The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 37

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

Bella

Despite the sharp, cutting remarks I had hurled at Craig, my hands trembled uncontrollably long after he departed. It was a bitter truth that bold words did not equate to brave emotions. Deep within the recesses of my mind, I understood him all too well. Craig was not the type to quietly endure humiliation; he would strike back, and with him, Maya was even more dangerous. Together, they were a toxic duo, a venomous blend disguised in silk and charm. My instincts screamed that they would return, and when they did, it wouldn’t be pleasant.

I endeavored to shake off the gnawing discomfort and redirect my focus to the work at hand. The store was finally beginning to take form, half of it complete and radiating with a polished brightness that made my heart swell. I stood in the center of the space, inhaling the intoxicating scent of fresh wood mingling with paint, envisioning the racks adorned with my designs. A wave of accomplishment surged within me, and pride bubbled up, filling my chest with warmth. I had already crafted my lingerie designs, ready to unveil them to the world. Eager to check on progress, I dialed Liza, my store manager in Dallas.

“Hi Bella!” Liza’s cheerful voice greeted me, brightening my mood.

“How’s everything coming along?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“Everything’s fantastic here! Sales are strong, and we’re all buzzing with excitement for your New York opening. Just focus on that, and leave the rest to us!”

A smile crept across my face, relief flooding my system. At least one aspect of my life was firmly in my grasp.

The following day, I buried myself in a mountain of work, meticulously checking lists, verifying suppliers, and reviewing expenses. I told myself that staying busy was the best distraction, but the truth was I was trying desperately to avoid thoughts of Scott. Yet, every time I attempted to push him from my mind, his image invaded my thoughts uninvited. His teasing smirk, his commanding voice, and the lingering sensation of his touch on my skin drove me to the brink of madness. How could one man evoke such a tumult of emotions within me? I craved his presence even as I longed to strangle him for the chaos he brought into my life. I needed to create distance, but the truth was, all I wanted was to feel him close. But I couldn’t allow myself to fall in love again; the thought of another heartbreak was unbearable. I had children to think of, and I could not let my condition affect them. No, I would not go down that path.

As I meticulously marked notes on my design plan, a shadow suddenly loomed over my paper. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat as I recognized Maya.

I felt irritation flare within me like a flame igniting. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

“Bella,” she said, her voice tremulous, “I know you don’t want to see me, but I really need to talk to you.”

I straightened my posture, wary of her approach. “What do you want, Maya?”

She sniffled as she stepped closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Things have been so hard for me lately. I can’t bear this burden any longer. It’s suffocating.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, confusion clouding my mind.

To my utter astonishment, she reached out and grabbed my hand. “I’ve come to confess,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I frowned, skepticism creeping in. “Confess what?”

She inhaled deeply, her breath shaky. “Bella, I’m not your enemy. I mean, I was jealous of you. Your talent, your success, your grace — I hated myself for it. I just—” Her voice broke, and tears streamed down her cheeks. “I want to make things right. The weight of all this is unbearable. Please, forgive me.” And then she began to cry, her sobs echoing in the silence that enveloped us, drawing the attention of onlookers.

I blinked, taken aback. Maya, crying and apologizing? My instincts screamed that she was lying, but I held my tongue. I crossed my arms and simply observed her, my heart racing.

“I know you won’t believe me, but I’ve changed,” she said softly, her voice laced with desperation. “Please come back. I just want one chance at redemption.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me in a state of bewilderment.

I gaped after her, struggling to comprehend her sudden shift. Maya never changed; she was always scheming. Was this some sort of trap? I shook my head, letting out a heavy sigh. Just then, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. It was my grandma.

“Grandma!” I answered quickly, my heart lifting at the sound of her voice.

“You finally picked up!” Isla’s tone was sharp, tinged with disappointment. “You never call your old grandmother anymore. I could’ve died, and you’d have found out in the obituaries!”

I winced at her words. “Grandma, things have been crazy with work—”

“No excuses, you brat!” she interrupted.

I sighed, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “I’m so sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?”

She softened slightly. “If you truly want to make it up to me, you’ll come to my birthday party next weekend.”

“Oh,” I hesitated, my mind racing. “Grandma, I—”

I opened the folder in front of me, and he began serving us food. I explained various details about the store, and he approved additional funding. Halfway through the meal, he picked up the bowl, leaning forward to serve me more curry. “Want some more?” he asked.

“No, I—” My hand moved at the wrong moment, colliding with the bowl, and in an instant, warm green curry splattered across his grey pants.

“Oh my God!” I gasped, jumping to my feet. “I’m so sorry!” I grabbed a handful of napkins, instinctively dabbing at the spill.

He pointed to another spot. “Here, Bella. It’s wet there too.”

Before I realized what was happening, I found myself wiping the curry where he indicated, my heart racing when my hand brushed against him inappropriately. A low groan escaped his lips, and I froze, my eyes widening as I noticed a significant bulge in his pants. Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly glanced up at him.

Scott wore a devilish grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Careful,” he murmured, his voice low. “If someone walks in now, they might get the wrong idea.”

“Scott!” I hissed, mortified, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Just then, the door swung open.

“Mr. Moore—” Maya began, but her words faltered as she stopped dead in her tracks, Craig looming behind her like a storm cloud.

For one agonizing moment, we all stood frozen—me kneeling in front of Scott with my hand awkwardly positioned, napkins in hand, him reclining in his chair with curry splattered across his pants and a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face.

Maya’s jaw dropped in shock, while Craig’s face turned crimson with rage.

Scott remained unfazed, his calm demeanor intact as he looked at them, drawling, “Oh, I forgot our appointment. Bella’s been keeping me busy.”

I wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow me whole.