The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106

3rd Person’s POV

“Rowan!”

Lylah’s head snapped toward the voice.

Cora appeared out of the rain, half–soaked, her hair clinging to her face as she rushed forward and threw herself against Rowan’s chest. He instinctively caught her by the waist, steadying her.

For a moment, Lylah could only stare.

Of all the disasters tonight, she hadn’t expected this. She had no idea how both of them ended up here at the same time–but her instincts sharpened instantly. Nothing good ever followed when Cora appeared.

“Why are you here?” Cora asked softly, her voice delicate as she tilted her face up at him. “Aren’t you still in your meeting?”

“Of course i came to pick you up.” Rowan glanced down at her. “It’s raining. I wanted to make sure you got home safely.”

As if he hadn’t said minutes ago that he was here for Lylah.

He never failed to make her stomach churn.

Cora finally looked toward Lylah, surprise flashing across her face–poorly acted. “Lylah, you’re here too? Oh–land with your friend!”

Iris rolled her eyes.

Cora continued sweetly, “Since it’s raining, why don’t you both ride with us? We don’t mind. Right, Rowan?”

“Yes,” Rowan said smoothly. “Please. Get in.”

‘No.” Lylah’s refusal cracked through the rain like lightning. “We can get back on our own.”

‘Oh, Lylah,” Cora cooed, her smile syrup–sweet and insincere. “Don’t act tough. There won’t be any buses in this weather. And I know you’d rather save your limited coins than spend them on a comfortable taxi. No need to be so proud.”

Iris stepped forward, her tone sharp as a blade. “And how exactly are you so sure she’ll be walking home? What if her mate is coming to pick her up?”

Rowan arched a brow.

“Is he?” he drawled. “Then where is he now? What kind of male lets his mate stand out here in cold like this?”

A lazy, mocking smile tugged at his lips. “I suppose that tells us everything about the man she chose to bond with. An irresponsible coward.” His gaze darkened with satisfaction. “And if she ends up in another

male’s car tonight, he’d have no one to blame but himself.”

The insult hung heavy in the storm–thick air.

Lylah felt every word for what it was–bait. He was provoking her into reacting,

She refused to give him the satisfaction.

Iris, however, bristled. “Alpha Rowan, you’re so shameless-”

She huffed. “It’s just a few drops. But if you slipped, it would be headline news across Lamaris tomorrow.”

He answered only with a low chuckle, the sound warm against her ear.

“Let’s just go home,” Lylah exhaled, suddenly aware of the eyes watching them.

“Alright.”

He kept his arm securely around her waist as they walked toward the car, holding her close beneath the umbrella.

The rain had plastered her blouse to her skin, outlining the soft curves of her body, and Ezra’s jaw tightened at the sight. He drew in a slow, steady breath, forcing control over the fierce, instinctive pull that flared to life whenever she was this close.

With a subtle motion of his hand, he signaled Damon to bring Iris along.

The Beta immediately stepped out from the driver’s seat and moved toward the bus stop.

But Cora, unable to contain herself, intercepted him.

Aren’t you the man who picked her up from Lunar Grace that day? I saw you.” She asked. “So it’s you? You’re Lylah’s mate?”

Her gaze dragged over him slowly from head to toe, openly appraising, as if measuring his worth.

Wrong.” Damon chuckled lightly, unbothered. “I’m just a subordinate serving her.”