Chapter 38: Insult
Chapter 38: Insult
(Scarletts POV)
Roman walked beside me as we approached the regal gates of Silver Moon Manor
The grandeur of the structure was undeniable. Its silver–lipped spires slimmered under the glow of the full moon.
Every prominent Alpha in the Northern Territories was here tonight. The air around the place buzzed with authority and expectation,
I glanced down at my leather jacket and boots, my unease growing with
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She wolves around us gracefully entered the mansion, their ceremonial robes flowing like water behind them. Intricate embroidery and gemstones adorned their outfits, each marking their status and pack affiliation,
I toyed with the hem of my jacket, my fingers fidgeting as I murmured, “Are you sure this isn’t wrong? I should’ve worn something.“I trailed off, my
voice barely above a whisper.
Roman’s steps didn’t falter. His ice–blue eyes locked onto mine. “You’re with me,” he said sharply, silencing my doubts. “You don’t need to follow their rules.
“But still” i muttered, pulling at my sleeve. it’s not like I blend in.”
Hunter, walking just behind us, let out a chuckle. “Blending in isn’t the Scarlett way,” he said casually, his grin wide. “Besides, you make leather and boots look better than half their overpriced robes.”
I shot him a small, irritated glare, but his grin only widened.
Hunter tilted his head playfully. “And really, who’s going to argue with you when you have the Shadow Organization behind you?” His voice carried an easy confidence, but underneath, I could sense his support.
Before I could respond, Roman let out a low, warning growl. His sharp gaze swung toward Hunter, sending an unmistakable wave of authority
through the air. Hunter stiffened, his grin faltering.
“She’s mine now, Hunter, Roman said coldly, his voice calm but filled with dominance. “Be careful how you refer to her.”
Hunter raised his hands in a mock surrender, though his smirk returned. “Got it, Alpha. The message is loud and clear,” he replied lightly. “No funny
business”
Roman narrowed his eyes briefly before his attention returned to me. His expression softened, though his command didn’t waver. “Don’t let them
make you feel small, he said calmly. You outrank them in more ways than they can see.
I nodded slightly, though the confidence he implied felt far out of reach
As we entered the grand hall, my senses were immediately overwhelmed. The space was vast, iluminated by towering crystal chandeliers that refracted the moonlight in every direction Wolves of influence filled the space, their conversations buzzing with energy. The mingling scents of power, perfumes, and fine wine created a heady atmosphere.
Roman stopped, his presence commanding immediate respect from nearby wolves, all of whom moved discreetly aside to give him a wide berth. His hand grazed the small of my back.
7 have business to attend to with Nathan Blake,” he said quietly. His voice was steady each word measured. “Hunter will accompany you
Hunter groaned audibly, crossing his arms as he leaned against one of the large marble pillars nearby. “Seriously?” He rolled his eyes dramatically. 1 had training scheduled tonight, you know”
Roman’s gaze cut to him sharply, his ice–blue eyes radiating power and silent warning. The air around them thickened with his Alpha dominance, enough to make me hold still
Hunter straightened in response, quickly shrugging with forced casualness. “Alright, alright. I stay. Happy now?”
Roman ignored the remark. He lingered, his attention flicking back to me for a brief second, as though silently assessing whether I’d be alright
without him. There was an unspoken promise in his gaze–nothing would harm me while he was near. Then, with a deliberate nod, he turned and made his way toward the more prominent Alphas gathered near the center of the hall.
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Chapter 38. Insult
I exhaled and glanced at Hunter “You don’t really have to-
ve you, and trust me, hell know” He jerked his thun toward the
“Don’t try it,” Hunter interrupted firmly, tapping his temple. “He’ll have my head if I leave refreshments area. “Go enjoy yourself. They’ve got the fancy wine”
I half–smiled but felt the pull of nerves grip my chest again. Still, I nodded and made my way toward the elaborately set tables, trying to appear unaffected by the murmured whispers and hushed glances that followed me.
I reached for a goblet of the famed moon blessed wine, curious about what all the fuss was about Just as the cool glass met my hand, a farcidiar
voice called out.
“Scarlett
I turned to see Emma weaving through the crowd toward me. Relief flickered in my chest at the sight of ther She looked radiant, adorned in a deep emerald ceremonial robe with golden accents that hinted at her status as a healer. Her sleek hair was pinned neatly, and her whole demeanor exuded
grace and calm
Her eyes swept over my outfit, and while her expression remained kind, I caught the faintest flash of surprise “You look different,” she said slowly, though her lips tugged into a smile. “Not bad, just… unexpected.”
I chuckled softly, a small wave of comfort washing over me. “Let’s just say I’m making a staternent.”
you–and I mean that as a
Emma’s smile widened, though she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice, 7 don’t think they know what to make of you–an compliment”
Before I could respond, a sharp, venom–laced voice cut through the air like a blade.
“Well, if it isn’t the infamous Scarlett, the voice sneered
I turned, my jaw tightening instinctively as I saw Sophie, Grace’s so–called best friend, standing a few steps away. Her pale blue eyes scanned me with open disdain. The silver ceremonial robe she wore clung for tighter than tradition allowed, its plunging neckline drawing attention as she intended.
“Did you lose your way?” Sophie continued, her voice loud enough to catch the attention of nearby wolves. “Or did no one teach you how to dress for
an event like this?”
My lips curled into a tight smile, but before I could answer, Emma stepped forward, her shoulders straight and her chin lifted. “And yet, you’re standing here in that dress, Emma said calmly, her voice sharp enough to cause Sophie’s smirk to waver. “Hardly traditional, isn’t it?”
Sophie’s gaze darted to Emma, her expression hardening. “At least I’m here with an invitation,” she snapped, then turned her focus back to me “You’re lucky they even let you inside. With no pack claiming you anymore, showing up here is more of a joke than anything”
The smugness in her tone sent a flicker of heat through my veins, but I swallowed it down, keeping my expression neutral
“The only thing funny,” I said smoothly,” how confident you sound for someone so out of their depth” My emerald eyes locked onto hers, unwavering. “Do you really think I walked into this gathering without the authority to be here?”
Her smirk faltered, just for a moment. Probably dragged yourself in on Emma’s goodwill, she retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm. “She’s always
been soft
low.
Emma’s energy sharpened visibly, power crackling faintly around her as her wolf stirred beneath her skin “Say one more thing,” she warried, her voice
The tension thickened, the growing murmurs around us making Sophie shift uneasily on her heels. An edge of uncertainty flickered in her eyes,
though she tried to mask it with a forced sneer.
Just then, a ripple of dominance swept through the hall as Daniel Winter a
and Alexander Amber entered together. The room quieted noticeably, the
Alpha presences demanded attention.
I watched as Sophie darted straight toward Daniel like a moth to a flame. Her overly enthusiastic posture made her desperation painfully obvious, though the clung to his arm with practiced ease
She gestured dramatically in my direction “Daniel, can you believe Scarlett is here? No formal invitation, no pack recognition it’s a complete insult to
everyone.”
Daniel’s dark eyes flicked toward me, narrowing subtly. His wolf stirred just beneath his controlled demeanor. He stepped forward slightly, letting h authority fill the space between us.
“You’re not even dressed properly Daniel remarked bluntly, his tone heavy with disapproval
Chapter 38 Intiuft
I felt his words hang in the air, meant to belittle me, but they rolled off me like raindrops against steel.
Alexander stood quietly beside him, his expression unreadable. His amber eyes glanced at me briefly, the resentment simmering in them hard to miss. I knew what it was–the memory of Roman, of the power dynamic that had shifted so severely.
Daniel, emboldened by Alexander’s silence, pressed further. “Tell me,” he said loudly enough for the gathered crowd to hear, “did you show up tonight just to bring shame to every pack unfortunate enough to be associated with you?”
The question hung heavy in the air, all eyes darting between us. I could feel the weight of their judgments, the whispered opinions forming behind every curious stare
But instead of shrinking. I stood taller. The flame of confidence grew stronger, fanned quietly by the bond I now shared with Roman. It steadied me
like an anchor, keeping my heart calm even as the pressure mounted.
Daniel’s question didn’t deserve an answer. And by the crackling silence that lingered after his words, it seemed the room agreed–they were waiting
for something, anything, to happen next.
Chapter 29 CH Confrontation
