The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter-Chapter 32: The Tutor

Zane~

The moment Roland walked into the room with the so-called tutor, I knew I wasn’t going to like him. I didn’t understand why, and I didn’t care to. It wasn’t just his presence; it was the way the air shifted around him. He looked to be around the same age as Natalie—eighteen, maybe nineteen—but there was something too polished about him. Even so, he was far too young to be the "perfect tutor" Roland had bragged about finding.

He had a kind of boyish charm, sharp hazel eyes, and worse, he smiled—a lot. Cheerful, easygoing, and completely at ease in a stranger’s home. His confidence was irritating.

Just then, Natalie walked into the living room with Alexander running after her; they were but laughing about a private joke only known to them when she abruptly stopped, surprised to see me with a guest.

I watched him closely as he scanned the room, his gaze landed on Natalie and I noticed it lingering a second too long for my liking. She, oblivious as always, simply offered a polite greeting to him.

"I’m Jacob Bartholomew," he introduced himself, grinning like he had just won a prize. "It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to working with—"

"You’re not hired," I cut in flatly.

The room went silent.

Jacob blinked. "I—What?"

Roland, standing beside me, also looked baffled. "Your Highness, I personally vetted him. He’s—"

"I appreciate your effort, Roland," I said coolly, "but I need someone mature for this. Someone with years of experience. Natalie’s education is important, and I can’t have someone who looks like he just graduated high school handling it."

Jacob frowned but recovered quickly. "I understand the concern," he said, nodding. "But I assure you, I’m more than qualified."

"I’m sure you are," I said dismissively, turning away. "But I’ll be looking for someone else. Thank you for your time."

"Wait," Jacob called out before I could leave. His tone was still polite but firm—like a man who wasn’t used to rejection. "If it’s a matter of qualifications, I’d be happy to clarify."

I turned back, already annoyed.

Jacob smiled, unfazed. "I hold degrees from Cambridge and Harvard, and I’ve tutored children of politicians, CEOs, and royalty. I specialize in fast-track education and have a 100% success rate with my students. My methods ensure not only academic excellence but also strategic thinking and confidence-building."

Roland nodded. "That’s why I chose him, Your Highness. He’s the best."

I clenched my jaw. "I see," I muttered.

I still didn’t like him.

"How about this?" Jacob suggested, his smile unwavering. "Why don’t you sit in on the first lesson? If you’re not satisfied, I’ll leave. No questions asked."

I narrowed my eyes. He was too smooth. Too charming. But saying no now would make me seem unreasonable—especially since Roland and even Natalie were watching me.

"Fine," I said begrudgingly.

Jacob smiled wider. "Perfect."

I scowled.

We moved to the study room, where Jacob set up his materials, while I deliberately positioned myself between him and Natalie. I wasn’t sure why, but the idea of him sitting too close to her irritated me.

Jacob noticed and smirked but didn’t comment. Instead, he launched into his lesson, explaining concepts with an effortless clarity that made even me grudgingly impressed.

Natalie, on the other hand, was completely engaged. Her usual shyness faded as she focused on the lesson, listening intently. She even smiled once or twice.

I didn’t like that.

"You know," Jacob said suddenly, turning to me with a knowing grin, "I could teach you something as well. Maybe then you’d feel more in control."

I froze.

Natalie snickered. She quickly covered her mouth, pretending otherwise.

I glared at her, then turned my glare on Jacob. "Excuse me?"

Jacob leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "You seem a little... tense. Maybe if you learned something new, you wouldn’t feel so threatened."

"Threatened?" I scoffed. "By you? Don’t flatter yourself."

Jacob chuckled. "I get it. You don’t want competition. But I’m here to teach, not steal your girlfriend or is it wife?"

What?!

Natalie immediately stiffened, her face turning red. "What—No! I—That’s not—!"

I shot to my feet. "She is not my girlfriend or wife!"

Jacob just smirked. "Sure."

I wanted to punch him. Oh goddess knows I did.

Instead, I inhaled sharply and turned to Roland. "See? This is exactly why I don’t want him."

Roland, the traitor, laughed. "He’s just teasing you, Your Highness. Besides, you have to admit—he’s good."

I refused to admit anything.

Jacob leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "By the way, I speak fluent French. I can include language lessons if needed."

I crossed my arms. "I’ve been to Paris. Picked up a few things."

Jacob grinned. "Oh? Say something in French."

I hesitated.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Did you really pick up a few things, or did you just eat croissants and call it a day?"

Natalie snickered again.

I ignored her. "I don’t have time for this."

Jacob just laughed. "Alright, alright. Let’s continue."

I sat back down, closer to Natalie than necessary, just to remind Jacob that I was still there. The lesson continued, and despite my irritation, I had to admit—he was excellent.

After an hour, Jacob leaned back and stretched. "Well, that was productive."

Natalie nodded. "It really was. I—I think I learned a lot." Her eyes sparkled and I groaned.

Jacob turned to me with a smirk. "Your crush was really looking forward to learning from me. Are you sure you want to disappoint her?"

I tensed. This brat.

Natalie’s face turned red again. "Jacob, stop saying that!" She said to him, and then she turned to me and shot me a pleading look.

I exhaled sharply. "Fine. You can start tomorrow."

Jacob grinned. "Looking forward to it."

As he left, I scowled at Roland. "Teenagers today have no respect."

Natalie finally let out the laugh she’d been holding back. "You’re so funny, you know that?"

"Don’t push it," I warned, but there was no real heat in my voice.

Roland chuckled. "Or maybe you just don’t like the fact that he got under your skin."

I muttered under my breath. This was going to be hell.