The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 21

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

**Chapter 21**

**Bella**

That night, we made our move—not because we wanted to, but simply because time was not on our side.

In the living room, Nancy engaged the twins with colorful picture books, their giggles and chatter filling the air, while I busied myself with checking every cupboard and ensuring that all the windows were securely locked. The house was modest yet inviting, with its soft lighting casting a warm glow over the small front garden. It was semi-furnished, a canvas that needed only a few strokes to feel like home. Two beds awaited in the bedrooms, a couch sat invitingly in the living room, a dining table stood ready for meals, and the kitchen held a few essential pans. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, thankful that I wouldn’t have to splurge on furnishings right away.

We unrolled our meager collection of bags, straightened the wrinkled sheets, and tucked the kids in, their sleepy murmurs a comforting backdrop. As I finished arranging the last stack of towels, I glanced at the clock—it was already 11 PM, and fatigue weighed heavily on my eyelids.

I decided to take a quick bath, hoping to wash away the remnants of the day. The warm water enveloped me, and I emerged feeling somewhat renewed. I slipped into a pair of night shorts and a soft silk top, hoping to find some comfort in the fabric. Nancy had successfully put the kids to bed and had retired to her own room. With a soft sigh, I made my way to my room, only to be interrupted by the sudden chime of the doorbell.

I froze, taken aback. “The landlord,” I muttered to myself, pondering if he had come to drop off the lease papers at this late hour. Curiosity piqued, I approached the door, and when I opened it, my breath caught in my throat.

Scott stood there, casually leaning against the doorframe.

“Hi,” he greeted, as if it were completely normal to make late-night visits. His eyes roamed over my face before flicking past me into the house, as if he were assessing the space.

“How did you even know where I was?” I questioned, my voice laced with disbelief.

He flashed me a wicked grin. “I can smell you from miles away.”

I clenched my teeth, annoyance bubbling up. “Really? Do you have to be so corny? You sound absolutely ridiculous!”

“Do I?” He leaned casually against the doorframe, completely unfazed by my irritation.

“Why are you here?” I narrowed my eyes, biting down on my lower lip, trying to maintain my composure.

“Are you trying to seduce me with that look?” he teased, pulling at my lips with a playful smirk. “I came to make sure you didn’t run. Can I come in?”

“You know I can’t run,” I muttered, frustration creeping into my tone. “Because of the contract.”

“Exactly,” he replied, tilting his chin toward the interior of the house. “So let me in for just two minutes, and I promise I’ll leave you in peace.”

“No!” I protested, attempting to shut the door, but he stepped inside, blocking my way.

“You can either let me in, or we can stand here talking while you’re in a nightdress with nothing underneath. Your neighbors will notice, and then I’ll have to start breaking necks. Your call, Bella.”

Oh my God. My face flushed crimson, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around my chest. The moment I stepped back, he slid inside, closing the door softly behind him, glancing around as if inspecting the premises.

“It’s neat,” he commented, peering into each room with a nod of approval.

“This is an invasion of privacy!” I shot back, my indignation rising.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself, but continued his little tour. Then he turned toward me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m hungry. Can you whip up something for me?”

My mouth fell open in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am,” he replied, his tone unwavering. “I haven’t eaten since noon.”

I scowled at him, my patience thinning. “Why can’t you just get past me?”

“No,” he said calmly, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve lived with that past, thinking about you for five years. I can’t forget it. Especially the part where I took you again and again. Do you remember how you relished it?”

Heat surged to my cheeks, my skin ignited by his words, embarrassment flooding through me. I hated how my body reacted to him.

He stood, closing the distance between us, crouching down in front of me, his forearms resting on his knees. “I’ll make it easy,” he said softly, his voice low and enticing. “Let me throw a challenge at you. Don’t fall for me. Let’s see how long you can last.”

My eyes widened in shock. “How shameless can you be?”

He smiled, wicked and pleased with himself. “Very.”

Before I could push him away, he lifted his hands and cupped my face, leaning in to brush his lips over mine. A spark ignited within me, a surge of electricity that traveled down my spine, leaving me breathless. The room tilted slightly, and I gripped the edge of the chair, furious with myself for how my body responded.

He pulled back, his eyes searching mine as if he were trying to decipher a riddle he already knew the answer to. Then he stood, that roguish smile returning. “My driver will pick you up in the morning,” he said casually.

He walked toward the door, opening it softly, and just before stepping out, he added, “And one more thing. I spoke to your landlord.” His tone was light, but the words struck me like a thunderbolt. “I bought this property. Tomorrow, more furniture will arrive.”

“You did what?” My voice rose in disbelief. “You can’t. This is my—”

“Home,” he interrupted, finishing my sentence with a smirk. “Yes. For now. Goodnight, Bella.” And with that, he slipped out, leaving me in stunned silence.

I remained in the chair for what felt like an eternity, my mouth agape, my heart racing wildly. It felt as if he had dropped a bombshell in my lap. He bought this house so quickly? Here I was, thinking I could find solace on a quiet street, and he had already placed his name on the deed? I stood, flicked off the lights, the memory of that kiss still reverberating against my lips. If he kept kissing me like that, I’d have to learn how to fight back more effectively.

I retreated to my room, closing the door quietly behind me. I lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind racing. Scott was more than just a flirt; he was a puzzle I couldn’t quite piece together. Did he act this way with every woman he encountered? Was he a notorious womanizer? Jealousy simmered within me, a feeling I couldn’t easily dismiss.