The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 31

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

Scott

The rhythm of my heartbeat was a drumroll of anticipation, echoing in the stillness of the night. I was so close to Bella, enveloped in the intoxicating aroma that was uniquely hers. The desire to touch her again surged within me, a primal urge that felt all-consuming. With only a month and a half left until I fully succumbed to the rut, the signs were unmistakable—my need to be inside her, to claim her as my own, eclipsed even my instinct to breathe.

As I tugged her pants down her hips, my breath caught in my throat. She wore red lace underwear, the sight of which ignited a fire within me. I wanted nothing more than to shred it to pieces, to revel in the taste of my mate. My fangs slid from my gums, and my Lycan was already spiraling into a frenzy. It craved her, hungered for her like a man lost in a desert yearns for water. I wanted to lick her as if she were the sweetest elixir, to draw her in and make her writhe with pleasure, only to savor her nectar again and again.

At this moment, surrendering to my instincts felt inevitable. Yet, a flicker of fear gnawed at me—what if she saw my fangs, my eyes glowing with a fierce golden light? Would she flee from me, horrified? I was, after all, a beast masquerading as a man in a world that would never accept my true nature. I silently offered a prayer to the goddess, begging her to shield Bella from this side of me. I knew this was a reckless mistake, but my Lycan was relentless, urging me forward.

‘Take her. Claim her.’

My lips quivered as I pressed a kiss against her most intimate area through the delicate fabric of her underwear. A gasp escaped her lips, and she clutched the tree for support, her voice a breathy whisper, “Scott…”

Damn. Hearing my name on her lips sent a jolt of desire coursing through me. I curled my thumb around the lace, ready to tear it away when suddenly, a voice shattered the tension like glass.

“BELLA!”

She jolted as if struck by lightning. An animalistic growl erupted from my throat, a warning to whoever dared intrude upon this moment. I wanted to rip apart the source of that voice.

“BELLA!”

“MOMMY!” The cry was filled with desperation.

Panic gripped me. “Oh, my God!” Bella rasped, her eyes wide with fear.

In an instant, I pulled away from her, my Lycan’s anger morphing into a deep-seated worry. What were her children and Nancy doing so deep in the woods? Had Nancy lost all sense of caution? These woods were teeming with wild creatures, and my protective instincts surged, overpowering my primal desire for Bella. It struck me as strange, yet I buried that thought deep within.

Bella shoved me back, hastily yanking her pants up as she dashed toward the sound. “Emma! Ryan! I’m here!” I followed close behind, my heart pounding as we reached the clearing where the kids stood with Nancy. The moment they spotted their mother, they rushed to her, tears streaming down their cheeks. “Mommy, where did you go? Don’t leave us again!”

Nancy’s voice was sharp, filled with concern. “How could you be so careless?” Even she was crying. Bella scooped up Emma, kissing her tenderly while Ryan clung to her legs, his small body trembling.

“Sorry, sorry…” Bella murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

My heart twisted painfully at the sight. Before I knew it, I was there too, wrapping my arms around all three of them. The kids nestled into me without hesitation, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt right. I lifted Ryan into my arms, holding them all close, wanting them to feel the reassurance that I would always be there for them, no matter the circumstances. My instincts screamed at me to protect this family with everything I had. I wanted to question those instincts, but I held my tongue. As the children’s sobs subsided, I stepped back. “Let’s head home and order pizza and chocolate ice cream.”

Their giggles, albeit muffled by tears, filled the air, and as we walked back to the house, a nagging thought persisted in my mind. Why couldn’t I detect any other scents on the children? The mystery deepened with each passing moment.

Once home, I stayed until the kids were settled, and the pizza arrived. We shared the meal like a celebration, laughter mingling with the aroma of melted cheese. Bella caught my gaze across the table and mouthed a silent thank you, her eyes glistening with gratitude.

As I prepared to leave, she stepped outside to see me off. “Sorry for being such a bother,” she said, her voice laced with regret.

I pulled her into my embrace, tucking her head under my chin. “Next time you’re upset with me, just come to me. Punch me, shout at me, but please, don’t scare the pups. They don’t deserve that.” I pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head before stepping back and getting into my car.

I narrowed my eyes, pressing further. “What about humans?”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Humans? Never! That would violate the ancient treaty. I wouldn’t even let them near my doorstep.”

“Think carefully,” I warned, my voice low and menacing.

“I swear on my coven, Your Majesty, I haven’t sold to a human,” she insisted, terror etched into her features.

Troy shot me a glance, and we both understood that she was likely telling the truth. Witches didn’t make oaths lightly; breaking one could lead to their own demise at the hands of their magic. I exhaled slowly, frustration creeping in. “Do you know of anyone who might be selling it illegally?”

Her brow furrowed in thought. “If a witch did that, her own sisters would destroy her. It’s forbidden. You don’t play with this kind of magic. It’s dangerous.” She paused, her curiosity piqued. “Why do you ask?”

I didn’t respond, instead turning toward the door, irritation clawing at my insides. There were no leads, no answers—only questions that multiplied like shadows. Whatever truth lay hidden behind Bella’s children, I was running out of time and options.

“What now?” Troy asked as we stepped out of the cottage.

I sighed, my mind racing. “Keep digging.”

The drive home was filled with silence, my thoughts spiraling in different directions. As soon as I entered the penthouse, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my reverie. “Elder Cass?” I answered, rubbing my forehead in frustration.

“Your Majesty,” he said urgently. “I’ve been trying to reach you. We need to finalize the venue for your wedding to Tasha. Her father is eager for an announcement.”