The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Lylah’s POV

“Did you just call me cute?”

Alpha Ezra’s voice dropped, the air around us subtly shifting as his aura unfurled–low, controlled, dangerous in a way that made my pulse skip.

Damn it.

6:0

Finished

The rush of adrenaline made me nod before my brain could intervene. “Everyone would agree with me.”

For a heartbeat, he simply stared. Then–there it was.

That rare, fleeting smile curved his lips, softening the sharp, godlike angles of his face. Warmth chased away the perpetual storm that clung to him, making him look almost approachable.

Foolishly, I stepped closer, closing the space. “Ezra, did you know that smile suits you? You should smile more often.”

“There isn’t much to smile about at the Penthouse,” he replied quietly. Then his gaze flicked to mine, something unreadable stirring in its depths. “If you want me to smile more, maybe you should take me out more often.”

“Yes!” Selestine surged with sudden approval, nudging me forward.

Realizing how ridiculous I sounded, I cleared my throat. “I mean of course. I promise I’ll take you out more often.”

Because seeing him like this–lighter, unburdened, even for a moment–made something warm bloom in my chest. Watching the shadows retreat from him filled me with a strange joy. The warmth of that moment lingered between us long after we left.

By the time we returned to the Penthouse, dusk had settled over Lunaris.

We put the recipe we’d learned that afternoon into practice: butter–roasted beef. Nothing extravagant like the dishes served at Pack banquets–just something simple.

Still, when the meat hit the plate, the aroma of spices filled the room, rich and inviting.

“You should taste it first,” I said.

“It would be my honor.”

Alpha Ezra took a bite.

“Well?” I asked, holding my breath.

“It’s so delicious.”

I giggled. “Right? I told you yesterday you should let me handle our meals.”

1/3

1:20 pm

Chapter 40

Finished

I tried it too. The seasoning was bold and flavorful, but the meat resisted my teeth, far too tough.

“The beef isn’t tender enough,” I muttered, disappointed.

“Let me make another,” Ezra said immediately.

“No-”

“Guide me,” he interrupted gently. “It’ll be fine.”

An Alpha like him, tending the stove for my sake? If his pack ever found out, I’d be shredded by their resentment alone.

“You said it yourself,” he continued, voice calm but firm. “that in two years we’ll go our separate ways. You need to learn. So do I.”

“Y–yes, Ezra.”

I had said it. But hearing it from him sent an uncomfortable twist through my chest. Selestine stirred inside me, a low growl vibrating with disagreement.

When this mating contract ends, will Alpha Ezra return to the lonely, rigid, storm–wrapped Alpha he once was? I wasn’t ready to imagine that yet.

Ezra moved through the kitchen with effortless precision, a rhythm his body remembered, guided by memory more than sight.

It didn’t take long before another slice of beef rested on the plate.

“All done,” he said. “Want to try?”

I cut into it and took a bite.

Goddess.

“This is so amazing,” I laughed. “I think you could even open a restaurant,”

On impulse, I lifted my fork and fed him a bite.

The moment he ate it, realization crashed over me.

I choked.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify