I Bought A Male Escort, Turns Out He's The Lycan King novel Chapter 37

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 37**

**HUNTER**

Elijah was here. I could sense him lurking within the hotel’s walls, his presence like a heavy fog pressing against my skin. My heart raced as I strode back into Kostas’ suite, a simmering anger boiling just beneath the surface. Was my beta truly defying me? Was he testing my patience?

Kostas tossed his phone aside with a flourish, rising to his feet and bowing his head as if he had suddenly discovered a newfound respect for me. But I wasn’t fooled by his facade. If his sister had been by his side, he would have bared his teeth at me, a futile gesture that would have meant nothing.

“I assure you, the girl and her family are safe. I haven’t pressed for any further information,” Kostas stated, his voice steady but laced with tension.

“But you allowed Carter’s pack to attack you. Have you sunk so low that you can’t even defend yourself against scum like them?” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

Kostas clenched his fists at his sides, but he dared not meet my gaze.

“That’s a low blow, Your Highness,” he replied, his voice strained but defiant.

He was right, of course. The entire family had become mere shadows of their former selves since their princess had disappeared. I took a deep breath, forcing my frustration down, and sank into the couch opposite him, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my chest.

“We don’t have much time to discuss this,” I said, rubbing my face in exasperation. If Elijah got any closer, he would discover that I had sent April to the Lordswood clan. “Have there been any suspicious activities in your territory?”

“We’ve restricted access significantly. The girl and her family are under constant surveillance,” Kostas replied, his eyes darting nervously. “Is this really connected to the killer?”

“Without a doubt,” I confirmed, my tone clipped.

I didn’t delve into the details. The memory of April, trembling in fear when I first laid eyes on her, clawed at my conscience. How could I have promised to find the monster responsible for this when I hadn’t even caught a whiff of him in years?

But once I returned to my duties, I would unearth the traitor among us.

I could feel Elijah drawing nearer, and my beast stirred restlessly within me. What the hell was he doing?

“Your Majesty…” Kostas hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. “The night I called… do you have a girlfriend?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, irritation flaring. Why was everyone so fixated on my romantic life? Nathan, Elijah, and now Kostas were all prying into my business. But it didn’t matter; I had claimed her, and my beast would never allow her to slip away.

“Yes,” I replied curtly.

“Is she… what is she like?”

Suspicion flared within me. Kitty could hold her own against humans, but in my world, she would be vulnerable, easily crushed by the weight of it all.

“Don’t ask again,” I snapped, rising from my seat, my patience wearing thin.

As if on cue, Elijah stepped out of the elevator, close enough to overhear our conversation. I pressed a finger to my lips, and Kostas nodded obediently.

I stormed out, finding Elijah waiting just outside the elevator, hands clasped in front of him as if he were my personal guardian. I despised this feeling, loathed how my beast urged me to lash out at him. Why was I doubting everything?

“There’s news, sir,” he relayed through our mental connection, his tone serious.

“What happened?” I demanded, my pulse quickening.

“A witness,” he replied, his eyes bright with urgency.

My head whipped around, shock coursing through me. A witness? This was the first solid lead we’d had since the tip-off that the killer would attend the masquerade ball. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me for doubting him yet again.

“Let’s go,” I commanded, my tone brooking no argument.

Elijah remained silent as we descended in the elevator, his demeanor unchanged. It was I who had transformed, burdened by the weight of my responsibilities and my emotions.

When the doors opened, Nathan stood waiting on the other side. The scent hit me first—Kitty’s scent.

My beast surged within me, a low, menacing growl escaping my lips before I could suppress it. Both Nathan and Elijah recoiled, instinctively bowing in response to the threat.

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