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
ZHARN MEYERS:I endured the first two hours of the event, engaging in political discussions and business talk with older men. This was my father's domain, not mine, but that night I was not just Beta Zharn. I was also the young Master of the Meyer household, there to uphold the family's honor."Hey, Zharn!" Anna exclaimed. "Amy snuck a pastry.""They're from home," Amy defended."Excuse me." I gave a curt smile to the grey-haired man with a pot belly before storming over to my sisters."What did our mother say about tonight?" I seethed, hoping I wouldn't have to lock my sisters in a cage that night."To not steal pastries?" Anna shrugged."No, you dimwit," Amy rolled her eyes. "She said to behave." Amy said proudly, but I was about to knock that pride off her face with a good smack to her forehead."Why aren't you behaving?" I whispered angrily. "Do you realize you're not even supposed to be here? You have to be of age.""Liar," that was the second time I had been called a liar that n
ZHARN MEYERS:I kept my distance from Jax. He'd give me sad eyes all evening, reminding me of how shitty my life really was.I stood by the pillar, observing the evening when a woman whooshed past me.I caught a whiff of strawberries and bubblegum, and my nose followed the scent. A woman in a green dress hugged her body so tight that I noticed other men gawking at her. Her wavy dirty blonde hair did not do much to cover her exposed back.A good distraction for the night. All I have to do is smile and use my boyish charms. I watched her until she went to the side where the lowborns stood and turned."Holy shit, she's gorgeous," my wolf Lan read my mind.Her golden amber eyes shone as bright as stars even without trying. Her rosy-colored cheeks and lips stood out against her fair skin.It was settled. I was getting her contact info.I was about to cross the bridge between the nobles and lowborns when a gentle tug pulled me back. I should have looked around; the only thing standing betwe
ZHARN MEYERS:I had spoken on the spur of the moment that day, and I did not realize how it would make her feel that way."Why didn't you say anything?" I queried."I wanted to, but then you became aBeta and got too busy. I met Paul around that time," she told me. Paul, the man she cheated on me with. Twice. "I don't know how to explain it, but it was different with him, too different, and I realized that I could not love you in the way that you loved me. Yet, it was hard to let you go. My family loved you, my friends did too. Your family ranks second among the nobles. My parents would have killed me if I let you.""Then your only option was to string me along forever?" I ran my hands through my hair."Cleo, I was scared you'd hate me.""Cleo, I loved you too much to ever hate you. You could've told me everything, and I would've let you go, even if it killed me," I chuckled bitterly. "I'm not that selfish. I'd never keep someone who cannot love me the same way that I do them."She lo
ZHARN MEYERS:"Over there," Amy pointed."Why? You're not gonna come any further?""No, we have to stay here just in case you drown or something. That way, we can get help on time," Amy told me. "Besides, look at Tina, she's shaking. That area is too spooky for her."I looked at Tina, who was not hiding very well behind Amy.I groaned. "Hey, Tina, I can get you a new-"She sobbed. "My dolly. Waaaaaaaaa."I grimaced."I'll get it.""Thank you," she said in the most childish voice ever. How can a six-year-old manipulate her way into getting a doll back?I strode to the lake where the full moon reflected directly on the blue water."We weren't just compatible. Zharn, I want you to stop drowning yourself. Move on, find some peace. Find a beautiful woman you love. Get married too," Cleo's voice rang in my head."You'll always have a place in my life, as a friend."Her wedding ring and pregnant belly flashed before my eyes.Tears poured down."Fuck, I'm a grown man. I can't cry," I told mys
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.