Chapter 64: Possessive Protection
Chapter 64: Possessive Protection
(Scarlett’s POV)
Through the wide window of my office, I caught sight of a car that could only belong to Alexander–the sleek, arrogant SUV he d
throne on wheels. It was parked right outside my healing center, black paint gleaming under the sun like it was mocking me.
drove like it was a
There he was, sitting inside, clutching the steering wheel like it was the only thing holding him together. Even from this distance, I could see the
tension. His barely–contained anger.
I knew why he was here. Jason must have reported. By now, Alexander was undoubtedly choking on the revelation of just how powerful my healing
center had become. How it operated without needing anything from the Amber Pack or him. He probably hated it. The truth was a bitter pill for someone
like him.
He always had to be in control. And now, he wasn’t.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. Poor Alpha Alexander. The realization was probably hitting him like a ton of bricks. And what likely stung
the most was his failure to identify my protector. Roman’s shadow loomed invisibly over everything Alexander had been trying for
From here, I could see the muscles in his arm tighten as he gripped the wheel harder. His head dipped toward the dashboard, if I had to guess, he
was trying to hold his rage in check. But we both knew how bad that temper of his could get.
Let him stew, I thought. I had more important things to deal with.
Sitting across from Emma at my favorite lunch spot, I could feel her gaze lingering on me before she even spoke. Usually, her sharp tongue didn’t need much warming up, so I braced myself.
“Alright, spill,” she said abruptly, gesturing toward me with her fork. “What’s with the scarf earlier? And more importantly–why is your neck looking like that now?”
I froze mid–sip of my tea and then slowly lowered the cup. “What are you talking about?” i feigned ignorance, knowing full well what she meant.
Emma arched an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Don’t play dumb, Scarlett. We’ve known each other too long for that.” She raised a hand and twirled a finger in mock circles around her own neck. “Those marks. Care to explain, or do I have to guess?”
It’s nothing.” I quickly answered, hoping the conversation would die. Training injury.”
table turned to look at us. “Girl, I’m a
“Training injury?” Emma echoed with an exaggerated laugh, so loud that the elderly couple at the next ta healer–in–training, okay? You don’t fool me. Those are *not* training–related”
I shifted uncomfortably, trying to focus on my plate, but her persistence wasn’t letting up
“Oh, don’t you dare avoid this, Scarlett.” She pointed her fork at me, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Who’s the lucky guy? Come on
“No one,” I replied firmly, though my tone betrayed me. “Nothing happened, Emma. Drop it”
She leaned back with a sly grin. “Tight. Nothing happened. But someone left their mark, that’s for sure. And judging by the flavor of those marks, it wasn’t just playful.”
“Don’t read into it, I mumbled, picking at my food.
Emma sighed but dropped her teasing–for now. Still, I could see her mind turning, calculating. Thankfully, she shifted gears before I had to physically wrestle the topic away.
“Fine, keep your secrets Emma finally said, though her smirk lingered. “But something wild happened on my end, too. You won’t believe the gossip
just overheard”
Relieved by the subject change, I looked up. “What is it now?”
Her playful demeanor shifted. Her expression grew serious. “Daniel Winter,” she said flatly. “He’s been poking into your supply chains. Digging around. Apparently, Sarah sent him on this nice little mission to mess with your business.”
1 coldly chuckled. Of course, Sarah would. The woman couldn’t tolerate losing control of me, even after all these years
Chapter 64 Possessive Protection
I
“What’s their angle this time?” I asked, tone sharp
Emma hrowned. 1 think they’re trying to pressure your suppliers into dropping you. Maybe even threaten your connections behind the scenes. They’re
“They’ve been desperate for a while I said with a dismissive shrug. Tut the thing they keep forgetting is. I’ve prepared for this.”
Emma grinned. “Oh, 1 “know” you’ve prepared. But it still ticks me off” She stabbed at her salad with unnecessary force. “It’s like they never learned
lesson”
“They don” I replied. “And they won’t”
sighed and set her fork down. For the first time that day, she softened. Her voice lost its bite. “Look” she started slowly “You’re strong. Scarlett No one would argue that. But don’t carry all of this alone, okay? You’ve got people-“She motioned to herself with both hands. “Me. This is what I’m here
for
Her sincerity caught me off guard. Emma wasn’t usually one to focus on emotional confession. But her words hit me deep
↑ know” I said quietly. “And it means more than you think,”
By the time lunch was over, I knew Roman’s car would be waiting outside. Call it a gut feeling or just evidence of his meticulous timing. Either way
there it was parked neatly at the curb
Emma nudged me with her elbow as we stepped out. “Wow. Look at that. Pick–up service too, huh? He’s really going all out”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start, Emma”
“Oh, I’m starting” she shot back, clearly enjoying herself. Personal security, high–end cars.does your brother have an application process? Because | could use this level of devotion in my life.”
Not everything is as perfect as it looks I muttered, though she barely seemed to notice.
Emma gave a dramatic sigh. “Right, right. I’m sure it’s all very complicated.” She winked at me, still grinning. “Enjoy your ride, Miss Untouchable.”
She vanished down the street before I could come up with a retort
I climbed into the car, ready to settle into the seat and pretend the last hour hadn’t been dedicated to Emma’s relentless teasing. But before I could
even blink, Roman’s hand reached out and pulled me off balance.
“No-“I gasped softly, but it was too late.
He pulled me directly onto his lap. Again
I stiffened, heat rushing through my entire body. The position was too intimate, too charged. I was sitting across him
“Roman” I started, voice low and cautious, “what are you-”
mke I belonged there.
his
His ice–blue eyes met mine, sharp and vivid. There was no teasing in his expression now. Just focus. Intent
His hand reached up, brushing lightly against my neck. Goosebumps rippled across my skin as tus thumb traced the undeniable marks held left.
The ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips. “Training injuries?” he asked softly. His voice carried just enough disbelief to make my heart skip.
clear
For a moment, I was frozen. His tone, the way his hand lingered, the way his eyes bored into nine–it was overwhelming.
i tried to recover, clearing my throat. “Yes” I said quickly. Too quickly. “Training injuries”
Roman raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Training leaves you bruised like this?‘ His thumb pressed slightly, just enough to make his meaning
My face burned, and i could feel the embarrassment twisting in my stomach. Drop it,” I muttered, looking away
But Roman didn’t move. He didn’t drop it. If anything, his focus sharpened.
His expression softened just enough to be disarming. “Little wolf, he said gently, his voice dipping, don’t lie to me.”
I inhaled deeply, trying to find the will to push him away. But his hand slipped to my jaw, his touch gentle, and my strength faltered,
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