SCARLETT :"I'm so sorry," Sophie teared up. "I should've never allowed him to come.""It's okay. The Beta isn't someone you can stop no matter how hard you try," Cage told her."Scarlett..." Her voice quivered."Soph, I'm fine. I just needed a moment.""Hurry. I know he'll let you go with him before his car gets here," Cage urged her. "I'll bring her to work.""I promise there's nothing between us," she mentioned as though that was what was on my mind.My sister was lying, and I knew it.I did not want to force her to speak when I was hiding from her too. We deserved the truth from each other, and when the time comes, we'd let it all out over mint chocolate chip ice cream."Don't let what he said get to you. When it comes to Jax, Zharn doesn't think. They are like brothers to each other.""Weren't you three brothers till I came along? I always ruin things." No matter how much it hurt and I wanted to cry, the tears would not fall. I hadn't shed tears when I wanted to in a while."That
SCARLETT :Lucinda had her back facing me next to her office chair. Her office was large, with the wall facing outside covered in clear glass so that no one outside could see what was going on inside, and the walls in the building were made of white concrete. In the center of her office was a four-seater, definitely good for sleeping, two two-seaters opposite each other, and a three-seater opposite the four-seater, all painted cream. The walls of her office, not the ones with glass, had all sorts of nature paintings around.She had actual roses with their thorns trimmed, along with other pretty flowers and a purple hibiscus. In contrast to the ambiance she owned, Lucinda was, well, unhinged for a therapist."Scarlett, dear," she turned to face me as if she had practiced the way she'd say my name upon my entrance. A small smile wisped around her mouth."Lucinda," I replied in kind."I was not expecting you until Friday. What troubles you?" She inquired, gesturing to the three-seater.Y
SCARLETT :"Remember what happened is in the past. It is no longer real. You should not let it determine your future or be a part of you. You are your own person, Scarlett. Do not let the one who harmed you take control over your being," she questioned. "How frequent are your nightmares, and are there any new symptoms you go through?""The nightmares come suddenly. Before, I could not close my eyes without seeing my perpetrator's face, but now I can. Once anything triggers the memory within me and I close my eyes at night, all I can see...""Look at me," Lucinda said. "Where are you?""Your office," she nodded. "Exactly, you must not allow your mind to wander back to that dark room. You are no longer there; you are here.""He hasn't been caught," my voice faded. "What if he returns?""I can only tell you that if you allow him to have power over you in your absence, he would want to take advantage of that in the future.""I'm taking combat training at the pack house," I informed her."
JAX:I begrudgingly made up my mind to give Scarlett the space she needed, even if it cost me my peace of mind. What if she falls for Cage? That should be the last thing on my mind, especially when I had mountains of papers to sign."It's been a while since you had to pull an all-nighter for work," my best friend commented, sitting beside my personal assistant Hensley, who was helping me review documents.That should be Zharn's cue, but he said he had been working all day. I wasn't going to hold it against him. He has been covering for me lately, especially with me doing my research on what to do with my relationship."Yeah, it's draining," I groaned.As the Alpha with special powers greater than the rest of the members of my pack, I was not bound to get physically drained quickly. That did not cover the rest of my being because mentally I was spent."What is this?" I raised a document, almost squeezing it into a molded paper. "Fifty million tan?" Tan was the name of our currency. "Fo
JAX:My plan to examine the pros and cons of my future actions remained. Will marrying Scarlett ruin the pack? Will it cause internal conflict, creating an opening for our multiple enemies to invade? All those things plagued my mind, which is why I picked out three wise and calm elders to advise me on the matter.Elder Lorn, Elder Caelum, and Elder Vince.My father trusted them to handle matters when things got too tough for him and his Beta to handle. My chamber had a private soundproof meeting room efficient for days like this.I mentally had not recovered from my all-nighter and cut down extravagant budgets. I still had to have a word with my mother about her annual budget. I was yet to build up the pack's revenue income to surpass where my grandfather raised it to.The room was designed to be a mini conference section, with wooden chairs lined up in a curve taking three steps and my seat right in front, with that of the Luna and Beta's beside mine. The elders sat right in the fron
JAX:"Tomorrow, you have a meeting with all the elders and our army to plan strategies for surprise attacks," Hensley mentioned as he, along with my men, escorted me back to my pack. We had no idea what our enemies were planning, so it was better to be prepared. "Remember, the annual alliance meeting is coming up in a week. Your presentation for a request to lend their armed forces is yet to be made."I groaned. "Let Zharn do it.""I'll send a letter to him," Hensley responded. "You also have four hundred documents and proposals to review.""Send those to Zharn as well.""I'm afraid these need your personal attention." Kill me already."Doesn't everything?" I grunted. "Anything else?" I asked as I stepped into my car."Can I get a day off next Monday?" Hensley asked curtly."What for?""My wedding anniversary. I have to plan a-""Do whatever you want, Hensley." I was struggling to get one woman to love me back, and he was talking about his wedding anniversary. I slammed the door shut
JAX:I freshened up and then laid back on my bed, restless. I hadn't been to the gym in a while, so I thought that would help me focus on something else. I got into workout gear and left my room when a servant came up to me."Alpha, Jax, the grand Luna requests your presence in the dining hall.""Tell her I'll be there shortly," I dismissed him.My dear mother, Stella, called for me whenever it was convenient for her. In the context of our mother-son relationship, her feelings were the only ones that mattered.Mine? I wasn't supposed to have any. I am the Alpha, after all.I put aside my thoughts and my fists, eager to make contact with the punching bag. If Zharn were here, I'd ask him to spar or wrestle with me. That could wait until after I heard what my mother had to say to me.The dining hall was different from the banquet hall we used to host guests, yet it was large enough to host a grand event. The stand stood feet taller than some buildings. My grandfather called it a sacred r
JAX:My stomach churned from sitting next to my mother as if we had an actual relationship. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try if she was truly willing because it honestly felt like my world was crumbling, especially since it felt like I had lost Scarlett, not completely, I hoped."Just wait till you see what I made," my mother beamed, standing up to unveil the dishes with the help of a few workers.As the lids of the silver serving trays were lifted one by one, my eyes widened with uncharacteristic shock. My mother, ever poised and elusive in the kitchen, had prepared the entire feast herself—a revelation that left me momentarily speechless. Had someone told me minutes ago that my royally made mother could make something as simple as toast and tea, I might've cracked up so hard for once in a long time.The first dish revealed was venison carpaccio, its delicate slices glistening with truffle oil and adorned with shavings of Parmesan, a clear nod to their primal instincts. Next came a sa
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