ZHARN:"When I said I was over Cleo, I meant it," I replied to him. "We were going to keep everything under wraps because Sophie knew you wouldn't approve of her.""Well, the young woman isn't wrong," he sat up straight. "She didn't save you during the rogue attack, did she?""She saved me before then, during, and now.""A woman willing to risk it all," he dragged an hm. "Allow me to test her.""You don't need to," I disagreed."It is the only way I can accept her. Lowborns are born homemakers so she might not cause any trouble. Is she educated?" Father asked me."She is, and she's planning to attend college as well. You can't be serious about testing Sophie. She's amazing -""She reads books meant for men," he interrupted me."Forgive me, father, but they never specified what gender those books were for," I retorted. "You have to stop gender specifying hobbies; times have changed, and only the nobles are stuck on the ways of the old.""Tradition must remain tradition, son. Without th
SOPHIE:"Outdated, you say?" She raised a brow."To us, the new generation," I nodded. "Yes.""My girls look pretty even if it's not the normal way," she looked back at me. "Find something elegant and not outdated. You will be styling just my hair. I want to be the only one to show off something modern. No one had ever given that opinion before.""I won't disappoint you. I promise," I said, excited."You better not," she said sternly."Yes," she then turned to leave.I examined my work one last time.Joy wanted her dark hair straightened, and it was. Anna wanted her hair not too curly, not too straight, and that was achieved. Tamara wanted to have light brown brunette hair curled at the end. I used a semi-permanent dye and Anna's luxurious hair kit. That thing would cost me at least three years of savings."Will you be able to help me get my hair done?" Amy pouted sadly."I'm not sure it's possible tonight. It's getting really late.""You can sleep over," Tamara offered. "We have lots
SOPHIE:I broke free from Zharn's arms to face his mother, who was taken by surprise."Zharn?" His mother diverted her attention solely to her son. "Did I hear you correctly?""Mother, I love her."And that was how I got totally caught up in a real-life soap opera.Kill me."You cannot be serious." She shook her head."Don't worry, Madam Meyers, he's definitely not being serious. You know your son, he plays around a lot." I mean, I wasn't lying. If Zharn was serious about me, he would have told me about Cleo or that someone he had a close relationship with in the past existed, but he didn't. Hence, I do not believe he's actually serious about us."No, I'm serious about Sophie," he declared."Don't waste the poor girl's time, Zharn. She's not one of those women from the clubs you frequent. Besides, you can't marry her."Ah, there it was. The truth, and like always, it stung like a bitch, especially when you don't want to hear it."No, he can marry her," his father, the Master of the Me
SOPHIE:"Stop being playful, I'm serious," I deadpanned."I'm sorry. I can't help it most of the time," he apologized."You've said 'I'm sorry' too many times in one day. I think we should stop with that for now.""Should we sit?" He asked me. "We have to talk."I strode to the bed and took off my flip-flops, not remembering where exactly I took off my heels. I sat down, letting the slit of my dress ride up.He cleared his throat after gazing at me for seconds. He sat next to me, placing his hand over mine."My parents will understand. We're not exactly like every other family. Everyone does things their way here," he explained."I noticed," I said in understanding."I wasn't going to keep her a secret forever. I meant it when I said I was going to tell you, but there was never a good time. First, we had on and offs, then the rogue attacks with your sister's condition, you being totally devastated—it broke my heart.""Zharn," I whispered."I mean it when I say that I love you," he loo
SOPHIE:"What do I do with you now?" I sighed, giving in. That trickster. He knows how to make me fall for him like he's casting a spell."Take me back," he grins slyly while still managing to maintain the cuteness of a pup. I know you want to."Like I'd ever be able to not take you back," I grinned. "Never hide anything from me again. As your partner, I would love to share your pains and burdens. I deserve that much from you at least.""I'm sorry," he quipped."You don't have to apologize. I can't imagine how you must've felt about your former relationship," I said. "Did you try dating anyone after?""No," he shook his head as he gently stroked the back of my hand with his thumb, distracting me. "I could not bring myself to be close to any other woman after her. Not until you.""You make it sound like I'm that special," I chuckled nervously."Are you kidding?! You are the most special person in my life.""Hey, hey, keep it down. What if your family's trying to listen through the door
HARRISON CAGE:"Forgive us, young master Cage, but we could not save your father," the doctor told me with a voice of sympathy.And I hated it.I did not need anyone's sympathy, and no one needed to sympathize with me over the death of a man who meant nothing to me.My father, Lord, Master, and Sir of the Harrison family. The man who accepted me, his bastard, because his own wife could not father a child.I watched as my stepmother, who I could not bring myself to stand, wailed and cried as people tried to steady her fake emotions. I bet she was plotting how much was in it for her in his will.I was supposed to visit Scarlett, who had remained unconscious for about two months now. The woman who brought me back into existence. I wish she didn't.My father was a strict man who lived by principles. His principles alone. He loved the dutiful life of being a master and wielding control over everything, including people's lives. Including my mother's, whom he deserted like she barely even e
JAX:Days have been longer, times have been slower since Scarlett went into a coma. I had changed doctors over and over with the same results until I came to the conclusion that she just had to wake up. Perhaps, it wasn't the doctor; it could be the power that was granted to her. Whatever it was, it drained her completely, yet not enough to take her life. Thankfully, because I doubt I'd survive if that were the case.Every night after meeting upon meeting, I'd go to see her. It became my tradition, it became a must-do for me. Seeing her peacefully resting made me feel very much at peace. Hearing her breathe softly was also more than enough, seeing her steady heart rate on the monitor brought me a sense of security I could not fathom.Many lives were lost due to the attack, many properties were destroyed. Councilmen dead, elders of the pack dead, a lot wounded, a lot unscathed as well. Zharn suggested dedicating land to all those who did not survive the attack. Families who were okay w
JAX:I took her pale hand in mine; her temperature seemed normal, a good sign that life coursed well through her. My mother had surprisingly been waiting for her to wake up. I don't know what she had planned in that conniving head of hers, but she'd be wrong to think her sad methods of motherly manipulation would work.Since the last dinner I attempted to have with her, I realized that it was foolish of me to hope that we'd be able to form a strong mother and son bond; again, a man can only dream. She had been saying confusing things about Scarlett, hinting at the power she wielded in the attack. She was unwilling to divulge it all until Scarlett woke up, and that seemed to be taking forever. Seriously, I would grow old and miserable if she never does.I had asked around, and the elders suggested that such a person could have lost connection with their wolves. Our wolves were a huge part of us, even if most of us rarely communicated with them. They served as a part of our life source,
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.