The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 293

NARRATOR

Dressed in a stunning cream-colored gown that flowed to the floor, embroidered with roses in tulle and satin, she looked breathtaking—radiant.

Silas walked down the carpeted aisle, guided by Valeria, but he was utterly spellbound by those gray eyes, bright as stars, her soft skin, that smile that warmed his very soul.

Gods, how he loved this woman.

He had missed her so much that he couldn't fathom how he had survived all those years without her—without losing his mind completely.

His brain had erased her, shielding him from insanity, just so he could survive until this very day.

"Now you have to ask her father for her hand," Valeria’s voice pulled him from his daze.

Looking at the massive redhead standing beside his Selenia, he recognized those same gray eyes— at least in color.

But that permanent scowl? That was something else entirely.

"King Lycan, I—only Silas, just an Elemental—ask for the hand of your daughter, Selenia, Sigrid Von Carstein. I wish to be her protector, her companion, and I swear to love her until the end of my days."

It was one of the longest, most heartfelt declarations he had ever made.

Sigrid’s heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest.

Goddess, he was so handsome, so masculine, so commanding—so damn sexy…

Focus, Sigrid, focus! Her father would definitely notice if she started drooling.

"Dad, just say yes already!"

"Do I even have a choice?" Aldric muttered, raising an eyebrow with a defeated huff.

"Aldric…" Valeria growled under her breath, stepping up beside him.

"I grant you my pup’s hand, but I will always be watching to ensure you keep the vow you just made today." His tone was grudging, reluctant, and he wasn’t letting go of Sigrid’s hand.

"The day you break it, I’ll beat the shit out of you…"

"Daughter, you can go stand with your male now," Valeria said with an uncomfortable smile before giving Aldric a sharp pinch on the back and pushing him slightly to make him let go.

Aldric sighed and extended her hand toward Silas, but Sigrid squeezed his fingers.

Rising onto her toes, she surprised him by pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"I love you, Daddy. You know you’ll always be my favorite father, right?" she whispered, smiling.

"Troublemaking pup, I’m your only father," he replied with a small smile, kissing her forehead.

"You’re wrong. She has more fathers and uncles…"

"Shut up, Quinn! And Zarek—don’t you dare open your mouth!" Aldric snapped, annoyed.

Laughter rippled through the room, relaxing everyone.

They were a family. A wild, chaotic, but strong family.

Gabrielle raised her hands, weaving a beautiful illusion, and rose petals began to fall from the ceiling over the new couple—the future monarchs of the realm… Or maybe not.

Even Sasha, the Housekeeper, discreetly wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

Her wise eyes shifted toward Valeria—she had been right.

The guillotine that had hung over their heads for millennia was finally gone. If that wasn’t a reason to drink until they passed out, what was?

*****

Aldric stepped into his dimly lit study.

The moonlight streamed through the open balcony doors, flooding the room in silver.

Valeria and Sigrid had left the feast a while ago to do “women’s things”—or so his mate had said. Which meant they were plotting something.

But Silas was still in the hall, so at least Aldric could relax for now. He wasn’t an idiot.

People called her "pup," but Aldric knew damn well that Sigrid was a grown woman.

In the supernatural world, mates didn’t hesitate. Dominant males claimed their females without delay.

"Well, I just hope I don’t end up a father and a grandfather at the same damn time," he muttered under his breath, rummaging through the kingdom’s map.

Celine and Gabrielle had suddenly taken an interest in the borders with the new Elemental territory.

What the hell were they up to? Then, suddenly—everything clicked.

They were just keeping him away from that perverted bastard, Silas.

Aldric stopped searching in the dark like an idiot and turned to head back.

In an instant—the door slammed shut with a heavy thud.

Aldric spun, alert. But before he could react, the rich scent of dark chocolate reached his nose. And through the shadows, he saw the wolf-like glow of his Selenia’s eyes.