The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 413

A FEW DAYS LATER…

ELLIOT

I sign my name on the line with mixed emotions. In truth, I feel somewhat guilty. I accused and tortured an innocent man—to some extent.

But I was the first to make the mistake of trusting him completely.

He had started as a butler in my parents’ service, and I had known him for years.

However, in the end, all that trust, including his bond with the housekeeper, had led to the vilest betrayal.

I take my seal and finally finalize Mr. Wallace’s retirement.

He will leave for the countryside to live with his daughter. I granted him a generous pension, partly to ease my conscience.

Our farewell was stiff, and I confess it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door is suddenly tapped gently.

"It’s our mate." Vorath immediately perks up, shaking off his earlier boredom and huffing.

"Come in," I say, pushing the papers aside.

The scent of lavender floods the room as soon as she enters, making our mouths water. She carries a tray with a coffee pot, pastries, and a cup.

I move to stand and help her—

"No, no, stay put. I’ll bring it to you," she says, closing the door behind her.

I roll my desk chair back, devouring her with my wolfish gaze as she approaches.

Dressed simply in a cream-colored dress, but no matter how modest her attire, those delicious curves always spill over the neckline.

"Stop looking at me like I’m prey," she murmurs, setting the tray on a small side table and dragging it closer to me.

"Then stop looking like one," I reply with a smirk, my bad mood vanishing in her presence.

"Are you calling me a deer or… a rabbit? I don’t know, some ugly bird you hunt?" she asks, feigning offense as she places the steaming coffee cup on the table.

"Come here." I grab her by the arm and pull her onto my lap, making her squeal—that sound alone has me hardening.

"I’m saying you’re a delicious, tempting female, and you know exactly what you do to me in these low-cut dresses." I grip her waist, pressing her against my chest, burying my nose between her breasts.

Vorath growls in pleasure, inhaling her magic’s addictive scent.

"You two are so shameless. This dress is perfectly decent. Don’t… mmm… make excuses to grope me," she moans flirtatiously as I lick the valley between her breasts, nibbling at the exposed, tender skin.

"Drink your coffee, darling. You have a lot of work to do, and so do I," she murmurs, stroking my hair. I growl a little in protest.

But despite Vorath’s resistance, it’s true—there’s too much to take care of.

"I just want to drag you to bed and make love to you," I murmur against her soft lips.

"You did that last night, insatiable Duke…"

"And what if she tells the other Duke, despite fearing you’ll expose her?" she continues, frowning. I know very well my ex-lover is a dangerous loose end.

"Brenda is cunning. I’ve already received reports, she’s staying at Thesio’s estate, and it looks like they’re preparing their wedding…"

"What?!" Katherine tenses, staring at me in fear. "She’s going to betray you!"

"Baby, it’s not in her best interest for Thesio to know about her kind. He could report her, even have her executed himself. Besides, she has no proof—it’s her word against mine."

"Something tells me Brenda is planning a major move." I stroke her hair, calming her.

I’ve considered every possibility. Brenda’s house is being watched, and her parents can’t leave my lands.

If she tries anything, I’ll need hostages.

I’m sorry, but for my family, I’m willing to become the most ruthless and cruel man in this land.

"Do you think she… wants to get pregnant by the Duke and then…?" She drags her finger across her throat in a gesture of execution.

I nod. That’s exactly what I believe. Brenda never submitted to Thesio out of love for me... what a load of bullshit.

She avoided exposing herself to such a powerful noble, an Elemental Duke.

Katherine’s expression and words remind me of something, and my playful side reawakens.

"Just like another woman I once knew. To hold onto her title as Duchess, she was willing to violate a poor, unsuspecting man in his sleep…"

"Elliot!" She smacks my chest, her cheeks burning, before hiding her face in the crook of my neck.