The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 25

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 25**

**Bella**

After we finished lunch, Scott was adamant that I should take the car he had assigned to me rather than hopping on the subway like I usually did. I protested for a mere thirty seconds, but eventually, his persistence wore me down, and I found myself climbing into the vehicle. We had pulled up in front of the Phoenix Mall when, just before I could close the door, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. It felt far too public and a touch too intimate for my liking.

“Scott, don’t be so clingy in front of everyone,” I hissed, glancing around to ensure no one was watching. “You have a public image to maintain, remember?”

His response was a wicked grin that made my heart flutter against my will. “This is the public image I want to maintain,” he quipped, his confidence radiating like a beacon.

I rolled my eyes, shutting the door with a bit more force than necessary, hoping he wouldn’t catch the way my cheeks had flushed. Oddly enough, as I settled into the passenger seat and the car began to move, I felt… light. It was as if a calm patch of sea had emerged after a tumultuous week of storms. By the time we turned onto my street, my mood had noticeably brightened.

As we approached my house, I was taken aback by the sight before me. It looked like a small army was hard at work both inside and outside. Delivery trucks lined the curb, their engines humming softly. Men bustled about, carrying boxes through the front door with purpose. I stepped inside and was immediately greeted by the sight of two electricians threading cables along the hallway, while someone was unpacking a stunningly exotic couch that seemed to whisper of distant lands. Outside, a gardener was already reshaping the flower beds, turning the soil with care and planting white hydrangeas that would soon bloom beautifully.

Nancy was the first to spot me, bouncing toward me with both kids in tow. Emma’s hair was a chaotic mess from her excitement, while Ryan’s cheeks were flushed a bright red.

“These men came right after you left,” Nancy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “They’ve been working non-stop! Look! New mattresses, a bigger dining table, and they’re even putting a safety lock on the backyard gate!”

“Mommy, they asked me where I want the book basket!” Emma chimed in, her voice ringing with joy.

“And I told them the cookie jar goes next to the fridge!” Ryan added proudly, puffing up his chest as if he had just accomplished a monumental feat.

I stood there, mesmerized, as the living room transformed around us. Soft rugs were laid out, silk curtains fluttered gently, and beautiful tapestries adorned the walls. The twins dashed from room to room like enthusiastic tour guides, eager to show me all the changes. The workers smiled at me, offering polite bows as if I were royalty.

Once I found a moment to breathe amidst the chaos, I slipped into the tiny hallway and called Scott.

“Thank you. You’re incredibly generous,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

“It’s not just generosity,” he replied, a hint of mischief in his tone. “It’s my love for you. You know it just oozes from my heart.”

I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress a smile. “Do you have to be so corny all the time?”

“Absolutely,” he said, unabashedly.

“That’s not charming, you know.”

“It’s effective,” he countered, a note of trepidation creeping into his voice. “Did you like it?”

“Yes,” I muttered, trying to keep my tone steady. “But please, just stop spending.”

“Impossible. See you later.”

The line clicked off, leaving me half annoyed, half smiling. I realized I had forgotten what it felt like to be cared for in such a way.

By the time evening rolled around, everything was complete. As the last truck pulled away, a serene quiet enveloped the house, and I retreated to my room to pore over the plans. Meanwhile, Nancy had settled the twins at the dining table, feeding them while spinning a silly story that made them erupt in laughter with their mouths full. After brushing their teeth and tucking them in, she made her way to my room.

“Want dinner?” she asked, her voice warm and inviting.

“You carry on,” I replied, settling at my small desk. “I really need to finish reading the plan.”

She nodded and departed, leaving me to dive into the project. The next thing I knew, the clock read 12:30 a.m. I yawned and stretched, then moved to the window to close it.

That’s when my eyes landed on two golden eyes peering at me from the woods behind the house. They felt like they were watching me intently. My breath caught in my throat, fear coursing through me, mingled with an undeniable curiosity and a pull that was difficult to articulate. I found myself wondering what it would be like to be close to such a magnificent creature, to rest my hand against its warm fur. My throat went dry at the thought, and I quickly shut the window, pulling the curtain closed as I placed my palm flat against my racing heart. “You’re insane, Bella!” I whispered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Very,” he replied, his eyes glinting with mischief.

I dropped slices of bread into the toaster and pulled a lasagna from the oven. He followed closely behind, his presence almost palpable. He devoured everything I put in front of him while animatedly talking about his day. The atmosphere felt strangely domestic, and it was dangerously easy to fall into this rhythm with him.

Once we finished eating, he wiped his thumb along a crumb on the table and looked up at me. “Coffee?”

“No!” I replied, almost too quickly.

“Why not?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Because I know what happens after coffee,” I said, my cheeks flushing.

“You do?” He cocked his head, that teasing glint in his eyes. “Tell me about it.”

“Out,” I said, my face burning with embarrassment.

He chuckled, rising to his feet and helping me wash the dishes. Before leaving, he paused at the threshold and kissed my cheek softly, murmuring, “Sleep well. Big day tomorrow.”

I locked the door behind him, leaning against it as I tried to steady my racing pulse. The house felt charged, like a live wire humming beneath my feet. I returned to my room, but sleep didn’t come easily. I lay awake, smiling at the ceiling, despite my fatigue. The good feelings lingered, and I told myself I could easily face Grandmother tomorrow.

But the next day had other plans in store for me.

The morning newspapers splashed images across their pages, showcasing Scott kissing the cheek of a woman in a car, her face hidden from view. The headlines screamed, WHO IS THIS WOMAN WITH CEO SCOTT?

That woman was me.