SCARLETT : A loud bang on the door made my heart skip a beat and jolted me awake. My legs were trapped between Alpha Jax's, who was also awake and tightened his grip on my legs to keep me in place. He signaled for me to stay quiet. I lay back on the bed while the noise continued from outside his door. He had kept his promise about me not being able to walk, as I felt entirely sore. My body ached severely, and though I couldn't see them, I knew there were marks of his teeth all over me. "Jax, come out now!" I heard Rosie's voice. Who else would it be? Both of us had left the party and never returned to the venue. I was naked in his bed, my shoes and jewelry askew, my underwear nowhere to be seen, my dress a rag, my hair rough, my body marked, my lips swollen. There was no excuse. Alpha Jax hadn't signed the alliance. Alpha Aaron could take it back if something were to happen. Roseanne was beautiful, too beautiful to pine over a man who did not love her. Although I was in no posit
JAX:Scarlett was a force that pushed and pulled. Right now, she had pushed me into giving in to my desires.It was tough to resist her after I saw her again. Audaciously, she fully tempted me, making me surrender. Now that I had tasted her again, I did not think I'd have it in me to let her go until she breaks the bond.She was my undoing; she'd end me if I wasn't careful. I could not find it in me to regret what I did.I woke up much earlier than I expected to, and the sight before me was so beautiful. She had barely rested all night, and I wasn't going to disturb her.Her eyes were tightly shut, and her lips partly opened. Our legs were wrapped together like we were lovers.A small light shone from the windows, reflecting on her white skin stained with my teeth marks, leaving me satisfied. Scarlett was mine for as long as she'd let me have her. I did not know if I was fine with that, but I hoped to get clarity once she broke the bond.I was about to stroke her hair gently when a lo
JAX:Scarlett fell asleep midway, as she always did. It bothered me that she was easily carried away by the wind. If she were in a car with someone else, anyone who could harm her, there would be consequences.I instructed my chauffeur to join my men in the other car and drove because I wanted to be next to her. Every now and then, I glanced at my side to find her lips partly opened while her head changed positions.I didn't want to drop her off at the pack house in that state. Furthermore, I would be returning to the royal pack residence to give my mother details of my ordeal. She wasn't in control of the pack, but as Luna, she could offer advice or take steps on her own. My mother was skilled in diplomacy, having an eye to make the right connections. She bored me to death with her talks; she was a better Luna than a good mother, yet avoiding her was impossible.I led the way to Scarlett's home, knowing the address due to my research. It was weird, but I had stopped there twice to ca
JAX:The royal pack house had existed for centuries, with its structure changing to adapt to each decade or modern adjustments to make it seem fitting and luxurious. Currently, it was in between antique and in style with the current time.Unlike the Moonrock pack, we only had a large silver gate with wolf ornaments that could accommodate three cars at once if they were able to maneuver their way around it. Requests from the people were brought to the pack house, and emergencies were directed to Zharn or my mother.Around the surroundings were sculpted heads of previous rulers, with the heads getting bigger according to their achievements. My grandfather had the largest head, his reign known as the war era. He charged into battle, seizing lands, conquering domains, without forgetting to pile up generational enemies who threatened to come after my life for his actions.He was known as the war Alpha as well as the greatest who died a natural death. To the public, he was great. To his son
SCARLETT :No matter how much he threatened to punish me, I still came to work. Almost every day I'm at his office, in his car letting him do wicked things to my body.Rosie still calls, and he waits till I'm there before he picks up, not to spite me, but to show where his temporary loyalty lies.I had begun to search for ridiculous things on the internet, like ‘how to make a man fall in love with you in sixty days.’The results were simple:Days 1-10: Build a Foundation. Days 11-20: Foster Trust and Comfort. Days 21-40: Deepen the Bond. Days 41-60: Reflect and Let Things Flow.Days one to ten were gone without me realizing or deciphering what kind of foundation we had laid down for ourselves. Days eleven to twenty were almost gone, and I don't know if what I was feeling was trust or comfort. Heck, I had no idea what Alpha Jax was feeling.All he did was summon me wherever he was, in his chamber, or get his chauffeur to bring me to his cabin. Sometimes he'd be gentle, sometimes he'd b
SCARLETT :"Women aren't toys. I'm not one, don't talk down on me like that," I blurted out of rage. "Go find someone your size to wage war with; you're sick in the head."Alpha Jax looked at me, shocked and satisfied."Are you really going to let a filthy omega talk down to royal blood?" Logan told his brother, his voice sounding sinister."I told you not to come near her," Alpha Jax shot back."You know, this is the problem with you. You take everything for yourself. You make everything about you. Mother appeased me, told you you'd stop being selfish. Guess you're too much of a bastard to do that.""We're twins, but that doesn't mean whatever I own is yours. There are boundaries, Logan," Alpha Jax seethed."You didn't set them when you fucked my girlfriend, did you?"My eyes widened."I was drunk. Shit, I've told you I didn't know it was your girlfriend. It was a mask party."I shook.It's okay.I calmed myself down.He didn't know.They were masked."Sure, like you gotta keep your
JAX:I pleaded with my mother to keep Logan busy until I convinced my unyielding mate to stop coming to work, to take a sick leave at least.Once Logan set his eyes on something that caught his interest, it would be hard for him to let it go. We had that in common. Scarlett was associated with me, therefore, she was on his list of piques.I knew Logan wasn't over that one time. His girlfriend had given me a drink and told me someone needed to see me. I never told him about that part, that she intentionally intoxicated me to arouse me.I'd never betray my brother like that, even if our father and grandfather set us against each other to compete for the position of Alpha.I tolerated everything he had done so far because I wasn't blind to the fact that the family and elders favored me over him, but he cut too deep into my skin for me to bear with.I wished our mother hadn't called for some useless truce so he would stay away himself. I would have banished him myself if there was a way t
SCARLETT :To stop my parents from worrying about me losing my job, I told them the Alpha gave the staff in his chamber some time off. Sophie took a week off work too to help me. I don't know how she convinced the Beta to let her off work when she said he was an irritating jerkface.Our parents were out working, and when they weren't, we'd play games and have a barbecue like old times. The month was almost over, and Sophie wouldn't stop blabbering about her paycheck."Look at this!" She squealed, showing a screenshot on her phone. Sophie was a hairstylist at heart and experimented with different hairstyles.She loved going all out. Today she had bangs, tomorrow she'd style her hair into a bob. Not that frequently, though. She just changed her look once a month.My eyes beheld a flashy set of expensive hair styling tools. "I don't know what these are, Sophie." I reminded her that I was a novice to her favorite items.Sophie's eyes lit up with excitement, the phone gripped tightly as sh
JAX:"Do I get to see Scarlett?" Aaron asked me after we concluded our meeting."No, you do not," I scowled.He insisted on coming to our pack for the meeting, no matter how much I told him I'd come over instead. His pack had one of the most secure borders, and I needed his insights alone. I should have asked him through letters, although he might not have divulged in that regard.I'm not particularly upset about it. I don't have to deal with Rosie, and that's fair to me. But I didn't want him to show up because of this."I'll just ask Zharn Meyers or Harrison. I'm sure they'll be happy to help," he said smugly.If it weren't for how useful our alliance has come to be, I'd have had him sent back without thinking twice.My phone vibrated in my pocket. "Excuse me."I was shocked to see Sophie De Luca calling me. She never has. Something did not feel right."Hello," she frantically said as soon as I picked up the call. "Is Scarlett with you?""No, she isn't," my muscles tensed. "What is
SOPHIE DE LUCAThe dress felt like a second skin, smooth and weightless, the black satin fabric cascading over my frame like liquid midnight. I stood before the mirror, adjusting the delicate jeweled straps on my shoulders, watching how the deep V neckline subtly accentuated my collarbones. The bodice hugged my waist just right, flowing into a floor-length skirt that billowed slightly with each breath.But the best part? The thigh-high slit—a little daring, a little dangerous. It gave just enough of a glimpse when I walked, adding a bold edge to the elegance.My blonde hair fell in loose waves down my back, catching the light as I turned my head. Diamond drop earrings shimmered just below my jawline, and a thin silver bracelet adorned my wrist—simple, refined, perfect.A pair of sleek black stilettos completed the look, adding just enough height to make sure I met my date’s gaze without having to crane my neck. Not that it mattered—he was still taller."You look amazing," my twin comp
SOPHIE:I thought everything was going great. We've had the best time in a long time. A farmhouse, friends our age, good dates with Zharn. Not until Cage told me that Scarlett had another nightmare.It gave me the feeling that her situation was more than what she let on. A part of her was tied to that memory.I paced around as Papa settled more bills regarding his small pastry shop building. He wanted to give it a countryside look, hence what he wanted it to be made of nice wood."Sophie, come help me," Mom asked for my assistance with milking Sally and Molly. Side effects of the farm life. She pointed to the shed. "Can you go feed Brownie?""Mom, you know she only likes you.""And Cage," she added."Exactly, which is why you should feed. I'll milk Sally."We continued the argument until she agreed to get it done herself, and that, kids, is how you dodge chores or swap whichever.My phone vibrated in my pocket, and as soon as I saw the caller ID, I thought the cows needed a break."He
SCARLETT :As Cage promised, he was there in three hours. I confided in Sophie about Lucinda and lied to my parents about filing in some information at the culinary school."Thank you for coming to pick me up. I shouldn't have yelled at you." I did my best to face my actions."I deserved to be yelled at," he replied, facing the road.No, Cage. You do not deserve it one bit.I closed my eyes and let the breeze from the weather carry me away.And I'm back in front of the tall building that hosts Lucinda's office."Scarlett!" Miss Kim ran to embrace me.She's still cheerful. She's so lucky. Last time I saw her, we were talking about a Channing Hayton movie."Miss Kim." I embraced her. Cage waited for me in his car like he always does."I'm so happy to see you. Well, I shouldn't be because you shouldn't be coming here again..." She went on and on. "Let me inform Dr. Lucinda of your arrival."She left me alone in the waiting room, and suddenly I missed her. I didn't want to be left alone.
SCARLETT :It's dark.I'm tied up.It's the devil.He's Logan.I can't breathe.I can't move.He's dragging my hair.He's breaking my spirit.He's ripping off my clothes."Let me go!" I finally scream, feeling all muddy and sweaty, flailing in desperation. "Let me go!"He doesn't.He laughs at my displeasure.His eyes glint with victory.He's going to kill me."No. No. No." I open my eyes.I'm alive.There's light.I'm not bound.But I can't breathe.I'm sweating.I'm crying.My heart is pounding.I pant, I have to, my life depends on it.I fumble with my phone and call Cage.He picks up on the fifth ring."Goodness, Scarlett," he breathes into the phone. "Are you okay? It's two in the morning.""I need Dr. Lucinda's number. Now!" My teeth chatter."Scarlett, are you okay?""Cage, give me her number!" I'm agitated, frustrated, and still cannot breathe properly."Fuck, okay." Cage cusses, he rarely does.And in no time, he sends it.I dial her number immediately.Sixth ring."Who's thi
SCARLETT :Harrison Cage, you are a witch! The chickens stayed calm as he fed them, but he witnessed as they tried to come for me, so I guess he understands the reason why I was that scared."They don't like you very much," he pointed out."Gee. Thanks," I said flatly."Aw, c'mon Scarlett De Luca, are you mad at your good friend?" He feigned sadness."Yes, I am. Said good friend just laughed at my misery.""And said good friend is now apologizing," he bowed with his hand to his head."Jeez, Cage! I held him by his shoulders, lifting his upper body. "Never do that again," I said, dead serious."I won't.""Good.""There's one last thing I need you to do," I said, my eyes glinting with mischief.I gave Cage a bucket of water for Brownie and stood outside her little stable.He came back with his face moist, absolutely disgusted. He smelled like a horse. "She licked my face," he grimaced."Aw, Brownie likes you a lot. That's nice," I wiggled my brows at him."Don't," he warned him.It was
SCARLETT :The past days and weeks have been utter bliss. Life has never been so fulfilling. It almost feels too good to be true. I'm thrilled. I'm scared.Pushing the negatives aside, I remember Lucinda's words.My therapist.Cage said she was hospitalized, but she's recovered just fine and hasn't quit the profession. I was glad. Lucinda was a darling. I hope she never quits."Sophie," my father's voice reaches the room from downstairs.Right. We were supposed to hand out free pastries to the neighborhood as goodwill. Papa's pastry shop was coming into good view, and boy, was I excited for it. Sophie must be up already. I texted Jax into the night. I feel like an actual teenager now. Late-night calls and texting. I loved those activities quite a lot. It's an understatement to say I am not quite fond of them.I got off my bed, looked into my mirror, at my tattoo. My parents don't understand it yet. I have to tell them at some point.I brushed my teeth, had a shower, changed into a gra
SCARLETT :We grabbed some food first and played some outdoor games before heading to the arcade. The neon lights of the arcade cast a colorful glow as Sophie squealed, jumping up and down."It looks just like in the images," I said, delighted that it met our expectations."Right?" Sophie beamed."What games shall we play first?" Zharn asked."I vote air hockey, unless you guys are scared wimps," my twin pointed to Jax and me."What about your boyfriend?" I arched my brows."Nah, Zharn has never and will never be a scared wimp.""Thank you, baby," he leaned down and pecked her cheek."Well, my girlfriend and I aren't scared wimps. Air hockey is too easy."I blushed at Jax's retort. We weren't dating yet.We decided to play as teams: Team Jax and Scarlett and Team Zharie. I can't with their name combination."We won! We beat you two!" Sophie declared, pointing at Jax and me. My mouth hung open in betrayal at the air hockey table."You cheated," I fumed."You both just suck," Zharn grin
SCARLETT :The day was upon us. The day we had all been waiting for.Our double date!I stared at the neatly wrapped box on my bed, my band inscribed on a smooth, precise script. A single deep red rose rested on top, its petals velvety and rich in color. Sophie’s box sat beside hers, wrapped in soft blue ribbon, a pale pink rose accompanying it."Do you think they actually picked these out themselves?" Sophie asked, holding the delicate flower between her fingers, her blonde curls bouncing as she turned to me.I smirked, running my fingers over the sleek black leather jacket inside the box. "I don't know, but it looks so good. They probably had Sir Hensley help them. I've always wanted a new leather jacket. It's designer. I hope it didn't cost a fortune. I have to treat Jax to corn dogs and burgers at the amusement park."Sophie gasped, dramatically clutching her heart. "Blasphemy. Zharn has good taste. I believe he picked these out himself." She pulled out a silky baby blue off-shoul