The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 24

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 24**

Bella

The audacity of my stepsister was truly remarkable. After I had taken the drastic step of blocking her number, she still managed to reach out. And her voice, dripping with false sweetness, was enough to make my skin crawl. I pressed the phone against my ear, trying to keep my composure. “What do you want, Maya?”

Her tone was syrupy, as if she was savoring every word. “Oh, Bella, I simply called to congratulate you.”

“On what exactly?” I shot back, my annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface.

“On playing house in New York again,” she replied nonchalantly. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

My jaw clenched involuntarily. “I have nothing to discuss with you.”

“Oh, but you will,” she continued, her voice taking on a lazy drawl. “Craig filled me in on your little secret. Wow, I must congratulate you once more for that.”

I found myself staring at the crisp white tablecloth, desperately willing myself to remain calm and composed. “Get to the point,” I demanded, my patience wearing thin.

“Alright,” she said, her sugary tone now laced with bitterness. “You didn’t just run away and ruin our family; you went even lower. You slept with some commoner who doesn’t deserve to share our name, dragging our reputation through the mud in the process. Where is this man you supposedly married?”

“You don’t need to concern yourself with that,” I replied, my voice steady despite the rising tide of anger within me. “And you can go to hell for all I care.”

“Too late for that,” she retorted sharply. “I’ve already informed Grandmother that you’re married.”

The mention of Grandmother sent a warm pang through my heart, mixed with a sharp ache. I could vividly picture Isla’s silver hair, her gentle eyes, the way she spoke softly yet with such warmth, and how her face would light up every time she saw me. My eyes stung with unshed tears. “How is she?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“She’s fine,” Maya said dismissively, her boredom palpable. “Oh, and by the way, Grandmother wants to meet your husband. She’s called for you. In fact, we all want to see who you chose.”

“What?” A wave of shock washed over me, leaving me momentarily speechless.

“You heard me,” she said, her tone dripping with satisfaction. “If you don’t meet her, I’ll spill the truth to Grandmother—that you are an unwed mother. And I’ll tell Father too. Just imagine how his heart will break when he hears that. Another attack, perhaps? And that will be on you.”

A cold fury began to spread through my veins. “Why are you doing this? Just let me live my life in peace.”

“In that case,” she snapped back, “leave New York. Get out of the Phoenix Mall deal and away from Scott Moore. If you do that, I’ll forget you even exist. Otherwise, this will keep coming up. Grandmother wants to meet tomorrow at 11 AM. Bring your husband. Or don’t—and face the consequences.” With that, she hung up, leaving me in a haze of anger and disbelief.

Maya was pure evil. I lowered the phone slowly, feeling the restaurant’s noise fade into a distant hum. It felt as if she would never stop trying to tear me apart, piece by piece. Where was I supposed to find a fake husband by tomorrow morning?

A server approached our table with a polite smile, but I blinked at her, my mind still tangled in the web of Maya’s threats. “I… um, sorry, I’m not ready,” I managed to stammer.

“It’s alright,” Scott interjected smoothly, taking charge as he handed back the menus. “We’ll have the grilled fish and the steak, medium. A salad to share, and coffee toward the end.”

The server nodded and walked away, leaving me to face Scott across the table. He leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the armrests, his gaze fixed on me. “What’s bothering you?” he asked, concern etched on his features.

I shook my head, trying to brush it off. “It’s nothing.”

“Forgive me, but I couldn’t help but overhear,” he said gently. “Whoever Maya is, she didn’t call to wish you well.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, embarrassment flooding through me. The thought of him listening to my family’s drama made me want to sink beneath the table. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have had to hear that.”

He tilted his head, studying me. “If you want, I can be your husband tonight.”

I blinked at him in surprise. “How did you hear Maya so clearly?”

He gestured lightly toward the plants behind me. “The acoustics here carry.” A playful smile danced on his lips. “But the main point is that the offer stands. I can play your husband.”

“I won’t go. Maya can do whatever she wants.”

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