Chapter 16: Chapter 16

SCARLET

The elevator ride from the penthouse to Ethan’s office makes me anxious. I only kind of know my way around from the walk back from the infirmary.

My mind churns with thoughts of Nicole. I feel silly for being jealous of someone I don’t even know. But Isa’s words echo in my head, stirring up a storm of emotions. I know I need answers. I need the truth.

When the doors slide open, I take a deep breath, readying myself for whatever confrontation lies ahead. As I step out, I nearly collide with a tall, blonde woman. Her eyes narrow as she looks me up and down, her lips curling into a sneer.

“And who are you?” she asks as I slide out of the elevator past her.

“Uh…Scarlet. Do you know which office is Ethan’s?”

“So, you’re the slut trying to take my spot as luna of the Crescent Moon Pack.”

Every muscle in my body tenses. “Excuse me?” I demand, my voice low and steady.

She steps closer, her gaze unwavering. “I was going to marry Ethan Kane and be named luna. And then your skanky ass showed up. What’d you do? Get down on your knees for him the moment you met?”

My fists clench at my sides as I take a step toward her, my temper flaring. “You must be Nicole.”

“That’s right. It’s only a matter of time before he realizes that you’re just some trash that was only good for a little bit of fun. He’ll be bored with you soon enough. Really, he’s already growing tired of you. That’s probably why he comes to my room every night before he goes home to his penthouse.”

“You’re lying,” I seethe through gritted teeth.

“Is that what he told you?” she asks in a voice full of fake shock and sympathy. “You poor thing. You really think he cares about you? That he would want to take some nobody like you as his luna? I’ve heard about you. You came from the Scourge. You’re just a filthy mutt with nowhere else to go. He just keeps you around ’cause he feels sorry for you.”

Her words slice through me, each one like a dagger to the heart. My emotions are going haywire—sadness, confusion, anxiety, but most of all, a profound sense of rage. I’m about to slap her across the face when my hand is caught from behind, stopping my movement.

“Scarlet,” Ethan says from behind. “What’s going on here?”

Nicole turns to him, her face softening into a smile that makes me want to retch. “Ethan, I was just telling your little friend here about our history. She seemed…curious.”

I glare at her, then look back at Ethan, waiting for him to speak. His jaw tightens, and he takes a step toward us, placing himself between Nicole and me.

“Nikki, I have a lot of things I’m dealing with right now, I don’t need you causing more problems.”

“But, baby…,” Nicole says in a high-pitched, whiny voice.

“It is Alpha Ethan to you! Not baby or any other pet name!” Ethan yells at her, using his alpha aura. “I told you that this arrangement is over. Your pack is coming soon to re-negotiate. Accept that or get the fuck out of my house.”

“But, Ethan—” she starts, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

“Leave, now,” he snaps, not even looking at her.

Her smile fades, and she gives me one last venomous look before turning on her heel and stalking back to the elevator. I watch her go, feeling a strange mix of relief and anger.

Ethan turns to me, his expression softening slightly. “Scarlet, come inside. We need to talk.”

I follow him into his office, my heart pounding in my chest. He closes the door behind us, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The view is gorgeous with light coming from the large windows overlooking Crescent City.

“Is what she said true?” I ask, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay calm. “Were you going to marry her?”

Ethan sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated, Scarlet. Nikki and I…it was an arranged courtship; I needed a luna. It was never about love. It was about alliances, strengthening our pack.”

“But you were with her,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “You were going to make her your luna.” I hate how much jealousy I feel. I can’t help but think about his hands on her and not me. I scold myself for letting my thoughts go there.

He steps closer, his eyes pleading with mine. “I had no choice. As alpha, I have to think about the pack first.”

I shake my head, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “How am I supposed to believe that? She said you go to her room every night.”

“She’s lying,” he says firmly, his hands reaching out to cup my face. “I swear to you, Scarlet. I haven’t been with her since I found out you were my mate. You are the one I want. Please, just let me explain.”

I pull away from him, my emotions a chaotic whirlwind. “How can I trust you? How do I know you’re not just saying that to keep me here?”

“I’ll show you I’m telling the truth.”

“Show me?” Before I can register what’s happening, Ethan wraps his hands around my waist and pulls me close.

My heart accelerates, but I don’t stop him as I melt into his arms. He leans his head down to kiss me. The kiss starts out slow and tender, and I react to it immediately, my heart racing with excitement.

My arms wrap around his neck, and he lifts me to be level with him as he deepens the kiss. I moan against his mouth, and the sound seems to drive him wild. I feel him hardening, yearning for me.

In a heated frenzy, he begins to kiss along my jawline and down my neck, to the spot where he will one day mark me if I accept him. I shiver as he nips at the spot and kisses it deeply, his hand coming up to cup my breast.

I gasp and tighten my grip on him, my body begging for more, and he’s happy to oblige. Without loosening his grip on me, he backs me up toward the desk before he rests me onto it with him on top of me. One hand snakes behind my neck, holding it in place as he presses another kiss to my lips.

His tongue swipes across the seam of my mouth, asking for entrance which I immediately allow with a lustful groan. His other hand moves under the hem of my shirt, feeling my supple skin under his warm palm, his thumb gently stroking me.

Every touch ignites a fire within me, and I arch into his touch, wanting more. My hands roam over his back, feeling the strength of his muscles beneath his shirt. I tug at the fabric, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

Then, he pulls away, leaving me grasping for him to continue. My inner wolf howls.

“Scarlet. Of course I want you. You are my mate, and I know you feel it too.” He paces around the room a little bit before turning back to me.

I’m still sitting on the desk, hoping he will come over and kiss me some more when he extends his hand and says, “Come on, we’re going for a run.”