Chapter 91: Pack Bonds and Secret Plans
Chapter 91: Pack Bonds and Secret Plans
(Scarlett’s POV)
Emma and I sat across from each other at the restaurant, the aroma of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked bread filling the air. Her fingers toyed with the edge of her napkin, a habitual gesture I’d come to associate with her analyzing something. As usual, she wasn’t shy about voicing her thoughts.
“You know,” she began, leaning forward slightly, “it’s kind of insane how naturally you fit in with the Thorn Pack. Honestly, if I didn’t know you were adopted, I’d swear you were born into it.”
I tilted my head, a small amused smile tugging at my lips. “Well, maybe it’s because I was raised by them. That kind of bond makes a difference. Besides, the constant tension with the Winter Pack only makes the
contrast even clearer,”
Emma scoffed. “Constant tension is putting it lightly. The Winter Pack treats you like… well, you know what I mean.” She shook her head, her expression twisting with disbelief. “It’s like they never moved beyond whatever mess Sarah caused when she rejected you the first time. Grace has always been the golden child
for them.”
I sipped my lavender tea, letting the warm, floral liquid calm my nerves before responding. “That’s the difference, Emma. I’ve spent my life surrounded by people like Roman, Luna Kathryn, and the Thorn warriors. They gave me strength, not ultimatums. I’m not about to waste time pandering to Sarah’s whims when all she’s done is scheme to prop up Grace.”
Emma nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! You come from unconditional love and strength. But the Winters? Their obsession with Grace–it’s like they put blinders on the moment they found out who she r
is.”
A smirk played at the corner of my lips, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “That’s why I don’t play their games. They had their chance to show me genuine care, and they blew it.” I put the teacup down, my fingers drumming slightly against the table. “Anyway, enough about them. What’re we doing for lunch? I’ve been craving something hearty lately.”
Emma grinned mischievously, shifting the conversation with a playful tone. “Before we finalize lunch plans, have you heard the latest about Alexander’s obsession with that mansion of yours? He’s still frantically searching for the owner. I can’t imagine the look on his face when he finds out… it’s you!”
I couldn’t help but let out a small, amused laugh. “He’s persistent, I’ll give him that. But let’s keep it our little secret for now. He’s foolish enough to keep negotiating, thinking he’s making progress.” I shook my head in mock disbelief. “Let him run in circles a bit longer. It’s entertaining to watch him fumble.”
Emma’s laughter joined mine. “Foolish isn’t even the word for it. He’s clueless!”
(Third Person POV)
Back at Scarlett’s healing center, Sarah Winter approached the receptionist’s desk, her posture radiating both confidence and urgency.
Claire looked up from her computer, startled to see the Winters Luna standing there. “Mrs. Winter… um, may I
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Chapter 91 Pack Bonds a
help you?”
Sarah’s perfectly shaped brow arched in mild disdain. “Where is Scarlett? I need to speak with her.”
“She’s out for lunch with Miss Chase,” Claire explained cautiously. “I can pass along a message if you’d like.”
Sarah’s lips tightened in obvious frustration. Her presence loomed as she tapped her polished nails against
the countertop. “Have her call me. It’s urgent.”
Claire gave a polite, practiced smile. “I believe Scarlett’s disconnected from her pack connections at the moment and has silenced her phone.”
Sarah’s nostrils flared, but she refrained from making a scene. “Very well. Let her know that avoiding me won’t work forever.” Without another word, she turned on her heel and swept out of the building.
(Scarlett’s POV)
Halfway through our meal, Emma leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes dramatically. “Scarlett, did you hear about Sophie?”
I raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in topic. “Define ‘hear.‘ You know I try to avoid her drama.” Emma grinned, opening her eyes back up. “Well, Nathan’s confined her to Blake territory. She’s not allowed to see Daniel at all. I don’t know what Daniel’s appeal is–why anyone would risk all that for him!”
For a moment, I was genuinely surprised. Nathan had actually followed through? Interesting. “I didn’t think Nathan had it in him to rein her in. But keeping her confined is probably the smartest decision he’s made in weeks. Can you imagine how damaging a Sophie–Daniel scandal would be for the Blake Pack?”
Emma sighed, her tone turning serious. “The whole thing’s ridiculous. It’s not like Daniel’s some saint. For all his noble posing, you and I both know he hides his skeletons well.”
That got my attention. I narrowed my eyes slightly, intrigued. “Skeletons, huh?”
Emma leaned in, lowering her ice. “Wait until you hear this. I saw him at the hospital the other day–he wasn’t exactly subtle about it. He was with a human woman… and a child. A kid barely two years old, Scarlett. I think he’s been hiding an entire family.”
Her words hit me like a firework. I straightened, my mind racing. “That’s no ‘think, Emma. That’s exactly ⚫ what’s happening. The woman he’s seeing is a human, and the child is… well, his. The Winter Pack’s rejected
them completely. They refuse to acknowledge his relationship or the kid as legitimate.”
Emma sat up abruptly, her mouth slightly open in shock. “What?! Why didn’t you tell me this? How has this not come out already?”
“Because Daniel’s been careful,” I explained, stirring my soup idly. “He keeps it under wraps, so no one can hold it over him. And the woman… let’s just say, she’s determined. She tried to use the child to secure pack status once. It didn’t work, but someone like her isn’t to be underestimated.”
Emma shook her head in disbelief. “Ye telling me that Daniel managed to keep something this big secret from both packs? And now he’s thinking about marking Sophie on top of everything else? This is insane.”
I smirked knowingly, an idea beginning to take root in my mind. “Insane, maybe. But his little web of secrets could be exactly what we need.”
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Emma blinked at the shift in my tone, wary but curious. “What are you thinking, Scarlett?”
I sipped from my glass of water before answering her. “The human woman. If we figure out how far she’s willing to go, we might have leverage. She could be the key to toppling Daniel’s carefully constructed facade and turning the tables. And who knows how Sophie will react when she finds out?”
Emma sat back, watching me with a mixture of amazement and trepidation. “You’re terrifying when you get that look in your eyes, you know that?”
“Am I?” I asked innocently, already fishing my phone out of my pocket.
“Absolutely,” Emma replied with a laugh. “But in a good way.”
As I dialed Hunter’s number, excitement buzzed through me. While Grace had done her best to keep me distracted with her constant scheming, I’d overlooked this golden opportunity for far too long. It was time to change that.
When Hunter picked up, his voice was gruff but curious. “Scarlett? What’s going on?”
“I need you to investigate someone for me,” I said, my voice firm and determined. “The human woman Daniel has been seeing. I want every detail you can find–and I want it fast.”
Hunter didn’t even hesitate. “Consider it done.”
I hung up and turned back to Emma, who was watching me with a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”
I laughed lightly, the sound tinged with triumph as my plan began to solidify. “Trust me, Emma, you’re the last person who ever would.”
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