Lahat ng Kabanata ng Claimed By The Lycan King: Kabanata 201 - Kabanata 210

The moment Simpson mentioned Blackwood Forest, ice filled my veins. I knew that name—knew it from the property investigations we'd been conducting since Benjamin's escape. Aeson surged forward, his golden presence vibrating with protective fury as I watched Emma process this information, her green eyes widening with realisation. I reached for my phone without taking my eyes off her, my fingers finding Christian's number by muscle memory alone. "I need you in Emma's office," I said when he answered. "Now. Bring the property list. It's urgent."Emma hadn't looked at me once since I'd entered her office. Her profile was sharp in the lamplight, her jaw set in that stubborn line I'd come to recognize as her armor against vulnerability. Her hands rested on her belly, fingers splayed protectively over our daughters. The sight sent a pang through me—love mingled with the sickening knowledge that I'd betrayed her trust when she needed it most.*Fix this,* Aeson urged, his a

I couldn't sit still. The ornate chair behind my desk—crafted by master artisans to cradl the form of a king—felt like an instrument of torture. I paced instead, a tight circuit between window and doorway, pausing occasionally to check my watch. Ten thirty-two. Simpson had been with Emma for over thirty minutes now. What was he telling her? How was she receiving the news? The separation from my mate physically hurt, a dull ache behind my ribs that Aeson's anxious presence only amplified. I had caused this pain between us with my deception, my failure to trust in her strength. Now, as threats circled like vultures, I had never needed that strength more. *Mate needs us,* Aeson insisted, his golden presence restless beneath my skin. *Pups need protection.* "She doesn't want our protection right now," I muttered, running a hand through my hair for perhaps the hundredth time that morning. My reflection in the window showed the result—disheveled, eyes shadowe

The armored SUV hummed around us, its military-grade engine a reassuring rumble as we traveled the winding roads toward Blackwood Forest. Emma sat beside me, her dark hair falling from its careful braid, her hands resting protectively over her rounded belly. The twins must have been active—I caught her wincing occasionally, her palm pressing against a particular spot where a tiny foot or fist pushed back. I kept one hand on my phone, texting Christian with updates, while the other hovered near Emma, not quite touching her, still uncertain of my welcome in her personal space despite our morning's reconciliation.*Updates?* Christian had texted for the third time in twenty minutes. My brother's concern radiated through even the brief digital message.*Still en route,* I replied. *ETA 90 minutes. Police ready to raid when we arrive. Will keep you posted.*Emma shifted beside me, her head coming to rest against my shoulder with a soft sigh that spoke of exhaus

I caught Emma as she collapsed, Aeson's reflexes allowing me to lunge forward despite the agony in my side where the bullet had torn through flesh and muscle. Benjamin's body lay beside us, his throat a ruined mess, his eyes still open in shock at how quickly death had come for him. The taste of Emma's blood lingered in my mouth—Aeson had bitten through Benjamin's jugular while he still had his teeth in her neck. But the copper tang brought no satisfaction, only mounting horror as I realised what had happened. The bond between us, that golden thread that had connected our souls since our mating, was unraveling. I could barely sense her anymore, my mate slipping away even as I held her physical form in my arms.*Mate bond breaking,* Aeson whined, his anguish merging with mine as we cradled Emma's unconscious form. *Mate marked by enemy. Bond severed.*Blood soaked the collar of Emma's sweater, spreading across the pale fabric like spilled wine. The wound on her neck

I stood on the palace steps, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the assembled press corps. Cameras flashed like strobe lights, capturing what I knew must be my carefully composed expression—concerned but confident, the face of stability when the king himself could not appear. Beside me, Lola maintained a similar façade, her honey-blonde hair pulled back in an elegant knot, her posture regal despite the worry I could feel radiating from her. On my other side, Chief Simpson stood ramrod straight in his uniform, the map of lines on his weathered face deepened by the events of the day. None of us had slept in over thirty hours. None of us would rest anytime soon."Ladies and gentlemen," I began, my voice carrying across the hushed crowd. "Thank you for your patience. Chief Simpson will provide details about today's operation, after which I will give an update on Their Majesties' conditions."I stepped back, yielding the microphone to Simpson, who moved forwa