THE KINGS JEALOUSY VALERIA I trembled as King Aldric appeared through the door , furiouspletely enraged .


    I pulled away from the Lycan who had been tending to me , instinctively curling into the corner of my bed , shivering , clutching the sheets tightly against my chest as they could somehow shield me from his fury .


    I was only giving her medicine , sir , the Lycan replied , standing and cing the brew on the bedside table before turning to face him .


    You couldve ordered a maid for that .


    I dont want you near her , Aldric growled , his voice rough and strange , like when he had been chained .


    Fine .


    I just wanted to help she was on the verge of death Theres much to discuss about that .


    Now leave .


    Call the housekeeper .


    I want the entire staff gathered in the kitchen , he ordered , and the Guardian left , walking toward the door .


    was still obvious he Lycans arent as submissive toward Aldric as the others , but the hierarchy between them was was the King , and he ruled over them all .


    At the door , the Guardian turned slightly , ncing back at me .


    Our eyes met , his brow furrowed , conflicting emotions on his face .


    Anything else youve forgotten , Quinn ? No , sir , he responded and finally exited , closing the door behind him , leaving me alone with the furious beast who turned toward me , approaching the bed step by step .


    His anger radiated off him , and I clenched my fists so tightly my knuckles went white .


    S Sir ..


    I didnt do it , please believe me , I pleaded , lowering my head .


    His shadow loomed over me , as if devouring me whole , and the mattress dipped under his weight as he sat on the edge .


    The bed was narrow no matter how much I pressed against the wall , his thigh still brushed against my legs .


    So , if youre innocent , why did you run ? Were you seeking refuge ? Maybe with another Guardian ? He grabbed my chin , forcing me to look at him .


    His steel gray eyes felt like des slicing through my willpower , radiating danger .


    His hand slid from my jaw down to my neck , closing around it , not squeezing but firm enough to terrify me .


    N No … I … the housekeeper … My words crumbled as he leaned closer , and I felt death itself breathing down my neck .


    A single squeeze , and Id be gone .


    I couldnt even form words anymore .


    My eyes squeezed shut in surrender .


    I hated how easily I cowered under this mans presence .


    Why ? His warm breath ghosted over my lips , his skin so close to mine as he trapped me in the corner .


    Tell me , Valeria … why do you fear me so much , yet you dont fear him ? Isnt he a Lycan , too ? I didnt understand his question at first .


    Was he talking about Quinn ? Comparing them … it was likeparing the heat of the sun to the frozen peaks of deadly mountains .


    THE KINGS JEALOUSY  Open your eyes .


    Look at me .


    If Ive treated you well , why do you always assume the worst of me ? Y Your Majesty- I hate when you call me that , he whispered , and finally , my heavy eyelids lifted .


    My heart raced wildly as I found his masculine face mere inches from mine .


    Didnt my scars disgust him ? His eyes swirled like storm clouds , a beast lurking beneath the surface .


    I thought … I thought you wouldnt believe me .


    You used me of poisoning you .


    In the dungeon … that man said you ordered me to be taken from the pack and … punished .


    What ?! he roared suddenly , fury rippling through every word .


    Dont tell me … dont tell me you actually believed that .


    Do you truly think I would order someone to vite you ? To beat you ? Answer me , Valeria ! I swallowed hard , biting my lower lip to keep from answering because , yes , in my desperation , I had believed it .


    They knew about the poisoning .


    They knew everything .


    And only you and I- And the person who set you up , obviously working with them ! he cut me off , dangerous and sharp .


    He exhaled heavily , pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to calm himself .


    The truth wille to light .


    But I want you to understand one thing very clearly if I decide to end your life , it will be by my hands , no one elses .


    No one has the right to touch you .


    Possessive .


    He owned my life or my death .


    The small bed creaked beneath his massive weight as he leaned even closer ,pletely invading my space .


    His hand on my neck tightened just slightly , his chest brushing mine , his lips so close they hovered just beyond reach .


    His wild red hair fell to his shoulders , damp from theke , bis entire aura dark , controlling , and somehow .


    dangerously enticing .


    If I had wanted to kill you , I would have done it back there .


    Do you really think Id send another man to touch what I havent even had yet ? he growled deeply , his voice low and rough .


    I had to go hunting just to burn off the venom because the prey I truly wanted to devour left me aching with frustration , A blush crept over my skin as the memory of our wild exchange resurfaced when I had almost surrendered to the temptation of this powerful Lycan .


    It was logical for me to distrust you at first .


    I didnt even eat during the celebration .


    I had to return here when the effects hit me and chain myself up .


    His exnation made sense now .


    With the countless obsessive maids he had dealt with before , he had every reason to be cautious .


    I would never do something like that .


    I would never poison you … especially not with an aphrodisiac , I insisted .


    Someone set me up .


    I realized that already .


    You made it very clear that you didnt want to have sex with me .


    You screamed it loud enough , Valeria , he said through clenched teeth , and honestly , I didnt know how to respond to that .


    2/3 12 THE KINGS JEALOUSY  He said nothing more , but his gaze lingered on my bruises or maybe my scars I wasnt sure .


    But shame burned in my chest having him examine me this closely .


    I tried to calm the frantic beating of my heart , certain he could hear it .


    Finally , he pulled back slightly , and I exhaled the breath Id been holding , sitting up straighter on the bed .


    I didnt understand his next move until he grabbed the medicine from the bedside table and brought it to my lips .


    Drink , hemanded .


    Y Your Majesty … Sir , you dont have to .


    I can do it myself I protested , lifting my bandaged hands , trying to take the bowl from him .


    I didnt see you resisting Quinn .


    Should I call him back to give you the medicine instead ? His threat was so clear I shook my head immediately .


    The cold porcin pressed against my parted lips , and I sipped the bitter brew , expecting him to be rough , like everything else about him .


    But to my surprise , he was patient careful , tilting the bowl gently with a surprising tenderness .


    He even reached for a cloth and wiped the stray drops from the corner of my mouth with the same delicate care .


    A strange warmth spread through my chest .


    I told myself it was just the effect of the medicine ..


    King Aldric … why are you such aplicated man ? His actions … I could never truly understand them .


    I was on my way to the servants quarters .


    Not on my own feet .


    But cradled in the powerful arms of the Lycan King .


    How did we end up like this ?