Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 39

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 39**

**ΚΑΤ**

I found myself staring at Kostas’ photograph for what felt like the millionth time, my heart heavy with memories. The image was a haunting reminder of the past, and I had to shift my gaze to the new photo that had arrived just that afternoon. It depicted me, unmistakably, descending the steps of the Bureau.

Even with my pixie cut and the vibrant red dye that framed my face, I knew it was me—Katerina Lordswood—captured in an unguarded moment. Beneath the photo, a message taunted me: “Do you think your brother will like this photo?”

A wave of nausea twisted in my stomach, and I instinctively pulled my knees to my chest, sitting cross-legged on the cool floor. My eyes drifted toward the window, observing the world outside, where life continued on without a care, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had enveloped my own existence.

Strangely enough, the day had unfolded with an unexpected tranquility. Hunter had only stepped away for a few phone calls, otherwise remaining steadfastly by my side. Even the Bureau, typically relentless, had refrained from reaching out for my statement. It felt surreal, considering I was technically the owner of the gym that had been at the center of the chaos.

The soft creak of the kitchen door disrupted my thoughts, and I looked up to see Hunter entering the room. He settled across from me, his gaze also drawn to the outside world.

“Are you feeling better?” he inquired, his voice gentle yet probing.

Would I ever feel better? The truth weighed heavily on my chest, a constant reminder of the secrets I harbored. I was already plotting my escape, calculating the moment I would leave him behind and run once more. Just the thought of it twisted my insides into knots.

“I’m okay,” I replied, but the words felt like a brittle façade, one I had repeated so often that they rang hollow.

“Whatever is going on, I can protect you, Kat,” he asserted, his tone shifting to something more earnest.

Hearing him use my name, rather than the playful nickname I had given him, made it clear that he was serious. Having someone like Hunter to guard me felt like an unexpected gift, a flicker of warmth in this cold world. But I knew it couldn’t last.

“There’s nothing you need to protect me from,” I insisted, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

Once the Bureau wrapped up its investigation, I would disentangle myself from Mr. Rivers and walk away, leaving no trace behind. Hunter would remain untouched, just a survivor in this unforgiving landscape, much like me.

“I got a car yesterday, for when I start work on Monday,” Hunter announced, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.

This time, my smile was genuine. At least he had something stable to look forward to. When I eventually left, I knew he would be just fine.

“That’s fantastic! Soon, you’ll have your own place,” I encouraged, picturing the bright future ahead of him.

But then I noticed a muscle twitch in his jaw, and he looked away, a shadow passing over his features.

“You’re still trying to send me away,” he said softly, his words laced with an undercurrent of hurt.

Had he genuinely come to care for me in this way? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. Could I… No, that was a dangerous path to tread. Human love was notoriously fickle; it could burn brightly one moment and extinguish the next. Wolves formed lifelong bonds, while our affections were transient. Hunter would forget me before long.

Yet, the mere idea scraped against my heart like a jagged stone.

“I don’t mean it like that,” I reassured him swiftly. “It’s just… it’s better to stand on your own two feet. To avoid feeling shackled. That’s how resentment starts to breed and fester.”

“So you’d trust me more if I didn’t rely on you,” he mused, a hint of disappointment coloring his voice.

“I already trust you,” I admitted, the truth spilling out before I could stop it. It was both liberating and terrifying. “But I wouldn’t want to second-guess things down the line.”

Hunter studied me intently, his expression shifting as he nodded slowly. “That makes sense. I just hope that someday, you’ll let me in more.”

Before I could respond, he reached into his pocket and pressed something into my palm.

“Car keys,” he declared with a hint of pride.

If only he could truly be mine.

His hand found its way around my throat, tilting my head back gently. His lips brushed against mine with the same tenderness he had shown since my awakening. He was patient, careful, as if he understood that I was on the brink of shattering.

Yet, his touch ignited a fire within me, sending sparks racing through my veins. I was breathless when he pulled back, resting his forehead against mine.

“I will protect you,” he whispered, his words wrapping around me like a promise.

And then, just like that, he was gone.

The silence rushed back in, suffocating in his absence. I turned my gaze back to the photos, the weight of my relationship with Hunter pressing down on me. Time felt borrowed, fleeting.

Hours later, I found myself in the place Rivers had directed me to. From the outside, it appeared to be just another conference building on the outskirts of the business district—spacious, private, with a large parking lot in the back where I had parked Hunter’s car.

Inside, however, it was an arena. The high ceilings loomed above, the walls echoing with the remnants of past crowds, and the vast empty space hummed with an energy that felt electric. It was a grand stage, far larger than I had anticipated, built for spectacles that demanded attention. If my dream had been to stand inside a ring and showcase everything Mal had taught me, perhaps I would have felt a spark of excitement.

Instead, my stomach churned, knots tightening within me, and bile rose threateningly in my throat. I was on the verge of being sick.

“You’re here,” a voice called out, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. I turned to see the man approaching, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. He wore a suit, but it didn’t fit him with the same commanding presence as Hunter’s.

“After what happened at the gym yesterday, I thought you’d back out,” he remarked, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

“I want your word that you’ll let me go after this match,” I stated firmly, my resolve unyielding.

“One match?” He laughed, tilting his head back as if I had told a particularly amusing joke. “No, Miss Munroe. It won’t be just one. But if you perform well tonight, then we can talk.”