Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 88

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 88**

**KAT**

Hiding in the bathroom all day was no longer an option. I had spent too much time listening to the carefree laughter of Mr. Rivers and Kostas, a sound that felt utterly foreign to me. How could someone like Mr. Rivers—someone I had always perceived as a demon—find joy in such simple moments? But as the laughter faded into silence, I turned off the faucet and focused on my breathing, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me.

Restlessness surged through my veins, an insistent itch that crawled beneath my skin and settled heavily in my chest. I longed to find Hunter and return to the life I had begun to carve out for myself, consequences be damned. The thought of facing whatever fallout awaited me didn’t deter me; I was ready to reclaim my happiness.

My mother had never included a Lycan in her plans for me, and I knew that introducing Hunter into our world would spark conflict. Yet, I felt a bond with him that transcended the idea of a fated mate. He had chosen me, claimed me, and that was more than enough. I refused to wait for some mythical connection to start living my life fully.

It was time to confront the truth, to reveal my feelings to everyone, including Hunter. I knew Kostas wouldn’t take my news well, but it was necessary. I would consider this a trial run for when I eventually had to face my parents.

Steeling myself, I gave my reflection a final encouraging nod before stepping out of the bathroom.

The cabin was simply furnished, yet the quality of craftsmanship favored by Mr. Rivers was evident in the rich fabrics and intricate artwork that adorned the walls. I made my way down the long hallway with cautious steps, careful not to let my cumbersome dress snag on anything. With my mind made up, I found it easier to view this as a temporary situation.

As I re-entered the lounge, I found Kostas alone, his posture rigid, and a familiar coldness etched across his features.

“What happened?” I asked, my heart racing. Had Mr. Rivers said something before I had the chance to speak?

Kostas turned to me, and the icy veneer melted away, replaced by a warm smile as he reached for my hand. “Nothing,” he replied, his voice smooth. “Nathan just stepped out, but the food is ready. We should start without him.”

I sensed the lie hanging between us like a thick fog. My instincts were sharper now, ringing alarm bells in my mind. Kostas was not being truthful, and yet I felt no desire to delve into the trouble Mr. Rivers had stirred up. I allowed Kostas to guide me into the cozy dining room, where a lavish spread awaited us. There were no omegas bustling about, no cooks in sight. Who had prepared this feast? Kostas had never lifted a finger in the kitchen, and Mr. Rivers preferred to be served.

Hunter, on the other hand, had always gone out of his way to take care of me.

“Help yourself,” Kostas urged, settling into the chair opposite me.

I piled food onto my plate, not because I was hungry, but because I wanted to encourage Kostas to eat. He needed to regain his strength. I remained silent until he had cleared his plate, and only then did I push my food away, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

“You were right,” I began, my voice steady despite the tumult inside me. “We need to talk. I shouldn’t have left like that. I wasn’t brave enough to face you, but we can’t keep secrets. They’ve only brought us pain, and I want to clear the air and start anew.”

“What secret could have been so terrible that you felt you had to hurt me like that?” he asked quietly, his voice trembling with emotion.

“I didn’t think… I didn’t expect…” My words faltered. I hadn’t anticipated the fallout of my actions, the way everything would unravel so quickly.

“Do you remember what you wrote in your note?” he pressed.

I could recall every word with painful clarity.

*I’m leaving. Please don’t look for me. I want to see the world, not die within these walls. The whispers, the laughter—I know you see it too. But I can’t imagine what would make you keep putting me through the same humiliation, even after that. I’ll be fine out there. If I’m not, I can always call you. Please don’t worry.*

I had thought those words sufficient. I hadn’t articulated how suffocated I felt, how the search for a mate made me feel diminished, made me feel worthless.

“I was fine,” I insisted.

“You are the king’s beloved daughter. There will always be a target on your back. You could have reached out. Sent a letter. Anything. Instead, you made us believe you were dead the moment you walked out that door,” he said, his voice low and strained.

“That wasn’t my intention—”

“But that’s exactly what happened,” Kostas interrupted.

I could feel the weight of my selfishness bearing down on me. Mr. Rivers had been right about that.

I averted my gaze from Kostas’s piercing eyes to my hands resting on my lap. I knew I had a lot to atone for. I had been a naive girl on the brink of shifting, with my entire future laid out before me. Hindsight, they say, is twenty-twenty.

“Things could have turned out differently on both sides,” I admitted. “I’ll take responsibility for my actions. I messed up. I hurt you both. For what it’s worth, I thought of you every single day. I almost called so many times, but I missed you so much that hearing your voices would have made me abandon my plans. That’s no excuse, though. When we get home, I’ll accept whatever punishment Mother and Father decide to give me.”

I noticed Kostas’s hands twitching on the table, the wolf within him straining against the surface. Was it my mention of our parents that triggered this response?

“Were you safe?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Always,” I replied, the conviction in my voice unwavering.

“Then how did you end up in Nathan’s ring?” he pressed, his gaze sharp.

My heart raced. He knew?

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