I Bought A Male Escort, Turns Out He's The Lycan King novel Chapter 102

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 102**

**KAT**

The air was thick with tension, the kind that wrapped itself around us like a heavy cloak, even as Nathan insisted I take a long, hot shower. The wolves outside were restless, their howls echoing ominously, yet Nathan appeared oddly at ease, his demeanor almost casual. Yet, beneath that calm exterior, I could feel an undercurrent of unease, as if his wolf was pacing, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. Any alpha worth his salt would interpret the wolves’ behavior as a direct challenge, and I couldn’t help but marvel at his restraint.

Kostas, the beta, was a different story. He would never have been able to maintain such control. I recalled the few times I had dared to peek at their training sessions from the safety of my window; Kostas was quick to react to even the faintest hint of confrontation, his instincts sharp as a blade.

After washing away the remnants of my fear, I stepped into the lounge to find Nathan seated comfortably, his jacket draped over his shoulders, a steaming mug of coffee cradled in his hands. He looked up, his eyes meeting mine, and I felt a mixture of comfort and apprehension wash over me.

“How are you so calm?” I couldn’t help but ask, my voice tinged with disbelief.

The knot in my stomach tightened. I was already bracing myself for whatever storm awaited us. I knew my omega instincts were taking over, amplifying my emotions and fears. After years of navigating my identity without the wolf, it felt as if she had returned to reset everything I had worked so hard to build.

“They can’t hurt me,” he replied, placing his mug on the table and gesturing for me to sit across from him. “Join me for a moment. I have a feeling we won’t have much time to talk after this.”

His words sent a jolt through me, my eyes widening in alarm. “Are you going to leave me alone?”

It was strange to think that just days ago, I had wanted nothing to do with him. Now, he was the only person I felt I could trust. My wolf had already thrown herself at him more than once, and yet, he had shown nothing but respect and restraint.

“I think they’ll keep me away from you for a while,” he continued, adjusting the cufflinks on his shirt with a deliberate calmness. “If you want to clear my name, you’ll have to tell them the truth.”

“Why do I have to tell them anything? This is my life,” I grumbled, shoving my hands deep into the pockets of the hoodie I had found in the closet.

“You’re the princess. It’s not just your life,” he said, his tone gentle yet firm.

Those words struck me like a dagger. I had known this truth all my life, yet hearing it from him felt like a fresh wound.

“And they all think I’ve tainted their precious treasure. Every wolf for miles heard your call for days, yet I was the only one by your side. You really stirred the pot.”

Goddess, would it always be like this? Would my wolf only ever call for Hunter from now on?

“It was… No one else could have held back, Kathrine,” he said, his voice lowering, almost conspiratorial.

Images of my attempts to tempt him flooded my mind, and heat crept up my cheeks. I quickly averted my gaze, unprepared for the intensity of those moments, for the raw desire that had surged between us.

“Remember what I told you. Uncover the truth first.”

Once again, I felt the nagging suspicion that he was holding back information, just like my family, keeping secrets for my own good.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know everything, but it’s not my place to—”

“I should have known,” I scoffed, turning my head away in frustration.

“I truly don’t know,” he insisted, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees. “But it’s always been a mystery. Why did they keep you locked up like a delicate little bird? Why were they so desperate to find you a mate? There are whispers, but only your family can reveal the truth.”

And only they could explain why they had chosen to betroth me to my brother. Regardless of our blood ties, that was a line I would never cross.

“You’re stronger than you realize,” he continued, his eyes earnest. “You operated under the radar for years, thriving under Malcolm’s guidance. Get the truth from them before you mention Hunter.”

“I know I can’t tell them about Hunter, but wouldn’t it be easier for you if I just came clean right away?”

“Hunter is… Lycan.”

I had excelled in my History and Politics classes; I was well aware of our tumultuous past. Telling my family that I had bonded with a Lycan would ignite another fierce battle, perhaps one I should postpone until I spoke with Hunter again. For reasons unknown, Nathan chose to shield me from that confrontation for now.

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