The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 46

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 46**

**Bella**

Time seemed to stretch endlessly at the job site, each tick of the clock echoing in my mind as I attempted to focus on the minutiae of measurements and material lists. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to drown myself in work, my thoughts kept drifting back to Scott. There was something about him that sent ripples of vulnerability coursing through me, a feeling I had never anticipated. How could I let myself be so exposed in his presence? It was infuriating and intoxicating all at once.

About half an hour into my tasks, I noticed a strange shift in the atmosphere around me. The crew had transformed inexplicably; the men who had been diligently working on my house just days before were now bustling around my store, clad in their branded overalls. I blinked in disbelief, recognizing two of the familiar faces I often spotted jogging past my fence each evening. They were now moving display racks on the first floor with an unsettling familiarity that made my skin crawl.

Curiosity piqued, I approached one of them, my brow furrowing in confusion. “Wait a minute, didn’t I see you pressure-washing my driveway on Tuesday?” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

He flashed a nonchalant grin, seemingly unfazed by my surprise. “Yes, ma’am. Mr. Moore asked us to come over here and replace the old workers.”

“Replace?” I echoed, indignation bubbling within me. Was it really that simple to swap out workers as if they were mere props in a play?

“Standard swap of the job place,” another worker chimed in, his polite smile doing little to ease my rising frustration.

I stared at them, momentarily at a loss for words, opting not to press further. Why did it feel like, after the threat against me, everyone here had suddenly morphed into a suspect in Scott’s eyes? Perhaps these were his trusted workers, the ones he deemed worthy of ensuring my safety. Despite my irritation, a flicker of comfort accompanied that thought, a small reassurance in an otherwise chaotic day.

Hours later, Troy appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his demeanor markedly different from the efficient shadow who typically executed Scott’s orders. Today, he radiated an air of protectiveness that caught me off guard. With a serious expression, he approached me and informed me, quite politely, that I would be moving into Scott’s villa “before nightfall.” My initial reaction was laughter, a reflexive response to the absurdity of the situation. “What?” I exclaimed, incredulous.

He maintained his calm demeanor, unruffled by my surprise. “I have everything organized, and I’ve already informed Nancy about it. Since there’s not much to move, all you need to do is carry your suitcases to his villa. Nancy is already on it.”

“Troy, this is happening way too fast,” I said, startled as he guided me toward the parking lot.

“I’ll handle the speed, and the site for now,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring, as if he were trying to anchor me amidst my swirling thoughts.

Something about his behavior felt off, almost as if he had transformed into a different person. He had always maintained a respectful distance, but today he walked with an air of vigilance, positioning himself on the outside of the sidewalk without a second thought. He scanned the street as if danger lurked around every corner. He took my phone, added his number, and said, “If anything feels wrong, call me. Even if it’s just a feeling.”

I chuckled lightly, attempting to ease the tension that hung between us. “You’re acting like a bodyguard.”

“I’ll always be that for you,” he replied, his expression serious, devoid of any playfulness.

“What? I’m not a queen,” I laughed as he opened the car door for me, trying to brush off the weight of his words.

“You’d be surprised,” he said, closing the door with a finality that sent a shiver down my spine.

Scott’s villa was nothing short of a masterpiece. As the wrought-iron gates swung open, the car rolled up a long, winding drive flanked by ancient oaks that seemed to whisper the secrets of the past. The house emerged from the lush greenery like a scene straight from a painter’s dream, its pale stone façade and tall windows radiating an undeniable grandeur. Wide terraces adorned with jasmine and roses dripped with fragrant beauty, inviting yet intimidating. Inside, the cool marble floors reflected the soft glow of chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance that took my breath away.

A grand staircase split into two sweeping flights at a landing that curved gracefully toward opposite wings, north and south. The place resembled a castle, fit for royalty, and I found myself holding my breath, overwhelmed by the unmistakable aura of old money that enveloped me.

“Where is Tasha?” I inquired, half-expecting her to sashay out in her signature red lipstick and dress, ready to welcome me with open arms.

“Miss Diaz is out of town for a few days,” Troy replied, his tone matter-of-fact, as if he were merely stating the weather.

A wave of relief washed over me at the thought of not having to navigate her presence.

He led me to the south wing, where he showed me two charming bedrooms for the twins, a cozy sitting room, and a master suite that boasted a balcony overlooking a sprawling garden. Nancy’s room was conveniently located opposite the twins’. They were all there, the kids buzzing with excitement. As Emma and Ryan rushed toward me, their voices overlapping in animated chatter about the house, I caught sight of Nancy grinning while she unpacked. “I told you, he’ll take care,” she chuckled as Troy bowed slightly and left us to our reunion.

At seven, a maid arrived with dinner, and after we finished eating, I stepped out of the room, only to catch sight of Scott in the opposite wing. He emerged onto his balcony, sleeves rolled up, waving at me with a satisfied smile that hit me like a punch to the gut. My cheeks flushed involuntarily. Had he moved in from the penthouse? Despite my better judgment, I found myself waving back.

“Busy,” I replied curtly, my mind racing with the day’s events.

“I won’t keep you long,” she said quickly, her tone shifting to urgency. “Just a reminder about Grandmother’s eightieth birthday this weekend. The whole family will be there. She keeps asking about you. Please come.”

“I’m not sure,” I breathed, the thought of facing my family filling me with trepidation.

“I know we aren’t on good terms, but let’s mend things, shall we? A new start. For Grandma,” she urged, her voice laced with a sincerity that felt almost manipulative.

Her words felt like poison wrapped in honey, sweet yet toxic. Yet, deep down, I knew that Isla would cherish the chance to see me. “Okay,” I said slowly, weighing my options. “I’ll come.”

“Perfect!” Maya squealed with delight, her excitement palpable through the phone. “One more thing,” she added, her tone shifting slightly. “Do bring your husband.”

My brain stumbled over her words. “No,” I replied immediately, my voice firm and resolute. “It’s better if I come alone.” The thought of maintaining a façade in front of everyone else felt impossible, a burden I was not ready to bear.

**Conclusion**

As Bella stood in the doorway, the weight of her choices settled heavily upon her shoulders. The evening had unfolded like a delicate tapestry, each thread intertwined with emotions she had long kept at bay. Scott’s gentle invitation lingered in the air, a promise wrapped in vulnerability, yet she felt the sharp sting of her past tugging at her heart. The prospect of returning to her family for her grandmother’s birthday loomed like a shadow, a reminder of the life she once knew and the fractures that had yet to heal. The conflicting desires to protect herself and embrace the warmth of connection swirled within her, leaving her breathless and uncertain.

In the quiet aftermath of the day, Bella realized that she stood at a crossroads, where the midnight winds carried secrets not just of the past but also of potential futures. With every heartbeat, she felt the pull of the life she could build with Scott and the twins, juxtaposed against the ghosts of her family that whispered of obligation and fear. Yet, as she made the decision to attend her grandmother’s birthday alone, a flicker of resolve ignited within her. She was ready to confront her past, to face the complexities of her heart, and perhaps, just perhaps, to allow herself to be vulnerable in a world that felt both daunting and full of promise. As she stepped away from the door, Bella understood that this journey was not just about safety or love; it was about reclaiming her own narrative and daring to write the next chapter on her terms.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will rise as Bella grapples with the emotional turmoil of her newfound living situation at Scott’s villa. The opulent surroundings may offer a sense of safety, but they also serve as a stark reminder of her vulnerabilities. As she navigates the complexities of her feelings towards Scott, the looming presence of her past will threaten to unravel the fragile peace she’s found. Expect heart-pounding moments as Bella is forced to confront not only her feelings for Scott but also the implications of attending her grandmother’s birthday party, where family secrets and unresolved tensions are bound to surface.

Moreover, the unexpected arrival of familiar faces from her past will add layers of complexity to Bella’s already tumultuous life. Maya’s insistence on her bringing Scott will put Bella in a precarious position, challenging her to decide between embracing her new reality or retreating into the shadows of her old life. As the chapter unfolds, readers can anticipate gripping interactions, emotional confrontations, and perhaps even revelations that could change the course of Bella’s journey. Will she find the courage to embrace her new path, or will the weight of her past pull her back into darkness? The winds are shifting, and secrets are waiting to be unveiled.