112. Chapter One-Hundred-Eleven
Chapter One-Hundred-Eleven
Xane
This storm is fucking crazy, but I’ve never felt more alive. It’s like Scarlett woke me back up from a bad dream when she kissed me, and now that we’re mated, I could take on the world.
I had no idea one person could make that kind of difference, but I should have.
It only took one person to strip my trust away.
One betrayal to turn me into someone else.
I should have trusted my instincts when I laid eyes on her.
Everything inside me knew, and I couldn’t let myself believe it.
It felt too easy, too perfect. I didn’t trust that. I couldn’t.
Not after what Larry did. The teenager’s actions only made me double down.
I had to protect myself, and my pack, from outsiders who might have bad intentions.
Scarlett only came out here to help her twin sister, who was too afraid to fly, even if it might cost her a promotion. She was doing something good for someone she loves.
I should have trusted that, but I was so used to shutting myself off that I couldn’t let her in.
At least, not until she chased me out here and made it clear I was being an asshole.
Sometimes, that’s what a guy needs to hear.
I was being an asshole.
She called me out for it.
It’s probably not the last time she’ll have to do that.
I carry her close to my side, and she clings tightly, keeping her legs raised, knees up.
Turning slightly, I guide us through the next narrow opening between trees, and when we’re on the other side, there’s a surprise waiting a few feet ahead.
“Trick!” Scarlett calls out enthusiastically, really close to my ear.
She holds out an arm as we get closer.
I swing her away from him and remove my free arm from my backpack before I move her to my other side and take the backpack off completely.
I pass it to Trick, who looks disappointed.
He sighs and puts it on his back, mumbling something under his breath that the rain and the wind make impossible to hear.
I motion to him to keep moving, and then I switch Scarlett back to my other side, holding her close and enjoying the feel of her body against mine.
Sharing might be a little strange, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
Just not tonight. Tonight Scarlett’s all mine.