Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 147 SAGE 60% +5 I had been bracing myself for Titus to insist on coming with us, but to my surprise, he didn't. It seemed he had more pressing matters to attend to. I caught a glimpse of him just as he was leaving, his face set in a grim, unreadable expression. The tension in his jaw and the sharp focus in his eyes toldone thing- whatever he was dealing with today, it wasn't simple. It was dangerous.

Even with his absence, I wasn't granted full freedom. Titus made sure I wasn't leaving without an escort. Pantene accompanied me, along with two guards. But this was an opportunity. Without him watching my every move, I only had three people to think about.

The city buzzed with life as we arrived, its streets filled with merchants, nobles, and common folk alike. I feigned interest in shopping, my eyes sweeping over the vibrant boutiques lining the streets. This is the perfect place for diversion, as this was only a few minutes away from Robert and Gertrude's farm. If I could slip away, even for a little while, I could check on Harper and Cooper and see for myself that they were safe.

"Let's stop here," I said, pointing toward a charming little boutique with elegant dresses displayed in the window. It was the perfect cover. Shopping took time, and twas exactly what I needed.

As soon as we stepped inside, a woman with a bright smile greeted us. "Welcome, miss!" That's when I realized that I had not a single cent in my pocket. I hesitated, glancing around at the luxurious fabrics and finely crafted garments. What was I thinking? How was I supposed to buy anything? Leaning toward Pantene, I whispered, "Do I even have money for this?" It was a foolish question, really. I had been sold like property. It wasn't as if I gained wealth along with it.

Pantene chuckled, her expression amused but kind. "Don't worry, my lady. His Majesty has taken care of everything. Choose whatever you like." I let out a slow breath, relieved that at least this part wouldn't be an issue. Now, I just needed to figure out how to slip away without raising suspicion.

As I brushed my fingers over a red fitted dress, pretending to admire it, my mind was busy forming a plan. I glanced around the boutique, taking in every little detail. Then, my eyes landed on the fitting area-a separate space with tall walls and thick curtains.

Without hesitation, I grabbed several dresses at random, not even paying attention to what they looked like. I just needed to make it seem like I was truly shopping. The boutique attendant, a young woman with neatly styled hair and a friendly smile, stood nearby, ready to assist.

"Here," I said, handing her the dresses before picking out a few more. In my calculation, there were more than twenty kinds of dresses in both her and my hands. "I want to try these on." She seemed surprised as she looked at the quantity of dresses we were holding, blinking a few times before quickly nodding. "O-Of course, miss. Please follow me." Pantene and the two guards stayed close behind as the attendant guidedtoward the fitting rooms. We stopped in front of an elegant fitting room with gold-trimmed curtains. The attendant pulled them open, revealing a cozy space with a plush bench, a full-length mirror, and, most importantly, an extra door at the back. Pantene was about to step inside the fitting room when I stopped her. "If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone," I said with a face. sweet smile on my 14:09 Sat, 15 Feb Chapter 147 ☐.60%= Pantene has been nothing but good to me. She remindsof Elara back when we were in the palace. But despite that, I don't know if I can trust her or where her loyalty lies. She was working for Titus, so it's safe to assthat's where her loyalty is.

"B-But, my lady-" "I won't be going anywhere, Pantene. Don't worry. I'll be right here when I'm done," I assured her. Pantene hesitated, her gaze flickering toward the fitting room as if debating whether to followinside. I could tell she was weighing her options, considering whether to leavealone even for a moment. Finally, she let out a loud sigh and gave a small nod. "Tellif you need anything, my lady. I'll be right outside." I forced a grateful smile. "Thank you, Pantene." As soon as the thick curtain fell shut, I turned to the boutique attendant, who was still arranging the dresses on the hooks. Without wasting another second, I hurried toward her, my heart pounding. Gently, but firmly, I grabbed her arm, making her look up atin confusion.

"Do you have a car?" I asked in a hushed voice.

Her brows furrowed. "I-I do," she answered hesitantly.

"How would you like to make a little extra cash for just a few hours?" I pressed, keeping my voice low. She blinked at me, clearly caught off guard. "W-What?" I took a deep breath and leaned in slightly. "Five thousand dollars," I whispered. "Would that be enough?" Her eyes widened, the number catching her attention, but she still looked uncertain. "I-I don't understand, miss..." "You don't have to do much," I explained quickly. "Just keep them out of here. Pretend to be me- make noise, shuffle around, do whatever it takes to make them think I'm still inside. And in exchange, I need to borrow your car." She swallowed hard, glancing toward the curtain as if she could already feel the weight of what I was asking. I could see the battle in her eyes-caution warring with temptation.

"Five thousand dollars," I repeated, giving her a meaningful look. "All for just a little distraction. What do you say?" The attendant's hands trembled slightly as she glanced toward the curtain again. I could see the hesitation in her eyes, but also the temptation. Five thousand dollars wasn't an easy offer to turn down. "I-I don't know..." she whispered, biting her lip.

I met her eyes, my voice urgent but firm. "Get everything in my sizes, and I'll buy it. I'll add more on the tip. You work on commissions, right?" Something flickered in her expression. "How do I know you'll cback?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Those people outside will make sure I'll cback. Trust me," I admitted honestly. She swallowed hard, glancing back at the curtain one more tbefore finally nodding. "O-Okay," she whispered.

Relief flooded through me.

"Thank you," I breathed.

2/4 14:09 Sat, 15 Feb & J Chapter 147 60% Quickly, she handedher car keys, her hands shaking slightly. "It's the blue sedan parked in the back lot," she whispered. Third row, second spot.

I nodded and gave her one last grateful look before slipping toward the back of the fitting room.

I moved quickly but carefully, keeping my footsteps light as I weaved through the maze of clothing racks and supply shelves. The dimly lit hallway stretched before me, leading deeper into the boutique's back area. My pulse thundered in my ears.

A door at the end of the hall caught my eye. It was slightly ajar, a faint sliver of daylight spilling through the gap. That had to be the exit. I hurried toward it, gripping the car keys so tightly that the metal edges dug into my palm.

Just a little farther.

I pushed the door open and stepped outside, instantly hit by the warm breeze and the scent of pavement baking under the sun. The back lot was hearly empty, save for a few parked cars. My gaze swept over them until I spotted the blue sedan exactly where the attendant had described. I rushed toward it, unlocking the door with trembling fingers before sliding into the driver's seat. The engine rumbled to life as I turned the key in the ignition. My hands clenched around the steering wheel as I took a steadying breath.

I gritted my teeth and pressed harder on the gas. I needed to get as far away as possible before they realized I was gone.

The drive back to Robert and Gertrude's farm felt endless, even as I sped down the familiar roads. My mind raced with thoughts of Harper and Cooper, picturing their sweet faces, their laughter, and the way they used to run into my arms after a long day. The thought of seeing them again made my chest ache with longing.

Finally, the farmhouse cinto view, nestled among the rolling fields. Relief flooded through me, and in barely slowed down as I pulled into the driveway. I jumped out of the car before it had even fully stopped, running toward the front door. "Harper! Cooper!" I called, breathless, my heart pounding with anticipation.

The door opened, but instead of my twins rushing into my arms, I was met with Gertrude's teary eyes and Robert's grim expression.

Something was wrong.

"Where are they?" I demanded, my stomach twisting with sudden fear.

Gertrude choked back a sob, clutching her apron tightly. "I'm sorry, Sage." The world aroundseemed to tilt.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head in denial. "What happened?" Robert took a deep breath, his voice heavy with regret. "They left, Sage. Two nights ago. They snuck out to find you." The words hitlike a punch to the gut.

My babies. My kids. Out there, alone.