The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 15

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 15**

Bella

The tickets back to Dallas were already secured in my bag, a small lifeline that promised escape from the clutches of New York City. Just a few hours stood between me and the comforting familiarity of home, far away from Scott Moore. The thought alone was enough to ease the tension in my chest, if only slightly.

The hotel lobby was alive with the morning rush, a blend of sharp-suited businessmen hurrying to meetings, weary tourists dragging their luggage, and waiters skillfully balancing trays laden with breakfast. I stood in the checkout line, gripping the newspaper tightly as if it could shield me from the reality unfolding around me. My heart raced when I spotted him—Scott—his gaze fixed on my children with an intensity that made my stomach twist.

Then, the moment my children, Emma and Ryan, burst into the lobby with Nancy, laughter bubbling from their lips, I felt a lump rise in my throat. Nancy held Emma’s hand, while Ryan skipped joyfully beside them, his energy infectious. Yet, my relief was short-lived. Scott was trailing behind them, a smile dancing on his lips, his expression a mix of surprise and something darker. For a fleeting second, I forgot how to breathe. Did he recognize them? Did he know they were his children? No, I was merely letting my imagination run wild.

I approached them, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace as I addressed Nancy. “Hey, why don’t you take the kids to the restaurant for breakfast? I’ll catch up with you shortly.”

Nancy hesitated, sensing the underlying tension in my voice, yet she nodded without pressing for details. “Come on, you two,” she chirped, leading the kids away, their laughter fading as they entered the restaurant.

Once they disappeared from view, I let out a slow, shaky breath. But my moment of reprieve was short-lived; Scott stepped closer, his dark eyes locking onto mine with a smirk that sent shivers down my spine.

“Leaving already?” he drawled, his voice smooth like silk, but I could hear the underlying tension. “I told you, you can’t.”

I lifted my chin defiantly, trying to mask the unease that coiled in my gut. “Yes, I can. And if you attempt to stop me, I’ll sue you for kissing me without my consent last night. Remember that?”

His smirk widened, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Sue me? For a kiss you clearly enjoyed?” His tone was teasing, and I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “You have no proof, Bella. And if you pursue that route, I’ll counter-sue you for defamation.”

Fury ignited within me, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “You—” I began, but the words caught in my throat. His calm demeanor only fueled my desire to scream. I inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself. “I don’t want to be a part of this!”

Scott raised a hand, a subtle gesture that commanded attention. One of the sharply dressed men who had been lurking nearby stepped forward, handing Scott a sleek black folder. My heart sank as I recognized him—one of the men who had been watching me in the lobby. Were they his spies? Had he stationed them here to keep tabs on me?

Minutes passed in silence as I wrestled with my thoughts, my eyes fixed on the folder. Finally, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. My children deserved the best. Resolutely, I picked up the pen and signed my name on the dotted line. There would be no turning back now.

Scott’s serious expression transformed into a grin that was both charming and infuriating. “Good choice,” he said warmly. “Be at the mall by three this afternoon. We’ll get started right away. And—” his eyes sparkled with mischief, “your hotel stay is now on me. You’re part of the Phoenix Mall family.”

I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to snap back at him. Instead, I pushed the folder back toward him. “Why do I feel like you’ve trapped me?”

He rose with a satisfied smile, his confidence radiating. “I’ll see you at three.” With that, he turned and strode out of the lounge, leaving his men behind like shadows.

I sat there, gripping the pen tightly before placing it back on the table, feeling as if I had been swept into a tempest without an umbrella. Just as I contemplated joining my children in the restaurant, I looked up and froze.

Craig stood before me, his face lit with excitement. His sudden appearance sent a jolt of unease through my body. After everything that had transpired years ago, I hadn’t expected to encounter him here, at this moment. My fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table. “What do you want?” I hissed, my voice barely above a whisper.