JAX:The despicable shit I killed didn't inform me that he had his filthy minions waiting outside. Workers and trainees at the pack house started to emerge, perhaps thinking the threat had passed. Among them were trainees and three seasoned fighters I recognized, who joined me in attacking the rogues outside the pack house.It was a brutal and loathsome battle that we fought through, resulting in the loss of ten lives. My people. Bodies dropped dead as if they were flies, making me feel like a failure. As the Alpha, I needed to find a way to keep my people alive, or at least most of them.I had heard of packs that didn't survive rogue attacks, but my pack was not just any pack. This was the Moonstone pack. We couldn't easily accept defeat.Looking at the remaining workers, a memory flashed back to me, a moment shared between my grandfather and me. He hadn't given me many things, but he shared his secrets with me, even though it would be difficult to surpass him as the greatest Alpha o
JAX:As his blood-stained hand met the moon, a red glow emerged, and the desk in the office moved to the side, revealing a doorway.The heavy sound of the passageway machinery opening scared and excited me. I had no idea such things were real.It's one thing to hear about it, but experiencing it yourself is entirely different."See?" My grandfather's voice jerked me away from my dazed state. I fidgeted like a dying rabbit for no reason."I'm sorry, grandfather," I lowered my head."All is forgiven as long as you stop showing signs of weakness," he told me."I won't show any more weakness," I said, determined to please him."I hope not. Now follow me," he instructed, and I did, trailing behind him as we went down the stairs. "Walk beside me. You'll own all of this someday. You just need to get used to the feeling."I quickened my pace to keep up with him. Reaching the lengthy staircase, torches lit up in the hallway like fire, almost as if the place recognized my grandfather's presence
JAX:I instructed my men to ensure that every area was secure in some way, including my mother's safety. She had other high-ranking nobles who had objections to staying with lower classes.That was not my concern.I had someone to find.Fearing that there might be more high-ranking nobles or that we might encounter someone with strong magic, I armed myself and my men with more weapons and set out to the location.My heart raced as we got closer, and my muscles tensed.My wolf sensed a strong aura of danger and dark magic. It had never been wrong, and that was confirmed when I found my mate.She was disheveled and wounded.My blood boiled, and all I could see was red, blurring my vision. But I had to stay calm. I read their ki. They were not just anyone. Besides wielding destructive and deceptive magic, they had a presence that exuded wrath.I had to get Scarlett out of their hands and save the others too.My fists clenched as I saw Zharn passed out. My friend rarely gets defeated so e
SCARLETT :It all happened in a flash. One minute, I subconsciously smiled at the Alpha, forgetting I was supposed to keep a poker face. He messes with my head a lot.The man I fought alongside dropped to the ground, blood spilling from their mouths. Other men as well. I looked to my left where Sophie, Zharn, and Cage were, to find poisonous pins being shot at them.I had read about those pins; no one who'd ever gotten struck survived.These people had the power to kill us long ago, yet they never did.Everyone will die.My body froze.Cage tried to protect Sophie and Zharn as they screamed my name.Their voices slowly began to sound faint.I hadn't been struck yet.It was as though time had slowed down, and I was withdrawing from my surroundings.I had to move.My limbs had to be lifted somehow.My lungs froze as well.I can't breathe.I can't move an inch.My body stood like a statue until my sister and friend got stabbed by multiple pins.My breathing got shallower by the second.F
SCARLETT :My eyes fluttered open to the night sky, the moon's light radiating softly through the ambiance where I lay.Was it a dream?I looked around, and there were no bodies around me, and I could move. I plucked a strand of my hair.It was red.A wave of disappointment washed over me. I had hoped it was a dream.A sharp pain flashed through my abdomen even though there was no blade. I had been clad in a white seamless gown.No one could have changed my clothes.Except...Except the rogues took me back and found a way for me to stay alive.I meant it when I said I refused to be their object of amusement. I was going to escape or stab myself as many times as it took. They'll never have me.I noticed that the light mostly shone in my direction, and a twinkle of stardust shone through it.I got on my feet, almost staggering, following the light. The space seemed empty like I was the only one there, not that there were signs of other people.Had I finally died?Was I going to see ever
SOPHIE :In the blink of an eye, we lost. What made me relieved was that the Alpha took the hit for my sister? All she had to do was survive. I stretched out my hand and reached for Zharn.We just came to an agreement that never got to be fulfilled. Our love started crazily. Me pretending to dislike him even though his presence had an opposite effect on me. I'd blush and avert my gaze. Not even any of my high school boyfriends had that effect on me. It moved on to simply using each other without extra feelings, I didn't know it'd get so out of control.I told my sister to stay away from Alpha Jax, yet I found myself in love with the Beta. He saved my life, the least I could do was hold his hand as life departed from our bodies. As I gripped his hand, his hold on me tightened and tears trickled down my eyes as my vision blurred, making everything in sight foggy. The last thing I heard properly was my sister's scream. I really wanted to speak to Scarlett at least.Or say thank you to Ca
JAX:I gasped for air as I felt life elevate from the abyss of death. The weather felt extremely cold, making my eyes open, my teeth chattered, as if I were stuck in an ice cave.At first, it seemed like I had entered another universe until I looked around. My men were still scattered on the floor, the atmosphere had a color similar to orange-red. The sky was gray, as it would be in a storm, and the moon had a crimson color to it.Scarlett.My heart thumped."How dare you hurt us?" A voice echoed strongly, full of rage and hate.My mate's voice.For the first time in years, I cried. Tears trickled down from my eyes to my jaw.I could not hold it in.The moon reflected sparkling lights, even with its crimson state on her. Her appearance had changed.Long silver hair fell past her waist, she wore a white dress that bared her arms, with a high slit that went mid-thigh, gold jewelry adorned her ears, neck, and arms.She looked beyond empyreal. The rogues tried to run, but their attempt p
SOPHIE:A statement from the doctors broke our spirits."We don't know when she will wake up. It might take months, years even.”My mother burst into tears uncontrollably, we all could not almost believe that was all they were able to do. She was breathing, but her subconscious was absent.Unlike all of us who had accepted that as the case, the Alpha refused to. He called on doctors far and wide to check on Scarlett everyday. My sister must have no idea how well her plan to make him fall in love with her was. It wasn't just a sense of responsibility to the woman who saved the pack or the one who got affected by his brother, it was pure love. His present actions will never change what he did to Scarlett first, but I saw how hard he was trying to redeem himself. I hated him a little less now and decided that when Scarlett wakes up, I'd support her no matter the decision she makes.My parents could no longer fight it, he came every day immediately after he attended meeting upon meeting.
SOPHIE :Three years later, after one too many battles, oppositions, joy, laughter, and trials. We were there at my sister's wedding with her soon-to-be husband."I can't believe they're getting married," I overheard two women gossiping."Right? There are many more eligible women to choose from. I can't believe the council and the grand Luna approve of the marriage," the other woman scowled."I don't believe she's the one who defeated the rogues, just some silly excuse they made up. I'm certain of it!" her friend said to her."And the sister? Birds of the same feather for sure. One for the Beta, the other for the Alpha. They sure know how to spread their wings and legs.""Oh, really." I gasped from behind them. "Do tell me more. What else did the slutty twins do?" I faked enthusiasm."Miss De Luca."I shook my head, waving my fingers in their faces and noses. "It's Zharn Meyer's fiancée to you. You don't like the party? Leave." I rolled my eyes. "Salty noble twerps.""Savage, Sophie!"
SCARLETT :We arrived safely at the pack house, and I got goosebumps all over my skin. I hadn't been there in forever."Thanks for driving me here," I told my friend."Let me come with you just in case he tries anything," Cage told me."You don't have to. I don't think he will.""You don't know if he actually will. Just let me do this for you. I'm begging you. I'll be there to keep you in check, and the faster, the better, right?""Hm." I nodded my head, getting out of the car.Staff greeted Cage, while giving me second and third stares.I knew about gossip. Sophie did try to hide it from me.The twin seductress.Sleeping with the Alpha, Beta, and Cage. I shuddered as most of them gave me cold stares."Scarlett." I looked up as I entered the Alpha's chambers."Reyes!" I screamed. "Reyes." I said again. I had forgotten about my chef friend.He embraced me. "I'm so happy to see you, my dear friend. You haven't been here in a long time. I heard you resigned. Everything okay?""Yes. I'm g
SCARLETT :"...It was really bad. I think you should go see him," Sophie pleaded with me."You said it yourself, Sophie. It was really bad," I disagreed. "Why do you think he'd want to see the person who put him in that position? I'm not going to." I looked up from my box of clothes. "Sophie, I don't get you sometimes. You would usually be happy with my decision, why do you seem displeased?""Well, that was before I realized you two look miserable without each other. I'm technically giving you a great solution," she shrugged. "If you're not going to get back together with him, you might as well break the bond.""I was planning to. I'll apologize and end things once and for all. It's for the best," I folded my lips into a thin line before releasing them. "And hey, are you going to help me pack or what?""On it," she continued folding my clothes."It's for the best," I told myself, chanting until I believed it."You know, seeing him wrecked like that made me feel awful. I know if you we
ZHARN:The fear that wrapped me in its fingers was indescribable when I heard what Scarlett did to Jax. I was afraid that it was the same with Sophie. All that worry consumed me, and I needed space to think. I'll never regret fighting for us. I promised her, and that is exactly what I'll do.She looked cute in her tight black top and jeans. Sophie is a sight for sore eyes.I'm in love with this woman. This beautiful, unfiltered, badass woman. Everyone who disagrees about our union can respectfully jump in the ocean.My phone rang just before I revved the engines.I was surprised to see Hensley on the screen; this man rarely calls me. It made a feeling rise in my chest, one that I could not shake off.I glanced at Sophie before picking up."Hensley," I said into the phone."Sir Zharn. I need to come to the Alpha's cabin. He has an awful fever, he's drunk as well. I've never seen him this way, and I don't -""I'll be there," I cut the call."What happened?" Sophie searched my eyes."Jax
SOPHIE :"Hi," I stood in front of the house as Zharn came to pick me up."Hey," he stood in front of his car in a sports jacket on top of a black shirt, jeans, and Converse. He looked like a hot teenager. It was so appealing to see.I squealed as I ran towards him, jumping on him. "I missed you," I confessed.It had been a week since Scarlett returned, since Zharn walked out the door with his best friend, and I thought I lost the one man I fell in love with, not until he called me.I remembered the trepidation in his voice as he asked me again over the phone, "Do you love me?"I found it as a silly question, but I understood where he was coming from, especially with his past. I would have a hint of doubt too if I were the one. Scarlett kept rooting for me all the way, and it made me sad that she had to go through all she has because of the De Vaunt family."I miss you too," my legs were still circled around his waist. He brought my head down to kiss me."Ahem!" My father cleared his
SCARLETT :"Jax, wait!" I ran after him."Scarlett, come back here," my father screamed, but I ignored him."Jax!" I followed him down the stairs."I don't think we should be speaking to each other after that. I hurt you, I'm sorry I was a jerk." The pain in his voice made my stomach knot. He sounded so genuine. "I cannot turn that night back, and I want to now, so badly even. That way I'd make a better decision of paying you off in exchange for breaking the bond-""You think you can write me off with money?" Tears streamed down my face."I don't know! It's just that now I'd do anything to change it. One stupid mistake has clearly damaged us. I've fallen in love with you. You've got your revenge, and so I hope that you are happy." He walked out the door.I fell to my knees and broke into sobs."No, please." I've fallen in love with you too."Scarlett, get off the floor," my father commanded me."N-no, I-"Sophie helped me up. "You were going to have to let him know the truth at some p
SCARLETT :"Scarlett!" Everyone screamed as I got out of the jeep. It was a long drive. We escaped the black shadow in the morning, and we got back around 3 am the next morning.Everyone enveloped me in a hug. I wasn't sure if my whole being was enough for them to embrace. We all shed tears.My father kissed my forehead. "I'm so sorry I let you go alone."I shook my head fervently. "No, please, it isn't your fault.""What happened to your face?" My mother poked the bruise gently, and I hissed.My father's eyes raged. "Who did this to my daughter?""Thank you for bringing her home, Cage." Scarlett hugged him deeply. "I owe you so much. Thank you, thank you.""No, you owe me nothing," Cage disagreed."What do you mean?" My father left me as José, Elena, Adrianne, Estelle, Jean, Lennie, and Courte dragged me back and forth between them, arguing on who searched for me the most. "Cage, I owe you my life. My daughters and wife are everything to me, and you brought my Scarlett back to me, so
SCARLETT :"Not before I raid a place I've had my eye on," Tiffany said.I frowned. What? "Whoa, hold up. I know you have your issues, and I get that, but you gave me your word to take me to the border. What you just did was wrong, and you know it." I should've just coaxed her into helping me, but her attitude wasn't helping. "You can't just break into people's houses, steal wallets, and eat pretzels."She folded her arms, her expression hardening. Here we go again."We saved you last night, and this is how you repay me? Without us, you'd be dead." Her glare cut through me like a blade. "You don’t even know me, and you're making assumptions.""I'm not—""I don't need help," she snapped. "I’m fifteen, and I hold my own just fine. You wanna get to the border? Fine. Find your own way!" She spun on her heels and stormed off.Panic flared in my chest. She was my only way out. I couldn't let her leave."Tiffany!" I called, rushing after her."Get away from me, you righteous goddess," she bi
SCARLETT :"Good luck with your messed-up fantasies then. She's. Not. Here." I heard the annoyance in her voice. Tiffany sounded pissed.After a few more thuds, they left, and I could breathe. For a short while, I heard notice, and panic filled me. There were many possibilities; I just didn't want the negatives to override the positives."Think lightly, Scarlett," my wolf chided.The darkness did not scare me; nothing did as much as the thought of the people who gave me a place to hide being in trouble. They saved me.Amidst my conflicting thoughts, the passage to the doorway opened, and I recoiled back, clinging to the knife Turner gave me."Hey, hey, hey, Scarlett." My name rolled off Turner's tongue smoothly."Hey," I smiled, breathing heavily."They're gone," he told me. "Come down."He instructed me, guiding me through the heavy boxes."Thank you," I told him."Yeah, yeah," Tiffany stood by the door, rolling her eyes. "Next time, tell us Callen Harper is about to murder your ass.