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
SCARLETT :"What are you thinking about?" Sophie shook me."Nothing," I lied."I didn't take a week off work so I'd have to watch you brood over Alpha Jax," she folded her arms."Damn, I hate how well you know me," I groaned.“That's how it should be. We're twins. Moreover, I'm the older twin. I gotta look out for you, lil sis."I scoffed. "You were older by five minutes, Soph. Not sure how that counts.""Five minutes. That's how much it counts. You spent an extra five minutes bracing yourself to be welcomed into the world.""Whatever makes you sleep at night, Soph," I grinned sarcastically."Oh, I do sleep really well."I grumbled a few words and picked up my phone to watch a movie I had downloaded."Mom's back," Sophie opened the door of our room. We went to welcome her, getting the groceries from her hands."Scarlett, I need you to go get soy sauce," my mom sighed. "I don't understand how I forgot. Your dad is making dinner tonight, and he'll need it.""Can't Sophie go?" I whined.
SCARLETT :I stepped forward, but my sister pulled me back, her anger palpable."Are you so low that you'd threaten us with our parents?" I asked Logan.Logan huffed, "Threaten? I don't need to do that. It's just the truth. In the world of hierarchy, it's only normal that you should know your place, isn't it? Think about it. A lowly omega against a superior royal." He checked his watch. "You're wasting my time, Scarlett. Get in.""Let me go, Soph," I whispered to her. "I have to go. It's getting late, and Mom and Dad might be worried. The sooner I settle this, the better."Reluctantly, my twin let go of my hand."Don't drive away. I need to go home with my sister," I told him as I entered the car."Relax, sweetheart. I don't kidnap people," he chuckled.I rolled my eyes inwardly, waiting for him to get to the point. The car model looked newly launched, but the smell of cigarettes polluted the air. The tinted car windows were closed, leaving no room for fresh air."Can we wrap this up
JAX:I had my chauffeur, Henry, pick up Scarlett from her house. I waited patiently for word to reach me that her parents weren't home, as we had agreed to be discreet around people who weren't trusted staff.I lay on my bed in my cabin, the same bed where I had taken her for the first time, and a few more times after we returned from the Moonrock pack.Only three days had passed, and I became a man starved for her. I stared restlessly into space, waiting for her arrival. I missed the feeling of her in my arms, the tugging of her lower lip, her soft blonde hair, and the scent of her body and shampoo.As long as the bond existed, I would forever be damned if I didn't have her. A gentle knock on the door made me sit upright, grab a file from the nightstand, and pretend to go through it.Why appear as a restless dog waiting for its owner when I could appear composed enough to match my status?I cleared my throat as if I hadn't spoken in a long time. "Come in."The door creaked open, reve
JAX:The morning sun was hot, scorching, and seeping its rays through my window. I looked at the woman next to me and realized how much of a mess I had made of her. Her waves looked tangled, her lips were swollen, and I replaced the hickeys on her skin where they had begun to fade.I subconsciously traced her eyebrows, moved to her lashes, then her lips. Her eyes fluttered open, staring blankly into mine like she was trying to take in her environment."No," she croaked, rising up.The plan was for her to go back that same night, but that failed because I ended up losing control. My hunger for her took a long time before it got satisfied."It's okay. I told Hensley to send word to your family that you'd be spending forty-eight hours at the pack house tending to me because I'm working overnight for two days, and I'd rather eat only what you make.""That doesn't make any sense," I told her."It might not make sense, but the order came from me so automatically it should.""It's not up to
JAX:"Jax," her sweet voice brought me out of my delusions. She called me by my name. She was getting used to it."Yes," I stuttered like a thief who had been caught. I stuttered. I had never done that before, not since I was a little boy. People barely made a...Scarlett had a look of worry on her face. How I reacted wasn't normal, it wasn't like me. "Are you okay?" Her voice further softened, and I think that did something to me. No one had ever spoken to me like that before, not even my best friend."I am," I replied, regaining my composure."Are you sure?""Yeah, I am.""Okay, that's good because I was asking if you ever cook here.""No," I spoke earnestly. "I sent my last chef away, now Hensley brings me takeouts.""You're ridiculous," she shook her head. "The kitchen looked so spotless, I should've known something was wrong when I saw dust on the utensils. Ugh, why did I assume you'd have ingredients just lying around in the kitchen?"I laughed. "It's a cabin, Scarlett. There's
JAX:I handed Scarlett the last tissue to wipe her tears. Every time the main characters got into an argument or something tragic happened, she'd tear up, curse the villains, and blame the author.That was the first time I had seen her go from sad to furious."Are you sure you don't want to stop watching?" I asked her, worried for her sanity."No," she sniffed. "There's only thirty minutes left."I groaned inwardly. "Okay."I spent the next thirty minutes wanting to transport myself into the scenes on the screen to finish off the blonde main character Scarlett wouldn't stop fawning over.She laughed because of him, swore because of him, cussed because of him, and cried for him, and all he did was play a role. I doubted he was like that in real life. He's an actor, and actors play pretend."That was amazing," she gleamed.The look on her face was worth it. If she didn't smile like she did at me for letting her watch the movie, I would've sworn to never put myself through the torture of
JAX:I drove to the palace myself, heading down to my mother's chambers.My mother’s throne room exuded refined splendor, simple yet commanding. Stone walls were draped in deep blue and silver tapestries bearing the pack’s crest. A black silk rug led to the elevated mahogany throne, carved with wolves and traced with silver accents. She had created the space for herself since my father passed away. The main throne room belonged to me now.An arched window behind it let in sunlight, blending with the warm glow of gold candle holders. Greenery softened the corners with trailing vines.She sat on the throne, her black dress flowing like liquid shadow, catching the light with each subtle movement, along with two female maid servants by her side who left the room as soon as I entered. Her presence was powerful, every breath filled with poised authority, very much like my mother's personality."Mother," I greeted her."Son," she looked at me with disdain, her honey brown eyes holding rage.
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