Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 32

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 32**

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**Chapter 32**

The air was thick with tension as I stood there, caught off guard by the scent of other men lingering on her skin. Kitty’s heart raced like a wild stallion, and I could feel her fear enveloping her, a heavy blanket that I desperately wanted to lift. But despite the turmoil swirling within me, I forced a smile and stepped closer to her, trying to bridge the chasm that felt so wide between us.

“I had some things I didn’t sign off on last time,” I said, my voice smooth, like a well-rehearsed line. “You’ve already finished work?”

Kitty hesitated, her gaze darting between the elevator and me. I hadn’t anticipated finding her here, standing so close, yet so far away. Where had she been? The only sliver of comfort was that Nathan’s scent was absent from her.

“Just work stuff,” she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “And you’re really not here for a job?”

“I’ve got something else lined up,” I lied again, the words slipping from my lips with practiced ease.

A look of relief washed over her features, softening the tension in her eyes. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental. She occupied my thoughts constantly, and the desire to spend more time with her was no longer a secret I feared to admit. But I knew I had set the stage when I agreed to her rules.

“Really?” she asked, a hint of disbelief coloring her tone.

“Yeah. I start next week,” I replied, hoping to quell any lingering doubts.

Her lips curled into a smile that felt like sunshine breaking through clouds, washing away the uncertainty that had shrouded her. I couldn’t help but mirror her expression. It was a rare occurrence for me, but she had this inexplicable ability to draw that out of me.

“I didn’t do this just to be a jerk,” she said, her voice earnest. “You’re just… distracting. I need to focus to survive here.”

Melanie’s face flashed in my mind, a reminder of how many had taught Kitty to keep her guard up.

“They don’t treat you right?” I asked, probing gently, hoping to uncover more of her truth.

Kitty turned her gaze away, her mouth twisting in a way that hinted at deeper frustrations.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” she admitted, vulnerability creeping into her voice.

She hadn’t told me to mind my own business, which felt like an invitation. Was this my chance to dig deeper?

“I’m going to get some groceries. How about we talk about it over dinner?” I suggested, hoping to coax her into opening up.

She rummaged through her bag, and my breath hitched when she pulled out a credit card. My eyes darted around the lobby, and I noticed the curious stares of those nearby.

“You don’t have to—” I began, but she cut me off.

“We agreed I’d cover the expenses,” Kitty insisted, her tone firm. “Use this. I can afford it.”

I caught the whispers and the subtle head shakes from onlookers. My mouth twisted in frustration, but I accepted the card, slipping it into my pocket with a sense of reluctant acceptance.

“I’ll see you later, then,” she said softly, her voice almost shy, accompanied by another smile that hit me right in the chest.

Her heart had steadied, her fear dissipating like mist in the morning sun.

Good. After dinner, I would begin to dismantle some of those walls she had erected. She needed to let me in.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open, revealing Elijah inside. I froze, uncertainty flooding my mind. Would he bow in respect? Would he acknowledge me as Alpha?

But my beta’s gaze was fixed on Kitty, and a flash of something—interest?—crossed his eyes, stirring the beast inside me. What was that look? Had he developed an interest in her? I had never seen him regard anyone like that before.

Kitty stiffened beside me, and I could sense her fear returning in waves. She offered me a polite nod, as if we were mere acquaintances, and slipped past Elijah into the elevator.

“Do you know her?” Elijah inquired, his tone casual, but I could sense the undercurrents of curiosity.

That should have been my line. When had Elijah begun asking such questions?

“No,” I replied flatly, my heart racing. “Going somewhere?”

“New leads to follow up,” he said, nonchalantly.

My gaze snapped to his, suspicion flaring. Was he being honest?

“Great. Keep me updated; I’m heading home,” I said, trying to maintain my composure.

“You haven’t been at the hotel in over a week. Should I check you out?” he probed, fishing for information. But he already knew where I had been, ever since I returned home. Perhaps I was reading too deeply into it. Or maybe my beta simply wanted to ensure I wasn’t compromised.

Still, that look he had given Kitty lingered in my mind, refusing to dissipate.

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