The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter-Chapter 29: Stay

Zane~

When Abel first mentioned that Alpha Darius would be attending the art exhibition and auction, my mind immediately spun into action. Darius wasn’t just some random alpha attending for leisure; his presence here meant something, and I intended to figure out what. More importantly, I wanted to know what Natalie’s connection to him was. Something didn’t sit right about their history, and this event was the perfect opportunity to get some answers.

Of course, there was the matter of my father’s errand. The tapestry he believed would lead us to the celestial princess wasn’t going to retrieve itself; So, with those dual objectives in mind, I concocted the excuse of needing a "backup secretary" and brought Natalie along. She hadn’t questioned my motives—perhaps because she was too polite or maybe because she didn’t care. Either way, she came, and that was all I needed.

The gallery was bustling with elites—alphas, betas, and human dignitaries mingled under the golden chandeliers, their conversations humming like a hive. I kept a watchful eye on Natalie as we walked through the gallery. She seemed completely unaware of my ulterior motives, her gaze flickering from one painting to another with a quiet curiosity while innocently writing on the little note book I had given her earlier to cover up my secretary story.

It was then that one of my spies approached me, his presence subtle yet firm. "I’ve found the piece you’re looking for, sir," he murmured. He was human and had no idea who I truly was; he only knew me as Mr Cole Lucky the billionaire. Actually, many of my men had no idea who I was not even the werewolves; only Abel and Roland and a hand full of people knew my true identity.

I glanced at Natalie. I hated to leave her alone in a place like this, but I had no choice. "Give me a moment," I said softly to her before stepping aside to mind-link Abel and Roland, who had accompanied me from a distance.

"Abel, Roland. I need you to keep an eye on Natalie while I step away. If Darius approaches her, watch from a distance and gather intel. If things get out of hand, step in and protect her. Understood?"

Both responded with an affirmative, their tones sharp and focused. With that settled, I followed my spy to a secluded room where the supposed tapestry was being held.

But what I found wasn’t a tapestry at all. It was the golden Madeline, a relic from centuries ago once worn by King Moor the First. It had nothing to do with the Celestial Princess like my father had suspected. Why my uncle Nathan wanted it, I had no idea. But I knew it wasn’t for anything good.

The gallery wasn’t keen on parting with such a treasure, but I knew how to grease the right palms. A few discreet transactions later, the Madeline was mine, and the gallery agreed to erase all records of its existence.

The moment I stepped out of the meeting, however, I was greeted by a tense scene. Abel and Alpha Darius stood toe-to-toe, their auras clashing like thunderclouds. Roland lingered at his back, his stance rigid as he prepared to intervene.

Darius had the audacity to challenge Abel, his tone laced with condescension. Whatever had transpired while I was gone had clearly escalated, and I wasn’t about to stand by and let Darius do as he pleased.

I stepped forward, my voice sharp and cold. "That’s enough."

Darius turned his head, his black as night gaze meeting mine. There was something about him that grated on my nerves the more I learned about him. And I definitely didn’t like the way he had spoken to Natalie in my absence.

I made a mental note—Darius wouldn’t get away with this and that was a promise.

The car was silent on the our way back. Natalie sat beside me, her face turned toward the window, deep in thought. I didn’t mind silence, but there was something about the way she held herself—tense, troubled—that made me speak.

"What’s wrong?"

She hesitated, then turned to face me. There was fear in her eyes, laced with something else—concern? "I’m grateful for what you did back there," she said softly. "But you shouldn’t have challenged Alpha Darius. He’s ruthless, sir. People who cross him always pay a bitter price."

I stared at her for a moment before I couldn’t control myself and busted out laughing.

Natalie’s head snapped up, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Why are you laughing?"

I shook my head, trying to suppress my amusement. "I’m sorry," I said, my voice still tinged with amusement. "It’s just... you really think someone like Darius could hurt me?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I’m serious, Sir."

"So am I." I met her gaze, my expression hardening. "No matter what you think of him, Darius isn’t a threat to me. Even if he tried with everything he had, he wouldn’t succeed."

She stared at me, uncertain. I could tell she wanted to believe me, but doubt lingered in her expression.

I let it go. Instead, I asked the question that had been nagging at me. "How did you get tangled up with a man like Darius?"

Natalie immediately stiffened. Her fingers curled in her lap, and a shadow crossed her face. "I don’t want to talk about it."

That was fine. I’d get the information from Abel and Roland later. But I didn’t miss the way her hands trembled slightly.

"Relax," I said gently. "You don’t have to tell me."

She didn’t respond, just turned back to the window.

When we arrived at the mansion, Natalie stopped me before stepping out of the car. Her expression was serious, her voice steady but resolute.

"Since Garrick is out of the hospital," she said, "I don’t have a reason to stay here anymore."

I glanced at her. "And?"

She took a breath, her hands gripping the hem of her dress. "What do I owe you for helping with Garrick’s treatment and everything else?"

I stared at her for a long moment. "Do you have somewhere to go?"

She hesitated before shaking her head. "No. But I’ll survive. I always have."

Something about the way she said it made my chest tighten.

I exhaled. "Then stay."

She blinked. "What?"

"You heard me. Stay here. Alexander likes you, and you can help look after him as payment."

She still looked skeptical, but I pressed on. "And I’m going to help you get your GED. That way, you’ll be eligible for college." freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Natalie’s expression twisted with doubt. "Why?"

I frowned. "What do you mean, why?"

"Why are you doing all this for me?"

I leaned back against the seat, watching her. "Because Alexander sees something in you. And I’m going to do what makes my son happy."

Her gaze searched mine, uncertain.

"Not everyone in your life is out to hurt you, Natalie," I told her. "You’re safe as long as you stay here. And I’ll never keep you against your will again. But if you still want to leave after everything I’ve said... you’re free to go. Though I wouldn’t recommend it. Darius is out to get you."

She didn’t respond right away. Instead, she nodded slowly. "I’ll think about it."

Inside, Alexander greeted us with enthusiastic barks, immediately whining for Natalie to pick him up. She obliged, scooping him into her arms as he licked her cheek. I ruffled his fur and pressed a kiss to his furry head. "You really like her, huh?"

Alexander wagged his tail furiously.

I played with him for a moment before excusing myself to my office.

Through the mind-link, I called Abel and Roland. They arrived swiftly, their expressions serious.

"What did you find out about Natalie and Darius’s conversation?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

Roland spoke first. "Most of it was whispered, but I caught that Natalie used to live in Darius’s pack—until she was banished."

Shock coursed through me. "Banished? Why?"

Abel shook his head. "We couldn’t get the details. They were both whispering, but... something else caught my attention. Darius mentioned something about Natalie’s father, and she got very pissed and slapped him across the face."

I leaned back in my chair, stunned. Natalie, who was clearly terrified of Darius, had slapped him? This puzzle was getting more intriguing by the second.

"Alright, find out who Natalie’s father was and why she was living in Darius’s pack," I ordered.

"Understood." They both chorus in unison.

Before they left, I added, "And Roland, look into what it would take for Natalie to get a GED. I want it done quickly."

"Yes, Your Highness." Roland replied quickly and then they both left.

Whatever Natalie was hiding, I was going to get to the bottom of it. This mystery was far from over.