Chapter 5

Scarlett sat in a daze as her mate walked out. She believed he was here to save her and her mind relaxed a bit. She was no longer afraid of what the future holds as she closed her eyes to sleep.

"Wake up," a voice whispered gently to Scarlett.

She stirred but didn't open her eyes, a hand nudged her to wake up and she did. Alert but disoriented, Scarlett looked around the room for any form of danger, her eyes met that of her mate's and she visibly calmed.

"Get up," he said again.

"What's happening?" She asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"I am taking you out of here. Now, hurry up." He said.

Scarlett felt the smile on her face multiply by ten folds till her cheeks started to hurt. She stood quickly as her mate opened the door for her to get out.

"Thank you," Scarlett whispered to him.

He merely nodded as he took in her appearance, muttering to himself.

"Let's go."

"Where are we going?" She asked,

He said nothing as he took her hand, sparks shooting up her arm as she directed her gaze to their joined hands.

Her brows raised in surprise, she was shocked at the touch. She has never had anyone touch her ever so gently.

"Thank you," Scarlett whispered.

"Don't thank me yet," he said coldly.

Her eyes widened, and Scarlett gulped as his voice sent shivers down her skin.

It was so cold, she felt she could freeze just by hearing him speak.

Scarlett's leg paused as soon as she got to the entrance, standing there was her father and he had a disapproving look on his face.

"What do you think you are doing, Canine?" Alpha Marco asked,

Scarlett gulped, Canine?

"I believe that's none of your business, Marco." Her mate replied.

Scarlett felt her heart soar as her mate stood up to her father. It was indeed a good day.

"It is when you are holding my daughter." Her father said as he pointed to their joined hands.

"I don't owe you any explanation. You lost that right when you sold her to me like a piece of property." Canine growled.

Scarlett stared at her father, his eyes met hers. He didn't look a bit remorseful for what he did and it made Scarlett disappointed.

"Now, there is no need to be angry." My father cajoled.

"I am not angry, angry means I care and I don't." Her mate replied.

Scarlett felt her brows furrow, her mate was speaking in riddles and it left her confused.

Her father chuckled, peering up at her. "I see you have your hands full. I will leave you to it, good luck with her. Let's hope she doesn't try to poison you too." 

Her mate chuckled darkly, "I will have to see for myself, won't I?" He said as he cocked his head to the side staring at Her father.

Scarlett bristled at the tension between the two, it was rolling off like waves and it made her so uncomfortable.

"Come on, Scarlett." Her mate said as he tugged her forward. She almost stumbled but she regained her footing immediately, not giving her a chance to recover as he pulled her forward. Scarlett caught the smirk on her father's face as she turned her back.

"I have to say goodbye," She said to her mate.

"What for? Your mother set you up and your father threw you in prison. That's hardly any grounds for sentiments." He said harshly.

Scarlett frowned, she didn't understand why he was acting this way. He was nice to her before.

"Doesn't mean I have to leave like this," she grumbled.

Her head snapped to the side with the impact of the slap. Shocked and short for words, Scarlett gazed at her mate through teary eyes as he glared at her.

"Don't ever talk back at me." He said before walking away. Scarlett felt frozen, her feet refused to move.

Her mate, the one meant to protect her from her father just hit her. She rubbed her swollen cheeks as she watched him walk away.

Suddenly, she didn't want to leave. 

"I don't have all day." He called out.

"I am staying here," Scarlett said quietly but she was sure he heard it because he tensed.

He turned ever so slowly as he regarded her coldly.

"What did you say?" He asked,

Scarlett knew she should shut her mouth if she was smart but she wasn't.

"I am not going anywhere with you." 

"Is that so?" He drawled.

"Yes,"

In a flash, he had her neck in his grip. Lifting her by the neck as she struggled to breathe.

"L...let go of me." Scarlett gasped, her face turning red as he held her tightly by the neck.

"Not talking now, are you?" He growled at her.

Scarlett's eyes widened with fear as she looked at her mate.

"No, you are hurting me." She said through gritted teeth.

"It will do you good to remember your place, mate." He spat before dropping her on the ground.

Scarlett sputtered as she coughed, her throat burning slightly from his touch. She looked at her mate to find him staring at her. He had the same look her father had on his face.

Unbothered.

Her body felt hot, she didn't think her mate liked her very much.

"Get up and get moving." He ordered.

Scarlett scrambled to her feet, the fear of her mate caused her body to tremble.

"Good girl," he said as he saw her obedience.

Scarlett lowered her head in shame, tears prickled her eyes but she refused to let them fall. She shut her eyes and willed herself to get moving.

Her mate said nothing to her as he walked away. She walked behind him, her eyes darting around the forest as she looked for a way to escape.

"Don't think about it." He said, making her jump.

"What?"

"If you run, I will catch you and if I catch you, I will punish you." He said firmly.

Scarlett gulped.

"I wasn't thinking about escaping." She said.

"Good, because you are mine now." He said darkly.