The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 71

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

Scott’s release from the hospital came just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape. The doctor, despite his professional demeanor, avoided my gaze, his nervousness palpable as he shuffled through the final tests. I could sense the tension in the air, a mixture of relief and unspoken worries.

The drive to Scott’s land felt like a journey through a serene dreamscape. The road twisted and turned, flanked by towering trees that whispered secrets to one another in the gentle breeze. Each curve brought a new vista, a soft slope rolling into the distance. When the car finally came to a halt, I stepped out, and the first sensation that enveloped me was the crispness of the air. It was cleaner than I had ever breathed, laced with the earthy scent of damp soil and pine needles. Above, the sky stretched vast and infinite, a deep blue canvas speckled with stars—more than I had ever seen in my life.

Scott’s cottage perched at the edge of a ridge, just as he had vividly described in our conversations. It wasn’t ostentatious or grand, but there was a charm in its simplicity. The soft grey stone harmonized beautifully with the dark roof, and the porch, adorned with two inviting chairs, beckoned for someone to sit and watch the world go by.

For a fleeting moment, I stood transfixed, a sense of tranquility washing over me as I absorbed the scene before me.

“This is yours?” I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips.

Scott leaned against me slightly, his body still recovering from the hospital’s grip. Though he appeared frail, I couldn’t help but wonder how much of that was genuine. He gazed at the cottage, then turned to meet my eyes.

“This is ours,” he replied softly, a hint of pride in his voice.

The front door swung open, and a woman stepped onto the porch, her hands busy wiping on her apron. She was petite, with silver hair neatly pinned into a bun. “Alpha King,” she greeted with a warm smile. “And you must be Bella.”

A blush crept up my cheeks. “Yes,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Hello.”

Descending the steps, she approached me directly. “I am Cindy, his housekeeper,” she said, her voice rich with affection. “I’ve already prepared the cottage according to your needs.”

My embarrassment deepened. “According to my… needs?” I echoed, a hint of panic rising within me. “Oh, I… I won’t be here long. I promise to leave as soon as Scott is fully recovered.”

Cindy offered me a look that clearly communicated her disbelief, but she chose not to argue. Instead, she gently patted my arm before turning her attention to Scott, who tolerated her fussing for a mere three seconds before huffing and shrugging off half of her attentions.

Stepping inside the cottage, I was greeted by an even more enchanting sight.

The living room was a cozy haven, small yet inviting, featuring a deep couch, two armchairs, and a stone fireplace that seemed to invite warmth and comfort. Books lined the shelves, their spines faded with age, alongside a few cherished photographs that whispered tales of the past. A plush rug covered the floor, adding to the snug atmosphere. The kitchen flowed seamlessly into the living space, and I noticed two doors that likely led to bedrooms, one slightly ajar, hinting at the secrets within.

We assisted Scott into what was clearly his room, a space that, while simple, exuded comfort—a large bed adorned with dark sheets and thick blankets, a window framing a view of the trees outside, and a chair tucked away in the corner.

“Lie down,” I instructed gently, kneeling to remove his shoes. I tugged them off carefully and then pulled a blanket over him, tucking it snugly around his sides. “No more smiling. You’re on bed rest until I say otherwise.”

“Yes, boss,” he grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I left him there momentarily, determined to prepare something light for him to eat. In the kitchen, I found Cindy bustling about. “I’d like some vegetables, a bit of fish, and some herbs,” I requested, my mind racing with thoughts of how to care for him.

“Of course!” she chirped, swiftly retrieving ingredients from the refrigerator and laying them out for me with a smile.

Not long after, Millie and Troy entered the cottage, accompanied by a few more wolves, their curious gazes fixed on me. They brought bags, checked windows, and adjusted items on the shelves, filling the space with their lively energy. It felt like too many bodies in too small a space, and I could sense the chaos brewing.

“Hey Bella!” Troy exclaimed as he approached the kitchen with Millie. “Looks like you’re busy already.”

Millie elbowed him playfully. “Stop teasing her,” she chided, stepping closer to lend a hand as Cindy slipped away.

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