The Lycan King's Defiant Surrogate
Defiant Surrogate 122

Chapter 122 80%

The next day, I am once again summoned to Caleb's side. This is the first time that it's happened since our moment of passion in the gardener's shed, so hope fills my heart. Since I care as much as I do about Caleb, I want to be near him, no matter what.

From what I can tell, from the time of day, and the way the servant who requested me is leading me towards the dining room, I suspect Caleb and I are going to sit down to a nice lunch

As soon as I walk into the dining room, I realize I was mistaken so much that it's laughable.

Only, I'm not laughing.

Caleb is sitting in the lone table in the room, with a woman sitting across from him. There is no additional third

spot

for me.

Tristan, standing near the door, spots me when I come through and quickly joins me. After sending the other servant away, he says to me, "You are needed. Stand near the King but do not look at him or Miss Annabelle. Do not address them." "This is a date," I say. I know it is. I can see it with my two eyes. But I still require verbal clarification.

"Yes," Tristan says. With narrow eyes, he offers me no sympathy. Why would he? Even if he knew of my feelings for Caleb he would have no care for them. Caleb's wants were all that mattered in the capital. "King Caleb is on a date with a werewolf noblewoman named Annabelle. Now, see to your duties, consort The word has added bite, like he thinks I might say no.

I suppose I could use my one request to get myself out of this situation, but I would not waste such a rare and valuable gift on this. Besides, it would save me from one afternoon of misery, but not from those that would follow.

Sooner or later, I would be faced with Caleb dating and eventually marrying someone else. It's an inevitability.

Swallowing down my pain, I approach the table, taking my place at Caleb's side. He does not look at me, but Annabelle does - though only once, in passing.

Perhaps she's been warned that Caleb has an entire wing dedicated to his harem. Perhaps she already knows that she'll have to share her husband, if things progress that far, with a hundred other women. Perhaps she simply doesn't care.

"It's so nice that you invited me inside the palace, King Caleb," Annabelle says, smiling with teeth. She has a soft, lilting voice that makes her sound ever-so-grateful with every single word.

I late her. It's irrational, and I know I shouldn't. But she is sitting across from the man I love, trying to convince him to love her, and I hate her.

Then, the worst possible thing that could ever happen happens.

Caleb starts to smile too. "It's my pleasure, Annabelle. Thank you for accepting the request."

"One would have to be foolish to deny a request from the King. Or blind, once she gets a good look at him," Annabelle says.

Caleb's smile turns into a mischievous smirk. "I'm glad you aren't disappointed."

"Far from it, my King."

My stomach twists so violently, I'm pretty sure I'm about to be sick.

It's one thing to make me stand in the room. But to actually be here, in the front row, to them to both of them - actively flirting with each other? It hurts so much. I am in absolute agony

With Caleb's mind clear, he knows he is saying all the right things to charm Annabelle. And he's not immune to her charms either. She is pretty, short with long dark hair, dark eyes, and a straight-toothed smile. Her voice is like a chime of a bell, soft 09:59 Mon, Dec

Chapter 122

and sweet. Sometimes he has to strain to hear her.

She's everything a noblewoman werewolf should be. Dainty and beautiful, she will look good sitting beside him on the throne. And her good household will help solidify Caleb's popularity and power within the kingdom. That's all that really matters.

This date could end right now for all he cares. He and Annabelle don't have to actually get along more than this.

Yet with a glance at Tristan, and his stern, frowning reply, Caleb realizes perhaps he will need more than this to make Annabelle agree to be his wife.

Coming from a powerful pack, she has more sway than most others. She is in a position to be able to say 'no' to him.

20%

Harper shuffles on her feet to Caleb's left. She's another problem in this situation. While Caleb is trying to woo his future wife, he is constantly distracted by the woman to his left.

He sees her little frown, and the way her eyes are downcast.

"Tell me, my King," Annabelle continues. "Do you enjoy the outdoors as much as I do?"

"I do," Caleb replies, but all he can think about is watching Harper tend to her gardens at their little farmhouse.

"I love to shift in the woods on my pack's lands," Annabelle continues. "It's so... freeing. Giving over to the wolf once in a while. Don't you agree?"

She's trying to make connections. Caleb can appreciate that. Even if, in this particular instance, he cannot relate. "My wolf is too powerful to be left to its own devices," Caleb says. "I would risk hurting someone." Annabelle's face falls somewhat. "Oh. What a pity. It really is very... exuberating." Caleb nods. "Perhaps, at some point, if you were to move here, we could erect a forest just for you to set your spirits free within."

Annabelle's smile comes back, full blast. "Oh, thank you so much, King Caleb. That would make me very happy.. if we decide to proceed."

"I have a good feeling about this," Caleb says.

"As do I," Annabelle replies.

Beside him, Harper stills, even as her heartbeat begins to quicken. What is she thinking of?

No matter. Her closeness has done what he needed it to do. She has helped him maintain a clear mind. It doesn't matter that she seems hurt or upset.

What would she have to be hurt or upset about?

It vexes him the entire duration of his meal. By the time Annabelle and he split ways, he's more annoyed by not knowing what Harper is thinking than he is overjoyed about how well things have gone with Annabelle. "Harper," Caleb says, once they step into the hallway.

"Forgive me. I'm not feeling well." She rushes off in the opposite direction. Caleb thinks of rushing after her, until she disappears into a bathroom.

Maybe she just wasn't feeling well. That could be reason for her upset.

09:59 Mon, Dec 9

Chapter 122

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Not that it mattered to him.

Tristan comes to stand beside him next, as Caleb stares at the bathroom door.

"Things went well with Annabelle," Tristan says.

"Yes."

""No incidents with the salad utensils," Tristan says.

"No."

Tristan glances at the bathroom door and back again. "Harper did a good job."

"All she did was stand there."

"That's all she was supposed to do," Tristan reminds him.

That's true, and Caleb knows it.

So why does it annoy him so damn much?