Ryan's POVI lay on the soft seats of my car with my legs crossed, my eyes focused on my phone held in front of my face.Jayden did not only surprise me, but he also proved that Scarlett was very important to him.It seems they both have a death wish by venturing into the woods.My concentration wavered when I received an incoming mind link, and I scoffed, knowing exactly who it was.Someone seems to want my help."Ryan, I'm stuck!" came Jayden's panicked voice, and my lips twisted into an evil smirk that didn't reach my eyes."What do you mean?" I asked, pretending not to know what he was talking about."I got caught up by some troublesome vines. I haven't reached the middle of the woods. I was startled when it happened, and I'm scared. I need help!""Where are you now?" I asked, less concerned."I'm tied up in a tree.""Up in a tree?" My brows furrowed."The vines took me up into a tree, and I'm stuck! I couldn't even see the trap because of the floods, and I stepped into it.""Do yo
Ryan POV"I'm sorry.""You better be," I said bluntly, finally releasing him, and he fell to the floor."I don't want to witness such a scene again," I grumbled, and strangely, I felt annoyed. Seeing my Beta in such a condition because of a she-wolf I sent away angered me."Was it so horrifying?" He asked, still wincing and remaining lying on the floor. I squatted before him and pulled down his shirt, before straightening up."Your screaming made it hilarious," I started coldly, still angry at him, before I turned and began walking away."Where are you going?" I heard him ask from behind me, but I continued walking further."Going to find Scarlett. Seeing what just happened to you, I've had a change of mind. I'll just find her instead of leaving her here. She's too good-looking to be here, I just realized that, and you seem hell-bent on not wanting anything to happen to her. She'll just be punished accordingly once she's out of here," I said and continued walking away without looking
Ryan's POV"How could Scarlett go through those traps from the woods entrance to this point? Why do you think she made it here?""It's possible, Ryan. That's why you came this far. You weren't following me; I was following you, and you led me here.""Never mind. You can find your way back to the mansion. I'll head to a hotel," I said, turning to leave."But, Ryan, you said you didn't want the same thing that happened to me to also happen to her.""I doubt she survived here, so I see no need to waste my time.""I think she did. You know she's still alive.""Jayden, stop this. You made me come here, and now you keep disturbing me? What's your problem?" I tilted my head to him and asked."Let's find Scarlett.""Where should we start in this wild and vast woods? I thought you learned your lesson after getting lost in that pit?""Ryan, I don't know, but I think Scarlett is inside the pit. We shouldn't just leave after coming this far. I can't give up on having a nephew or niece, and I can'
Scarlett's POVSeated in my dim room, I stared blankly at my phone screen. The darkness in my room was preferred due to my fever, and it persisted despite ongoing treatment, leaving me feeling dizzy and sick.The room's lights were off, and the thick white curtains were drawn over the conservatory room, suiting my pathetic condition. Dressed in warm brown fur-lined pants which kept me warm, a matching singlet, pair of fur socks, and a thick brown fur coat, I was entirely in brown, warmed by the room's heater.I was uncertain of the time and couldn't tell if it was morning or night, but after I checked my phone, it revealed a late morning, almost noon. I've been in my room and haven't stepped out after waking up and finding that I was away from the death trap of the woods. It seems someone had reconsidered, acknowledging my importance, and innocence in the encounter with the masked man.I didn't want to think about it, but resentment towards Ryan brewed for not believing me, and lea
Scarlett POVI heard him ask, and I slowly raised my head.Jayden was here? I had no idea.Our gazes met briefly, but he looked away."I'm not doing it," he said to Ryan, continuing to smoke."Why wouldn't you?" came Ryan's cold voice, and I turned to him."My little sister is here, I can't possibly do that in front of her," Jayden said, and Ryan turned to him, his cold hazel eyes watching him, but didn't say anything.When I looked at Jayden, he was staring at me. Could I be the one he referred to as his little sister?It seems so, but I doubted it."JR, would you do it instead?""Your wish is my command, Boss," JR answered.Wait, I knew that guy. We'd met before, in the underground parking lot. He was the cold dude dressed in black who woke me up when I was waiting for Ryan. I didn't like him."Good. Who else is interested?" Ryan asked again, and I returned my gaze to the maid. She remained kneeling, hands clutching her skirt.I expected her to run, but where could she go? I think th
Scarlett POVI remained silent as they took off my jacket, leaving me in only a brown singlet. I was grateful that my brown singlet was thick with furs, but it's sleeveless. I didn't know if I went unconscious for a minute while standing, but when I fluttered my eyes open, I felt cold air brush past, and my hands were outstretched.That wasn't what made me scared; they were about to play an apple shooter game with me. There was an apple on my head, and two were placed on my outstretched hands. I stared at all the men in confusion, but they were all staring back at me. Was this my punishment? Wasn't this a risky game? I love watching games like this, but I've never wished to be a participant. So, what was happening here? How could I be the one carrying the apples? Is this how I'll lose my life? I didn't want to die in this mansion; I would prefer dying outside here."Those of you that want me to keep this lady should shoot off the apple from her head, while those of you who don't want
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