Care

Scott was too shocked by everything. Everything happened at once, and those things were something he had never experienced before.

Ciara greedily nibbled his lips. Her tongue swept across Scott’s lips, and the movement caused the lower part of his body to tense up. Scott widened his eyes as he felt this unfamiliar sensation. What was even more terrifying, his wolf growled in delight at Ciara’s treatment of him.

Realizing that this could escalate further, he immediately gathered his strength to free himself from her. He jerked her hands and legs and then leaped back out of her reach.

Scott wiped his lips with the back of his hand, exhaling roughly.

“Nova!” Ciara whined. Her face turned sad, as if someone had just taken away her favorite toy.

“I’m not Nova!” Scott yelled. “And don’t do that to me again, or I’ll kill you!”

His shout echoed and shook the walls of the underground prison. His status as the future Alpha of Silvercrest gave him the ability to dominate other werewolves who held a lower position. Instantly, Ciara shuffled back in fear. She crawled backward until her back hit the wall.

Scott panted after releasing his emotions. His body still remembered the sensation from that kiss, and he hated it. He despised his own body and his wolf for betraying him, all because of a girl he had just met.

Despite appearing frightened, Ciara still looked at him with hope. As if Scott would jump back to her, giving her a chance to do the same thing again.

He should kill her now.

He left her and went up to the ground floor. There, he searched for something he could use to kill a werewolf. He rummaged through closets and drawers, hoping to find a silver knife or a silver bullet pistol.

He yanked open the drawers and slammed them onto the floor when he didn’t find what he was looking for. Foolish. Of course, those things weren’t here, he thought. Those weapons were only owned by human werewolf hunters.

What was Scott really thinking now?

He just wanted to get rid of the girl from his sight forever, but his wolf had an equally strong desire to keep her by his side.

Both of his hands rested on the edge of the table. His eyes were fixed on the stairs leading to the underground prison.

Right now, he couldn’t think clearly. He would leave her here and go back to Silvercrest. He needed time to think about his next steps.

Scott didn’t go back down there. He left the cabin and walked to where his car was parked.

---

When Scott arrived home, Gordon was already waiting for him on the porch. He stood up and walked towards Scott as soon as Scott got out of the car.

“What’s going on?” Gordon asked. His face looked anxious. “I was just out and didn’t bring my phone. Seems like there’s something very important.”

Then he looked at Scott from head to toe. “Have you just been in a fight? Is there a problem?”

For a moment, Scott wanted to talk about Ciara and his encounter with the Alliance, but he immediately abandoned the idea. Somehow, he didn’t want anyone to know about Ciara’s existence. At least not until he could gather information from her. He would only share what Gordon needed to know.

“The Alliance provided information about a rogue on the loose. I just want to make sure our patrol team is ready in case of a sudden attack.”

“Rogue?” Gordon frowned, one hand touching his chin. “Is he dangerous?”

“No,” Scott replied quickly. Perhaps too quickly, causing Gordon to furrow his brow.

“Are you sure?” he asked again.

“I hope so,” Scott corrected himself. He patted Gordon’s shoulder, trying to reassure him that everything was fine. “Don’t worry too much. Just boost our patrol team and report if there’s anything suspicious.” After saying that, Scott walked into his house.

Just a few steps across the yard, Gordon called after him.

“Hey, Scott.”

Scott stopped. His fists clenched. He closed his eyes briefly before turning to look over his shoulder. “Yes?”

“I hope you treat my daughter well.”

Hayley must have reported the morning’s incident to Gordon.

Scott pivoted on his heel and offered a faint smile. “I’ll try my best.” It was a diplomatic answer. Yeah, Scott couldn’t really promise that. Gordon probably saw him as a jerk. Scott was sure Gordon knew his motive for accepting this arranged marriage.

Gordon stood his ground. “I’m not asking you to love her. Just... don’t hurt her.”

Scott hesitated. Honestly, he was surprised by Gordon’s confession.

So, it didn’t matter if Scott didn’t love his daughter?

“From the beginning, I supported you becoming the Alpha. Hugh shouldn’t have set that ridiculous condition. Didn’t he know you despise women?”

Scott frowned. Was Gordon implying that he was willing to let his daughter marry Scott, who didn’t love her, just so Scott could become the Alpha? Truly, Scott didn’t want to confirm that.

Scott clenched his jaw and looked into Gordon’s eyes. “Thank you for your support,” he said. “But I hope you won’t sacrifice anyone here just to pave the way for me to become Alpha.”

Gordon raised an eyebrow, then chuckled mockingly. “Are you sure your words aren’t misplaced? Aren’t you doing the same thing now?” Gordon pressed his lips into a thin line. “Do you think I’m unaware?”

The truth Gordon spoke rendered Scott speechless. He could only remain silent while attempting to maintain his gaze on Gordon.

The drizzle grew heavier, and they still stood in Scott’s house yard.

“I don’t have a problem with that. You’re using Hayley. But remember, treat her well.”

Scott’s shoulders tensed. His hands clenched even tighter.

Gordon sighed and relaxed his stern expression. “See you at the event tomorrow.” Then he turned around and walked away from Scott.

Scott didn’t wait for Gordon to disappear from his sight. He immediately ran into the house to shower and change clothes.

The conversation with Gordon earlier had disturbed him, but more than that, it was the girl named Ciara who was occupying Scott’s thoughts now.

The underground prison was cold, and Ciara had only a blanket on. She must be hungry too...

Scott growled and cursed at himself.

What was he really thinking now?

Ciara, that girl, was a rogue. She was dangerous. She had almost killed Scott. And what Ciara had done to Scott should have been more than enough to make him hate her. But why was his wolf now urging Scott to think about Ciara’s condition? They should share the same hatred for that girl.

Scott should—

A thunderous roar made Scott’s mind pause for a moment. He was having dinner in the dining room when lightning flashed from the window across the table. Thunder struck again, this time so loudly that it rattled the glass windows.

Was the cabin safe? If he recalled correctly, the underground prison would get wet during rain, and there were a few leaky parts on the roof...

“Argh. Fuck.”

Scott slammed the fork and knife from his hands and ran out of the dining room.