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 :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