Chapter 3. WELCOME BACK

(Scarlett's POV)

Two years later I was a totally different person. Living in New York was a new beginning for me and for the first time, I was able to shift into my full wolf form. My wolf form made me feel powerful and strong something I had never felt before. I was not the Omega who would always wear thick clothes to avoid being seen. Now I am strong and confident, I have no problem with accepting myself for who I am.

Now, I am a student during the day and a model at night, trying to keep up with the new looks. The hoodie jacket that I once wore as my armor is now changed by clothes that flaunt my strength.

At one point in the shoot, the photographer walks over, and stares, before fixing a light.

“Scarlett, you don’t need much makeup – you are gorgeous,” he said with a sleazy grin, “How about a drink after this? We can discuss your future in modeling ーand some behind-the-scenes ‘wizardry,’ if you catch my drift.”

‘Thank you for the compliment but I am here for business not pleasure.’ I replied politely though with a smile.

He chuckled, undaunted. ‘Of course, one can’t blame a man for attempting, can he? You are really beautiful.’

I kept my attention on the camera.

"Let's stay on track. We still have work to do,” I said.

He sighed, took a step back. “You are stubborn, Scarlett. But that is what makes you interesting.”

I did not say anything and I just stepped back and concentrated on the next pose. It is easier this way – to protect oneself from becoming to close to anyone.

“Scarlett, you know someone proposes to you every day,” my assistant said and handed me the schedule for today. ”Why do you continue to reject? You are pretty, and have a good job ーwhy not try out a relationship?”

I laughed, although her words hit the sore spot. “I am concentrating on my job.I am not ready for a life partner yet”.

Although I told that, I know within me there existed another reason. Although my outward appearance has changed, the emotional scars from the past still linger, shadows that always remind me of the girl I used to neglect. It was hard to erase those feelings, even when I looked at the reflection of my current self.

The day took a turn for the worst when my mom called. Her voice was worried. “Scarlett, your father was attacked. He’s injured. He wants to see you. We have to go back to Mexico. ”

The news really floored me, literally struck me, as if someone had taken a ton of bricks and dropped them on me. I had not visited Mexico after leaving the country and the idea of going back brought out a lot of feelings. But I knew that I can’t escape it for the rest of my life.

‘I’ll pack,’ I said, hoping my voice did not betray the anxiety I was feeling inside.

When I got to the hospital the stench of antiseptic was too strong but what really knocked me out was the sight of my mother attending on my father. From the facial expression, one could see that she was worried.

“Scarlett,” my father said, his voice barely audible than normal. "Finally You're here."

I nodded, coming closer. "How is he?"

“A small fracture,” my mother responded but her voice was full of concern. ”He will be okay, but you know your dad, he does not like to take a rest.”

My father laughed weakly. “I would prefer to run with the pack, but your mother does not allow me.”

I watched them with a smile on my face, feeling the warmth that I had been craving for. Their relationship despite the fact that they were often apart, I always thought was great- strong, loving and capable of overcoming any odds.

But the calm did not last long. Ryan entered the room and when he saw me he was quite surprised.

"Scar?" he said, surprised. “God damn! How much I missed you. Why didn’t you ever call me? Why did you move to New York without telling me?”

I did not have time to reply, he moved closer to me.

“Scarlett, if I have ever hurt you in any way, I didn’t know you were going through all that, but I still love you and you are still my sister.

His apology was sincere, and for the first time in years, the tension between us began to subside.

Just as we were beginning to reconcile, I felt someone's presence behind me. I turned around, and my heart stopped for a moment.

Alexander.

Our gazes met, and something inside me changed. The shock was so strong that it almost made me lose my breath. My wolf rose vigorously, more aware than ever, and just then he whispered a single word: "Mate."

The word echoed in my mind, and I felt its truth in my heart. Alexander, the man I had been fearing and avoiding, was my destined partner.