Auctioned to the Cruel King - Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Kayla’s POV
It was the soft rustle of silk sheets that stirred me first. My eyes blinked open to the filtered morning light pouring through tall arched windows. I sat up slowly, my limbs aching in places I hadn’t realized I could feel before. For a moment, disoriented, I stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above me.
Where… am I?
The bed beneath me was massive, layered with dark red velvet and linen. The room was too grand, too coldly elegant to be mine. But something about it tugged at my memory, teasing the edges of the night before—
And then the memory flooded back and my face turned red.
Oh gods. I’d started that.
It was wrong to compare, because I knew probably most Lycan Kings could keep a woman from sleeping all night, but Lance had been … ravenous. I’d been mocked to think he’d stop after one time, though I supposed I was to equally share the blame.
I had wanted to have every last of him…and that thirst had increased after he called me his mate—
His Mate.
Something in my chest twisted at the thought and my wolf whimpered.
It had probably been a slip of the tongue, I told myself. There was no need to think much about it. Landon will be gone and things will return to…
A low, smooth voice broke my thoughts.
“Morning.”
I turned, startled, only to find out I was fully naked when I tried to move.
I clutched the sheets tighter to my chest.
Lance stood a few feet away, fully dressed in a black shirt tailored and tucked neatly into dark trousers. Not too formal, but not quite casual either.
“Morning?” I returned, hesitantly. Then, “How did I get here?” I asked, my voice soft, wary.
“Is that the first thing your mind tells you to ask?”
Yes, I did forget what kind of man he was. Still, I caught something almost tender in his expression.
I didn't recall this room from my memory, so I asked instead. “Emm…where am I?” The question was half directed to him and half careful like I wasn't sure if to ask that too, but I did anyway.
“A room of course. Where else did you want to be?”
I didn’t know whether to glare or sink into the mattress.
“I—” I hesitated. “I don’t remember coming here… I mean, the last thing I recall, we were in your…office.”
He nodded, stepping toward a chair where a thick folder rested. “Yes, well, after…the many times you asked me to fuck you, you passed out.”
I literally turned all shades of red.
“I couldn’t exactly leave you there. So, I had you brought to my quarters.”
“You—you had me brought here?” I must have heard wrong.
“Oh no, don't fret," he said quickly, something almost amused flickering across his features. "Of course, I wouldn't let anyone other than myself touch you. I made you decent first, then carried you here myself."
I was so embarrassed, I could taste it.
“How do you feel?”
Like every nerve ending in my body had been awakened for the first time.
“Fine.”
“Good. Your maid,” he added with a ghost of a grin, “was practically pacing in worry.”
A knock came at the door. Lance didn’t look surprised.
“Come in.”
Moira stepped in with a polite bow, her eyes darting to me before relaxing. But her sudden presence made me want to burrow deeper into the pillows.
“I must be off. Meetings, responsibilities, territories, and whatnot. But before I go—” he paused, fixing me with a careful gaze, “I’d like you to escort Alpha Landon while he departs. That is if you’re feeling well enough.”
Yes. I nearly forgot about him.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Yes,” I muttered, voice muffled by the sheets.
“What?”
“I said, yes.”
He cocked a brow. “No need to bite. I just couldn’t hear you under there.” Lies.
He turned toward the door.
“Wait,” I blurted. “Please.”
Lance paused.
“Did I… say anything last night?” I asked, heat blooming in my cheeks. I was sure I had lost myself sometime along the line which was why I asked. “I mean…maybe—”
He cut me off with a small smile. “You didn’t say anything that wasn’t meant to be heard.”
Alright. That—that really didn't help.
But I relaxed after hearing that.
I didn’t linger in the room much longer. Moira walked me back to my quarters, then excused herself to fetch food. After washing up and dressing in a simple gown, I made my way toward the palace’s grand entrance, hoping the bastard had left before I reached him, and I’d have reason not to see him.
However,
“Well, isn’t that interesting?”
I rolled my eyes knowing who the voice belonged to. Obviously, I can’t have a peaceful day here with her around.
I turned slowly, finding Vivian standing with her bags packed, clearly ready to leave. Or maybe not. She tilted her head, eyes glinting. In all the time she’d cornered me, this look was different.
“Better watch your back, sweetheart.”
“Is that a threat?” I asked.
Vivian sauntered forward. “What if it is? Living among Lycans has its price. You never truly know friend from foe. It's a luxury most don't survive long enough to enjoy."
“And what does that make you?”
I wasn't even sure I needed an answer. I’d seen enough to know which one she was, the only thing that separated her from Miranda was how bold she could be, and that made her all the more dangerous.
Vivian ignored the question, just as a guard came to her and collected the bag she held. Heading out of the hall with it.
Left alone, she smiled at me. “I heard you had quite the night. Tell me, how tightly did you cling to him? Did your legs tremble? Or were you too busy moaning his name to remember?”
Heard?
I couldn't even bring myself to feel shy or embarrassed at this moment. “The jealousy is rotting off you,” I told her.
Staying here any longer would only invite her to bring up what had happened on the terrace last night, and I didn't have time for her games. I needed to see that the bastard of an alpha left without spilling any secret and figure out how to follow whatever came next.
“If you’ve got a problem, take it up with the Lycan King.”
I didn’t wait to hear her response.
The morning air was crisp, and the courtyard was bustling with activity by the time I reached outside. Landon stood near his pack’s car, looking all like a lost pup before he saw me approach. That must have given him all the energy he needed to appear smug.
As for Miranda, she was already seated in the car, her face turned away from the window in what I recognized as sullen anger.
It seems last night didn’t go well for both of them.
“I see you’re all set,” I said, crossing my arms.
He turned slowly, gaze raking over me. “And what a sight you are.”
I didn’t flinch.
“Did you get what you came for?” I asked.
He smirked. “What I came for?” For some reason, that look no longer tormented me now. “Well, I would say I found more than I expected.”
He began moving toward me with that slow, deliberate stride. And when he reached me, he leaned in close enough that I could smell his cologne, too heavy, too aggressive, nothing like the subtle pine that had made my pulse quicken.
His fingers brushed my chin, and I had to fight every instinct not to recoil. "Look how radiant you are this morning,” he whispered. “Too bad it’s all a mask. Just like always.”
I didn’t blink. Didn’t move.
And that must’ve unnerved him, because he added, “You may try to pretend you like it here, but he can never fuck you better than I did.”
If only he could see how wrong he was.
A presence loomed behind us, and Landon immediately stepped back.
“Is there a problem?” Alaric asked, his voice even.
“None at all, he was about to leave.” I looked at Landon, “right?”
“Right,” He bites out.
Then directed a slight friendly bow to Alaric. “All’s well. Give my best to the king.” Then to me, he whispered. “You’ve got work to do.”
I knew what he meant.