All Chapters of Scarlett (Second Edition): Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Lucian’s POVStanding outside Scarlett’s door, listening to her muffled sobs, a weight settled heavily in my chest. I’d wanted to hurt her, but hearing her cry because of me—knowing I was the one inflicting this pain—brought no satisfaction. Against my better judgment, I stayed, drawn by the pull of the mate bond and by something else, something I didn’t want to name.Through the door, her soft, broken voice reached me, a bitter question tearing through the silence. *“Why?”* she whispered, the word laced with hurt and confusion. She was asking why this was happening, why I was treating her this way. I wanted to hate her, to let my anger drown any sense of sympathy, but the truth was becoming painfully clear. Scarlett had never done anything to deserve this. Aside from rejecting the bond, she hadn’t wronged me. Yet here I was, bound to Stasia, using her to punish Scarlett for things beyond her control. I’d hurt her, and for what? To satisfy my grudge?Tiger’s voice slipped into my mind

Scarlett’s POVWaking up in Lucian’s arms, I felt a strange calm. His presence felt different—softer, protective, even—yet I could barely process it. My body tensed, wary that this was a mistake, that he’d Realise where he was and lash out. I shifted carefully, wanting to put some distance between us before things turned ugly, but as I moved, his eyes opened. He looked at me with a gentleness I hadn’t seen before, his lips curling into a small smile. I glanced around the room, half-convinced I was still dreaming.“Alpha Lucian,” I stammered, feeling my heart race as he sat up, his gaze steady and calm.“Scarlett,” he said softly, his tone free of the bitterness I was used to. I opened my mouth to speak, to ask the question hanging in my mind, and before I could stop myself, it spilled out.“What about…” I hesitated, but I had to know. “What about Stasia?”His expression didn’t shift. “I asked her to leave,” he said simply. “It’s over.”I blinked, absorbing his words. He had fought so

Scarlett’s POVWhen we reached a secluded part of the woods, Lucian gently set me down and started taking off his clothes. My immediate reaction was to look away, my cheeks flushing. His amused chuckle broke the silence.“Come on, don’t act like you’ve never seen a naked man before,” he teased, and the heat in my cheeks deepened. But as he undid his belt, something shifted. I could sense the change in his energy, and a silence stretched between us. I felt him approach from behind, his warmth radiating as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into an embrace.“Mint,” he murmured, inhaling deeply as if savouring my scent. I smiled softly, realising for the first time that this simple, intimate connection between us felt… right.“Scarlett, are you shy?” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My body responded, a deep ache growing within me, and I couldn’t hide the sudden flush of desire that overtook me. Lucian gently turned me to face him, his

Clay’s POVLucian’s announcement had stunned me. Of all of us, he was the last I expected to accept Scarlett. For so long, he’d been consumed with resentment, determined to push her away and make her suffer. Yet here he was, embracing his bond with her, even before Maxwell and me. I couldn’t wrap my head around it.“How?” I asked, my voice full of disbelief as I let my bag fall to the floor, too shocked to keep holding it.Lucian met my gaze, his expression raw and unguarded. “The same reason neither of you could let her go,” he said quietly, his honesty catching me off guard. “I realised there was no point holding a grudge against her. Tiger wouldn’t allow it, and I couldn’t keep resisting the bond.” He paused, searching for the right words. “The goddess tied us together, and I’ve come to believe there’s a reason for that. It’s time I stop punishing myself—and her. I decided it was time to accept Scarlett as my mate.”I could see the sincerity in his eyes, something I hadn’t seen in

Scarlett’s POVHearing Clay’s voice in my head first thing in the morning was both comforting and exciting. His tone, deep and just a little playful, tugged at something in my chest, making my heart flutter. The memory of Lucian’s arms around me last night filled me with warmth, but the thrill of having Clay at my door made me feel a different kind of anticipation.“I’m at your door, Scarlett. Open up, or I’ll break it down,” he teased, and I couldn’t help but laugh, his humour chasing away any lingering sleepiness. When I opened the door, there he was, looking effortlessly attractive in blue jeans and a simple white shirt. The air outside was brisk, but he seemed unfazed, his cinnamon scent mingling with the aroma wafting from a picnic basket he held.I let him in, and he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, his lips warm against my skin. I excused myself to freshen up, and his scent lingered, taking over my senses. I quickly showered and dressed in layers, knowing how bitterly cold it