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
JAX:"I am not yours," she replied to me.If she wasn't mine, she wouldn't have become my mate, and she would never have let me touch her the way I did all those times. Her denial would only last until my damned brother was found.He's the reason why my woman doubts whether we are meant for each other. There were times when I denied it so hard, even though everything about this woman drew me close to her.In my head, she was a woman I hopelessly let myself get entrapped in, but now she is the bane of my very existence. Bond or not, I did my research, and the bond was supposed to loosen a lot when one party had broken the bond, yet ours never did. Her hold on me is unshakeable. This time, it did not matter to me what happened. I was working hard to build my own reign as Alpha to a point where my mother's terrors would never be a threat to me or her.In as much as I'll never be able to look at another woman again, Scarlett better be ready to spend the rest of her life with me. It was he
SCARLETT :Shame.That, paired with guilt, washed over me as I left the Alpha's chambers.How could I give in so easily?Why was using my brains so hard?I threw all my self-respect away again. I shouldn't have let him kiss me. I should have pushed him away, yet, I did not. I allowed the man I vowed to never touch to get to me once more. It would have been super easy to deny if my core wasn't throbbing with need or if I did not feel any sort of stickiness between my thighs. Clearly, my hormones did not grasp the severity of the situation.I kept ranting in my head when a large arm gripped my small one, turning me back. My heart skipped like it would jump out of me, thinking it was the Alpha, but calmed down when I saw Cage's face."Are you okay?" He asked me. "I have been calling you for some time now.""Oh," I said, still trying to compose myself. "I'm sorry." I shook my head. "I was thinking about something.""It's fine," he sighed. "I'm just glad you're okay.""Yeah," I faked a smi
SCARLETT :"Wait, Scarlett," Cage followed behind me. "You just looked so cute with your dimples I wanted to capture the moment," he explained, walking behind me, ignoring the fact that the pack house was busy and staff could see what was going on."I don't look cute," I spun around, lowering my voice. "Don't speak too loudly; I don't want people getting any funny ideas.""Okay," he spoke in a whisper. "But I'm not deleting the picture.""Cage," I whined. "I mean, Sir Cage.""It's Sir Cage now?""There are people around.""Sophie would agree with me," he defended himself."Too bad she's not here," I retorted."Yo! Bestie and twin."Speak of the devil. My sister ran to meet us, leaving the Beta's side, who stood waiting like a bodyguard. I forgot how close Cage's office was to the Beta's. The buildings weren't so distant like the Alpha's place. Sophie and I rarely saw each other at work. I was glad I'd be able to see her more often.I re-registered her words. When did she and Cage beco
SCARLETT :Today marked my official turning point, the day where I leave all my physical weaknesses behind to embrace strength. I was out in the cold morning; summer was fading, and winter was here.It had been more than three months since the Alpha and the bond walked into my life.I was clad in a warm hoodie, flexible thick leggings, and combat boots Cage gifted me. Relying on finding training clothing in a dressing room mostly designed for men because, of course, ninety-five percent of the pack's army was made up of men.Cage walked me to the training ground, and I was amused.It stretched out under the mid-morning growing sun with racks of training weapons lined up in their tracks: swords, knives, arrows, and guns. Oh my goodness. The only weapon I had ever held in my life was a knife for cooking, and those knives could even be called daggers; they looked so pointy and sharp that I bet they'd kill in an instant.Goosebumps covered my skin at the thought; I hoped to never have a re
SCARLETT :I braced myself for the next warm-up.Jogging through tires couldn't be as hard as push-ups.I stumbled at first, my foot catching on the rubber, nearly sending me sprawling.Cage's barked laugh echoed behind me. "Coordination isn’t your strong suit, is it?""Shut up!" I shouted, fuming. "I barely caught a break, that's why." I retorted before hopping through the tires with renewed determination.Next came stability drills. He balanced a heavy sandbag on my shoulders while I stood on one leg atop a wobbly wooden platform."This is ridiculous," I groaned, the bag threatening to topple me."This is survival," he corrected, circling me like a predator. "If you can hold steady under pressure here, you won’t falter in the field.""What field?" I almost yelled. "I'm doing this for self-protection!""Just saying. Who knows, you might sign up for war if it comes down to it.""Never." I nearly fell but caught myself, shooting him a triumphant glare before he could mock me. "Still st
SCARLETT :My head was blank for a while, and I felt like I was back in the hellhole I was in weeks ago. My head stung bitterly from the migraine threatening to cut my thought process to smithereens.I opened my eyes to the familiar ambiance of the Alpha's office.No, Cage wouldn't have brought me here after telling me to stay away from the Alpha. Although my entire body ached with the need for rest, I got to my feet and made my way out of his chambers. It was still early, but the guards were outside his door with their usual grunting expressions. I'd give anything to see them smile or get mad. They were like programmed machineries.It was only a matter of time before Reyes and the rest of the staff resumed, and the Alpha, who rarely came to work that early, was obviously at the pack house.My heart thumped at the prospect of seeing him again after what happened between us the previous day. I didn't want to react to that man in any way. I just needed my freaking heart to understand me
SCARLETT :"Fine," he groaned."Thank you," I breathed out. "See, it wasn't that hard.""Let's start over tomorrow," he suggested.I refuted, "I want back in today. I'll get some rest, handle my work, ask Sophie to get me a protein bar or something, and I'll take it from the beginning again.""I'm just starting to realize how stubborn you are," a small grin appeared at the corner of his lips, more like a smirk."I do hope you do not think that I stand here before you today by being meek and agreeing with everybody," I told him."Certainly not! I like my people fiery like fireballs," he smiled fully, making me return the same energy."Then get ready because I come in blazing flames.""I'm always ready," he groaned and stretched. "Alright, enough chit and chatter. Go back to getting some rest, I'll give the boys a day off, that way, I can focus on you.""Alright, captain," I mockingly saluted. "I'll get to texting Sophie for a protein bar and an energy drink.""Make that a protein bar,"
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
SCARLETT :So far, so good. The move was going nicely for us. The people were kind, and there were others our age who were AMAZING. Dad had enlisted a few people to help build a nice, cozy wooden pastry shop.My father was such a hard worker. We were currently hanging out with our new friends.José, Elena, Adrianne, Estelle, Jean, Lennie, and Courte.It took me three whole days to memorize their names.This side of town had a lot to offer, though it wasn't as beautiful as our pack's Capital since the majority of the population here was filled with lowborns, as the nobles would call us.Elena invited us to watch a movie. Her parents were well-to-do, owning a flourishing timber business. Not huge, but doing alright. Her parents were out, and we were all just chilling with popcorn and soda.Sophie had had a couple of hangouts with friends before, so she knew what to say or do. I had always been more reserved; hence, it was the first time I had tried putting in effort to associate with ot
SCARLETT :The farmhouse sat at the end of a winding dirt road, nestled between rolling green fields and a thick tree line. It was a sturdy two-story home, built with warm brown timber and stone, standing strong as if it had weathered years of seasons. The wraparound porch had wooden railings, a few rocking chairs, and flower pots spilling over with bright daisies and lavender. A wind chime swayed gently, adding a soft melody to the sounds of nature.Past the house, the land stretched wide, dotted with trees that swayed under the afternoon sun. A fenced pasture sat to the side, where a chestnut horse grazed peacefully, flicking its tail. A few cows stood lazily in the shade of an old oak tree, chewing grass without a care in the world. Closer to the barn, goats wandered near a wooden pen, occasionally headbutting each other in playful mischief. Chickens pecked at the dirt, their soft clucking blending with the distant croak of a frog near a small pond at the edge of the property. A pa