CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17
(VALERIA POV)

My lips shook when I heard what Lycan king Xyrus said. Was he not the one who delayed me today? I can see clearly now that he is in a terrible mood. I flashed a quick smile at him and walked away from his side.

“We will be taking all the dresses,” I said and the salesgirl got on with the packing. When she was done, we were taken to where the bills would be calculated.

I thought they were going to ask the Lycan king to present his card but that didn't happen. Instead, we were told to leave. I kept looking at Lycan king Xyrus but he wasn't fazed. My entire being pulsed with curiosity and I decided to ask myself.

But then, I hold myself back. I think I might be wrong. The salesgirl might eventually take the card from him to pay after getting the bags inside. Until they were done putting everything inside, I didn't move a step forward.

However, I became even more shocked when the salesgirl didn't ask him for anything. That was the signal I needed to see before I acted. I walked towards him and gently tapped his shoulder.

“You didn't pay for the goods. I think they have forgotten.” I said and Lycan king Zayn gazed at me, not saying a word.

He pulled the passenger door open and got inside. “AHH," I scoffed and rolled my eyes. He is definitely not interested in talking to me but I only meant to point out what was wrong. That is all.

I walked round the back of the car to open the other door but before I could even get there, Gareth was already there.

“He has already paid a huge sum of money and he can pick anything he wants without having to pay a dime again,” Gareth said, answering my earlier question. I bet he actually listened to our conversation.

He pulled the door open and I got in with a smile on my face. I really appreciated his help.

“Gareth is actually a kind man. Don't you agree, my king?” I asked Lycan king Xyrus even though I knew he would probably not answer at the end.

“Valeria," he called my name and my heart skipped a beat.

It's not as if he is going to scold me right? If I had known he paid a huge amount of money then I wouldn't have asked him any questions.

“Yes,” I answered and he narrowed his eyes; his attention was now on me.

His scrutinising gaze is actually making my insides crawl as if I am going to disappear.

“You will need to address me by my name. The people need to believe we are in love for this to work and to start, you need to drop the title.” Lycan king Xyrus said..

For someone who was said to be reckless and ruthless, he is trying his best to appear perfect to them. It's not that he is not good at every aspect. Even his acting was actually better than mine.

“Oh. I didn't realise that at first, my king.” I answered and licked my dry lips.

“Since we are lovers, you can just call me by my name.” Lycan king Xyrus said, out of the Blue and I smiled.

This was all acting, too but he actually nailed his role perfectly, which actually confused me.

“I'm curious to know if you are always this good at fake dating,” I said, my voice laced with curiosity.

“I have been alive for years and yet, you think I will be naive?” Xyrus asked and I became tongue-tied. Does he always have to be this rude and arrogant?

“I never said you were naive. I only ask a harmless question because you nailed the role well. And yet everyone is aware of the rumour surrounding you.” I said not holding my tongue. If he thinks he can always have the upper hand, then I welcome him to my abode because I can be frustrating too.

“So you think they are baseless rumours?” Lycan king Xyrus asked and I nodded with a shrug of my shoulder.

“Of course, I don't think you are one virgin innocent man but yet, I had hoped you would stop since I came in," I said, all in my head.

The car pulled to a stop and I almost jerked forward. Lycan king Xyrus placed his hand on my forehead, thereby making my head hit his hand instead.

“You need to be more careful Gareth.” Lycan king Xyrus said to his Beta.

The truth is, I was the one who got carried away. It's not his fault.

“I will,” Gareth replied and got out of the car.

Thank you.” I murmured and got out of the car. My head didn't hurt but the air around the castle actually made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't supposed to be this cold but I can feel it. One of the dangers of being a hybrid.

“Go to your room after eating. And I don't want to see you tomorrow until the event. Your family will arrive first thing tomorrow morning.” Lycan king Zayn said and I nodded.

“Thank you,” I said and walked towards the entrance. Three maids were already on their way to the car. Yes, the dress.

I retired to my room and lay on the bed. The maid took their time, going through all the dresses and arranging them.



“My lady.” I heard Alicia say as she came inside. I was still in my nightwear after taking a bath. I would have chosen to be busy on the phone but Beatrice and Eleanor's number is not going through. I can't seem to locate them and I wanted to let them know when the Lycan king will eventually send his men to find her.

“My lady, someone is asking if you and the boys, the Lycan king, allowed them inside.” The maid said and I turned away from the window and closed the distance between us.

“You should open the door,” I said and the maid did just that. My eyes widened in excitement when I saw who was at the door.

“Mum," I called and hugged her tightly and she did the same. My eyes watered, as she embraced me tightly.

“How are you, Val?” Mother asked and I nodded firmly. “I'm fine, Mum," I replied and Father stepped forward.

“Your mother missed you more, Valeria,” Father said and I smiled at him.

“Thank you, Father,” I said and led them to sit on the couch in my room.

“Let me get you something to drink. It must have been a long journey.” I told Mother, ready to leave but she drew me back, holding my hand.

“Don't bother. We are actually fine,” Mother said.

“Is he treating you well? We are sorry we couldn't save you.” Father said, his voice filled with regret. I'm afraid he isn't sleeping well, his eyes are filled with dark spots.

“This is not your fault, father,” I said. I needed to let him know he actually did the best. It's not as if the Lycan king is not treating me well.

“But I still w
ish I had done more for you instead of giving you to him. I am afraid he might discard you which is why you need to win his heart, Valeria”