The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 343

KATHERINE

I stretched lazily in bed. My thighs protested a little, and my still-drowsy mind recalled the reason for the discomfort.

I could still feel the delicious tingling from those vigorous thrusts.

Of course, my legs ached—I had ridden the Duke like a cowgirl on a mechanical bull, and what a bull I had gotten.

I smiled a little, staring at the ceiling above me.

I really was shameless.

Still, I had to make sure I had the opportunity to seduce Elliot properly because he wasn’t a fool. And if I ended up pregnant "out of thin air," he might think I had cheated on him with someone else.

When I sat up on the mattress, I suddenly felt a sharp pang in my chest.

I placed my hand over my heart, which was pounding furiously.

Something had changed.

I felt stronger, somehow… more powerful… I don’t know… It was the sensation of that magical energy coursing through my veins.

Was this because I had cast my first spell? That had to be it… or maybe it was because I had made love to Elliot?

I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t dwell on it.

I had to be careful with the risks, or I’d lose my mind if something went wrong.

I walked to the bathroom to freshen up, ready to start my day—hoping that every time I looked at the little Duke, I wouldn’t remember the adorable face of his cock.

*****

ELLIOT

I had been reviewing some documents in my office since early morning.

I flipped through the pages, one after another. Yet, I couldn’t focus on a single word.

“Damn it,” I muttered, lowering the document and pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration.

“It was just a fuck, for God's sake. Yes, an insanely good one, but you couldn’t even move, man. What, are you a masochist now?”

I grumbled in annoyance, about to attempt reading the reports again when a soft knock on the door interrupted me.

“Come in,” I called out.

I already knew who it was by the scent, and honestly, I was a little surprised.

“Good morning, Father Duke,” little Lavinia walked in slowly, hesitantly, offering a formal curtsy before standing in front of my desk.

“Lavinia, what brings you to my office so early?” I asked, puzzled.

To be honest, I had never felt any real attachment to the girl—who, in front of everyone, was considered my legitimate daughter.

I had acknowledged her because of her grandfather’s blackmail, but I never wanted her.

My hatred for that family had completely tainted our relationship.

“I… I came to give you this, Your Lordship. Mrs. Prescott left it in my room. It needs your approval and signature,” she said in a near whisper, avoiding my gaze as her tiny hand extended a sealed letter.

I noticed her fingers trembling slightly.

I knew she had always been afraid of me, despite the fact that I had never done anything to her—neither good nor bad. Our relationship was practically nonexistent.

I simply ensured she lacked for nothing material, and that was it. I tore open the envelope with a letter opener.

Noticed the seal of the Academy for Young Ladies and read the admission letter.

It was a highly prestigious academy, located in neutral territory between Duchies.

Noble girls were trained there—but they had to live there permanently. I had heard that they entered as little girls and left as women ready for marriage.

They only returned home for specific events. I studied her intently.

I had no idea how long she had been there, but our eyes met across the distance. Her brown eyes were wet, brimming with emotion, a storm of complex feelings swirling in their depths.

She pushed the door open and stepped into the office.

Her cheeks flushed pink. She looked embarrassed—I wasn’t sure if it was because she had been caught watching or because of all the sinful, forbidden things she had done to me last night.

"Mama!" Lavinia lifted her tear-streaked face upon seeing her, but she didn’t let go of me.

In the end, I picked her up and carried her over to where Katherine stood.

"Daughter, I was looking for you. So, you came to visit your father," she said softly, stroking the girl’s hair.

Lavinia smiled—a real smile, one I had never seen on her before. She always seemed moody and withdrawn, but now, she looked radiant.

"Mama, Father Duke said I don’t have to go to that school. You… you approve, right?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course. Mama only thought before that it was the best choice, but I was wrong—very wrong." Katherine frowned slightly, stealing a quick glance at me.

"My parents are the best!" Lavinia suddenly squealed with joy, slipping her little arm around Katherine’s neck and pulling her toward us.

She stumbled forward, landing against my chest, the three of us pressed together like a real family.

Lavinia hugged us both, rambling about how happy she was, while those warm brown eyes stared up at my icy blue ones, which devoured her intensely from above.

My free hand slid down to her waist, pulling her even closer against me—as if we were truly a husband and wife holding their child.

Katherine avoided my gaze, speaking softly to Lavinia, but she didn’t pull away from my hold.

Then, out of nowhere, a subtle touch ghosted over my chest where she was leaning against me—her fingers lazily tracing circles over my shirt.

Her lavender scent filled my nose, drifting from her chestnut hair. Something warm stirred in my heart—that possessive instinct of… pack.

My pack.

And I would protect them at all costs.