Renege

SCARLET

Once the guys had disappeared from view, I gave my sister a final glance. She was wrapped in a hug with our dad. With a smile, I slipped away from the crowd and out of the church.

I just needed to change, grab my bags, and then I’d be on my way to the human airport in West Fargo. Our pack was nestled just outside the North Dakota border, hidden within the dense forests.

I just had to catch a ride to the airport, and then from Fargo, I had a flight booked to the bustling city of Sydney, Australia.

Australia is a continent where the temperature is significantly influenced by the surrounding oceans, making it hotter—a climate wolves don’t typically prefer.

Our body temperatures run above forty degrees Celsius, so we prefer cooler places, which is mainly why I chose Australia.

There wasn’t a single pack in Australia, so no one would think to look for me there.

Aside from the climate, Sydney is densely populated with humans, which would give me a good chance to blend in.

I was just about to turn the corner when I received a mind-link from Silas.

“Scarlet? Can you hear me?”

“Yes, Silas, I’m still in the pack.”

“Thank Goddess! Can you come to my office immediately?”

“I am going to be late, Silas.”

“Please. It’s urgent.”

I thought for a moment before replying.

“Fine. I’ll be there.”

I cut off the mind link, turning right, and headed toward the pack house.

I was at the entrance of our grand pack house when a strong, woodsy, masculine scent filled my nostrils. As confusing as it was, I wanted more of it.

I felt my wolf stir in my mind. I shook my head slightly to clear it as I pushed open the door. The scent grew even stronger as I climbed the marble stairs.

Everyone was at the wedding party, so the pack house was empty. I took the first left and walked down the hallway toward my brother’s office.

The intoxicating smell hit me full force once I was directly outside Silas’s office door. I could easily pick up on Silas and William’s scent, but the third one was a mystery.

Strangely, my heart rate picked up, and I felt my wolf wide awake, waiting in anticipation, but for what, I couldn’t say.

I knocked twice on the door, which was unusual for me, as I typically just barged right in, but it seemed Silas had company.

“Come in, Scar.”

I pushed open the door, and my gaze met Silas’s figure standing behind his desk, but slowly it traveled to the unfamiliar figure standing to the left of the desk.

This man had to be an alpha, given the aura of importance and authority he radiated.

My breath hitched when my gaze met the most electrifying pair of blue eyes. His dark irises were surrounded by a ring of turquoise, and there were specks of gold in his eyes.

I had never seen such a beautiful pair of eyes in my life. They were framed by thick, dark lashes.

His silky, obsidian hair, darker than the night itself, was pushed back from his face. Goddess, if I could just run my hand through it!

His pink, plump lips looked incredibly inviting. I swear I had never seen a jawline as striking as his. His skin looked smooth and naturally tanned.

I thought Silas was big, but this man was twice my size. I could see his large biceps stretching the material of his tuxedo. I bet his white shirt hid a broad chest and abs.

It took all my willpower to keep from jumping him right there.

A ferocious growl filled the air the moment our eyes met. It felt as if every atom in my body was lit up by his presence.

“MATE,” he growled out... the one word I was terrified to hear.

My eyes widened, and a gasp escaped my lips. My hands tightened around the doorknob I was still holding.

“Scarlet, why don’t you come inside and meet our king,” Silas said.

Oh Goddess, I’m so screwed.

This has to be some sick joke. The king of werewolves as my mate?

I didn’t dare to move, instead staying rooted to my spot, but I regretted it the moment the king started striding toward me with confident steps.

I pushed back my wolf, who was trying to surface. He stopped once he was within a foot of me.

I focused my gaze on the bow tie of his suit. He was taller than me, maybe six foot eight. I didn’t need his beautiful eyes distracting me. His scent was already doing a good job of that.

I jumped slightly when I felt sparks as his right hand grabbed mine, which was still holding the doorknob.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, my love,” he said in a thick English accent, kissing the back of my hand. His soft lips touching my hand sent me into overdrive.

Oh, just kill me before his panty-dropping accent does! I blushed and mumbled, “You too, Your Majesty.”

An amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He took my hand and pulled me completely inside.

I probably needed to break the news to him before it was too late. He pulled out a chair for me to sit in and then sat in the one next to mine.

“Alpha Silas here says that you would be more than willing to leave tonight with me to the royal pack,” he said.

I whipped my head in Silas’s direction, giving him the most hateful glare. He smiled nervously.

“Did he now? Well, I’m afraid to break it to you, Your Majesty, but I…” I hesitated before looking him dead in the eye.

I took a deep breath and continued, “I cannot be your mate. I request you to find someone else.”

His jaw visibly clenched, and his hand on the armrest tightened. He shut his eyes and spoke through gritted teeth,

“Why? Are you perhaps committed to another man, mate?”

Of course, his first thought was that I was in love with another man. Why didn’t I see that coming?

Werewolves, by nature, are very territorial. This applies to both males and females.

We don’t like to share, especially our mates. Mates usually get very possessive over their significant others.

“No, I’m not attached to anyone. But I’ve got my reasons, and I’d like you to respect that.”

He seemed to relax a bit, his deep voice resonating as he replied, “I can’t respect a decision I don’t understand, sweetheart. So, you’re coming with me tonight.”

“But—”

“No buts, Scarlet. It’s only right that you come with me.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Oh, the way he said my name with his accent! Get a grip, Scarlet!

Becoming queen would be like signing my own death warrant. It wouldn’t take long for my true identity to be revealed, and he would come looking for me.

Sure, the royal pack had plenty of warriors and was well-protected, but that didn’t mean I was going to let innocent people get hurt for his sake.

He said I had to go with him tonight. He didn’t say anything about staying. Loopholes can be so handy, I thought to myself.

“Fine,” I said, pretending to give in.

A triumphant smirk spread across his face. I’d love to wipe that off!

“William, why don’t you show our king to the party? Silas and I need to have a little chat,” I suggested, my voice overly cheerful.

William rose from his spot on the couch behind us, where he’d been watching the drama unfold.

My mate stood up to join him at the door, but before he left the room, he said, “Scarlet?”

I turned to face him.

“Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

I blushed as he winked at me before leaving the room.

I turned back to my dear brother.

“Why did you call me when you knew I was his mate?!” I snapped.

“I couldn’t help it. He smelled you on me, and he insisted on meeting you!” He tried to defend himself.

“You could’ve just told him I’d already left!” I shouted.

“Sure, blame me for trying to keep you safe!” he shot back.

“I’m not the same helpless ten-year-old, Silas. I can take care of myself. You don’t understand the consequences of what you’ve just done,” I said, my voice steadier.

I’m not usually one to lose my temper, but right now, I was livid.

“Is it too much to ask that you won’t do anything stupid?”

But I was already walking out of his office.