SCARLETT :"Wait outside the door," he commanded his cohorts, who complied, leaving just the two of us in the room."S-stop," I mustered all my energy to speak."This isn't fun," he sighed. "I want you to scream for help."Standing behind me, he wrapped my ponytail around his fist before yanking it down with an insane level of force, causing my head to throb even harder.My mouth opened widely to scream, but it came out hoarse and low as the tears poured even harder. It also didn't help that my body remained confined to the wooden chair I was trapped in."Still can't scream?" He sounded disappointed. "This won't do." He tsked. "I need to hear you beg for mercy."My body stayed limp, but I was able to speak a little. "W-why are you d-doing this?""What an insolent question," he said, increasing the brightness of the light to reveal his bruised face. "See this?" He pointed to his swollen eye. "You turned my brother against me.""You turned him against yourself. This isn't about me," I r
JAX:If it were ever possible, I wanted to change the present. I wanted to make Scarlett happier. The argument we had was another clue that we weren't meant to last.I left for the Blood Oath Pack the next day, but before my departure, I made sure to show my brother what happens when he messes with what's mine."The banquet will last for seven days, Alpha Jax. We must plan a different outfit for each day. There's a popular designer at the Blood Oath Pack who can personally design yours to stand out. Shall I book an appointment?" Hensley went through my schedule. He was lucky that he had nothing to do with my mother finding out about Scarlett. I appreciated his presence in my life, but I wouldn't hesitate to punish him if he did."Do that," I replied, looking out the window. Scarlett would be sleeping peacefully in a breezy car ride like this one.A sharp pain in my head interrupted my thoughts. It was so intense that I clenched my teeth."Alpha Jax!" Hensley called out to the chauffe
JAX:"What's going on?! You're supposed to be in the blood oath pack," my mother raised her voice at the commotion."I'm not in the mood to argue with you, mother. Where is your other son?" I questioned.The form I took whenever there was foreboding or imminent danger was enough to make anyone fear me.It was the power that came with being an Alpha."Change back," my mother told me. "I've warned you several times not to speak to me in this manner.""I will speak to you however the fuck I want to. You are not above me in every way," I seethed, making her flinch."Alpha Jax!" one of my men called out to me."I've found the man."Zharn dragged the man behind him. He had already beaten him to a pulp. When my best friend wants to get involved, he'll walk through hell to make everyone who deserves it suffer.My guess was that he was doing it for Sophie; else, he wouldn't have hit the man so badly.I recognized him when he was brought to me."You hit him too hard," I told Zharn. "I needed hi
JAX:Sophie stayed with Scarlett all through the night. I decided to leave them by sending the same excuse I used for Scarlett days ago to their parents.I stayed in the gardens looking into the sky listlessly."Son." I turned to see my mother dressed in her usual style. Her elegant blue nightgown looking too inconvenient for sleep flowed to the floor.I looked at her and looked back at the sky refusing to acknowledge her."I understand that you are upset." "Never thought you could understand anything." I shot back at her."Do you love that woman?" She asked me.Love? I didn't know what that was."I don't know." I answered honestly. "I just don't want to see her get hurt.""Fair enough." She sat next to me. "If you don't want her to get hurt I suggest you cut all ties with her."I wasn't surprised at what she said. I had been thinking the same too. "I still have to do the right thing, I'm the reason that happened to her.""That's not on you, but on your brother." She told me. I sta
SCARLETT :The last thing I remembered before I passed out was Logan's dreadful face as he ripped my clothes off while I hopelessly called for help.How I ended up in one of the rooms in the royal pack house remained a mystery. The room oozed a hospital scent, but a nicer one, the type of room that would be given to royalty. The room was painted white with gold accents embellished on the walls. The bed I lay on felt so soft, not only that, but it was spacious too, so large I was certain ten people could sleep comfortably on it.I had made up my mind to finally end things. I had damaged myself in the process, ruined my life all for nothing. Alpha Jax was right to have called it off the night he did. Had I been satisfied and not covetous, I wouldn't have laid down with my body limped, scarred, and bruised in a place that isn't meant for someone like me.I had Sophie lie to my parents about where we were. I sensed they didn't believe it, however, I had some peace of mind as Alpha Jax sen
SCARLETT :I was grateful that my sister took a stand for me when I was unable to, yet a question pricked my heart. Where would we go? There was no way I could show my face to my parents, especially when my right leg still hurts to move.Sophie packed my things, I mean the things the Alpha sent to me."Leave the clothes," I told her. "I don't want to take anything that's his with me.""You're right." Sophie dropped the clothes on the floor. "What about the one you're wearing?"She gestured to the floral blue gown ending just above my knees."I'll just have it returned," I sighed."We should get out of here before the bitch queen gets back," she rolled her eyes."Soph," I cautioned her with glaring eyes."What? The worst she could do is behead me."My voice softened. "I'm so sorry.""You better be," she scoffed. "You should've given her a good verbal lashing before I did. You're supposed to be a savage, Scar!""Soph," I failed to stop myself from bursting into tears."Hey!" She yelled.
JAX:Two weeks of hell. That's how much Scarlett's absence affected me. It was by chance that I managed to secure the last alliance, especially considering that I was unable to pull myself together. If someone had told me two months ago that I would miss another human being this much, I would have laughed and bet my title that I wouldn't. Scarlett didn't just leave me; she left her presence to haunt me. My cabin smelled of vanilla. I saw her doe-like amber eyes, beautiful pure blonde hair, and pink pouty lips every time I closed my eyes.There was so much I had planned to do with her until I figured things out. I hadn't told her how good her cooking was. I was reluctant to eat her food at first because I didn't want to trust her. The first time I did, it was like nothing I had ever tasted. Damn, I missed the way she tugged on her lower lip when she was upset. I missed running my fingers through her soft locks. I missed how peaceful she looked when she slept. So fragile, so easily brea
SCARLETT :Harrison Cage turned a deaf ear to all my excuses, and we ended up staying at his place.His lifestyle was no different from any other person of high ranking. His place was just a simple-looking apartment, yet everything about it screamed luxuriously. The neatly white-painted walls had exquisite art on everything, and the sofas were too soft and plush not to cost a fortune. It had a mini bar with a shelf of glass souvenirs next to it.The flat-screen TV in the living room seemed like it was meant for movies, and the cream rugs felt so good against my feet that I kept rubbing them on the rug throughout my stay.He gave Sophie and me separate rooms, but we agreed on sharing a room. I begrudgingly took his offer; he did not have to give up the nice rooms in his apartment for us. That seemed utterly ridiculous to me. Moreover, I believed that would give us the chance to talk about her new friend whose family owned a chain of hotels, yet she'd bail on me using work, and we'd end
SOPHIE :One week had passed, and there was still no news about Scarlett. The reward prize had initially caused a frenzy among the pack members, with search parties being organized to find her.People were curious. "Who was she? Why was the reward money so substantial?"The attention shifted to my family, as onlookers came by to catch a glimpse of our lives. They were eager to understand why the top noble men and eligible bachelors of the pack were so determined to find Scarlett De Luca.Mom found it hard to eat, and dad had put his bakery shop dreams on hold.Zharn and I stopped at Cage's place to take a break from all the troubles of the day, as Zharn called it."Sophie, you have to eat," Zharn said, holding a bowl of Greek yogurt in my direction.It was tempting, but not enough to awaken my appetite. How could so many things happen to Scarlett in just a few months?Kidnapped.Possessed by some divine spirit.And now she's kidnapped again.It was hard for me to wrap my head around.
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