From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

To Queen

But then my attention shifted to the driver.

Even from this distance, I could see the man was tall, broad-shouldered.

Some rich asshole trying to impress her. Probably thinks his fancy car will win her over.

Anger burned in my chest. How dare some stranger take advantage of Sable’s vulnerable state? She was hurt and confused, easy prey for men with ulterior motives.

I watched them talking inside the car. Sable was laughing at something he’d said. Her face was animated, happy.

Then the man’s hand reached out to touch her face.

My vision went red.

Sable leaned into his touch instead of pulling away. Her eyes drifted closed as his thumb stroked her cheek.

No. No, this isn’t happening.

They moved closer together. His head tilted down toward hers. Her lips parted slightly.

They’re going to kiss.

MY Sable is about to kiss some random man!

Rage exploded through my system like napalm. My foot slammed down on the accelerator.

The car shot forward like a bullet. Twenty meters. Fifteen. Ten.

I’ll kill him. I’ll fucking kill anyone who touches what’s mine.

Five meters.

Three.

At the last possible second, sanity crashed back. I stomped on the brakes with both feet.

The tires shrieked against asphalt, Rubber burned. The acrid smell filled my nostrils as my car skidded to a halt.

Less than ten centimeters separated my bumper from theirs.

For several heartbeats, nobody moved. Then both car doors opened simultaneously.

The man stepped out first. When he turned toward me, his face caught the streetlight.

Every molecule of air left my lungs.

Caelan Blackwood.

The Lycan King.

My brain refused to process what I was seeing. This had to be some kind of mistake. Some terrible, impossible coincidence.

Sable can I be with HIM. That’s insane. That’s…

But there was no mistaking those features. The commanding presence. The cold fury radiating from every line of his body as he stalked toward my car.

1/3

Chapter 67

Sable emerged from the passenger side, her face pale but blazing with anger.

How? When? Why?

I got out of my car on shaking legs. My whole world had just turned upside down.

Caelan stopped three feet away from me. When he spoke, his voice could have frozen hell.

“Explain. Now.”

The Alpha authority in his tone made my wolf whimper and submit before I could stop it. I found myself straightening, hands at my sides.

I’m sorry, Your Majesty.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “But I came here to find Sable.”

Sable stepped forward, her voice sharp with accusation. “Darrell, how did you know my address? Who told you where I live?”

I fumbled for my phone, showing them the mysterious text. “Sable, I miss you so much. Can we talk privately for a few minutes?

Caelan’s eyes never left mine. “I don’t agree to that.”

Desperation made me reckless. “I think as King, you shouldn’t interfere in other people’s private matters.”

Something deadly flickered across Caelan’s features. “I’m not other people. I’m Sable’s fiancé.”

The words hit like a sledgehammer to my chest. My legs nearly gave out.

“When did you… when did you two… I couldn’t finish the sentence.

Sable’s voice came out perfectly calm. “That’s none of your business, Darrell.”

That’s when my gaze dropped to Caelan’s wrist.

That watch. Sable claimed she was buying it for her “future husband.” I’d assumed she meant me. I’d been so fucking blind.

She was already planning to leave me. Already had him picked out as my replacement.

‘Please.” The word cracked as it left my throat. “I’m begging you. Give me one last chance to talk with you.”

Sable studied my face for a long moment. I could see her weighing options behind those amber eyes.

“Caelan.” She turned to him. “Let me speak with him clearly. That way he’ll give up for good.”

Caelan’s jaw tightened with obvious reluctance. But after a few tense seconds, he gave a curt nod.

I’ll be right here.”

We walked to the the small garden beside the apartment building.

“Sable, I know how this looks.” I reached for her hands. She pulled back, but I caught her wrist anyway. “But I need you to understand something.”

She tried to tug free. ‘Darrell-*

“You’re doing this to punish me, aren’t you?” The words tumbled out in a desperate rush. “You found out about Camila and decided to make me pay.”

Her eyes widened with shock. “What?”

“It’s brilliant, actually.” I tightened my grip on her wrist. “Dating the most powerful man in the kingdom. Making me watch while you pretend to be happy

with someone else.”

2/3

“Let go of me.”

“Your plan worked.’ I pulled her closer, excitement building in my chest. ‘I’m jealous. I’m going crazy thinking about you with him.”

Understanding dawned in her eyes. Not the relief I’d expected, but something that looked like pity.

‘Darrell. Her voice grew very quiet. “You think this is about you?’

‘Isn’t it?’ I searched her face desperately. “You’re trying to make me realize what I lost. Show me how it feels to be replaced.”

She stared at me for several heartbeats. Then she started laughing.

Sable’s POV

“You think this is about you?” I gasped between fits of laughter, pulling my wrist free from his grip. “You think I’m dating someone to make you jealous?”

Darrell’s face went through a series of expressions – confusion, hope, then dawning horror as he realized I wasn’t playing some elaborate game.

‘Darrell. I wiped tears from my eyes. “You really are as self-centered as I thought.”

‘But-

‘Did you ever consider that maybe I’m happy? That maybe I found someone who actually loves me?” My voice turned ice-cold. “Or is that concept too foreign for you to understand?*

His gray eyes searched my face desperately. “Sable, please-”

I shook my head and turned toward the apartment building. “This conversation is over.

That’s when he grabbed my arm again, spinning me back to face him.

“No!” Desperation made his voice crack. I’m not giving up. Not when I’ve come this far.”

Before I could react, he dropped to his knees on the concrete walkway.

I stared down at him in shock. “What are you doing?”

“Please.” Tears streamed down his face unchecked. ‘I’m begging you. Give me one more chance.”

His hands pressed together in prayer position, trembling visibly. “I know I messed up. I know I hurt you.”

‘Darrell, get up-*

“But I never stopped loving you!” The words tore from his throat like they were being ripped out with pliers. “You’re the most important person in my life. You always have been.