SCARLETT :"Scarlett," he called after me. "Stop walking." I continued."I'm going to drive away and leave you here. Is that what you want?"My heart tugged harder as the tears kept rolling. Like he cares. I moved as fast as I was able to.He was behind me, the next minute he wasn't. He was really going to leave. Water from nowhere fell on my nose. I was still crying, but I was damn sure those weren't from the salty waters of my eyes.I looked up to the sky and saw it begin to darken, like my life was only the shades of grey in the skies had meaning, purpose, and usefulness. The darkness in mine didn't.Just when I was lost, swarming in my thoughts, did I realize I was in the middle of the road, a loud speeding truck honked in my direction.I needed to move, or I'd die, yet I stood there. I mean, I wanted to run to avoid meeting an inevitable doom, but that seemed hopeless, not when I had watched someone dear to me pass away due to something similar.My aunt Darla, my father's sister.
SCARLETT :His warmth, in contrast to the cold weather, usually unmatched, made me want to open up. I knew the probability of him actually caring only existed in my dreams. He must've pitied me so much that he had to pretend to be extraordinarily affectionate, and I truly didn't mind. I'd take it if it was all I could get.I had no understanding of what this feeling was. Chances were it wouldn't count after I broke our bond, yet I wanted to sink myself into it."I was only nine," I began. "My twin and I were out with our Aunt, her name was Darla." I shifted, recollecting the memories. "She was exactly like the female version of my father. She was a hard worker, so she didn't come around much, and when she did, we would go out to the park, get ice cream. She was like that big older sister, only eighteen years older. On that day..."Alpha Jax stayed silent, but his gentle stroking of my hair gave me all the encouragement I needed. "We went to the park like we had always done. Some time
JAX:I asked her to surprise me, and she's been doing so unintentionally for a while now. My private investigators didn't tell me this part of Scarlett's past. I did know she saw a therapist for two years in my city when her family finally returned to the pack. I told my private investigators to check out the reasons, and they had yet to get back to me.It brought me a weird sense of satisfaction that she chose to confide in me. All her walls were torn down, and her fears were laid bare in front of me. As she spoke, I was glad that it wasn't with another person. I felt so selfish, and I didn't want to feel any other way. It made me want to be the only one who saw every side of her. No one could see every aspect she bears except for me.I brought this upon myself the moment I touched her in my cabin. How could I not have known or thought of the aftermath of my actions? My wolf was the strongest between both of us, and it seems like I never rejected her.My Scarlett didn't shiver or whi
SCARLETT :Who would have thought Rosie was crazy enough to stand in the rain waiting for Alpha Jax to return? Next time I feel like I'm too desperate, I'll try to remember her. Rosie is unmatched.We drove for two more hours, totally ticking nothing off his schedule except breakfast, calling the beta Zharn, and attending the council meeting with the pack elders of the Moonrock pack. There were eight more tedious tasks to do. As I dragged my feet to my room after one of the most tedious days of my life, I found Rosie waiting at my door.Hell no. I turned back."Don't move, you slut." I stopped in my tracks, spinning around on my heels to meet the fury in her eyes. Alcohol clouded all the other scents coming off her.Aaron said he had the servants put her to sleep, but she was right in front of my room, with her lengthy pink dress clinging onto her body. She could have at least tried to change out of her drenched clothing.I was not going to deny that she was beautiful. Icy blue eyes,
JAX:"Can I have a word with you?" Aaron added. "In private." He took a swift glance at Scarlett. This was all after he had told us about how Rosie was scared that I had run off with Scarlett. My guards were still in the palace. There was no way I'd just leave them there and run off with a woman. Her reason only proved how mad she was.I wanted to believe I should have been shocked, but then, it's Rosie. After Rosie was out of sight and the servants stayed clear, Aaron laid out his plan for me.It was as stupid as it was logical. All I had to do was pretend to love Rosie until her party was over and we departed.She'd be on her best behavior as long as she got what she wanted. Apparently, she developed a few mental issues during the last two weeks, and I had unfortunately become the object of her obsession. If I did well, she was bound to feel obliged to act in a way that pleased me, therefore tricking her to get mental help and use her prescription. If I said I needed her to act more
SCARLETT :Due to the turn of events, all schedules were to be put on hold until we returned to our pack. I was more than relieved to hear this, as being a secretary or personal assistant was not my forte.I chuckled thinking about how the infamously stern Sir Hensley would react when he saw the pile of unmanaged duties he would have to fit into Alpha Jax's weekly schedule.My day off was supposed to be for me to enjoy, to heal from my cuts and bruises, but fate had a way of sabotaging that.Alpha Jax was spending the whole day with Rosie. I knew I was not in love with him, but my plan would be in jeopardy if those two did something they shouldn't. I had to place my faith in a man who sometimes acted out of place.They headed out with the guards, leaving me confident that nothing too serious would happen. He had given me his word before he left. Our back-and-forth had no label. All we had was my side of the bond, which I blatantly refused to cut off. Yet, over the past hours, we had n
SCARLETT :"You must have a talent for choosing random people, Alpha Aaron.""Aaron," he corrected me. "Come, let's sit." He gestured towards the strong wooden bench-like swing in the center of the small garden.I imagined the pure, lively greenery in its ambiance when the flowers were in full bloom, and the imagery seemed like it was made for two lovers. Given its location as a place where people rarely passed through, the quietness and the spring weather, there was no other use for it."Yes, Aaron," I adjusted my tone. "I cannot be your partner. Your pack is one of the largest packs to exist, yet you've found no other woman to accompany you than a woman from another pack, one of low birth.""Are you letting your birth as an Omega define you?" He faced me.I had never been asked that question, meaning I had never thought about it. Was I really letting it define who I was? It didn't matter because that is who I am at the end of the day, a weak wolf."You shouldn't let it," he emphasiz
JAX:I felt like a paid actor during the time I spent with Rosie. She was incredibly demanding. I had promised Scarlett I would be back before dinner, but I ended up staying out with Rosie until midnight.She kept talking about all the places she wanted to go with me, and I had no choice but to go along with it, pretending to have fun. My mind was constantly on Scarlett. Our bond felt stronger than ever.I couldn't push the image of Scarlett out of my head while I was with Aaron's sister. Being with Scarlett would have been a million times more enjoyable. We would argue over silly things, and I would prolong the discussions until she gave up. I couldn't deny how much I missed her subtle gestures, like scrunching her nose and tugging on her lower lip.The anticipation of seeing her got me through the day. I planned to ditch Rosie as soon as we arrived at the palace, but she insisted on walking me to my room.A smirk appeared on my lips when I saw Scarlett passed out on the plush couch
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.