Chapter 27: I’m Done Running
Chapter 27: I’m Done Running
(Scarlett’s POV)
Roman’s words about the Morrison family’s fate were like ice against my skin. Even though I hated them for what they had done, for all the pain they caused, hearing they were completely destroyed hit me in a way I didn’t expect. My breath caught as a flood of emotions overtook me
I couldn’t fight it. My body reacted before my mind did. My hands reached out, clutching Roman’s shirt as if holding on to him would stop the memories from taking over. The fabric bunched in my trembling fingers, and my legs felt unstable beneath me.
Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to spill, and my chest tightened painfully. I felt Cora stir restlessly beneath my skin, whining softly, her sorrow blending with mine. The weight of the past–everything I had tried to suppress–rushed back full force.
“Roman “My voice broke, barely audible as I spoke his name. The tears began to fall freely, no longer held back by my pride or my attempts to seem
strong.
Roman stiffened immediately, his whole body going rigid at my outburst. His sharp gaze had been cutting through me moments before, but now it softened ever so slightly, the dangerous intensity shifting into something I couldn’t quite name.
I pressed my forehead against his chest, unable to look up, my tears soaking the fabric of his shirt. My body trembled uncontrollably as the sobs overtook me
“You left,” Roman said finally, his voice low and edged with icy bitterness. His words were sharp, slicing through me like daggers. “You left us. You left her. And now, after all this time, you ask about Kathryn?”
His voice carried an accusation that made Cora whimper deeper inside me. I tightened my grip on his shirt, shaking my head weakly
“Thad to.” I choked out as my tears fell harder. 7 didn’t have another choice, Roman”
His body remained tense, his arms unmoving even though I clung to him like my life depended on it. For a moment, I questioned whether he would push me away. But then, as if something inside him gave way, his arms finally moved.
Slowly, almost reluctantly, he wrapped them around me.
The embrace wasn’t warm. It wasn’t comforting. It was firm and unyielding, as if to remind me that this wasn’t forgiveness. But even so, it made my
tears come harder.
“You always have a choice” Roman replied coldly, his tone brimming with frustration. “Don’t act like this was the only path. Don’t act like you weren’t
the one who abandoned us.”
1 didn’t abandon anyone!” I shouted back, my voice breaking. My fists clenched tightly around his shirt, my body still trembling. I was trying to protect all of you! Trying to protect herf
His jaw tightened visibly, his icy blue eyes narrowing sharply. “Protect us?” he repeated mockingly. “Protect her? From what, Scarlett? From your
cowardice?”
The words sent an ache through my chest so sharp it felt physical. My knees weakened as I struggled to keep myself from falling apart completely. “You don’t know what I had to do,” I whispered, my voice pained.
“Then explain it to me, Roman growled, his grip on me tightening for a moment. Explain why you ran instead of fighting. Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you chose the weakest option
His voice carried a judgment I couldn’t respond to, his wolf Logan’s presence pressing heavily against me
The words spilled out before I could stop myself
“Because they were going to kill her I cried, my emotions crashing over me like tidal waves. “They had Luna Kathrynl Lily and her father–they threatened to use silver poison on her wolf if I didn’t leave, I couldn’t stay, Roman! I couldn’t risk f
His expression darkened in an instant. His eyes became lethal, cold fury overtaking every feature of his face.
“Lily Morrison,” he said, his voice dripping with venom. It wasn’t a question. It was like he already knew but hearing it made him seethe with anger all over again.
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sn’t stable yet. That’s why they struck after Dad i nodded quickly bear a streaming freely as I clutched at his chest harder. They knew your power wasn’t died. They thoug‘ was the perfect chance. They thought “My voice faltered They thought I was your weakness”
Roman let out a low dangerous growl that sent chills down my spine. Logan’s power surged through him, unmistakeable in its presence. His anger wasn’t loud–it was quiet, simmering, and deadly
“They used Kathryn to control you?” Roman’s words were cold and cutting
I nodded again, helplessly. “They said they’d kill her if I stayed.” My chest heaved with the effort of speaking between sobs. “What was I supposed to do? Stand there and let them hurt her?”
“You were supposed to fight,” Roman barked, his voice rising slightly. “Not cower. Not run”
“They were too strong,” I spat weakly, my voice trembling. “They had rogues on their side. And and you weren’t there, Roman. You were gone. fighting at the border.”
His eyes burned into mine, his emotions unreadable. “You should have trusted me, he replied, his voice quiet but no less scathing
“They would’ve killed her,” I shot back, louder this time. “Don’t you understand? Her life was on the line, Roman! I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t let
them hurt her for my sake.”
Roman’s jaw worked as he processed my words. His anger didn’t falter, though the sharpness in his expression shifted slightly into something
resembling calculation.
“And after you left,” he said softly, the mocking bitterness returning. “What then? Did their threats stop?”
I hesitated, gult washing over me in wa
me in waves. I couldn’t answer right away. And that was answer enough for him.
“Of course not,” he continued, his voice dripping with disdain. “You gave them control Scarlett. They knew they had you”
“They kept threatening me I shouted, my voice breaking under the weight of the admission. “Even after I left, they kept sending warnings. And
then.”
I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat suffocating. I couldn’t stop the truth from tumbling out now. “That’s why I agreed to the arranged mating with Alexander,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. thought I thought it would keep them away. That they’d leave me alone if I became part
of the Winters Pack.”
Roman’s lips curled into a cold, humorless smile. “You thought that spineless excuse for an Alpha would protect you? That his pack could shield you
from them?
“It worked.” I said weakly, though even i didn’t believe the words. “For a while… it worked”
Roman shook his head slowly, his gaze filled with equal parts disappointment and frustration. “You’ve been their puppet, Scarlett. All this time, you’ve
let them pull your strings.”
My shoulders shook as fresh tears fell. I wanted to arque, to push back, but I couldn’t. Because he was right.
Roman leaned closer, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “And where are th
are they now, Scarlett? The ones you feared so much?”
A shiver ran through me at the question. “Where. I hesitated. “Where are they?”
“Gone,” Roman said bluntly. There was no emotion in his voice. No triumph. Just cold finality. “Lily is chained in silver. Her father? Dead. Their allies? Wiped out”
My heart stopped for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. The Morrison family was truly no more.
” ended it,” Roman continued, his gaze piercing mine. “The moment I had the power, I crashed them. Every trace of their existence was erased.”
I stared at him, too stunned to speak. Relief and disbelief clashed violently within me. The weight I had carried for so long was suddenly lifted, but it left behind a hollow ache I didn’t know how to process
Roman’s expression softened slightly, just enough to let a flicker of vulnerability show. “You don’t have to fear them anymore, Scarlett.”
His words wrapped around me like a lifeline, but the guilt gnawed at me. I didn’t know,” I whispered.
Roman exhaled sharply, his frustration still evident. “Of course, you didn’t. You were too busy hiding. Running”
“No,” I said firmly, though my voice trembled. I wasn’t running. I was… I wanted to protect you. All of you.”
“By abandoning us?” Roman shot back.
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Turn weled ipagin, but I fought to keep my voice steady. 1 didn’t abandon you,” I said quietly 7 swear, I didn’t. I just. I didn’t see another way?
Roman sigh, the tension in his jaw easing just slightly. “And now, Scarlett? Will you keep running?”
I shook my head, meeting his gaze with newfound determination. “No,” I said softly but firmly. Tim done running.”
“Good” Roman replied simply, his tone neutral. Because I’m not going to let you leave again.”
Before I could respond, he added, “Kathryn burned sacred moon herbs for you every day you were gone. His voice softened, the weight of his words sinking deep. For your safety. For your wolf’s strength.”
Fresh tears spilled as my heart twisted. “She she did that for me?”
Roman nodded, his icy gaze watching me closely. “Always.”
The emotions overwhelmed me again, but this time, the tears came silently.
Silence hung thick between us for a moment before Roman broke it. “Now.” he started, his gaze hardening. “What are you going to do about Alexander and the mess you’ve tangled yourself in with the Winters Pack?”
