Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King (Emilia) novel Chapter 195

LUCIEN’S POV

I woke to a sharp, insistent knock on the door.

The sound cut through the haze of sleep like a blade. I groaned low in my throat, instinctively pulling Adele closer. She was warm and soft against my chest, her breathing slow and even, blonde hair spilling across my arm like silk.

Last night came rushing back…the candles, her dance, her bedy under mine, the way she’d whispered she loved me. I wanted to stay right here, buried in this bed with her, and never leave.

I wanted to pretend the world outside this room didn’t exist.

The knock came again-harder this time.

Adele stirred, mumbling sleepily against my skin. “Make it stop…”

Anger flared hot and instant. “What the fuck,” I cursed under my breath.

No one knocked on my door like that unless it was urgent or the person had a death wish.

I slid out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake her fully.

The cool air hit my bare skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I grabbed the robe from the couch and tied it around my waist, every movement controlled, restrained.

The knock sounded again-three sharp raps that echoed through the room.

“I swear if you knock one more time, ‘ll kill you.” I muttered under my breath, anger boiling inside me.

I yanked the door open.

The guard on the other side bowed immediately, head low in respect. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Beta Lucien, but the king has requested your presence immediately.”

My anger cooled a fraction, replaced by confusion and a prickle of unease. I furrowed my brows. “What’s wrong?”

“He didn’t say, sir. Only that it was urgent.”

I nodded once. “Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

The guard bowed again and left quickly, footsteps fading down the hall.

I closed the door softly and turned back to the bed.

Adele was still curled in the sheets, eyes closed, looking so peaceful it hurt to leave her. Morning light slipped through the half open curtains painting gold across her bare shoulder. She looked so beautiful. I didn’t know how l even got this lucky.

I walked over quietly and got dressed…black pants, shirt, boots…moving fast but silent. The beta in me slippingback into place, even as a part of me resisted.

When I was ready, I leaned over her and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

My mind raced through possibilities. The rogues on probation —had one of them caused trouble? Something with the packs?

I reached the heavy oak doors of the king’s office and knocked once.

“Enter,” came the deep, steady voice.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was dim-curtains still half drawn, fire low in the hearth. The king stood behind it, arms crossed, expression unreadable.But he wasn’t alone.

Standing in front of the desk, back to me, was a woman.

Long dark hair. Familiar posture.

My heart skipped a beat-hard.

She turned.

And there she was.

Naomi.