The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving novel Chapter 261

261: A surprise

Evening drew near, the sun slowly setting.

“How did you know I wanted to be out?” Lylah asked as Lucas led her through a quiet corridor.

“You’re not comfortable with crowds for long, just like me.”

“You remembered.”

“I did.”

She locked her hands behind her. “Are you still not going to tell me where we’re heading?”

“My favorite place.”

“And how many people have you taken to this favorite place of yours?”

“None,” he said in a low voice.

She didn’t believe him. Or perhaps, she was simply surprised.

“None?”

“Hm. Never brought anyone. Duncan loves going into the city to find solace by mixing with his people, but mine is a little different. I’m sure you’re going to love it.”

“I can’t wait,” she said.

“But first,” he halted, pulling out a blindfold. “I have a small surprise before we get there. The night is young.”

She liked the idea, just her and him. And she was damn curious about what he was planning to do with her tonight.

“Alright.”

Lucas stepped closer and gently tied the blindfold over her eyes. As his fingers brushed her face, Lylah’s heart pounded frantically.

He led her carefully, guiding her through corners and paths. When they reached the stairs, Lylah struggled to keep up. She gasped when Lucas suddenly lifted her into his arms.

“What are you doing?”

“Reducing your stress, my lady.”

After a while, she heard a door open. He led her inside and shut the door behind them. Then gently lowered her to the floor.

“Ready, little wolf?” he whispered behind her ear.

“Yes, I am.”

“Take a guess.”

“Uhm… the attic,” she snorted.

“What a bad guesser. It’s not that difficult.”

“Just show me already.”

“And where’s the fun in that?” he said. “Fine.”

His hands went to the nape of her neck, intentionally slowing his movement to make sure she felt every flicker of heat.

The blindfold loosen. She almost gasped at the view before her.

261: A surprise

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The room was bathed in soft amber light. Lanterns hung at different heights. In the center was a low table holding her favorite meals. Grilled, rich, and mouthwatering. Set for two, along with the rare wine she once told him she dreamed of drinking.

Red flower petals surrounded the table, and just ahead was a large window facing the beautiful setting sun.

“I figured we’d eat before heading to the real surprise.”

“This isn’t the real surprise?” she said, stunned.

“Like I said,” his voice dipped, “the night is still young.”

She didn’t know what to say. She never thought she’d find herself a moment like this, where her mate treated her this way. It was warm, quiet, personal. No prying eyes.

They settled down. Lylah watched the view of the sun setting.

“Now I see why my sister always loved this. It is beautiful,” she said. When she glanced at him, she realized he was staring at her. “What? Don’t tell me you missed the view.”

“Watching you watch it is enough.”

“That’s flattering my Lord.”

The meal was warm. The flavor of the meat, vegetables, sauce, and soup, everything tasted divine.

And the wine? By the gods, she felt like she was floating.

Lucas watched her in silence, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Here,” Lylah offered a bite to him.

Lucas hesitated, then leaned in to eat. When he noticed her steak was nearly gone, he gave her some of his.

“You barely touched your meal,” she pouted. “Still a light eater, huh?”

“It’s a good thing my mate could eat the whole palace and still not gain weight.”

“Hey!” she snapped playfully, her face flushing at his tease. “That’s a lie. I don’t eat that much.”

Lucas chuckled, watching her lick the sauce from her lower lip. He swallowed, wishing he was the one doing that.

This space thing was killing him.

Soon, dinner was over. Lucas led Lylah to the stable. He offered his hand and helped her climb onto the brown stallion. He mounted behind her, her back pressed to his broad chest, scent filling his nose as he leaned in to hold the reins.

“You good?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

The horse trotted forward, riding out of the gates into the night.

Cool breeze kissed her face, but all she could feel was his warmth. The touch of one of his hands resting over hers on the rein, and the other hand, calloused, settled at her waist, thumb gently stroking slow circles that made her toes curl in her boots.

She leaned back slightly to steal more of his warmth.

Lucas allowed her, secretly smiling to himself.

After a while, they passed between two small mountains. The view that followed made Lylah sit up.

261: A surprise

A vast, open space. Fireflies blinked lazily in the air. Wildflowers scattered across.

Perche trees stood tall as birds chirped and weaved through the branches.

A waterfall tumbled softly into a crystal–clear pond that reflected the beautiful shimmering stars above.

Even the glow of the moonlight felt different here–brighter, more breathtaking

“Oh my goodness, this is…” Her voice trailed off as Lucas helped her down from the horse.

She laughed softly, spinning to face him. “I love it!”

The excitement in her eyes told Lucas he’d done a perfect job.

“How did you even find this place?”

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“My mother did. She brought me here a few times. After she died, visit once in a blue moon. You’ll love it even more at sunrise.”

“It’s magnificent.”

Lylah couldn’t take her eyes off the view. And Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off her. He took her hand and led her to the tree.

Her back against the hard surface, his frame towered over her. He leaned closer.

Lylah’s lips parted, mind frozen as her gaze dropped to his lips.

He pulled back slightly, now holding the flower he had taken from behind her. He smiled–as if he knew exactly what she had been thinking.

He stuck the flower into her hair.

“How is your break in… Ravenhood going?” he asked.

“Crazy.”

Their eyes lingered a breath longer.

“Wanna run?” she offered. “To the waterfall. Winner gets to request for anything.”

She didn’t wait for a reply. She shifted and sprinted toward the waterfall.

Lucas smirked. His bones shifted, fur spilling swiftly, but only half shift. He reached the waterfall a second after her. She won

the race.

She shifted back to human form, laughing. “Don’t tell me you let me win,”

“Maybe,” he smirked as she approached.

“Why?”

“Because I put you first.”

“What if I ask for something you can’t do?”

“Then I’ll try anyway.

The sound of the waterfall behind them was like a lull, making the moment feel like a dream.

“Why do you make it so hard…” she whispered.

Lucas froze, pupils dilating. He almost panicked, but she continued

“(

…not to fall for you.” Her voice dipped low. “Two weeks, and it felt like I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t stop thinking about our

261: A surprise

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last conversation, and I realized…”

She stepped closer. “Nothing will ever inake sense without you, Lucas Ardyn. I love you. From the depths of my heart.”

Lucas froze. Her confession echoing in his head

Nearly shattered his restraint from pinning her against the wall and taking her right then.

But then her request followed.

“I want you to kiss me, Lucas.”

No hesitation.

One hand gently collared her neck, lips slamming against hers. Dominant, possessive.

He claimed her like the hungry male he was.

She returned the kiss with equal hunger, shoving her tongue into his mouth and clutching the hem of his shirt tightly.

He groaned as they moved, pinning her to the stone wall behind them.

She moaned, pressing her chest against his.

He pulled back, holding her waist close.

“Does this mean you’re staying? No more breaks?” he asked breathlessly.

“Screw the break, Lucas. My things are already in the palace. I planned to stay without you asking. I belong here… with you.” Her fingers tangled in his hair. “Always with you.”

“Oh yeah? I was planning to kidnap you if you said no tonight.”

“Well, my dear handsome Grand Lord… that would’ve been so fucking romantic.”

She let out a sultry giggle as he groped her ass, lifted her into his arms,

Pressed her against the wall, and hungrily claimed her lips again…