Scarlett's POVI've been laying on the cold, metallic floor, shivering from the frigid air that enveloped me, making it difficult to breathe. Groaning, I forced my eyes open, only to be met with darkness. I realized I wasn't in my room; this place was far from comfortable.My blood felt frozen, causing me to wince as I sat up. Despite the darkness, I could make out that I was in a cell. So they had thrown me in here after I fainted.Why was Ryan doing this to me? He knew I wasn't strong enough to endure his punishments. Did he want to send me to an early grave?Silent tears streamed down my face as I remained seated, reminiscent of how I had been on the stage stairs. That position provided a semblance of comfort in my current condition.As a she-wolf, I shouldn't be this weak. My health was supposed to improve, but instead, it had deteriorated. I hadn't even heard from my wolf; it seemed she was avoiding me because of my weakness. Did she detest me now? She was all I had left, and wit
Scarlett POV"He behaves castrated, so he needs someone to seduce him first. A magical seduction is what would work on him, but now you don't even know how to do the normal seduction," he complained, frustration laced in his voice. I began fiddling with my nails."This would be more difficult than I thought," he murmured, a deep frown on his face.I watched him silently, unsure of what to say. Should I burst the bubble? Or should I feign ignorance?"About the part where he said you kissed me, I'm sorry for that. Things just worked out wrongly, against my prediction, so I'll make sure he doesn't punish you for that. I'm also sorry for bringing in a male hairstylist. I just wanted to see his reaction when he sees Jaxon about to cut your hair. I'll talk to him about that too, but I'm not certain he'll rescind the punishment."After he spoke, we both remained quiet. No one said anything, but I could tell that Jayden was still lost in thought by the way he stared at me."But there's someth
Jayden POVAfter informing Scarlett that I could have brought in a hot pot of coals to keep her warm, but Ryan would be against it, I left.As I walked out of the underground dungeon, where Scarlett was located, I headed back to the mansion.Just before I could step in, I spotted a black car driving into the mansion through the driveway.The lampposts were all on since it was night, and everyone was outside the mansion.The mansion was lively as the gammas were out of their wards and seated in the compound of the mansion.They were carrying out different activities—smoking, drinking, chatting, playing games, and doing other things. It was their break. Even the maids were seated outside.I waited for the car to reach the courtyard, and when it did, Ryan stepped down from it, while the driver drove to the parking lot.The once noisy place became as quiet as a graveyard as everyone stopped whatever they were doing and bowed to Ryan.Ryan stood, watching the maids who remained in their bo
Jayden POV I recalled him mentioning earlier that Scarlett had damaged his phone, but I wondered if he would still blame her for it.I knew he wasn't careless, but wanted to know his reaction . If he were careless, we wouldn't have come this far.The only thing he didn't care about was the mansion; the one we all stay in is under my care.I wouldn't blame him; he was always busy. I couldn't recall the last time I saw him eat. Busy with business, always.If he didn't blame her again for his previous phone, it would be an improvement. There might still be hope for Scarlett. Currently, it was obvious that Ryan wasn't pleased with her.I wasn't either, but I knew she wasn't to be blamed.I turned to find Ryan gone. The sound of water pouring from the bathroom indicated he was having a bath.Alone in his room, silently working with my phone, I got tired of hearing the continuous vibrations of Ryan's phone and decided to address the incessant vibrations."Ryan!""What is it?" His cold voic
Jayden's POVRyan was making a point; I couldn't trust a she-wolf either, but right now, I didn't know what to say. Ryan was obviously in the worst mood ever, so I decided to let him be. For Ryan to bring in Scarlett as the chosen mother of his heir, it was something big; he tried.I stood up and sauntered to his bed, slumping on it, cuddling with his cushions as I invited sleep to take me over."You saw her passing on the road, didn't you?""Who?""Scarlett.""Yeah, she was just a passerby, but she unfortunately caught my attention.""Ryan?""Yes?""Why do I have a feeling that for Scarlett to come into your direction is a blessing in disguise?""That's a false feeling you're having.""What if this she-wolf can turn your situation into heaven?""She did the opposite.""She could be the sunrise in our darkest day.""Jayden, stop it.""Doesn't she make you feel in some kind of way?""Jayden?" He called, turning to me. He stared at me as though I've lost my mind, but I continued."Don't
Scarlett's POVThe splash of water on my face jolted me awake, sending shockwaves through my body. The bright lights that welcomed my eyes made my eyes fly close. I shook out the dizziness from my head, before I cautiously opened my eyes.As I regained my senses, I found myself bound to a pole, my clothes drenched and the floor soaked. The sun shone brightly overhead, but I couldn't stop shivering.I noticed a group of people standing at a distance, their feet visible to me. When I mustered the courage to raise my head, I was met with a chilling sight. Everyone from the mansion, including the maids, gammas, and unfamiliar faces, had gathered around to watch me.My gaze fell to the floor, and my heart sank as I spotted a whip in the hands of a gamma standing not too far away. It was clear that I was about to be publicly whipped. Relief washed over me when I realized it wasn't JR, but I still didn't recognize the gamma who would carry out the punishment.I struggled to free my hands fro
Scarlett POV"You should be thanking Jayden because, if not for him, you would have received fifty strokes of that whip in his hand," he said, staring behind me. I knew he changed the topic. He wanted to say something—the frown on his face made me aware of it—but he didn't say what he wanted to.I cried silently, already having a throbbing headache. Right now, the sunny weather wasn't helping.I still listened to what he was saying and hoped that the man who has been my only company in my room, besides the maids, would have mercy on me."It's twenty out of fifty, and I doubt you'll be able to receive up to ten. You've already gotten injuries, and you aren't healing like a she-wolf should…" he began saying, but trailed off again, staring at me."The whip isn't made of silver, so why aren't you healing?"He looked me straight in the eyes, demanding answers from me, who was suffering in pain."I'm sick," I managed to say, still crying, and my voice cracked up."Is that why you aren't heal
Ryan POVAfter discussing with Scarlett, I left with some renowned men I had business with. They had come all the way from abroad, and some of them were Alphas of various packs.Unable to return today, I instructed Jayden to take her back to her room and ensure she was cleaned up after the flogging, so she could prepare for the next punishment.Lately, I had been feeling strange without knowing why. I couldn't bear staying in the hotel. I had been unable to sleep the previous night, so as soon as it was morning, I dressed and headed back to the mansion. It was unlike me to feel this way. I could stay away from the mansion for up to a year without any emotional impact.I drove through the mansion gates and parked my car in the courtyard.A somber mood engulfed the gathering near the pool in front of the mansion. Some were engaged in discussion, while others were preoccupied with their phones.This gathering marked the continuation of Scarlett's punishments. Since everyone was already as