TRADING MY CHEATING HUSBAND FOR THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 72

CHAPTER 46: MY TRUE MATE

EMBER’S POV

“Rafael-”

“I’m not asking you to choose right now.” He steps closer. Close enough that I catch his warmth, his scent. “I’m telling you that when this ends, I’ll be waiting.” His eyes hold mine, intense and very alive. “Very

patiently.”

My heart is slamming against my ribs.

I should feel flattered. Or frightened. Or something other than this treacherous heat spreading through my

chest.

But I think of Knox. Of his hands on me this morning. Of the way he looked at me under the northern lights.

Whatever we have-arrangement or not-I’m not ready to betray it.

I look down at the rose in my hand. Then I hold it out to him.

“I can’t accept this.”

Rafael doesn’t take it. His eyes search my face.

“Ember-”

“I mean it.” I press the rose against his chest until he has no choice but to take it back. “Whatever Knox and I are, arrangement, performance, countdown, the fact is that I’m with him. I chose him. And until that ends, I’m not collecting flowers from men waiting for us to fail.”

Something shifts in his expression. Surprise, maybe. Or respect.

“You’re loyal,” he says quietly. “Even when you have no reason to be.”

I chuckle mirthless. “I trust Knox enough to be loyal. You? Not so much.”

He hums, then tucks the rose into his jacket pocket.

“I’ll hold onto this,” he says. “For when you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

“We’ll see.” His smile returns-patient, certain. “I’m very good at waiting, Ember. And I have a feeling you’re worth waiting for.”

I don’t know what to say to that. So I say the only thing I can.

“We should rejoin the group. The hunt is ending.”

“Ofcourse.” Rafael gestures for me to lead. “After you.”

We walk back in silence, my mind churning with everything he said.

CHAPTER AGAY TO ENTE

+25 nts

Knox is already waiting when we arrive. He’s standing apart from Rayana, who’s trying to catch his attention with that wounded look of hers, and his entire body is oriented toward the path I’m walking up.

The moment he sees me something in his expression shifts. Relief Hunger. Possession.

He’s at my side in three strides, his arm wrapping around my waist, pulling me against him so tightly I can

feel his heart beating.

“What did he say to you?” Knox’s voice is low, meant only for me.

“Nothing important.”

“Are you lying to me? Trying to protect him?”

“Calm down, papa bear.” I laugh despite everything, and I realize that I feel safer in his arms than I have

25. nts

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