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
SCARLETT :"No, seriously. Why is everywhere so deserted?" I asked, peeking through the small hole at the back of the truck where we sat."Let me see." I scooted to the side so Cage could look.He turned to face me. "It really is empty.""I'm scared," Emma mumbled, loud enough for us to hear."It's okay, Emma. We're here," I encouraged her.The truck came to an abrupt stop that made my heart skip a beat."Everything okay?" Cage yelled."Yeah, hold on," Zharn replied. The back of the truck was soon open. "I found something."We got down from the back, and Emma scurried out of the vehicle before we could tell her to stay.Zharn led us to six men from the pack house, four of whom I was familiar with. Three warriors and three trainees.Not too far from them were rogues, beheaded and shot, about eight of them.Six of our men were dead, leaving only one warrior and another trainee severely injured.Sophie clasped her hands over her mouth to contain the shock."H-help u-us," the older man sp
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.