Chapter 3

One Week Later

Scarlett kept glancing at the wall clock as she brushed her hair in front of the mirror. It was her first day at work, and she couldn't comprehend how the hell she woke up later than she was supposed to. She had literally slept with a smile on her face due to how excited she was about it. Yet, she woke up a bit late.

Done with her hair, she styled it into a ponytail and added some oil to it to give it a sheen finish. Then, she gave herself one final scrutiny in the mirror.

She was robed in a black turtle-neck shirt, tucked into a black pair of trousers and black boots to match. Her hair had been dyed black, and she fixed dark lenses as well.

She was perfect - she thought. Looked just like the right warrior that could protect the pack.

Her hand moved up to her bare neck. The sting returned immediately, reminding her of the fact that she'd lost her precious necklace. She missed it and wished she wasn't so careless with it.

No doubt, she'd left it at the suite with the strange man. By the time she realized it was missing, it was too late to go back for it as she was certain he'd have been awake by then. Now, she was full with nothing but regrets.

It was the most precious thing she had, growing up. Her foster parents said it was around her neck when they found her as a baby, just outside their apartment. And since the pendant had the inscription of 'Scar' on it, they decided to name her Scarlett.

It was pure gold, but she's never made an attempt to sell it 'cause she felt one day, it might lead her to biological parents who abandoned her. But now, she's lost it. How perfect.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bag and darted out of the room.

***

The ride to the Pack house was a long one. It was actually Scarlett's first time going to the pack house, so she was a bit excited.

Her cab stopped at the gate and she had to show her ID to the men at the gate before walking in.

The place was extremely big and beautiful. It was actually the most expensive Pack house in the country. Well, the Shadowfang Pack was known for being extremely rich.

Only the workers of the Pack and high ranking members had the privilege of living in the pack house. Regular members lived like every other person and could only come to the pack house if summoned. It's always been Scarlett's dream to work and live in the pack house. Hopefully, things go as planned for her and she doesn't have to be as unlucky as she's always been with men.

"Are you among the new employee for the security team?" A lady walked upto her and asked, tho she had a straight face.

"I am." Scarlett replied.

"Come with me, please."

She took Scarlett round the building and arrived at a wide field where close to twenty people were already waiting.

"Wait here with the others." The lady informed her and left.

The people in the field were a mix of boys and girls, and Scarlett knew instantly that they were just like her - new hires. She could recognize most of them from the selection.

They threw derogatory stares at her and acted like she was a plaque. Well, she might not know every one of them, but a lot of people knew her because she was the only one who wasn't from a noble family.

Getting into the Royal team required strong connection, and if it wasn't for Zeke's recommendation, she'd have never earned a spot in the selections in the first place.

Well, even if they disliked her so much, they were careful enough not to say tantrums in her presence. They knew how much of a crazy fighter she was.

Keeping an I-don't-give-a-fuck-what-you-think-about-me expression, Scarlett walked further into the field and found a place to lean on. She could feel all eyes on her but didn't care.

People - especially ladies - chatted in groups. Being alone, Scarlett's mind unwillingly turned it's gaze towards the event from that night.

It's been over a week, and heaven knows how much Scarlett had tried to stop thinking about it, about him. Although, she was dizzy and couldn't make out his face, his touch was unforgettable. He was the sweetest and strongest man she's ever encountered, she never wanted it to end. It's quite unfortunate that happy endings were never for her.

Her wolf, Alexa, had been pestering her since then to find him. Alexa's so sure he's her mate, but Scarlett wasn't ready for another heartbreak.

Even there, as she waited in the field, the desperate wolf wouldn't keep shut.

"You need to find him, Scarlett. He might be different." She keeps growling.

Two people walked in shortly, and with the way they appeared, it was obvious they were not regular members.

Those that had been sitting and sagging against something stood upright immediately to face them, including Scarlett.

One of them stepped out, and he looked more manly and authoritative. Scarlett was a bit curious about who he was. He had broad shoulders and wouldn't be exempted from the good-looking list.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen." He spoke with a warm inflection. "My name is Rick, and I'm the King's beta."

Obviously. That explains why he looked so manly like a sentinel.

"I want to congratulate you, first of all, for making it to the pack team. This is no small achievement, and your service to the pack will greatly be awarded.

"The King will be here soon. He's in need of a personal assistant and one of you here might just be the lucky one."

Light whispers rippled through. Excitement oozed from the people around. Being a personal assistant to the Alpha was definitely going to be their greatest pleasure.

"And while you wait for him, do well to hide your scent. You know what can happen if a scent gets misleading. Trust me, you wouldn't want to get into trouble in the presence of the King. You must hide your scent at all time when you're around him."

Most wolves tend to release more hormones, and sometimes, it triggers the opposite sex even if they're not mates. It's a crazy incidence, that was obviously the reason the king didn't want to experience it.

"Perfect." Scarlett muttered under her breath. Finally, she had a reason to keep Alexa shut.

Alexa tried to protest, but instantly, Scarlett locked her up. That should do for the rest of the day.

"Any questions?" Rick asked, sliding his gaze through the crowd.

"No. We're good." Few of them mumbled.

"Good." He turned around and left. .

****†****†

He flipped through the pages of the book, searching for the page he wanted. A cold aura surrounded him, the constant growling of his wolf got him even more irritated.

Someone knocked on his door shortly, and from her scent, he knew it was Winter.

"Come in." He answered coldly, his eyes and fingers still on his book.

The door creaked open and the twenty-six year old lady walked in, looking like an absolute damsel. She was dressed in a short black dress that hugged her body perfectly and accentuated her curves. Winter had the shape of an hourglass.

She sauntered into the room and lowered her head when she stood in front of the Alpha.

"Good morning, my king. Sorry to bother you, but the new hires are actually here and ready to receive you." She spoke so softly, her voice was more than soothing to the ears.

Kellan lifted his gaze at her. His eyes were devoid of warmth.

"How many are they?" He asked grumpily.

"About twenty-three."

He nodded and returned his gaze to his book. Twenty-three. That would strengthen their security system in different parts of the city to prevent their people from rogue attacks that's been happening lately.

He seemed to have found the page he wanted, because he drew his book and pen and scribbled something on it.

Winter looked at him with so much admiration. Her stomach bubbled with excitement, she imagined what it would be like sitting on his thighs and getting to straddle him.

Her eyes caught sight of the necklace on the table, and her excitement died down immediately.

"Um... my King" she feigned a smile. "Are you still... looking for her?"

Kellan looked at her, and following her eyes, he noticed she was staring at the necklace. He picked it up and shoved into one of his drawers.

"Of course. I'm never giving up on her." He answered lowly.

Winter's heart sank into her stomach. The thought of it alone drove her nuts, she fisted her hands beside her.

It all started a week ago when he claimed he met a lady who was his fated mate. But she ran away from him and the only thing he had left of her was her necklace. Since then, he's had men searching for her - using the description of a unique lady with red hair and red pupils. How on earth can he be fated to such a strange lady? It was absurd.

Earnestly, Winter prayed he doesn't find her. She's always admired the King and believed they'd make a good pair. Since she's yet to find her mate, she was convinced the King was her mate somehow. She wanted him for herself, and there was no way she was letting a weird-looking lady take him from her. She believed it was only a matter of time before he gives up on looking for her.

Kellan rose to his feet when he was done with his book. He walked out the door with Winter following behind, and they met Rick already waiting outside.

Together, they left for the field. They were all careful around him. Since the loss of the mysterious girl, he's become extremely cold and grumpy. They couldn't fathom how special she was that she had been able to have such impact on him in just one night.

Scarlett and the others were still waiting patiently when the King arrived. He entered with four people behind him, and it wasn't difficult identifying him as the king as he possessed a magnetic allure that set him apart.

For a moment, Scarlett's heart skipped a few beats. It was her first time meeting the King of the Capital pack, and the man before her was extremely gorgeous! She had no idea someone could look so perfect.

His features were sculpted with a touch of artistry that crafted a portrait of unrivaled handsomeness. She's never seen anyone like him.

They were already standing upright as he walked in and stood in front of them. His hands were crossed behind his back, unveiling the expanse of his commanding chest and shoulders.

"Good morning, my king." They chorused, trying to put up their best mood.

Kellan moved his eyes around in scrutiny, pleased with what he saw. His people had definitely made a good selection this year. But, looks weren't enough. He needed to see their skills as well.

He was about turning to Rick when something gripped his attention. Not something, but someone from the crowd.

He paused and furrowed his brows, wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him.

From the back where she stood, Scarlett didn't want to believe that the Alpha was staring at her. But his eyes were too directed on her, it got her puzzled.

The people around began to notice the King's focused stare, but they couldn't tell who exactly he was looking at her.

Kellan was confused. The lady right there - why did she look so much like the very one he's been looking for?