ScarlettMy hands shook as I locked Sweet Escape’s door, the key scraping against the lock three times before I finally managed to turn it. Finn’s scent still lingered in the air – pine and smoke and everything I’d tried so hard to forget. Ray whimpered inside me, already mourning his departure all over again.The street lights cast long shadows as I hurried away from the café, my heels clicking against the pavement in an uneven rhythm. Every shadow made me flinch, every rustle of leaves had me looking over my shoulder. After five years of careful anonymity, I felt exposed, raw, as if Finn’s appearance had stripped away all my carefully constructed defenses.“Scarlett!”I nearly jumped out of my skin before recognizing Alisha’s voice. She jogged toward me, her usual smile fading as she caught sight of my face. “I was just coming to meet you. Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”“In a way, I have.” My voice sounded strange even to my own ears - hollow, distant. “We need to
ScarlettAutumn faded into winter, and Sweet Escape continued to flourish despite my lingering fears. Each morning, I’d pause before unlocking the café doors, half-expecting to see Finn’s silhouette through the glass, but he kept his word. He didn’t return.Life returned to its usual routine – the hustle of morning commuters in need of their coffee, the calm of afternoon regulars working on their laptops, and the contentment of tallying up the day’s profits.Sometimes, I could almost convince myself that his visit had been nothing more than a dream, if not for the way Ray still stirred restlessly on quiet evenings, searching for a scent that was no longer there.“You know,” Alisha said one morning as we prepped for opening, her hands expertly weaving through the morning pastry routine we’d perfected over the years, “I was worried you’d want to run again after he showed up. But staying? That was the right call.”“Running once was survival. Staying is something else entirely.”“Somethin
Scarlett“Alpha Dickson isn’t someone who gives up easily,” Alisha said, her fingers nervously tapping against her coffee mug.I lifted my gaze to meet hers. “What exactly are you trying to say?”“The letter, Scarlett.” Her voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You know what he’s capable of.”“So what would you have me do?” Heat crept into my voice. “Crawl back to that hell? Let him treat me like his property again?”“God, no!” Alisha’s eyes widened in horror. “That’s not what I meant at all. I’m just worried he might track you down here.”I straightened my shoulders, feeling the new strength that coursed through my veins. “Let him try. I’m not the same weak wolf he knew. Peter’s training has made sure of that.” The letter from Dickson still burned in my memory, though I couldn’t fathom how he’d managed to have it delivered. One thing was certain – I’d rather die than return to his pack, to the nightmare I’d escaped.“My life belongs to me now,” I declared. “No one else gets to de
ScarlettMy blood turned to ice in my veins. Dickson’s grip tightened around my arm, his fingers digging into my flesh like claws.“Did you really think you could hide from me forever?” he asked, his voice a silky whisper that carried more menace than any shout. “That you could just walk away from what’s mine?”I tried to yank my arm free, but his grip was like iron. “I’m not yours,” I spat, summoning every ounce of contempt I could muster. “I was never yours.”His laugh was cold, devoid of any warmth. “Look at you, playing human in this pathetic little town. Running a coffee shop, training with that broken excuse for a warrior.” His eyes glinted dangerously. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out about him?”My heart skipped a beat. Peter. How long had Dickson been watching me?“You’ve been busy, Luna,” he continued, stepping closer until I could feel his breath on my face. “Making friends, building a life, pretending you’re free.” His free hand came up to brush my cheek, and I jerked aw
ScarlettI tried to move, but my limbs felt heavy, weighted down. Memories crashed over me in waves – Dickson, the confrontation, Alisha, the sudden attack from behind. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, a caged animal sensing danger.“She’s waking up,” a voice muttered nearby. Not Dickson’s. Not Alisha’s.I forced my eyes open, blinking against the harsh fluorescent light. I was in a room – no, a cell. White walls. A single metal door. No windows. The kind of place designed to hold someone against their will.My training with Peter kicked in. Stay calm. Assess. Survive.I looked around and finally located the source of the voice. A woman stood in the corner, staring at me with something that looked like pity.“Who are you?” My voice came out weak, unfamiliar. Something was wrong – I was never this powerless. My head throbbed with each heartbeat.“You don’t need to know who I am,” she replied softly. “Luna.”“Luna.” The name rolled off my tongue like poison – that cursed title. “I’
Scarlett“Ray,” I called, trying to connect with my wolf, but she only stirred.I didn’t know how long I lay there, my mind drifting in and out of consciousness as the wolfsbane poisoned my system. Hours? Days? Time lost all meaning in this windowless cell. The fluorescent lights never dimmed, creating an endless, artificial day that made it impossible to track time.Every so often, the elderly woman would return with another dose. She never spoke anymore, just administered the injection with trembling hands and sorrowful eyes. I’d stopped fighting - not because I’d given up, but because I needed to conserve what little strength remained.My wolf was still present but distant, like a faint radio signal struggling to break through static. The separation was more agonizing than the physical pain. We had always been inseparable, my wolf and I united in everything. Now, I felt empty, like a part of me was missing.Alisha’s betrayal burned worse than the wolfsbane. Five years ago, she’d be
DicksonFive Years AgoThe cell reeked of victory – her victory. I inhaled deeply, letting the rage build in my chest as I stared at the broken chains. Gone. She was gone. My fingers traced the metal bars she’d somehow managed to break, despite her weakening body.“Alpha,” Henry, my beta, approached with the caution of a man who’d seen my rage before. “We found evidence that—”“That one of my own servants helped her escape?” I turned slowly, enjoying how he flinched. “Yes, I’m aware. It must be that little maid – Alisha, the one I assigned to her.”“Should we hunt them down? We could—”“No.” I smoothed down my jacket, regaining my composure. Control was everything. “Let them run. Let them think they’ve won.”“But sir, after what she did to Vanessa…”My hand shot out, gripping his throat. “Don’t say her name.” I released him, watching him gasp for air. “My mistress’s death will be avenged, but not yet. Sometimes, Henry, the best revenge requires patience.”I walked to the window, looki
DicksonThe sound of Scarlett’s rebellion echoed in my mind as I walked down the corridor. My footsteps measured and precise. Her words – “I fucking hate you” – brought a smile to my face. Such spirit, even now. Breaking her would be even more satisfying than I’d imagined.“Alpha,” Henry approached, bowing his head. “The preparations are complete.”“And our guest?”“The warrior’s body has been... brought and displayed, as you ordered. When she’s moved to the viewing room, she won’t be able to miss it.”Perfect. I adjusted my cufflinks, imagining her reaction when she saw what remained of her precious trainer. “And Alisha?”“In the conditioning chamber, sir. She’s... resistant. Her body and brain are trying to fight off your manipulation.”I paused, turning to face him. “Resistant?” Henry wasn’t lying. The way she behaved in front of Scarlett made me realize there were still feelings.I thought she could be cold as ice when she confronted her, like I wanted. I thought she could say some
LucasWhen I was completely satisfied, I left the room with purposeful strides.Walking down the hallway toward my father’s chamber where his body lay, I could hear the shocked whispers about my inappropriate attire.Their disapproval washed over me like a sweet melody, but I didn’t give a damn about their pathetic opinions.“Alpha,” Jack greeted me as soon as I stepped in, his voice tight with barely contained anger.“Where is my father?” I asked, pretending not to notice.Jack’s eyes traveled slowly over my bright clothing, disgust visible in his gaze.Even when he didn’t speak, I already knew what churned behind those judgmental eyes. Why was I dressed like this, as if attending a celebration rather than mourning my own flesh and blood?“Why are you dressed like this, Lucas?” he asked, deliberately using my name instead of my title.“What dress?” I asked, looking down at myself. “The way I dress, is something wrong with that?” I enjoyed playing this game, forcing him to spell out h
Lucas“Please,” she began, her voice trembling with exhaustion. “Allow me to rest.”“Not until I’ve had my fill,” I replied coldly, a merciless gleam in my eyes as I grabbed her wrist with bruising force before pushing her to the sofa in my room. The fear in her eyes sent a thrill of dark satisfaction through me.“Ah,” she let out a scream as I took her again.When I was finally done using her for my pleasure, I rose to my feet, not sparing her a second glance.At last, I was about to go see my dead father—the moment I’d dreamed of for years. I strode toward the bathroom, my heart light with joy, but before I could enter, Monica’s voice stopped me.It was low and weak, barely a whisper, as if all life and energy had been drained from her.“Alpha.”“What is it?” I responded. I didn’t bother to hide my irritation—I wanted her to feel it cut through her.She whimpered. “Why are you suddenly behaving like this?”“Like a madman, right?” I fired back, a dangerous edge creeping into my tone.
LucasI watched Monica’s adoring gaze, her eyes filled with hope and affection.A victorious smirk crossed my face, knowing she was completely under my spell.Monica, someone I never took seriously. We’d spent time together just a few times, and now she couldn’t bear to leave my side.She even dared to dream of becoming my Luna. I had a pattern of pursuing those with little status in the pack ranking. It made it simpler to manipulate them after using them for my entertainment.She was just like everyone else I’d toyed with—just a temporary distraction and nothing more. A body.“I hope you won’t stop loving me, Alpha?” Monica purred beside me, her voice laced with lust.“Yes, darling,” I replied, my voice laced with honey-sweet affection. Even my performance surprised me sometimes.“Awwn,” she moaned, my fingers still inside her as we talked. “I love you, Alpha.”“I love you too, my honey,” I responded. These were the words she desperately wanted to hear, and I had no qualms about feed
Alaric“Alaric, do you truly think this will work?” Elena asked, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across my chest.I couldn’t suppress a scornful laugh. How could it possibly fail when the Alpha King himself had shown such interest in Scarlett?If I had known she would turn out to be such an amazing asset, I wouldn’t have gifted her to Dickson. I would have given her directly to the King. By now, I could have been enjoying royal status.My eyes drifted to Elena, my beautiful yet simple-minded stupid Luna. Without the memory-altering potion clouding her mind, she wouldn’t be this gentle and kind.I remembered all too well her incessant complaints about Nina’s situation; her tears, her accusations, her demands that I intervene.I had no choice but to clear off her memories. The only memories left for her now were that Nina was living happily with Lucas.That was all I wanted her to know. I blocked all other news, especially the bitter truth about Nina’s suffering in their pack.That wo
LeonardoEverything changed when I grew. I got stronger. Strong enough to protect myself. Strong enough to step over their blood towards the throne.Strong enough to tear out the hearts of those who crossed me. Strong enough to eliminate anyone who threatened what was mine.I had sworn never to show weakness again. To maintain power, I needed to be merciless. The bodies of treacherous women who had approached me with hidden daggers and poisoned smiles littered my past.Throughout my life, only my mother had ever shown me genuine love. Everyone else came with agendas—assassins sent by enemies or manipulators seeking to exploit my position.“Leonardo,” a voice called, soft as silk against my consciousness. “Are you with us?”I tried to open my eyes, but they were heavy.“My king,” another voice penetrated the darkness. “Can you hear me?”With tremendous effort, I forced my eyes open. The world swam in a blur, but the voices reached me with perfect clarity.“Is he responding?” someone as
LeonardoAs darkness enveloped me, memories of my mother, Rose, flooded my mind in vivid flashes. These were not distant recollections, but raw wounds that reopened with each heartbeat.She had been my anchor, the only source of kindness in this world. She would whisper reassurances that I was deserving of love, despite my father’s constant assertions to the contrary.But now, all I could see was her bloodied body, her once-radiant life extinguished by the man who should have protected her above all others—my father, Alexander.My mother was the epitome of beauty, not just in her looks - her golden hair and piercing eyes made her the envy of all women in the kingdom - but also in the radiant glow of her spirit.She was the rightful Queen, the beloved daughter of King Hunter and Queen Mia, adored by everyone who knew her, except for the one who had promised to cherish her.My father never cared about her royal lineage. He resented her status, power, and the adoration people had for her
Leonardo“But...” I let my gaze drift around the room as if concerned about being overheard. “Don’t you think she will suspect I was behind it?”He waved his hand dismissively. “No, we won’t make it obvious. I will perfect everything. I have done this before, and I can do it again, my King. I will do anything to see you happy with the woman you love.”“Really?” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice.Now there was no need to reveal that I already had Scarlett imprisoned in my palace. I could use this greedy fool to eliminate her mate while keeping my own hands clean in her eyes.“Yes, my King.” His voice grew animated with bloodlust. “All I need to do is plant some treason papers in his pack. Then you can order the palace guards to search his territory. They’ll capture him and rip his head off right there...”He trailed off, his excited eyes meeting mine, seeking approval. “Then we can destroy his pack to eliminate any future problems. You just have to leave everything to me. I
LeonardoEverything is getting interesting. The look on Scarlett’s face as I departed made everything crystallize; it clicked the final piece of the puzzle that had been nagging at me for weeks.She and her father were never close—not from the start, according to my spies. And with the way things stand now, everything is working in my favour.I turned around and left with my Beta.“Where is he?” I asked, walking as fast as my legs could carry me.“In the throne palace,” Giovanni replied, struggling slightly to match my frantic pace.“Good.” We walked in tense silence, the corridor stretching before us like the path to my victory.Upon reaching the throne palace, the guards snapped to attention, their eyes lowered in deference and fear—exactly as they should be.“Here comes the King,” they announced in perfect unison.The massive doors swung open, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately finding him.Alaric BlackstoneMy soon-to-be father-in-law.He immediately rose to his feet. I cou
Leonardo“This is interesting.”My body went into shock. I flinched violently, my blood turning to ice in my veins. That voice—I would recognize it anywhere, even in the depths of hell itself.My Scarlett.I turned around slowly, composing my features into what I hoped was a charming smile, though my heart hammered against my ribs like a war drum.“Having sex with a whore in the hallway. What a king you are.” Her words dripped with venom.“Who do we have here?” I asked with feigned innocence, desperately trying to salvage what little dignity remained. “My love.”The endearment felt hollow on my tongue as I forcefully pulled Mira’s hand away from me. Disgust radiated through me at the contact I had sought moments before.“My king,” Mira whimpered, her voice small and fearful.I turned back to her, my gaze hardening to steel. Without a single word, I made my message crystal clear: make Scarlett unhappy, and I’ll end your miserable life.Mira’s mouth snapped shut, terror blooming in her