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
SCARLETT :"Help," I said in my head, as if anyone would actually come to save me.On second thought, maybe it was good for me. Who would want me after this anyway?"Scarlett." A distant voice called out to me.This was it.I was dying."Scarlett!" Logan's voice thundered, making me flinch.And my eyes opened.Worried blue eyes stared back at mine."Scarlett." Cage cupped my face. "Are you okay?"I nodded frantically.Sweat trickled down my forehead.It was a dream. It wasn't real.I swallowed hard, holding onto my throat lightly.Cage abruptly got up and returned with a glass of water. "Drink up."My hands shook with no limits, preventing me from holding onto the cup properly. It fell from my hand and broke into pieces."I'm so sorry," I shrieked.Tears pooled in my eyes again.Damn it, if I could just not get emotional for one fucking day!"It's fine.""No." I reached to pick up the glass without picking. A piece of it cut through my thumb."Scar, please!" He held my hand. "Breathe.
SCARLETT :Almost a month had gone by since the incident. I had my hair chopped off to my shoulders and had Soph dye it red. Everyone thought I looked like a rebel, but for me, it was to help me forget those memories. Sometimes I still felt my hair being dragged. It being short gave me a sense of safety I could not comprehend. I believed I was recovering fair enough. I was back with my parents who made a little feast to celebrate our return. Papa was particularly vexed about us being away from home for that long."Next time, fake being sick," he told us. "Every day I had to brace myself not to go throw a fit at the pack house."Our very honest papa was asking his girls to lie so we could be home. No shocker. He called more often than our mother did. I saw my therapist in secret. Lucinda, whose name sounded like she was perfect to play a wicked stepmother or villainess, was so heartwarming towards me. She did not look at me with pity as others would but with understanding. While her gr
SCARLETT :"I didn't tell Mom that I now work with Harrison Cage," I communicated with my sister through looks and our eyes.And what did my sister do?She shrugged!"It's our new friend, Mama," she told our mother with bustling energy."A friend with a luxurious means of transport?"We both shrugged, giving her the same grin."And what's with Scarlett today?""I'm trying something new.""She's trying something new," my sister and I replied coincidentally."Girls, I made pancakes," my dad held the pan in one hand. "Scarlett," my dad chirped. "You look amazing. Trying something new?""Yup," I nodded in affirmation."Just give me a minute to pack your lunch boxes," he held his index finger up."Honey, our girls have a new friend with a really expensive car," my mother blurted.Trust my sister to give her THE LOOK. The "are you kidding me, Ma?" look. Well, we didn't expect her to tell our dad."Don't tell your friend to keep waiting outside, bring her inside."Overprotective papa mode ac
SCARLETT :"What's up with those two?" I asked Cage, ignoring the heavy gaze on me."Now that you're working with me, you'll see it very often. They do this all the time. I wonder if they ever get tired," he replied, changing the subject and looking behind me. "Jax, stop standing like an ominous spirit. You're giving me the creeps.""It's none of your business where I stay," the Alpha coldly replied. "I wouldn't be standing here if I understood what the hell is going on."My back was still turned to him. I thought I had mentally prepared myself to face him again, but it turned out I wasn't anywhere close to ready."What do you mean?" Cage inquired."Scarlett," my name rolled off his tongue smoothly. "I take it he just dropped you off at work?"What game was he playing at?I had clearly submitted a letter of resignation the other day. If he thought I'd be okay with both of us breathing the same air again, he needed to get his facts checked. And fast.I spun around on my heels, literall
SCARLETT :My awesome new friend made sure that I was comfortable working with him.For my sake, Cage had another table and office chair set up along with a system installed for me in the corner of his office. For my comfort, he allowed me into his semi-private space, just like he did with his apartment.Thankfully, the office was big enough that it could accommodate eight office chairs and tables, although it was a little smaller than the Alpha's office. It was comfortable.The tables and shelves where his books were kept were made of dark ebony wood, the chairs were leather and soft. Three dark velvet chairs had a dark glass table in the center, and the marble floors looked squeakily clean, reflecting my image.We went through his schedule together, and he offered to take Sophie and me out for lunch so she could guide me through some of the work I had to do. No matter how many times I said no, he kept pushing, and my twin, like the reckless goddess she was, happily said yes when Cag
SCARLETT :I was greeted with the strong aura of his presence. Something that reminded me of my place yet made me attracted to him in ways I could not understand. His strong signature scent filled my nostrils. A mixture of bergamot, sandalwood, and oud.Maybe it was because it had been a while since we ended up in the same space, but the scents evaded not only my organs but my mind and all of me. His sinful, ruthless eyes stared at me with an emotion I could not describe. It was almost as if he was leaving it for me to decipher.His office was like Cage's, only more refined, rearranged in a different setting suiting his title. I absentmindedly squeezed the envelope in my hand. Earlier, I was too focused on avoiding him to take in whatever he wore.He rose from his seat and moved away from the table like he wanted to give me a good view. Revealed to me were his dark gray slacks, white crisp shirt, and luxurious brand dark loafers.The shirt was rolled up, showing his long, strong, vein
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.