Chapter 10

"We are surrounded by devils; we just have to choose the devil we are most comfortable with."

VIOLET'S POV

"Lyc—an King?" I gasped in shock, my eyes widening in surprise.

My eyes roamed his body, taking in every muscle. They didn't miss a single water droplet that rolled down his chest. I traced the water's path to his torso, and then... my eyes landed on the towel that hung lazily around his waist.

He was beautiful, so beautiful that I almost fell to my knees. Heat travelled up to my neck, and I was sure my ears must have turned red.

"My eyes are up here." A deep grunt rumbled from his chest, making me jump back in fright.

"I…" I swallowed hard, dropping my gaze to the floor. I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

I didn't hear any reply from him. After what felt like a minute, I still hadn't gotten any response, so I moved my gaze up to see him walking towards a couch that I never knew was in the room.

I took that moment to look around the room where my problems had all started. The room smelled like musk and spring flowers… Just like him.

"Hmmph." He groaned, making my gaze snap back to him.

He sat on the couch with his legs spread wide. His bare chest moved up and down with each panting breath. Water dripped from his hair, gluing his jet-black strands to his face.

I needed to say something. I needed to say something to him. Dear goodness, I needed to snap out of it. My father… My father was with that beast. What if something had happened to him?

"You…" I gulped down the heavy lump that hung tightly in my throat, staring at him and drinking him in. "You did not know who I was, right? You did not know I was the Alpha's mate. You didn't use me to get to Alpha Ansel, right?"

I panted heavily, waiting for him to say something, anything at all. But he didn't say anything. He threw his head back and groaned as though he were in pain.

I wanted to ask him if he was okay. I wanted to move closer to him and ask if he was alright. It took everything in me to remain rooted to the floor. I couldn't afford to show affection towards the man who was the reason for my downfall.

I held my breath as I whispered, "Did you use me against my pack? Why are you doing this?"

The door opened, making me abruptly turn around to see who was coming. Perhaps he had sent for someone to come and kill me.

"Huh?" My eyebrows shot up to my forehead as two women—probably the brothel workers—walked in, wearing dresses that should only be worn in the privacy of their own rooms.

The two women flashed me deadly glares before walking past me, deliberately bumping their shoulders against mine as they passed.

"We are here, Your Majesty!" they announced their presence in such a seductive tone that I couldn't help but scoff angrily, forgetting about my situation.

"Go back. Get out!" the stranger, the Lycan King, growled, causing the women to tremble in fear.

They didn't question him about why he wanted them out. They bowed and scurried out of the room, making sure to bump into me before walking out.

"What are you doing here?" the Lycan King hissed, rubbing a hand over his face as though his body were on fire. "You should remain in the room you were given until I'm ready to see you."

"No!" My reply was sharp and sudden. "I can't remain in that room, not when I have no idea why you brought me here. I can't let you hold me hostage," I blurted out, anger radiating from my body as I clenched and unclenched my fists.

"Don't fault me," he sighed, grabbing a bottle of pills from beside him. He popped a handful into his mouth and groaned. "I did it for you. I did what I thought was best for you."

My lips parted, but no words came out of my mouth. I stared at him as though he had suddenly grown an extra head. What would make a Lycan worry about me? He was such a great liar.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head as though I believed the fib he had just told me. "What…" I paused, trying to steady my breath. "You brought me here for a reason. Got it! But what do you plan to do with me?"

I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes as I awaited what would become of my fate. It was no longer news that I was now as good as a traitor in my own pack, but being punished by my own people should be a lot better than suffering in the hands of the beastly Lycans. I assumed.

"I'm taking you with me!" the Lycan King—whose name was still unknown to me—said in a voice that left no room for argument.

I slowly raised my head, my heart hammering hard against my chest as I watched the man, who seemed to have absolutely no idea what he was saying, decide my life.

Anger radiated from me like a palpable force as I stared at him in stunned disbelief. How could he have orchestrated my life without even a hint of consent?

"Is that how you Lycans behave?" I asked, my shoulders trembling as I clenched my fists at my sides. "Thinking you are above everyone, so you can do as you please? Huh?"

His head darted towards me. His face darkened, his jaw clenched tight in what seemed like fury and anger. He mustn't have expected that outburst from me.

He slowly stood up from the couch, keeping his cold gaze on me. He looked like a mighty beast as he took a long stride towards me. Each step he took sent a sliver of fear down my body.

"What did you just say?" he asked in a strangely calm tone that betrayed his dark, cold gaze. He stopped right in front of me, heat radiating from his body, making me wince in pain before taking a step backwards.