Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 4

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 4**

**HUNTER**

That scent.

It enveloped me like a warm embrace, a heady mix of molten amber and smoked vanilla, but there was something else lurking beneath the surface, something unexpected. Was it chocolate peppermint?

The aroma drifted closer, teasing my senses with its allure. It was faint, lacking the grounding essence of a wolf, yet it was no less intoxicating. I inhaled deeply, savoring the fragrance before I could stop myself.

But then she turned away, a swirl of silk and grace, her chin held high and her back rigid, as she stormed back toward the ostentatious castle that the king of the north called home. Her golden hair shimmered in the light, coiled like a crown, its brilliance rivaling the jewels that adorned it.

A growl of frustration rumbled deep within me, the beast inside urging me to chase after her. I tightened my grip on the arms of the chair, the wood creaking beneath the pressure. This was not why I was here. I had a mission, and I needed to stay focused.

Laughter echoed from a group of teenagers making their way back inside, their voices drifting through the air like a mocking breeze.

“I can’t believe they think anyone will want her,” one boy scoffed, his disdain palpable. “Even with her dowry, she’s going to weaken any pack she bonds with.”

Was he talking about her? The elusive princess of Lordswood? The one paraded like livestock by that irreverent king? His words stung, but there was a harsh truth to them. Her reputation lay in tatters, and no self-respecting man would willingly bind himself to such a tarnished legacy, whether he was a true mate or merely chosen.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair, frustration gnawing at me. With a flick of my fingers, Elijah emerged from the shadows, as silent as a whisper, and handed me a file. The pathetic shadow guards of Lordswood would likely remain oblivious to his presence.

“You were right. He’s here,” my beta said, his voice steady.

I didn’t even need to open the file to know the truth. Only a madman would dare to dance beneath the king’s nose with a target on his back. But was he acting alone? That part remained shrouded in uncertainty. The bastard was getting under my skin, and I needed answers.

I stood, passing the file back to Elijah.

“Should I follow you? They are watching you. It seems they’re expecting you,” he suggested, concern lacing his tone.

“He won’t make a move tonight. He’s taunting me,” I growled, adjusting my suit with irritation. “And I couldn’t care less if they’re watching me.”

Who would dare make a move against me?

“Will you take your turn with the princess?” Elijah asked, his voice light but laced with curiosity.

I snapped my head toward him, irritation flaring as he vanished back into the shadows, chuckling softly.

My turn? The mere thought that King Christos would dare to place my name on that list was an insult I couldn’t ignore.

My mask was a gold skull, an absurdity that felt more like a mockery than a disguise. Christos Lordswood had made such ridiculous things mandatory ever since he introduced his ‘precious’ daughter to the world, and it was just another slap in the face. I had ignored the invites for years because of it. But this time, lives were at stake.

Yet, no one would believe that when they entered the grand hall. It was a display of pure decadence. Gold, silver, and royal blues adorned every surface, priceless ornaments and jewels displayed like mere trinkets. A live orchestra played the latest hits, while servers glided by with glasses of wine that most packs could never afford in a lifetime. I could only imagine the feast laid out, equally ostentatious. Christos had no respect for the suffering of others, and it seemed the other alphas shared his lack of empathy.

They stood apart, encircled by their own, the facade of unity glaringly obvious. The Spring Ball meant nothing when their egos filled the entire hall.

Christos was the king of no one.

They all pretended I didn’t exist.

Alpha Carter’s gaze flicked in my direction, and I noted the way his pasty face paled. A smirk tugged at my lips as I raised my flute to him, and the spineless alpha quickly averted his gaze.

With a sigh, I returned to my task. Weaving through the throngs of guests, my senses heightened, I caught nothing but meaningless chatter. No one would dare whisper about bloodshed within Christos’s polished walls.

Then, a flash of blue caught my eye, and I halted, captivated. It was the princess no one wanted. She glided through the room, accepting the way the crowd parted for her as if it were her birthright, and stopped beside her brother, another unbearable prick.

The Lordswood pack was riddled with them.

“Are you alright?” Prince Kostas whispered, his voice a low murmur amidst the music and chatter.

I caught his words, even above the din.

The princess nodded but remained silent. Still no voice. Her sighs were soft and breathy, reminiscent of the start of a moan. I shook that thought away, but my curiosity clung to me. What did she sound like? Whiny? Arrogant?

“Tell me when you’ve had enough. We can head back; I can have dinner sent to your room,” Kostas said, resting his hand possessively on top of hers.

My gaze narrowed at the protective manner in which he touched her hand. They were siblings, right? Kostas had likely beaten the life out of anyone who dared to breathe wrong around the fragile princess. Overkill, for sure, but what did I know? I had no siblings to speak of.

“Did you meet anyone… special?” Kostas whispered, a hint of hope in his tone.

Oh.

Was the ball merely another meat market? Another opportunity to find this elusive true mate?

Shaking my head, I set my drink down and prepared to leave. There was nothing for me here. I was better off observing my suspects as they moved about. Masks concealed everything, and I had no scents to track.

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