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,"
SCARLETT :The noise outside the door grew rowdier. I stepped out of the water, grabbed a towel, and my phone to text Sophie.Scar: Hey!I texted her, waiting so long that my lower teeth dug into my lower lip, thinking it might bleed. I would have called, but I was too scared to speak in case the boys realized there was a girl in the bathroom.Soph: ... Sup.Scar: I'm trapped in the steam bathroom for trainees.Soph: I'll get help.Scar: No, wait. Just come, there's a bunch of dudes outside, and I need you to distract them so I can get my clothes and leave.Soph: On it.I waited on the bench opposite the steam bath, hoping my twin would arrive in time. Suddenly, the murmurs increased, quieted down, and I heard footsteps fading away.I could finally breathe. The doorknob moved, and I proceeded to open the door."Soph—" I looked up and found whiskey eyes looking down on me, literally because the Alpha towered over me in size and height. "What are you doing here?" I seethed."Saving you
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