Chapter 13: Painful Choices
(Scarlett’s POV).
I stood by the window,leaning slightly against the frame, and watched as Alexander spoke on the balcony. His phone was pressed to his ear, glowing faintly in the moonlight. His posture was rigid, shoulders tense, and every now and then his free hand would run through his dark hair in frustration
Grace’s voice came through faintly from the other end of the call. Though I couldn’t hear her words, I could guess their meaning by the way Alexander’s expression constantly shifted. Anger, guilt, tenderness, and then back to guilt. It was almost like watching a puppet being pulled by invisible.
strings.
For a brief moment, I wondered what it would feel like to care. To truly care about a man like Alexander. If I had ever loved him, maybe watching this
scene would’ve shattered my heart. But all it did was leave me with batter disdain.
Instead, my thoughts wandered elsewhere, unbidden.
A face I had trained myself not to think of appeared in my
mind–Roman
My adoptive brother from the Thom Pack, the man who had been more than just family, I wondered if he had found his destined mate, or if like Alexander, he’d been forced into a political marriage.
I shook my head, dispelling the memories. It didn’t matter anymore. Those days were long gone.
The sharp ring of a phone broke through my thoughts. The sound startled me at first before I realized it was Alexander’s. He had left it on the living
room table when he stormed out to take Grace’s call. The screen lit up with the words: “James Amber.”
I raised
I raised an eyebrow. The Alpha King himself–how fitting. Alexander hesitantly glanced at me from the balcony, then ended his call with Grace before
stepping back into the room to answer his father.
“Father, Alexander said as he lifted the phone to his ear. His tone was flat, but I saw the tension in his jaw.
James’s voice carried through the line, authoritative and sharp even without the speakerphone. “Alexander, we have a problem”
“I’m aware, Alexander replied, immediately defensive.
“Then why hasn’t it been handled yet?” James’s tone sharpened further. These rumors about breaking the engagement cannot continue. The Parliament is already on edge. Have you done anything to contain this?”
“–“Alexander began, but his father’s voice cut him off.
“No excuses,” James barked. “The marking ceremony
many must
go
forward as planned. This alliance is critical to our territories, and I won’t allow your
personal mess to derail decades of strategy”
Alexander rubbed his temple, his frustration clear. “It’s more complicated than that.”
James’s laughter was cold and humorless. “It’s only complicated because you’ve allowed it to be. Your ‘complications don’t matter. You’ll proceed with the ceremony, and I expect no further delays. Do I make myself clear?”
The words hung in the room like heavy chains. Alexander’s hand tightened on the phone, and his voice lowered as he answered, “Yes, Father”
I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall as I watched him hang up. His shoulders slumped for just a second before he looked at me, his amber eyes dark and unreadable
The marking ceremony will proceed next week, he announced. His voice carried the authority of an Alpha heir, but it was hollow to me.
I didn’t even bother hiding my smirk. “Having 1
ing trouble keeping control, future Alpha King?”
His head snapped up, and for a moment, I thought he might actually lash out. But instead, he let out a low growl, his frustration radiating through the
room
an end to the rumors of any
“You’ll attend the upcoming pack gathering as my fiancée, he continued, ignoring my comment
nent. “t’s necessary to put an end to issues between us.”
I tilted my head, feigning curiosity “Oh? Issues? You sound so formal, Alexander. Why not just say ‘Grace? We both know she’s the real problem.”
Coces
words
suldn’t work on me anymore.
close, and something in one shed. “Scarlett” he said quietly, almost pleading know this situation isn’t fair to you, but
ted sharah, taking a step forward. If you one more word about the packs, I swear, I throw you out myself. Or should i
tl support of your delicate Grace parading h condition in front of me
Desandera
but that
shipped back. My emerald eyes locked onto his Cora’s power making my tone sharper than any dagger “You knew what
iling to humiliate me in front of your entire pack to protect her, and now you expect me to stand by and smile?”
stening again. He took another step forward, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him.” Ex everything”
and hovering near mine, but I slapped it away. The sound was sharp breaking the tension–filled air
prowled. “Do you think I’m just another wolf to be commanded? Another pawn in this disgusting game?”
heached out, his hand
is a thin line and his sho.
tightened, but he didn’t try to touch me again. This alliance means more than just us,” he said, his
“And my dignity means nothing labat. “You can’t even keep your mate bond in check, Alexander. Everyone knows Grace has you wrapped around – finger. You’he a disgrace to your title”
His amber eyes fared, catching the light like embers about to ignite. For a moment, raw anger surged between us. I could feel Mason, his wolf,
but Alexander held himself back
desperate to assen dominar
“You don’t understand” he said finally, histone bitter
Inderstand perfectly” I replied coldly. “You want to have it all. To serve your pack, your father, your mistress, and still expect me to stand
took a step closer, our faces just inches apart now “Here’s the truth, Alexander I don’t care about your struggle. I don’t care about the packs. I don’t
bire about your excuses. You lost the night to my respect the moment you chose her over me”
words, his jaw tightening as though he wanted to argue but couldn’t find the words.
For a moment.
echoed in 1
lence, the air heavy with unspoken truths. Finally, he turned on his heel and stormed toward the door. Each
ander of the chaos he’d brought with him
As the door slammed shut behind him, I let out a long breath. My hands were shaking slightly, though whether it was from anger or exhaustion, I
Cora tummed softly in my mind, satisfied with the confrontation. He’s pathetic, she said simply. A weak wolf hiding behind a strong title.
I moved quickly grabbing the cleaning supplies from under my sink. His scent lingered in the air, a nauseating mix of smoke and Grace’s cloying
perfume
every corner of my space, suffocating me.
I sprayed the counters with bleach, scrubbing harder than necessary. The sound of scrubbing filled the room, drowning out the lingering echoes of
“You’re disgusting” I muttered aloud, imagining his face with every swipe. “You and your entire pack.”
