In Chapter 13 of \u201cWhen Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown,\u201d Scott finds himself in a high-stakes meeting filled with anticipation and pressure from various stakeholders. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, his mind is preoccupied with Bella, who slips away into the night, igniting a wave of panic within him. His instinct to protect her kicks in, especially after sensing the tension she experienced from her encounter with Maya and Craig. As he follows her taxi to a nearby hotel, he grapples with the primal urge of his Lycan nature, torn between the desire to confront her and the fear of appearing intrusive.<\/p>\n
Back at home, Scott\u2019s interaction with his friend Troy reveals the depth of his feelings for Bella. Troy playfully teases him about his obsession with her name in a recent raffle, prompting Scott to admit his interest. However, he refrains from disclosing that Bella is his mate, knowing the implications of such a revelation. The conversation shifts to a plan to publicly announce his investment in Bella\u2019s brand, a strategy designed to keep her close. This decision reflects Scott\u2019s determination to protect what he believes is rightfully his, even as he battles his own restless emotions.<\/p>\n
The chapter takes an unexpected turn when Scott encounters two children resembling Bella\u2014Ryan and Emma\u2014while at the hotel. The sight of them stirs a whirlwind of emotions within him, as they evoke a sense of connection and longing. His protective instincts kick in when Ryan falls from a swing, and he instinctively catches the boy, deepening the bond he feels with the children. The innocent interaction highlights Scott\u2019s yearning for a family and the possibility of a future with Bella, despite the uncertainties surrounding their relationship.<\/p>\n
As the chapter concludes, Scott\u2019s heart races at the realization of the children\u2019s connection to Bella. Their innocent questions and playful banter amplify his desire to be part of their lives. The mention of \u201cMommy\u201d ignites excitement in the children, leaving Scott with a mix of hope and apprehension as he contemplates his next steps. The chapter encapsulates the emotional turmoil Scott faces as he navigates his feelings for Bella and the unexpected turn of events that could change his life forever.<\/p>\n
**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
\n**Chapter 13**<\/p>\n
Scott<\/p>\n
As I stepped into the meeting room alongside Bella, I was immediately engulfed by a swarm of eager faces. The air was thick with anticipation, filled with band owners, investors, and board members, all clamoring for figures, timelines, and the all-important handshakes. Despite my attempts to engage, my gaze kept straying toward the door. I caught sight of Bella maneuvering through the throng, tightening my coat as she slipped away into the night. A sudden wave of panic surged through me, gnawing at my insides. I hastily wrapped up my conversations, pushing through the crowd with urgency. By the time I reached the exit, she had vanished.<\/p>\n
I took the private elevator down, the metallic hum echoing in my ears as I descended. Once in my car, I instructed my driver to tail the taxi she had hailed. I maintained a respectful distance, not wanting to spook her. I could sense the tension she had been under after encountering Maya and Craig. Those two were trouble, and they had undoubtedly riled her up. For that alone, I had no intention of letting them off easy.<\/p>\n
As I watched her cab pull up to a hotel just a few blocks from the mall, I hesitated. Entering that establishment would only complicate matters further. It would give her the impression that I was tracking her, hunting her down. My Lycan was restless, urging me to go to her, to envelop her in my embrace, to ensure she was warm and safe. But I fought against that primal instinct. My Lycan was a tempest of emotions, a restless beast within me, howling like a giant dog yearning for its owner.<\/p>\n
I was acutely aware that Bella had lied when she claimed not to remember me. I could hear her heartbeat quicken and see her pupils dilate. As a Lycan, I had a knack for detecting untruths. She remembered every moment of that night\u2014we both did. That was why I wanted her to confess it aloud, to acknowledge that our shared history was real and undeniable.<\/p>\n
Upon returning home, I found Troy lounging in my living room, flipping through a stack of reports with disinterest. His eyes remained glued to the papers as he spoke. \u201cSo, purely academic question\u2014how many names did you throw into the raffle jar?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy does it matter?\u201d I growled, bracing myself for what I knew was coming.<\/p>\n
He raised a hand, counting off on his fingers. \u201cOne\u2014Bella. Two\u2014Bella Williams. Three\u2014Bella Williams again. Four\u2014\u2019the small lingerie one.\u2019 Five\u2014\u2019the only one Scott cares about.\u2019 And my personal favorite\u2014\u2019burn these or you\u2019re fired.'\u201d<\/p>\n
I glared at him, hoping he would spontaneously combust.<\/p>\n
Finally, he looked up, a mischievous grin illuminating his face. \u201cYou really thought I wouldn\u2019t check? The jar had one name repeated fifty times.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt contained all the shortlisted names,\u201d I replied, my expression deadpan.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh-huh.\u201d He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. \u201cAnd all of them were Bella, a rare surname from the ancient \u2018Because I Said So\u2019 clan.\u201d<\/p>\n
I clenched my jaw, realizing there was no escaping the relentless probing of my irritating Beta. \u201cI\u2019m interested in her,\u201d I admitted, the words spilling out against my will.<\/p>\n
His posture straightened, surprise washing over his features. \u201cInterested?\u201d he echoed, incredulity lacing his tone. \u201cAfter all these years of you acting like you were married to your calendar?\u201d<\/p>\n
I refrained from revealing that she was my mate\u2014it was still too perilous to share.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe it, Your Majesty!\u201d he exclaimed, nearly choking on his words. He stood up, stepping closer to scrutinize my expression. \u201cLike, really?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I confirmed, my voice steady. \u201cSo keep an eye on her. I can feel she\u2019s going to bolt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Troy sensed the gravity of my words. \u201cI\u2019ll have eyes on the hotel,\u201d he replied promptly, recognizing the importance of the situation. \u201cShould we inform the Elders?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHell no!\u201d I barked, my voice sharp.<\/p>\n
He raised his hands in surrender. \u201cOkay, okay!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd put an announcement in the morning papers and online,\u201d I added, formulating my plan. \u201cOfficial word from Phoenix Mall: she\u2019s shortlisted, and I will invest one hundred thousand dollars in her brand. Full names with photos.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re\u2026 making it public?\u201d He blinked, astonished. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I stated with a determined smile. That way, she\u2019d be compelled to stay.<\/p>\n
Troy whistled softly, a note of intrigue in his tone. \u201cThat\u2019s bold!\u201d Without further argument, he exited the room.<\/p>\n
He had no idea that I would fight tooth and nail to keep what was rightfully mine. That night, sleep eluded me. My Lycan was restless, pacing within my mind. As dawn approached, I surrendered to the urge and headed to the gym. The punching bag bore the brunt of my frustration. By eleven, I could no longer wait; my wolves had reported that she was checking out. I changed clothes, skipped two crucial meetings, and drove to the hotel like a bat out of hell.<\/p>\n
Just as I parked the car and was about to enter, I spotted a little boy swinging in the garden, laughter spilling from his lips. He had dark hair, strong brows, and a face that mirrored my own. My heart raced, a jolt of recognition coursing through me. I stood frozen, unable to move.<\/p>\n
Beside him, a small girl clapped her hands, jumping up and down in excitement. She possessed Bella\u2019s striking green eyes, her blond hair tousled by the wind, looking like a miniature version of her mother.<\/p>\n
\u2018Pups,\u2019 my Lycan whispered, suddenly subdued. \u2018Ours?\u2019<\/p>\n
I took a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. An older woman, likely their nanny, stood nearby, her kind face radiating warmth. I couldn\u2019t help but inhale deeply, the air thick with the scent of Bella. It hit me like a freight train. These were Bella\u2019s children? But where was their father\u2019s scent? There was no trace of any man on them. My mind raced. If they belonged to Bella, who was their father? Why did the boy resemble me? Why did my heart constrict with an unfamiliar ache when the girl laughed? Why did my Lycan feel a warmth at the sight of them?<\/p>\n
I moved closer, and the nanny\u2019s eyes widened as she spotted me. Before I could utter a word, the boy pumped his legs harder, sending the swing soaring high. He lost his grip at the apex, his small body hurtling forward. Instinct kicked in, and I positioned myself beneath him. He landed directly in my arms with a startled cry. I clutched him tightly, crouching to shield him.<\/p>\n
The little girl shrieked and dashed toward us. \u201cRyan!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryan turned his head, momentarily shocked, then looked up at me. I gently set him down, steadying him until he regained his balance. \u201cYou okay?\u201d I asked, concern lacing my voice.<\/p>\n
He nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. \u201cI flew!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did,\u201d I replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. \u201cBut you scared your sister.\u201d<\/p>\n
His sister grasped his arm, staring at me in disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you!\u201d the nanny gasped, rushing toward us, breathless.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d I reassured her. \u201cNo harm done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryan pointed at my shoulders, his eyes sparkling with admiration. \u201cYou\u2019re big!\u201d<\/p>\n
I let out a laugh. \u201cSo are you! You almost flew over the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n
His grin widened, pure joy radiating from him. \u201cI can jump high. Higher than Emma!\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma lifted her chin defiantly. \u201cI can read better than him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryan leaned against me, wrapping his arms around my leg as if I were a sturdy post he had chosen. My hand instinctively fell to his hair, a gesture I couldn\u2019t suppress. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d I asked, my voice softening.<\/p>\n
\u201cScott,\u201d I said with a smile. \u201cBut next time, hold on tight,\u201d I added with a playful tone. \u201cBecause if you fall, I might end up with more gray hair.\u201d<\/p>\n
He squinted at my head, puzzled. \u201cYou don\u2019t have gray.\u201d<\/p>\n
I chuckled, shaking my head. \u201cDon\u2019t help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cScott, would you marry our mommy?\u201d Emma piped up suddenly, her dreamy eyes wide with hope. \u201cI like you.\u201d<\/p>\n
I wanted to say, \u201cI do,\u201d but laughter bubbled up instead. In truth, I would marry their mother in an instant.<\/p>\n
The nanny observed the exchange with astonishment. \u201cWe should head inside,\u201d she said gently to the children. \u201cMommy must be waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the mention of \u201cMommy,\u201d both children lit up with excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we meet you later?\u201d Ryan asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.<\/p>\n
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. \u201cSure,\u201d I replied, stepping back as Emma took Ryan\u2019s hand. Together, they made their way inside, and I followed, ready for my next move.<\/p>\n
In the quiet aftermath of the encounter, Scott stood rooted to the spot, his heart still racing from the unexpected revelation. The laughter of the children echoed in his ears, each joyful sound intertwining with the memories of a past he thought he had buried. The weight of the moment settled heavily on his shoulders as he grappled with the realization that Bella had built a life without him, one that now included two innocent lives that bore his likeness. The longing within him surged like a tidal wave, a potent mix of desire and regret. He had always known Bella was special, but now he understood the depth of his connection to her, a bond that transcended time and circumstance. The prospect of a future with her and their children ignited a fierce determination within him, one that compelled him to fight for what was rightfully his.<\/p>\n
As he stepped inside the hotel, the world around him faded, leaving only the vision of Bella in his mind. She had been his guiding star, and now, with the presence of their children, she was the anchor he never knew he needed. Scott\u2019s resolve crystallized; he would no longer allow fear or uncertainty to dictate his actions. He would confront Bella, lay bare his feelings, and reveal the truth about their shared past. The stakes were higher than ever, but so was his commitment to reclaiming the family he never knew he had. It was time to embrace the whirlwind of emotions, to face the secrets that had kept them apart, and to forge a path toward a future where love and family could thrive. With every step he took, he felt the midnight winds shifting, carrying with them the promise of new beginnings and uncharted territories waiting to be explored.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
In the upcoming chapter, anticipation builds as Scott grapples with the shocking revelation of Bella\u2019s children. The weight of his newfound connection to Ryan and Emma will push him to confront the complexities of his feelings and responsibilities. Will he take the plunge and approach Bella, or will fear of the past and the unknown keep him at bay? As he navigates this emotional minefield, the stakes will rise, compelling him to make decisions that could alter the course of their lives forever. With Troy\u2019s playful yet pointed observations still echoing in his mind, Scott must also contend with the impending scrutiny from the Elders, who may not take kindly to his sudden interest in Bella and her family.<\/p>\n
Simultaneously, Bella\u2019s perspective will come into sharper focus as she grapples with her own secrets. The tension from her earlier encounters with Maya and Craig will culminate in a confrontation that could threaten her newfound stability. As she processes her feelings for Scott, the looming question of her past and the identity of her children\u2019s father will come to a head. Will she find the courage to reveal the truth, or will her fears keep her locked in a cycle of silence? The intertwining fates of Scott and Bella will set the stage for a dramatic showdown, where love, loyalty, and the weight of unspoken truths collide, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia\u2019s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.<\/p>\n
When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 13 When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 13 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-new-world-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22978\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}