JAX:"What are you doing here?" I asked Zharn."You told me to stop by later. As your Beta, I should know about your travels," he smugly replied, with that sheepish grin still on his lips. "So, new interest?""First off, that is none of your business. Also, knock next time," I glared at him. "Now sit.""I'm hurt," he faked a pained expression with his hand on his chest. "I'm your best friend, your right-hand man, and you say it is none of my business? Didn't know you'd cast me aside for love.""Zharn, get out," I pointed to the door."Calm down, Alpha Jax. I am here for the pack's matters." He raised his hands in surrender."We'll talk about that later," I sighed, with my hand to my temple."I get it, you must need more time with your new woman.""She's not my woman," I frowned. "Unless you want to discuss you and her twin sister, keep your mouth shut.""Excuse me?""Drop the act, Zharn," I told him. "I caught you staring at her this morning before I entered my chamber."Zharn got up
SCARLETT :After our tête-à-tête in the morning, I made up my mind to avoid him for the day. From Reyes' expression when I came out of the Alpha's office, he wasn't sure if he was ready to meet him, but he did it for me, only for his fears to be confirmed and for me to be pushed back into that cell he calls an office. I almost could not believe that he gave me a deadline. He really wanted to get rid of me.Would my plan actually work, or should I give up before it's too late? I thought.But then I remembered he was the one who drew me to him first, then tried to push me off just like that. I wasn't going to take it easy with him. He had to pay dearly for treating me worthlessly. I might be an Omega, but that does not make me completely useless.I dropped my bag and slumped on my bed. Not long after, Sophie dragged herself in. I could tell she was exhausted, maybe more than I was."I hate Beta Zharn. He's insufferable..." She began ranting immediately."What do you think? He's best fri
JAX:She has infiltrated my life completely, and I don't know whether it's schemed or not. I keep thinking about her, her stubbornness, and her defiance against me.I connect with my wolf, hoping he'd help me with guidance on how to get her out of my life faster, but he goes on to tell me about how strong our bond actually is and how I should give in to it. He clearly did not know how unfortunate the situation was.It's still early in the morning, and I'm already pouring myself a glass of whiskey while I run through paperwork. I didn't get drunk easily. It would take me more than ten bottles to get me drunk, however, the scorching hotness of the liquid running down my throat and the bulky contracts to read, both on paper and my laptop, gave me something else to worry about.A guard enters my office. I told him not to let anyone in if it wasn't for breakfast. I wasn't hungry; all I wanted was to see Scarlett so I could remind her that the clock was ticking. It wasn't going to be long b
SCARLETT :"Alpha Jax requests your presence, Miss De Luca," one of Alpha Jax's burly guards informed me.I groaned inwardly. "What else could he possibly want from me?" I made sure to drop the food on the table for him."I'll be there in a minute," I replied.They opened the door to his office for me."Taste the food," he ordered me without wasting time.I forgot about that. "Let me go get my cutlery and plate.""Use mine.""It's against the rules.""Who's in charge of making sure those rules are enforced, Scarlett?""You," I answered."Exactly.""So ironic. He's in charge of enforcing the rules but he's the same person breaking them," I grumbled."You really have to stop muttering to yourself when I'm close by. I'd rather you say those words to my face," he added. "And yes, I can bend the rules if I want."Dammit. I keep forgetting that his hearing was really sharp.After testing the food, my instincts told me it would be best to leave. "If that will be all, I'd like to take my leav
SCARLETT :"He's such a jerk, though," my sister rolled her eyes after I narrated the day's ordeal to her."I know."She giggled. "I bet it would have been so funny to see him in pain.""I didn't think he had any other emotion in him," I snorted."Next time, we should make it planned.""I don't think there'll be a next time, Soph," I sighed. "I think I ruined all my chances with him. I can sniff my quit notice from a mile away."Sophie scoffed. "For stomping the Alpha?"I gave her a knowing look."I know. I know. I just wanted to be optimistic," she beamed. "Don't worry, there are lots of amazing jobs around, and better men like Harrison Cageeee." She nudged her shoulder with mine, wiggling her eyebrows."Sophie, please," it was my turn to roll my eyes. "He's just a kind person.""No, he is.""I'm Zharn's assistant," she reminded me. "I've seen Sir Cage, and he's not nice. He's a robot, he's programmed, and he's dangerous. Yet, he was nice to you, and he said he'd see you later. Not t
SCARLETT :"Do you have everything you need?" My mother asked me for the umpteenth time.I've never spent the night away from home, let alone left our pack. My parents were mortified when I told them, but since it was work, they just had to let me.I knew better than to lie to myself. I heard his voice. I wasn't getting away from him so easily. Sophie told me to fake an illness, and I thought hard about the plan, only to back out at the last minute."What if he takes it out on my family or harms Reyes because of this?" He seemed shameless and petty, and I wasn't one to let others take the fall for my actions. The only solution would be to comply."Yes, I do. It's almost seven," I whined."I'll drive you there," my father got his keys."There's no need, papa," I told him. "I can get there on my own.""I just want to make sure you're safe," my father countered."I think your father should accompany you, Sophie can follow," my mother pushed further.We looked in Sophie's direction."Hell
SCARLETT :She buried her face in the crook of his neck, all that was left was a glimpse of her icy blue eyes staring directly into mine. I didn't need to see the rest of her expression to know that she disliked me."Rosie," Jax gently pushed her off him."Behave, sister. Jax just got here, at least let him get some rest," Aaron chided."Jax is a sweetheart, I'm sure he doesn't mind." She pouted. "Isn't that right, Jaxy?"Okay, there's a lot of things I already hate about this place, and it's all Rosie.Alpha Jax is a sweetheart?She already has a ridiculous nickname for him? Why is he letting her call him Jaxy?Are they lovers? My stomach churned at the thought."It's fine, Aaron," he replied. "Rosie's just excited.""Why wouldn't I be? I haven't seen you in two years." She linked her arm with his. "Come, let me show you to your room. I personally redesigned it to your liking." She giggled. My hunch tells me she's pretending to be all angel-like with pretty butterflies floating aroun
SCARLETT :"Pardon me," I cleared my throat using my fist as a microphone. "Welcome, oh your royal highness," I drawled with sarcasm."Save it," she shut me up."Your majesty, I am quite exhausted. Is it urgent?" I deadpanned."It is actually," she sat on my bed. "What's your relationship with the Alpha?" she asked me."I thought he told you that earlier.""I forgot. Remind me.""I thought princesses were meant to be smart. I'm his assistant.""Jax has never had a female assistant," she flipped her hair. "And I'm more intelligent than your lower-class ass would ever be.""Didn't know you were a stalker. Also, there's always time for firsts.""Our fathers were friends. I've known him since he was struggling to memorize the pack rules. You did something to get the job."Is there an award for that? I thought to myself."The point is," she continued. "If you're an assistant, let it remain that way. I hope you're not sleeping with him," she shot arrows into my eyes with her stare."Or are
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.