**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
Scott
Bella lay nestled in my embrace, her small frame fitting perfectly against me, like a missing piece I never knew I was searching for. The gentle rhythm of her breath, warm and soothing, brushed against my skin, wrapping me in a cocoon of tranquility. In that precious moment, a profound sense of peace washed over me. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I found myself wishing to be nowhere else but here. Not on a lofty throne, not amidst the Elders or the warriors, nor caught in the endless cycle of power struggles and ambitions. Just here—on this simple bed, in my cozy cottage, with her soft, warm body pressed against mine.
My little human. My mate.
The word echoed through my mind, reverberating deep within my chest, weaving itself into the very essence of who I was. I gazed at her, illuminated by the soft glow of the dim light, and my thoughts drifted back to the moment she had charged into the Samhain circle, weapons in hand, fearlessly confronting an army of wolves who could have easily torn her apart. I remembered how she had stood her ground against Tasha, trembling yet resolute, her heart blazing with a fierce determination to protect me from that wicked woman.
She had shaken the very foundations of my world—my wolves, my laws, my entire existence. And yet, she had stepped into it all, her legs quaking but her spirit unwavering.
My brave little human. The thought of what might have transpired if Tasha had succeeded in marking me sent a shiver down my spine. The consequences would have been catastrophic. I would have been unable to resist her as my Luna. A chill gripped my heart at the mere thought of it. I turned my focus back to my mate, drawn to her serene expression.
As I watched her, I noticed her breathing slow even further. Her long lashes fluttered gently, then stilled, as she drifted into a deeper slumber, still pressed against me, trusting me enough to let her guard down after all she had learned. The mate bond flowed between us like a warm current, steady and reassuring, akin to threads of gold spun with moonlight, connecting our hearts in an unbreakable embrace.
I could feel her acceptance, her quiet surrender to the truth I had shared. Initially, she had panicked, yet she hadn’t recoiled in fear. Instead, she absorbed the weight of my revelations, processed them, and chose to remain by my side. Just the thought of her unwavering presence tightened my chest with emotion. My throat ached with gratitude. How had I become so fortunate?
I gently brushed my knuckles along her cheek, and her lips parted slightly, emitting a soft sound that twisted my heart into something both painful and beautiful.
Once the Chainflower had been expelled from my system, I had experienced a near-instantaneous healing, but I dared not share that with her. I relished the way she fussed over me, how she took charge, insisting I rest, her fingers tenderly touching my forehead as if she were a doctor diagnosing me, removing my shoes, tucking me beneath warm blankets, and even threatening the doctor for declaring me healthy too soon.
The image of her barefoot in my home, gliding around the kitchen, humming softly to herself… it was enough to make me feel as if I could tear the entire world apart just to preserve this moment.
I was a King everywhere else—commanded respect and instilled fear. But here… here, I belonged to her. My Lycan yearned to bow only to her, seeking her submission in return. Uncharacteristically calm, he reveled in her scent, content and jubilant. He whispered in my mind, ‘Mark her. Claim her.’
I silenced him once more. “Let the right time come. She’s human,” I countered internally. “I could hurt her. I don’t know if she would survive the mark. What if she doesn’t accept our true form?”
My Lycan growled low in frustration. The mere thought of Bella witnessing my transformation—the towering height, the claws, the fangs, the overwhelming strength—made my stomach churn with dread. What if she ran away? What if the bond shattered? What if she never wanted to touch me again?
Chapter 73
I swallowed hard, anxiety creeping into my chest. How would this all unfold?
Carefully, I extricated myself from the bed, pulling the blanket gently over her shoulder, allowing myself a moment to simply watch her. Her face had softened in sleep, and the faintest smile graced her lips. Did she feel the bond tugging gently between us even now, in her dreams?
Reluctantly, I forced myself to leave her side and ventured into the kitchen for something to eat. A strange, gnawing feeling tugged at my heart as I thought of her children. It was an urgent need to see them, to ensure their safety.
I opened my mind-link to speak with Troy. “Troy, any progress on tracking down the scent of Bella’s pups’ father?”
There was a brief pause, thick with irritation at being awakened at this hour, before his voice came through, laced with concern. “We’re certain now that the scent was intentionally masked. I’ve dispatched wolves everywhere, but they’ve found nothing. I suspect someone close to Bella is responsible for this.”
My jaw clenched tightly. “Then damn it, investigate everyone around her, including her family!”
I needed answers—urgently.
After dinner, I returned to my room. The moment I slipped back into bed beside her, Bella stirred, her eyes half-open, looking soft and sleepy.
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K)