The Alpha King's Fated Mate

Chapter 9

Elias’s expression shifted from defensive to frustrated disbelief as he absorbed Lucian’s intrusion. He clenched his jaw, glancing at Isla before turning back to Lucian. “Alpha Lucian,” he began, keeping his tone as respectful as he could manage, “this is a private matter, and I don’t see why you feel the need to involve yourself. I’m only here to speak with my girlfriend.”

Isla immediately cut him off, her voice sharp and resolute. “Ex-girlfriend, Elias. And like Alpha Lucian said, I won’t be forgiving you, so it would be best if you left.”

The words hit Elias like a punch to the gut. He opened his mouth to argue, to try and explain himself again, but before he could utter a word, Lucian’s icy gaze silenced him.

“It’s best you walk away, Elias,” Lucian warned, his tone even but laced with authority. “Otherwise, I’ll have my men escort you out, and I guarantee you won’t like that.”

Elias’s face twisted with anger and hurt, his eyes darting between Lucian and Isla. The last shred of his pride kept him from begging, but the humiliation was evident. Without another word, he gave a tense nod, his lips pressed into a thin line and turned on his heel, stalking away into the shadows. But as he left, Isla could feel the weight of his silent promise to return, to find another opportunity to make his case. It unsettled her, but the steady, grounding presence of Lucian beside her was a reassuring anchor.

Once Elias was out of sight, the tension around them began to dissipate, though Lucian’s piercing gaze lingered in the direction Elias had disappeared. He seemed to be assessing the situation as if ensuring that Elias wouldn’t dare return. Only after a moment did he look back at Isla, his expression softening with concern.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his tone a mixture of gentleness and protectiveness that made Isla’s heart flutter, though she wasn’t quite sure why. There was something about Lucian’s presence, the quiet strength he exuded, that always put her at ease, no matter how intense the situation.

Isla nodded, though a small sigh escaped her lips. “Thank you for stepping in, Lucian,” she murmured, hugging her arms around herself. “It’s… difficult seeing him again, especially when he’s acting like this. Like I owe him my forgiveness after what he has done.”

Lucian’s brow furrowed, his protective instincts flaring up again. “You don’t owe him anything, Isla,” he said firmly, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that made it clear he meant every word. “And if he tries to pull this again, I’ll make sure he regrets it.”

A soft, grateful smile crossed Isla’s lips as she looked up at him. “I know,” she replied. “And it means a lot that you’re here for me.”

They stood there in silence, the cool autumn air brushing against them, and Isla felt an unspoken connection simmering between them.

Lucian, as if sensing her gaze, cleared his throat and shifted slightly, breaking the momentary tension with a question that seemed casual but held a touch of concern. “Are you here alone?” he asked, glancing back toward the café as if gauging their surroundings.

Isla shook her head, gesturing toward the window where Bree was still sitting. “I came with Bree,” she said, and as she pointed, Bree, noticing Lucian’s gaze, looked down nervously, her expression instantly respectful. She was clearly aware of Lucian’s reputation and the authority he carried with him wherever he went.

Lucian gave a faint nod in acknowledgment, a slight smile playing on his lips as he turned back to Isla. “Good,” he said. “Though I’m here for a business meeting and likely won’t have much time to spare.” He glanced at his wristwatch, calculating the time. “But if you’re planning to stick around, I’ll only be about twenty minutes.”

Isla opened her mouth to respond, ready to reassure him that he didn’t need to worry about her. “I’ll be fine,” she began, but before she could say anything else, Lucian leaned in close, his voice dropping to a murmur that only she could hear.

“Get rid of your friend,” he whispered, his tone as soft as it was commanding, “and wait for me in the bathroom in twenty minutes. Take your panties off while you wait.”

The words sent a shiver through her, and Isla felt her heartbeat quicken, an involuntary reaction to the thrill of his suggestion. She swallowed, her mind racing as she tried to process what he’d just said. But before she could respond, Lucian was already straightening, giving her a final, knowing look before stepping inside the café with his guards trailing behind him.

Isla stood there for a moment, stunned. She was well aware of Lucian’s confidence and commanding nature, but this was different. His words lingered in her mind, making her pulse race in a way that left her feeling both excited and apprehensive. She glanced back at Bree, who was waiting for her inside, unaware of what had just transpired.

Taking a deep breath, Isla reentered the café, her mind replaying Lucian’s whispered command. She approached the table where Bree was sitting, trying to keep her expression neutral, though the butterflies in her stomach made it difficult.

Bree looked up as Isla approached, her eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity. “Are you alright?” she asked, a teasing smile creeping onto her face. “You look a bit… flushed. Something you want to tell me?”

Isla hesitated, a wave of warmth coloring her cheeks as Lucian’s words echoed in her mind. As much as she and Bree shared every detail of their lives, there was something about this particular moment that felt too private, too intense to reveal just yet. She forced a casual shrug, attempting to downplay her reaction. “Lucian just said he wanted me to wait around for a bit. He… mentioned he’d like to take me on a date after his meeting.”

Bree raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she let out a low chuckle. “A date, huh?” She leaned in, her grin widening. “I’ve known you long enough to know when something’s up, Isla. That look on your face isn’t just from a date invitation.” She smirked, nudging her playfully. “So, are we talking about a date, or was he hinting at… something that involves his big d**k?”