The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 36

VALERIA

"Why not? Are you afraid someone will find out you’re a cheater? Look at this serious maid here; she’ll know exactly how to choose the most handsome one, won’t you, darling?"

He threw his arm over my shoulders, and I froze completely.

Clearly, the “darling” was meant to sway me in his favor.

I was about to pull away any way I could when—

"What the hell?! S-sir?" His voice trembled, and I wished I could melt into the floorboards.

His arm was yanked roughly off my shoulders, and a pained groan escaped his lips, though he tried to mask it.

"Touch my maid so casually again, Dave, and I’ll cut off your arm," Aldric’s cold voice rang out from behind me, sending chills through my entire body.

"Y-your maid? By the Goddess, I’ve completely lost my mind! I didn’t know, sir! If I had, I’d never have been so bold," Dave stammered.

"M-maid— I mean, forgive Guardian Valeria— wait, damn it! Forgive me, I mean Guardian Dave…"

"Pft, if you propose to your mate like that, she’ll kick your 4ss, Dave," came a muffled laugh from the shadows, followed by teasing chuckles at the poor young Lycan, who I was starting to feel sorry for.

I turned my head toward the voices, spotting three figures.

It looked like Guardian Quinn, the woman who was always with him, and another black-haired Lycan I didn’t recognize, all laughing at Dave’s expense.

It seemed Aldric had been sitting with them, which is why I hadn’t noticed him when I arrived.

"Your Majesty, pardon the interruption. I came to deliver this letter," I said, turning to face him and bowing respectfully as I pulled the missive from my pocket.

I expected to see the ferocious wolf’s usual furious expression, but to my surprise, he looked relaxed—unlike Dave, whose sweat dripped down his temple.

"You never interrupt. Come, we could actually use a judge," Aldric said, catching me off guard.

He stretched out his hand to take mine, pulling me toward the front-row seats.

"See? Even the King agrees that she should decide," I heard “Maid Dave” say to the bald Lycan.

"You’ve just gotten us all in trouble, and we’ll settle this later…" the other grumbled.

"Now sit here and decide who’s the strongest Lycan of all," Aldric said, making me sit down. He leaned in close, his face mere inches from mine.

He was dressed in black, his muscular arms exposed, his reddish hair tied back in a half-up, effortlessly sexy style.

"Remember very well who will bring you pleasure when the Aurum butterfly asks for a male to satisfy her," he whispered low into my ear, drawing out each word.

A shiver fluttered through my belly.

It was obvious who the winner would be.

I was a corrupt judge, easily bribed with sex.

He pulled back, his intense gray eyes full of seduction, before turning and walking away with purpose.

"Everyone stand up, except Celine. We’ll fight four against one, and the winner can claim any reward they desire from my maid," Aldric announced, setting the stage for the battle.

Wait, what?! Why do I have to give out the reward?!

As always, the King did whatever he pleased, but I couldn’t deny that I found the upcoming fight fascinating.