The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 16

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 16**

Bella

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The moment my eyes landed on Craig, a knot twisted painfully in my stomach. Time had etched its marks on his face, and the weariness in his eyes told stories of late nights and restless thoughts. He greeted me with a smile that felt almost smug, his gaze shamelessly wandering over me in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. I remembered the times I had mistaken such looks for affection, but now, clarity washed over me like a cold wave. This man had never loved me; he had only desired me.

“Hello, Bella,” he said, his tone reminiscent of old friends reuniting after years apart, but I felt no warmth in his words.

“Why are you here?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes in suspicion, feeling my heart race with a mix of anger and fear.

Without answering, he casually pulled out the chair opposite me and settled in as if he had all the time in the world, crossing his legs with an air of entitlement. I was taken aback by the intensity of my hatred for him; it hadn’t dulled even a little since our last encounter.

“And how did you know I was in this hotel?” I asked softly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “Did you follow me?”

He let out a low chuckle, the sound grating on my nerves. “One of my men mentioned seeing your name on the guest list. Small world, isn’t it?”

“What do you want, Craig?” I pressed, crossing my arms defensively over my chest, a futile attempt to shield myself from his invasive presence.

He leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced over his knee, a smug smile playing on his lips. “I’m here to save you from making a grave mistake.” His eyes flicked down to my hips, a predatory gleam in them. “I hear you’ve been shortlisted for Phoenix Malls by Scott Moore himself.” His chuckle was devoid of humor. “Back out now, or you’ll regret it.”

A surge of anger bubbled within me, hot and fierce. “What do you mean? How dare you threaten me?” The audacity of his words ignited something deep inside me.

He didn’t flinch at my outburst. “This isn’t a threat; it’s a warning. If you don’t walk away from this opportunity, I’ll ensure you’re disqualified. When this city shuts its doors on you, you’ll—”

“Try it,” I interrupted, my voice sharp as a knife. “Go ahead and try to get me disqualified.” The thought of being part of Phoenix Mall now fueled my determination; I wanted it more than ever, just to spite him.

A cruel smile crept across his face. “I will. And when you fall, I’ll be right here to catch you—only I won’t let you go again.”

A chill ran through me at his words, but I fought to keep my expression neutral. “You really haven’t stopped dreaming, have you? I’d rather sleep on the streets than return to you. And what about Maya? Has she left you already? She was practically glued to your side last night. Don’t tell me she’s unaware of your little visit.”

He smirked, his confidence unwavering. “No, Bella, Maya knows I’m here.”

“In that case, you’re delusional, Craig Jones. I’ve managed just fine without you or my family. Honestly, I’ve never been happier. So why don’t you run back to your little life and enjoy it while it lasts?”

He laughed softly, a sound that sent a fresh wave of disgust through me. “Look at you, all fired up. I like this new side of you. But sweetheart, we share a long history. This time, I’ll make sure you find your way back to my home, married to me and enjoying that inheritance. And trust me, Scott will throw you out soon because I have something big planned.”

I opened my mouth to retort, but before I could speak, the lounge doors burst open, and a familiar voice cut through the tension like a knife.

“Mommy!”

Emma and Ryan came barreling toward me, their hair flying and cheeks flushed with excitement. Nancy trailed behind, an apologetic smile on her face, but the kids were already enveloping me in their small, warm arms, their fingers grasping at mine. Without thinking, I wrapped them up in a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of their love wash over me.

“They’ve finished breakfast. We are ready to leave,” Nancy said, her eyes darting nervously to Craig.

Craig’s attention snapped to my children, his expression shifting from surprise to something darker. He stared at their innocent faces, as if trying to decipher a puzzle, and his demeanor turned ugly.

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