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
JAX:"Don't go anywhere," I told my wolf, Luca. "I'll be needing you throughout today.""I practically live in you. Just summon me," it told me before disappearing.I wore a full-proof body suit. All my men had them. It didn't keep the head safe, but the rest of the body would be. My men had spread out throughout the pack. My guards accompanied me as we stepped out of my chamber. Dead bodies were spread out on the floor."Your people are out there dying, and you chose to stay in your chamber and take your time like a pretty little princess." Six rogues appeared before me, and before I replied, my men were shot in the head from behind."Nice work," I commended. "Now let me show you how to shoot." My grandfather did not give me affection; he signified approval by giving me permission to learn his secret moves.One deep breath."Luca, I need you.""I'm here, Jax," he responded.Soon, I was behind the five of them, firing silver bullets with both my hands."Fascinating," one of the rogues
SCARLETT :It all happened in a flash. Two of the rogues were soon bound in ropes with glass shards all over them.Cage was bleeding badly, and the little girl wouldn't stop crying."Are you okay?" Of course, he wasn't okay. He was bleeding badly, but the situation had me feeling almost numb. I didn't know what else to say.Sophie grabbed her bag and took her scarf, tore it, and wrapped it around his bleeding palms."What's going to happen to these two?" Soph asked Cage."They'll be held captive for questioning," Cage replied, panting heavily. "This is unusual; rogues have never neared this pack. We have the strongest men positioned at our borders; they never leave. Our security is the best. Someone planned this obviously; it could be someone within the pack. We'll need them to answer to us, I bet everyone has a question or two for them."Hot and cold air brushed my skin as I got goosebumps due to anxiety."You'll never get anything out of us no matter how hard you try," one of the ro
SCARLETT :"This is bad, really fucking bad," Sophie exclaimed as she got out of the car."Everyone grab a weapon," Cage instructed. He handed me a sword, and Zharn took a gun and a sword."Is everything loaded?" The Beta asked."Fully," Cage confirmed."I want a gun," Sophie requested."Can you use one?" Cage inquired.My sister turned to the left and fired the gun."What?" She rolled her eyes at our bewildered faces. "I watch a lot of war movies.""You learned to shoot from war movies?" Zharn raised a brow."My aim might be shit, but I can pull a trigger," she said, tucking the shotgun into her jeans."Emma, have this dagger," Cage offered it to her."Be careful, it looks sharp," I cautioned."Your place looks really bad," Zharn remarked upon looking at it."Doesn't everywhere look ruined today?"The windows of our home had multiple holes in them."Be safe, Scarlett," the Alpha's voice reappeared in my head.I had to choose a moment to live in, between the Alpha saying my name where
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