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.

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