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
JAX:"Would I initiate it if I did not think it was a good idea?" I threw a question back at her."Of course," she sat down. "How did the council take it?""How did you hear of it?" I queried."The Alpha of the Crimson Moon might have tipped me while we conversed. You are well aware that we're old friends, aren't we?" She replied.Old friends.I did not think they still spoke.The current Alpha of the Crimson Moon pack, also our ally, was an acquaintance of my father before his passing. He ruled in a way no one could question, even though at first he was tagged as a bastard child from the Alpha before him. To his people, he was a merciless tyrant, but to those he favored, they knew deep down he was soft at heart. He had taken a liking to me when I whacked his only child and son, Reynold, who hit me in the face years ago.Due to one of his reputations being tagged as a fool for love, I consulted him more like ranted. Someone must have tipped my mother about my visit to the Crimson Moon
STELLA DE VAUNT :My knuckles turned white as I clenched my fists, itching to ram them into my son's face. What did he know? How much experience did he have?"How dare you?" My body shook with rage. I snapped. "Leave! I have no use for a weak son like you. Get out!" My chest heaved as if I had just run a marathon.Jax mocked me. "As always, my words got to you because they are true." And just like that, he walked out.I collapsed into the chair next to me, my eyes brimming with tears. That boy had no idea how much of me I had sacrificed over the years, the parts of me that I had buried away, the dreams I could never recover, the love that was stolen from me.When responsibilities are born with a person from birth, their dreams are decided, their pursuits are destined, their fate is created. No matter how hard you try, you cannot deviate from the path set for you.I was born into one of the five most influential families of the pack as the first daughter, where the mate of the Alpha is
SCARLETT :I have not seen the Alpha since the day I brutally pushed him away. Cage picked Sophie and me up from home every morning. My parents, especially my papa, weren't happy about it, but since my mother came to like Cage later, my father pretended to follow suit.Summer was slowly fading away, and soon it would be four months since I first came into contact with the Alpha. Time went by so fast that I couldn't believe it myself. Winter was fast approaching, and Cage followed my sister and me home to convince at least one of our parents, especially our mother, to permit us to attend a winter party that his mother was hosting.Top noble families hosted parties during the winter or summer as a competition to see who would host the best event of the season. It was always grand, and they were usually the talk of the town. People in my class attended as workers or through news details also known as newspapers or TV screens."What theme is your mother planning for this year?" Sophie ask
SCARLETT :"Think about the danger you will be in when my son decides to announce that he wants your child to be the Luna, Rose," the Grand Luna addressed my mother by her name.Had they come into contact one on one."You do not have to worry about that. My daughter won't be going anywhere near your family. They don't deserve my sweet child. Keep your son at bay, Grand Luna Stella," my mother lowered her head. "Thank you very much for gracing our home with your presence."My father butted in. "We understand your concerns, and we'll make sure our daughters stay far away from your sons.""My offer still stands for when you decide on moving to start anew. Soon your daughters will become targets, but I trust that after everything I've told you both. You'd do well to keep the desires of your girls at bay. Isn't that right?""Yes," they both lowered their heads."Very well," the Grand Luna stood up to leave, came close to my ear, and whispered. "Whatever Logan did to you is nothing compared
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.