over.

Being so close to losing her only reinforced my fears.

She could vanish from my world in an instant, never to return.

I scanned the scene—the group of warriors, two naked women clinging to each other, trembling in a corner, a mutilated slave, and another lying dead.

The one responsible for all this—a Beta wolf, also naked, reeking of sex, fear, and rot.

I let out a low warning growl.

“No one moves from here, especially you, boss. I've got your scent, and I’ll hunt you down like an animal if you dare take a step away.”

The Beta nodded immediately, his red eyes wide with fear, trembling. Not so cocky now.

I carried Valeria a bit further from the carnage.

Her small body felt so fragile, curled against my massive beastly chest, her arms weakly draped around my neck, her face buried against my collarbone.

She couldn’t even meet my gaze before when I was human, yet now she clung to the most terrifying version of me, clearly terrified by the situation.

The scent of bitter chocolate intensified, igniting my desire, though I didn’t understand why.

Why was her skin so hot?

I reached a small stream I had passed earlier, its banks shaded by dense trees.

It was peaceful enough for us to rest a moment.

“Valeria,” I called gently, crouching to lay her on the soft grass, leaning her carefully against the tree trunk.

Her watery eyes blinked open, staring at me strangely, as though dazed.

I supposed it was natural—having the massive head of a Lycan inches from your face wouldn’t exactly be comforting.

“Stay here. Don’t move. I’ll be back quickly.”

I wanted to touch her cheek, to reassure her, but my claws were too large, and her delicate body already too wounded.

When I stood, she suddenly grabbed my arm.

“Ss… sir…” her voice was hoarse and raw, her brow furrowed in pain.

She seemed to be suffering.

I had to find a way to help her heal—but first, there was one last thing I had to finish.

“I’m close. I can smell you, Valeria. Stay strong. I’ll be right back.”

She nodded weakly, sweat trailing down her face, her breath ragged.

That intoxicating scent was pouring from her, and it was taking everything in me to resist it.

I rushed back to deal with that bastard Beta.

I expected him to run, thinking I’d have to hunt him down in his pack.

But no, he stayed to die—probably thinking he could beg for mercy by mentioning his Alpha's name.

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

He pleaded, groveled, but I slit his throat without hesitation—just as he deserved, just like that poor woman crushed beneath his cart.

Silence followed in the clearing. The guards kept their heads down.