I Bought A Male Escort, Turns Out He's The Lycan King novel Chapter 83

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 83**

**HUNTER**

The moment had arrived: Her Royal Highness, Princess Katerina Lordswood, was back home.

That singular reality held me captive on the motel bed, far longer than I intended to linger. After the chaos that unfolded at the manor, there was no way in hell I’d ever set foot in Lordswood Castle again. The very thought of it sent tremors through me.

Yet, I had no choice but to head in that direction.

If I didn’t take action, the fallout would be far more devastating than anything anyone could hurl my way.

The connection I shared with Kitty had grown sharper, more defined. No longer dulled by the insidious magic that had clouded it. She was out there, close to the castle, surrounded by Lycans and werewolves—creatures who could snap her in half without breaking a sweat. Just the idea of that sent a wave of dread crashing over me.

Almost as terrifying was the thought of her being in proximity to Katerina.

If it came down to a choice, which one would my beast select? Katerina, the one we had claimed first, spirited yet fragile? Or Katerina, whose intoxicating scent had ensnared me in that cursed bedroom, etching itself into my very being? Just the memory of it clawed at my insides.

A sudden knock at the door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts. I hadn’t sensed anyone approaching, and that oversight ignited a fierce anger within me.

Your Majesty, a voice echoed through the mind link. ‘We’ve come to pick you up. Urgent news from your uncle.’

How in the hell had that bastard even tracked me down? I was still bare when I yanked open the door, growling at the warrior standing there. He recoiled, his gaze fixated on the floor, and the sharp, tangy scent of his fear hit the back of my throat like a bitter poison.

Uncle Jasper’s minions were just as pathetic as he was.

“Well?” I snapped.

“Regarding Beta Elijah,” the man replied, his voice trembling slightly.

My jaw clenched at the mere mention of that title. Elijah wasn’t their beta anymore. Was this fool deliberately saying that? Were those Jasper’s orders?

“There’s been a sighting near our pack. Your uncle wants to know how to proceed.”

What a load of bullshit. Elijah wouldn’t have gotten that far without being detected. This wasn’t the human realm; he was in a kingdom teeming with heightened senses. He had to tread carefully, with utmost caution. Besides, I’d already given explicit instructions to everyone who mattered. Jasper was desperately trying to reel me back to Cedar Grove, and I understood precisely why. He thought I was still weakened by our severed bond.

“Tell him not to worry his pretty little head. He can stay home and play Alpha until I return.”

I slammed the door shut in his face, but not before catching a whiff of his anger, hot and palpable. I’d handle those idiots later—when Kitty was safe.

Striding back to the phone beside the bed, I dialed Rivers’ number. He answered on the first ring, as if he had been anticipating my call.

“Why the hell did you bring her here?” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

The receiver creaked under the pressure of my grip, but I wished it were Rivers’ neck instead. He knew better than anyone what happened to humans who dared to cross into our world. They had no rights, no protection, and no one gave a damn whether they lived or perished. Most barely lasted a few days—not solely because they faced abuse, but because most Lycans and werewolves simply didn’t grasp how fragile humans truly were.

“Your unhinged beta is running amok in the forest,” Rivers drawled, his tone annoyingly casual. “Where else was I supposed to take her?”

There wasn’t even a hint of fear in his voice, which only fueled my anger further.

“She’s mine,” I snarled, the possessiveness surging within me.

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