The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (Bella and scott) novel Chapter 58

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 58**

**Scott**

“Alright… let’s prioritize food first,” I suggested, my voice steady as I reached for the plate I had previously placed on her dresser. With deliberate movements, I brought it over to her, the aroma of her cooking wafting through the air, teasing my senses. I kicked off my shoes and settled onto the bed, positioning myself cross-legged and facing her, the plate now resting between us like a bridge connecting our worlds.

“Eat,” I urged gently, my eyes locking onto hers. “We can talk afterward.”

“I’m not hungry,” she replied, but the unmistakable growl of her stomach betrayed her.

A smile tugged at my lips. “I know you prepared this meal,” I said, my tone coaxing. “Please, just have a bite.”

A delicate blush crept across her cheeks, igniting a warmth within me that I couldn’t ignore. The chef had communicated through our mind-link, sharing the delightful news that Bella had taken the time to cook dinner for me. It was a privilege I cherished deeply, and there was no way I could refuse the meal crafted by my mate’s hands. Despite her initial reluctance, she opened her mouth as I offered her a forkful of pasta. As she chewed, I took the opportunity to undo my cuffs and roll up my sleeves, revealing my forearms.

I caught her gaze drifting to my arms, and I decided to playfully flex my muscles, watching as they rippled beneath my skin. I feigned innocence, tilting my head slightly. “I’m also feeling a bit hungry, darling. Will you feed me, or are you too busy admiring my… arm muscles?”

Her attention snapped back to me, her blush deepening to a shade I found quite endearing. “I-I wasn’t watching!” she stammered, though she promptly fed me a forkful of chicken despite her flustered protest. Just like that, the tension in the room dissipated, replaced by a lighter atmosphere.

“Alright, tell me more about yourself,” she prompted, steering our conversation back on course.

I nodded, feeling the weight of my words. “There’s a small, remote piece of land in the north,” I began, my voice steady. “It’s secluded, a hidden gem where my people reside, mostly staying out of sight. I am their King.” A swell of pride filled me as I thought of the land and the people I cared for. Goddess, she truly made delicious food; I felt a surge of admiration for her talent.

Her eyes widened with curiosity. “In the north… where exactly?”

“Beyond the reach of tourists,” I explained, offering her another bite of chicken. “There are sprawling forests, shimmering blue lakes, and ancient houses. We keep to ourselves and don’t allow humans to intrude. Our land is completely off the grid.”

She stared at me, her brow furrowing. “The last I heard, the Amish and Mormons don’t have a king.”

A soft laugh escaped me. “We’re not like that. We are distinctly different,” I clarified, my tone serious.

Her expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Different how?”

I chose my words carefully, wanting to convey the essence of my people. “We have our own laws, our own Elders, and our own festivals. We live in hiding because it’s safer for everyone involved. We don’t announce our lives to the outside world.”

Confusion clouded her features. “But you’re here, living in the city. Why aren’t you with your people?”

“While many of us reside in the city, there are still some who remain. They cling to our traditions and values. I make it a point to visit them from time to time. But Troy is their Al—” I hesitated, biting my tongue. “He is their ruler.”

She studied my face intently, her eyes blinking in rapid succession as if trying to process everything I was saying. “And they want you to marry Tasha,” she stated, her voice clipped, revealing her hurt.

“Yes,” I replied reluctantly, the weight of my decision heavy on my heart.

“And they will announce your engagement to Tasha,” she stated, her voice breaking, as if her heart were splintering.

“I will not accept it. Please, trust me on this,” I said, cupping her cheeks gently, hoping to convey my sincerity. “Bella, I should have shared more with you earlier,” I confessed. “I wanted to shield you from all of this. It was wrong to keep you in the dark. I’m working on fixing that now. I want you with me forever. I want your trust, and I know I have to earn it.”

She scrutinized me for a long moment, her expression contemplative. “Can I come with you for Samhain?”

Panic surged within me. Goddess, no. The very thought sent fear racing through my chest. The wolves would tear her apart. “No, you can’t. It’s merely a formality, and I’ll return the next day.”

Her expression shifted to one of hurt, and she turned her gaze away, creating a palpable distance between us. “I don’t know what I’m walking into, Scott,” she said softly, her voice tinged with fear. “I’m scared…”

Goddess, I wrapped my arms around her tightly, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on both of us. I knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. “I love you. Please, don’t be scared…”

She turned to meet my gaze, and I could see the cracks in her resolve beginning to show. I tucked her head beneath my chin, providing her with the comfort she needed. She closed her eyes and murmured, “My shop is finally taking shape. The work will be done in ten days at the most. After that, I’ll leave if nothing gets resolved between us.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my brows knitting together in concern.

“I’ll walk away. The door between us will close.”