SCARLETT :Sophie and I went to our room after the discussion. We decided to tell Cage one-on-one about us moving. It would hurt. I had to say goodbye to a few people, Reyes, Cage, Kim, Lucinda, Sir Hensley, and my new friends from training too.My heart sank in despair. I never thought moving could hurt this bad when I had no attachment to anyone, but now that I did, it would be hard.I glanced at my sister, who lay curled up on her bed and was unusually solemnly quiet."You know you can't keep pending, right? Since when did you and the Beta start something?" I drove her to speak."I'm sorry I lied," she spoke gingerly."You're not exactly good at lying," I told her. "I still had my suspicions."Sophie sighed. "So? How did we meet, yeah?" She explained it all, about her mate Carlton, the rejection. Guess we weren't twins for nothing. She met the Beta coming out of a lake near where the event took place. "... I honestly had no idea that he'd be my boss when I applied for the job at th
LOGAN DE VAUNT :The moon goddess really messed up my life by bringing me into the family the same year as my picture-perfect brother.It was great until my grandfather asked us to fight at the age of eight. We were handed wooden swords and asked to battle. The winner would get whatever they wanted. Everyone preferred Jax to me; I had a feeling favorites were chosen before we even got our names. Who gives twins completely different names?I remember our first fight as clear as day.*****************FLASHBACK…My grandfather, Kyle De Vaunt, stood firm next to my father, Blake De Vaunt. Mother was busy playing tea parties with her acquaintances; that was all she was good for anyway. That woman always wore the mask of a perfect Luna.The nanny who took care of Jax and me brought us to the garden where my grandfather and father were. The memory was too upsetting to recollect how we were dressed, supposedly something similar."Grandfather," we both cheered. Kyle De Vaunt wasn't a man of t
LOGAN DE VAUNT :"In three.""Two." I gripped my sword tighter."One."I hammered at my brother with all my strength, making him stumble hard. The men surrounding us cheered for me, and it felt great. My body rippled with validation that I had never received from anyone in my life.My grandfather and father were yet to applaud. I had to do better.Jax stood up with more grit than before and swung his sword at me. I barely managed to dodge. My twin gave me no breather as he swung his sword back and forth without giving me a break.It went on for minutes, and I wondered if Jax had been training behind my back. No, it was impossible. We were always together. How was he so strong?I glanced to the side and watched my grandfather's eyes glimmer with amusement. He loved that he put us against one another. He was entertained by our fighting."Logan, don't be distracted," Jax called me back before shoving the tip of his wooden sword at my stomach."Ah," I wanted to scream, but I held it back
JAX:Over the past week, my mother and I haven't said a word to each other. We passed by each other as if we were strangers. It was fair enough given our tense argument the last time we got together.I'd be lying if I said I had no regrets about what I said. It was true; she had to hear it. A part of me resented her for the way she'd been all through the years; nonetheless, I had no right to judge her for the years of her life I knew nothing about.I sat with the council of the pack. Both the elders and prominent councils were there, the year was fast rounding up. We had matters to deliberate upon. Council members placed around each region of our pack came to give reports concerning the areas they were placed in.I also had the annual alliance conference coming up. My yearly meeting with all the council members pretty much took the whole day."There have been no casualties throughout the year, and with Sir Harrison's help, we were able to handle the matter of the petty thieves who kep
SCARLETT :Cage skipped work and training with the boys to meet Sophie and me. I did not have it in me to go to the pack house or see the Alpha. In fact, I did not want to see him until I left.He sat opposite us in a cafe where I ordered a chai latte, Sophie got an espresso, and Cage got water. He was too depressed about us moving. His words, not mine."Isn't there anything I can do?" He made continuous offers that afternoon, all of which ranged from selling his house to gifting us the house and moving down to the farm with us. His ideas were so preposterous that it made my chai latte cold because I didn't drink it."I think you've gone far beyond the planets in this universe already. It won't change a thing," Sophie made it clear."The fact that your parents got to the farm before the Grand Luna spoke to them..." He trailed off."Papa really wants to start fresh. It means a lot to him and our mom too. Now that the Grand Luna spilled our misdeeds out in the open, they've been speedin
HARRISON CAGE :THIRTEEN YEARS AGO…"Is that him?" A woman thought as she discreetly pointed from behind her fan."Yes, I think so," her friend whispered. "I heard Maria isn't his mother. There's another one who died."The other woman gasped. "Poor thing.""I believe 'unfortunate' is the word. His mother was an Omega," she whispered."I see, a concubine?""Must be.""Then he's a bastard. Shame on his mother for bringing such a child to suffer brutally in a world like this," her voice held disdain. "Maria would never accept a boy like him."I stood near one of the pillars in the grand hall where my stepmother hosted her events."Sir Cage," a maid came up to me. "Your father calls for you.""Alright." I glanced one more time at the women who scorned my mother; a woman they barely knew and who knew nothing of their existence. How dare they cast pitiful glances at me?I followed the maid to my father's study. The Harrisons ranked high in first-class society, one of the brightest household
HARRISON CAGE:It was unplanned. At first, the only thing on my mind was to save her from the same fate my mother suffered, or that was what I told myself intentionally.I had no place in her life to interfere, perhaps I was selfish, granted that my father was too. I had someone to blame my inadequacies on. I looked for her every day, and learned more about her through her coworker Reyes. I owe him thousands of favors. I was no better than a creepy stalker who used curiosity as a cover-up.I tried my hardest not to show it, but the moment she gave me a place in her life was the happiest I had ever been. I was okay with no one checking on me, I was fine third-wheeling to clubs with Jax and Zharn just to go home alone while they did their thing with women of the night.That was the past, not anymore. Not only was I cursed yet blessed with falling for a woman whose mate is my old friend, but I got a badass, foul-mouthed, definitely not shy friend Sophie. Scarlett was bold when she wanted
ZHARN MEYERS:FIVE MONTHS AGO…"Guys, are you ready?!" My mother yelled from downstairs. "Zharn, you're the Beta. What are you still doing up there?"I appeared from behind her. "I've been outside for a while now, thanks for thinking the best of me," I said, my tone caustic.My mother flinched, holding her heart. "Zharn Jake Meyers, don't do that again.""Yes, mother," I replied blandly."Now, where are your sisters?" My mother turned to a passing servant. "Get the girls, speedily!""No need, Mama." My four little sisters ran down the stairs, all looking chaotic.My parents had six children: my older sister, me, and four other annoying girls."What took you all so long?" My mother sighed."It was Anna and Amy," Joy, the one after me, was quick to point out the culprit."Was not!" Anna and Amy said simultaneously."Was too!" Joy shot back."Mama," the youngest, Tina, ran to embrace our mother.Our mother's blond hair was styled up elegantly, with her blue eyes matching the color of the
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