The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 20

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**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 20**

**Scott**

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As Bella exited my office, a profound emptiness enveloped the room, leaving an eerie silence in her wake. My Lycan stirred restlessly within me, a primal urge clawing at my insides, urging me to chase after her. I attempted to immerse myself in work, but the memory of her skin brushing against mine replayed like a relentless loop in my mind. The lingering warmth of her touch ignited a series of sparks throughout my body, drawing me toward her with an almost magnetic force.

“You’ve been lost in thought, smiling at nothing for five minutes. Should I call a therapist or bring you a bouquet?” Troy’s voice broke the spell, his teasing tone filling the air as he stepped into my office.

“Update,” I growled, my irritation barely masked.

He chuckled, settling into a chair across from me. “You know, I preferred you when you were scowling at everyone. This dreamy, lovesick gaze is a bit unsettling.”

“Shut up!” I snapped, the annoyance bubbling to the surface.

With a hand placed dramatically over his heart, he sighed in mock relief. “Ah, it’s good to have you back on solid ground.” He then opened the folder he carried, his demeanor shifting to something more serious. “I’ve dispatched a few operatives to the Blue Mountains. I believe we might uncover some answers regarding those masked scents over there.”

The Blue Mountains held secrets, ancient and dark. Beneath their rugged peaks lay hidden societies of witches and vampires, their existence shrouded in mystery. Accessing them was no small feat, but I had the resources to pay whatever toll was required. “That sounds promising. Until we have clarity, we keep the twins out of sight,” I said, my mind racing with possibilities. “And, Troy, we need to find a way to get Tasha out of the picture!”

He exhaled sharply, the frustration evident in his expression. “If only it were that simple. Tasha is like a fly with an inflated ego, and her father is not just any wolf; he’s a powerful one, closely tied to the Elders. If we mishandle her, we could find ourselves drowning in meetings for a month.”

“I want her nowhere near me,” I declared flatly. “Find a way to keep her out of my orbit.”

His teeth clenched, and he hesitated. “Word has it the Elders are planning to place her in your home.”

“What the hell!” I hissed, my eyes flashing a dangerous golden hue.

He raised his hands defensively. “This isn’t my doing. And it’s not in the penthouse; it’s your villa.”

I shut my eyes, feeling the weight of the situation. My luxurious villa in Manhattan had become a sanctuary since that fateful night when I had taken Bella repeatedly in my penthouse. The lingering scent of her presence haunted me, making it nearly unbearable to return.

Without warning, the door swung wide open, crashing against the wall with a force that startled me. Tasha strutted in, her high heels clicking against the floor, clad in yet another eye-catching red dress, her lips painted the same shade, and diamonds sparkling like stars. A wave of nausea washed over me. She bowed slightly, a smile plastered on her face as she glided toward the chair beside Troy, settling into it with an exaggerated grace, as if she were claiming a throne.

“Your Majesty,” she purred sweetly, her voice dripping with false charm. “How are you? Elder Cass mentioned that we should get to know each other better.” She gestured toward me, her eyes sparkling with expectation.

I leaned back, my jaw clenched tight, and opened a mind-link with Troy. *Get her out of here, or I swear I’ll lose my temper, and you’ll be responsible for the fallout.*

*Please calm down, Your Majesty,* he implored, his voice soothing in my mind. *Just give me a moment. Until then, try to play nice with her.*

Damn it all! The Elders were pushing for me to marry her by the next full moon, deliberately timing it with my rut—the days when my Lycan would be desperate to mate, to claim, to bury itself in its chosen partner. What they didn’t realize was that I had every intention of making Bella my wife and indulging in her endlessly. The thought brought a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

“Now isn’t a good time,” I said dismissively, hoping to end the conversation.

“Every moment spent with you will be a good time for me,” she cooed, her grin widening. “Father believes we are a perfect match. I’m sure I’ll make a wonderful mate. You’ll see.”

Her relentless confidence was grating. “I have work to do,” I replied curtly, hoping to deter her.

To my complete astonishment, she stood and walked around the table toward me instead of leaving. “Scott, darling. I came to show you just how committed I am.” Leaning in, she displayed an ample amount of cleavage, attempting to embrace me. The audacity! I instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding her advance.