Prologue
¶Scarlet Lockwood Pov¶
" I want to talk to you regarding something.It's actually that....I.. I thought maybe it would be great if I..."
" I am 25 already and girls at my age search for suitors to get married and settle down."
"The Beta of Silvermoon pack proposed and he is a really nice person. So I...can I marry you?"
Aghhh Scarlett! What are you even saying! You suc* at it! Admit it!
"It's not marry you ! It's marry him! "
If this is how it goes, I am sure he will throw me out himself! Focus Scar focus! You need to do this! Come on!
Women up!
"Sh**!"
I curse seeing the water overflow from the bath tub ,I was preparing for him. Checking the temperature with my fingers, I smile. Getting up.
"Perfect!"
"Now just the robe is left"
I look at my watch and I almost got a heartattack! The meeting got over 15 minutes ago! He can be here any second! I am late.
Taking out a freshly ironed Robe and placing it beside his changing station. I fold my hands.
Looking up to see everything perfect!
Done.
Sighing I walk out of the washroom, to settle down on his bed.
Waiting for him.
It's been 7 years, since I took the second most highest position in the pack. And I must admit I sucked at it in the first year.
But slowly I got a hold of it and look today.
I was thriving in it.
But Alas. I can't continue like this my whole life. And today?I am finally going to tell him this.
Alpha Leonardo Black.
The strongest Alpha in the world. With eyes blue as Pacific and persona cold as ice
Was an image to behold.
And a forbidden fruit as well, is what I like to call him.
Girls throw themselves at him, wherever we go. Considering that face and position.
But the very quality of him respecting them and keeping his distance from from them is what makes me respect and admire him more.
He was not a playboy who whores around with them
He was a man who knew how to protect his people and his pack. A man with strong commitment and morals.
A keeper,and any girl would be lucky to have him as a mate.
But I guess I wasn't that lucky in this lifetime?
I have known him since we were kids, being the children of the Alpha and Beta.But our bond only strengthened 7 years ago, when we lost our father's to a pack war.
Making both of us take over the position after our father's.
But no matter how good of a partners we are,he always set the boundaries.
Limiting our relationship to purely business.
When for me, it has always been more than it.
The thought of going away from him, made a heaviness to settle in my chest but I stop myself.
We can't go soft Scarlett. We have to leave him. It's for our own good.
I am not his mate, and this reason alone is enough for me to leave him before I loose myself for him.
"Get me the blueprint of the latest territories being allocated to the packs."
"And a hot coffee please."
I hear his heavy voice and I bolt up from the bed immediately.
Turning around to be a captive of those entrancing blue eyes. My heart betraying me again, to thud faster.
He had creases on his forehead , as he continues to order me.
While I? Again get lost in his eyes. Does he care for me? Would it affect him when I leave? Will he miss me or he will replace me and forget about me.
Will those 7 years of bond we share, mean nothing for him?
"Sky? "
I hear him call me. And I look up at him surprised. To just shake my head and nod at him.
"I heard you Leo. I will get it done."
He barely nods, looking at his watch. To only fumble with his shirt cuffs, an irritated look covering his features and I smile.
It's still the same, since he was a kid. He hates to cuff these buttons.
"Wait. Let me."
I offer. To only have him nod. Extending his arms,to hurry up with it. Our skins come in contact, to feel nothing.
And I again feel sadness to wash over me.
How I wished there were those sparks I heard everyone talk about.
I wish I was his mate.
"Can you remove this too Sky? I just hate them."
He says, showing my his tie knot. And I nod. Stepping closer to him.
Silence stretches between us as I remove it , and I thought this to be the perfect opportunity.
Come on Scar! You can do it!
Looking up at his handsome face, I gulp seeing his blue eyes fixed on a point on the wall . And I clear my throat, before starting.
"Leo, I wish to talk to you regarding son-"
"Did you got the invitation sent for the lunch tomorrow."
He says interrupting me and I nod.
"I did"
"The Riverwood pack? Have you called their Beta and told them we will be coming tomorrow?"
"I did."
"I want to say that-"
He interrupts me again. And I sigh. How can this man always thinks about pack duties!
"The meeting was a success today. I didn't expected but it turned out well. You are to prepare the contract for our new deal as well okay?"
"Yes Alpha"
"Now can I sp-"
"Get my lunch here in my room after I finish with the bath."
With this, he takes the tie from my hands and proceeds towards the wardrobe. To have me literally scream after him.
"I am leaving Leo. I am going tomorrow!"
He stops to look at me over his shoulder. To only nod.
"Fine. You worked hard the entire last week. You can take a leave."
I just blink. No...I wasn't talking of a day or two. I talk of eternity. Why are you making it so difficult for me.
Moving my head in a no, I take a deep breath to speak again.
"I am going for forever! I am getting married to the Beta of Thunder pack."
His back stiffens and I swear, I felt the aura of the room change in a second.
There is silence as neither of say anything.Until he speaks the words that made my heart to freeze.
"You can't"
What? Why? I can't suffer anymore! Why doesn't he understand.
"Why not Leo? I can't live my entire life like this! As the Beta of your pack."
He doesn't say anything. His silence more scary than his words. And I continue, trying to convince him.
"I also have dreams Leo.I wish to be a caring wife and a nurturing mother in the future!"
"And it's possible only if I resign from my position."
My voice turns low till the end.
I see him clench his fist and wonder if the news affects him? Does he care? Will he stop me from going?
Looking at me over his shoulder, he turns around. And I lower my eyes, afraid of showing him the tears lining my eyes.
"I thought you were happy here Sky. What happened suddenly?"
Looking at my shoes, I gulp before starting. Finding it very difficult to put my emotions into words.
"Nothing happened suddenly. I wanted to say this to you for a long time now...I can't live my entire life alone...like this?"
I speak lowly. Afraid that if I will shout. My tears will betray me.
"You are not alone Sky. You never were. We have been the Beta and Alpha for last 7 years!"
"We have made our pack the strongest packs in the world!"
"How can you leave everything like this?"
See this is what hurts more. He only cares about the pack. He never cared about me. And he is stopping me just because I am a good Beta. Not because I am his Sky.
"I am sorry Leo. But I have to go"
Turning around,I was going to rush out. With tears falling down my eyes. When his Alpha tone made me stop.
"I said you are not going anywhere Sky.Don't you understand?"
Why Leo? Why are you stopping me. If you don't care. Then why?
"I am no longer obliged to listen to your orders Alpha. I am going."
I speak in finality.To only hear the entire wooden wardrobe come smashing down behind me. Making me flinch.
He doesn't stop there though.
Uprooting the entire room. He smashes the glass bottles and starts breaking everything.
While I look at him in shock.Rushing towards him.
"Leo stop! What are you doing!"
He shows me his hand, stopping me from touching him. And I feel that pang of pain hit my chest again.
"Don't."
Retreating my fingers and fisting them beside me. I see him continuing to break everything.
To only look at me with murderous eyes and roar in a voice laced in coldness.
"Get out Sky!"
"But Leo-"
"I said get the hell out!"
His Alpha command. Made me bow to him. And with a heavy heart, I walk over the broken pieces of glass with tears falling down my eyes.
Letting him destroy everything behind.
I am sorry Leo. But I have to do this.
You may hate me for it. But it will be still better than my love for you.
When I will be nothing more that a Beta girl for you.
Scarlett's pov“Scar! You are late!”One of the oldest head maids of our pack, Mrs Fernandes says and I rush towards the kitchen. Holding the counter to breathe.“Wh…where is it?”I ask, trying to catch my breath. To only have her motion towards the empty cup of coffee placed on the counter, along with coffee beans and milk.I look at her, to only sigh.“You didn’t make it? “She just shrugs her shoulders to continue chopping the vegetables.“For a change I did Scar. But he wants coffee especially made by your hands.”“He made me drink it instead”I wanted to roll my eyes at Leo's childish behaviour.Is this man serious?“Fine! I will make it. Anyways, it’s the last time I will be making it for him.”I say the last line lowly, to suddenly feel bad. Oh come on Scar! Don’t tell me you will get
Luna Rose is like the mother I never had. She may be the former Luna and Leo’s mom, but she has always loved me like her own child.I sit with her in her cozy room, beside a bonfire. To see her making me a cup of tea.“Please sit Luna. Wait let me-““Relax my child. You are always so busy working with my Son and taking all the responsibility. Let me take care of you for once.”I smile. Sitting back down. Taking the cup from her hands.We continue to sit in silence.But I could tell that she wanted to say something. She looked worried.“What’s it Luna? You look worried about something?”She smiles, holding my hand in hers. To look into my eyes.“Nothing is hidden from you Scarlett. I may have not given birth to you, but I always considered you like my daughter.”“Someone I can share my worries with, someone to expect from.”I furrow my brows, gi
Leonardo’s pov“Please Miss Stella. It’s just salad. I will ask the chef to prepare a new one for you. Just-““No! I don’t want anything from you! How dare you use goat cheese when I am allergic to it! I could have died dammit!”I just sigh looking at the chaos around. There girls and their drama,I just hate it. Now you understand, why I don’t want to get mated to these pretty princesses? The majority are like this.“Calm down daughter, I am sure it was a mistake. The young man is apologizing already-“The Alpha, the girls father says. But she pays no heed to him. Bashing and humiliating Noah.While I just stand there, leaning on a wall. With my arms folded in front of me.I hear heavy footsteps approaching, and seeing that calm smiling face. All my worries vanish.She is here.“Miss Stella! Oh what happened
I thought I will spent my last week here, off my duties and in rest. To finally leave. But how wrong I was.It seemed the Alpha had some personal vindictive against me.“What are you even teaching him? Is this the combination I wear? A blue tie with a crème shirt? “You see this. He is scolding both Noah and me. With neither of us saying anything.“I am sorry Alpha. I didn’t kno-““Shut up! I didn’t ask for your apology. Go and get this ironed.”He throws his tuxedo at Noah, to have him scram. Leaving both of us together. I was going to turn around and leave as well. To be only stopped.“And you? I know you are off duty now but it doesn’t mean you slack around doing nothing! Teach this fools Noah better and accompany me on the meeting with the new Alpha of our neighbouring pack.”I couldn’t refute. Keeping in my retort. I barely nod.“Ye
Scarlett povMy heart was rampaging inside my chest, with each step he took closer to me. His crystal blue eyes looking darker ,as they were set on me.Intimidating me." A- Alpha?"I stutter. Gulping. As he stops in front of me. Not saying anything. Just staring." Are you fine?"I manage to ask. Trying to ease the atmosphere. But he didn't wanted it. Stepping more closer to me, he invades my personal space.Making me hold my breath. Sh**! He looks so angry! I have never seen him like this!" No one talks to me the way you did Scarlet."" You of all people, must be knowing it"He says in a domineering voice and I gulp, lowering my eyes. He is using my name...he never used it before. I am dead. Oh moongoddess! Save me! Why did I have to talk to him like that!" Leo- um I...I just-"" Shut up"He seethes and I feel my ent
Leo's povHer lips were soft, almost melting under the dominance of my warm ones. As I continue to devour her sweetness like a starved beast. Too shocked, she doesn't respond. When I slip my hands under her shirt. To rub circles on her back. Making her gasp.Taking this as an opportunity. I slide in my tongue. And she kisses me back. Making a warmness to rush inside me.Fuc*! This felt so perfect.Exploring each and every corner. I see her struggling to breathe. And I break our kiss. But only for few seconds. Smashing my lips back on her pump ones. I go oblivious of everything.How can one be so perfect. How can I let her go now, that I have had a taste of her.Damn. I never knew I could feel like this for her, for my own Beta." Le-o"She almost moans. And as if a bucket of cold water is thrown on top of my head. I freeze. What am I doing? She is just my Beta, Sky. She is not my mate. She is not my chosen.How...how can I loose control like this.Pulling back from the kiss. I stare a
Leo's povTo be honest. I don't know how long I stayed in the forest. Just walking around. Remembering the way it felt when I kissed her, feeling her skin against mine. Her moans ringing in my ears. Damn it! What's happening to me? She is not even my mate! Then why do I feel like this for her?Why did it feel so right when this was wrong in every way. Why I even forced her to accept that she felt something for me. Why do I needed her to reciprocate?And why did it hurt so bad when she rejected.Now that my mind is clear. I realise. She was not wrong. Being the logical one. She again listened to her brain rather than her heart.She wanted me to save myself for my Mate. But that's where the problem lies. 27 years of age and I still haven't found her.What if I never found her?Scar could have been a perfect Luna. But again she was not a replacement. She shouldn't be the second. Being the previous person she is. She deserves to me a man's first.Her mate's Chosen.
5 years Later Scarlett's pov" Table 5 Sky! Hurry up!"" Got it Ren!"Dashing through the crowded people. I make way towards the table. Balancing the drinks on the tray. To only find the men at the table looking back at me. Irritation evident." It's been half an hour girl. You went to the vineyards to get it or what?"One of them jokes and others chuckle. While I politely place down the glasses of vine on their tables. Bowing at them." Sorry for the delay Sir. Hope you enjoy your drinks."Without another word ,I turn around on my heel . To only feel a grip on my wrist. Stopping me." Why in a hurry now sweet little thing. Why don't you join us? I am sure we all won't mind a little company. Now would we?"Not this again! Aghhhh! Clenching my fist. I feel my skin burn where the man's fingers touched me. And I close my eyes. Breathing heavily.Control Scar.They are rogues. I shouldn't be messing with them. Stay low. Pretend to be a human like
Scarlett's povI enter our room to find no one around. A bit dark for me to see anything. Biting my lip I step forward to look around." Leo?"Before I know I feel a strong tug on my wrists. Pulling me back.And next I know soft lips smash on mine. Knocking off my breath." Le-"He doesn't even let me speak. Kissing me like he hasn't kissed in ages. His chest heaving and hands holding my face in his palms." 5 minutes 2 seconds my little mate"" Are you ready for your punishment?"He says not even letting me breathe. Pressing my back on the wall to place his other hand on my thigh. Pulling it up to have me wrap my one leg around him.His fingers lighting sparks up and down my thighs. " Ahh Leo... atleast let me bre...athe "I say pushing him back slightly. To have him grab my wrists in his other hand. Pinning them above my head.Looking right into my eyes.His eyes drifting to my lips and I heave heavily. Gulping air.Our eyes clashing.And once assured I have enough to
" If I didn't know you. One would think you were actually flirting with her you know."A smile tugs on Leonardo's lips. As he didn't had to turn to know who it was.His heart picking up pace and euphoria settling in his chest." And if I didn't know you. One would think you are actually avoiding your dear husband since 1 months straight."" With no phone calls, no texts, no visits nothing."Turning around Leo looks up to find her there. Wearing a long floor length red dress. Her hair open and her face covered in minimal make up. Not that she needed to apply any.Looking like the most beautiful women to him.Scratching her neck out of habit. She lowers her eyes. Her luscious lips opening and closing on their own accord. No words leaving her lips." The threat was real Leo...I am sorry...I just...we all got too lost in the mission."" I tried calling you though..but the signal was quite weak there."Getting up Leonardo approaches her. Her lowered eyes and anxious aura making him smirk.
5 years later" The council members is waiting for you in the ballroom your highness. "Leonardo stood there. Standing in front of a mirror. Looking handsome as always.Applying jell on a flick that was being stubborn as hell dropping on his forehead again and again.He barely acknowledged the guard. Just nodding at him." Fine"" Are the troops from northern expedition back, yet?"The guard just bows. Shaking his head in a no." I am afraid your Highness. No message has been received from them. "" Oh okay. You go inform them I am just coming."" Sure Sir"The guards leaves and Leo adjusts the tie on his neck. A black tuxedo on top of a light blue shirt.Pulling on the cuffs , he groans in irritation.Seeing them still undone.Fumbling with the button. He struggles to close it. Feeling sweat run down his forehead.Few minutes pass. His struggles in vain. When her thought hits him. Hard.Remembering her doing it for him.Her slender fingers brushing his wrists.Her fragrance envelopin
Scarlett’s footsteps slower down. Feeling a weird aura coming from behind her. Something didn't seemed right. She was to escape with Leo and everything was going to be fine.Hayden has assured her he will take care of everything.But the bigger question remained and that was how?Coming to a halt. She couldn't help look back over her shoulder at the huge castle like place surrounded in a deadly aura of darkness.“W-hat happened Scar?”She hears Leo's voice and she looks into his concerned eyes. “ Nothing....”Shaking away her worry. She almost scoffs at her own self. Was she really thinking about the man who kidnapped her and killed half of their kind?What was wrong with her.Even if he gets hurt she should deem that he deserved a great part of it. He was never a saint. A sinner instead.She has just taken one step forward, her hand tightly clenched in Leo's when a loud thrust of cohesive force hits them from behind making their bodies to topple forward.“ Ahhhh”“Shit!”They both e
Scarlett's povThe pain never came.I continue to stand there. Shivering, anticipating the worst. But that moment? It never came.My pounding heart , thudding in my ears was the evidence of me still breathing. Bring alive and I slowly open my eyes.To feel my blood run cold as I took in the scene.The sword was held by a hand inches away from my face. The sharpened blade of it , making drops of blood to fall down on my face.Looking further up I find those grey eyes looking at me in despondence. And I let go of the rugged breath I was holding onto." H- Hayden?"He has saved me,again. But why? Why does he always protects me. I just rooted a knife into his torso and tried to kill him. Why was he still giving a damn about me.I could tell Leo behind me was as surprised as I was.Staring at the King of darkness protecting us." Y-your high-ness?"The guard stutters pathetically. Dropping his grip on the knife to step back immediately. Bowing." Aplo-gies your high-ness.
My throat was crude ,my lips parched as I look at the inhumanity in front of me with teary eyes. How can they be so callous? I thought Hayden was not that bad. That he will never intentionally hurt me. But today all my beliefs shattered. Each time the whip made contact with Leo's skin it felt like a part of me was pulled apart. But Leo, he didn't cry. Not even once a cry of pain left his lips. One would think he wasn't even harmed but one look at the blood seeping down his back to pool on the floor. And the moisture in his eyes and one could tell ,he was veiling it all to well behind a mask of coldness. He has mastered the art of hiding his pains. " Hayden please! Leave him! What do you even want dammit!" I scream writhing in my seat. Making the ropes to bruise my wrists. The pain nothing compared to the torment Leo was going through.Hayden doesn't respond. Not doing anything. His grey orbs remain fixed at my teary ones as he sees me plea
Scarlett's povMy mind was numb and eyes tearing as I move up my hand to feel his features. His brows, his nose...his lips.His hot unsteady breaths hitting my fingers as I break into sobs." Leo!!"I exclaim. Throwing myself on him. To press my cheeks against his chest. Hearing his heart beat. Leo was alive. Breathing.It was the best movement of my life.And for a second everything stood still. I didn't cared about where we were or what was to happen. It was just me and him. " I...am so sorry for leaving you Leo...I am so sorry... please forgive me..."" I...I... don't know what came over me...I never wanted revenge Leo... "" You are hurt... it's all because of me! I should have been there with you!"" I am so sorry!"" Shhh Sky. Look at me."Lifting up my tears eyes. I look into his calm ones to take notice of dried blood on his face, torso, arms, shoulder. Everywhere.He was hurt severely.Since how many days have they kept him here?With hands tied above his head
Scar was sitting in front of a mirror. Staring at the white dress that adored her thin frame. It was off shoulder. A diamond necklace lined along her neckline. Highlighting her long neck.Maids were making her hair. While few others were dabbing make up on her face to hide her dark circles." Isn't she looking beautiful?"" The King will be so happy to see her."They exclaimed. Talking amongst themselves. While Scar could only see a lost broken women staring back at her in the mirror.Her eyes looking dead. These cosmetics doing nothing to hide the sadness in those brown eyes." The ceremony is going to begin. Girls. Is she ready?"" Yes Sir"Hayden's Beta stood at the door. And Scar couldn't help look at him.Speaking up after a very long time." Can...can I talk to you? Alone?"The Beta looked surprised. The girl barely spoke anything to them. What could be so urgent now.Dismissing the maids he steps in. Nodding at her." What's it?"Getting up. Scar approaches him. To look into h
Few days passed. The war has ended and the werewolves that survived, were in hiding. Trying to go as far away in the human lands they could.Knowing it was safe there.Hayden wanted to celebrate their victory. To enjoy the fulfillment of his long awaited dream. But somehow. He felt a weird emptiness in his heart.The emptiness that she brought in.Whenever he looked into her dead ,lost and sad brown orbs. He didn't felt victorious. Instead he felt he has lost. He felt weak and vulnerable.It was late at night. He was done with his work. Walking down the stairs to reach his chambers. He takes a deep breath before rotating the door knob. Stepping in to silence.His eyes stop at the figure laying on his bed.Not having moved from there since last few days. Silken sheets covering her up till her waist. Her long hair sprawled behind her head. As she slept like a baby.Palms folded. Resting under her cheek.Looking beside her. He found her plate untouched. Along with the medicine. And he s