The Alpha's Rejected Mate: Opening Chapters 1-5

"Good morning, my princess. A happy birthday to you!" As Scarlett O'Hara walked down the stairs, her father said to her.

Her long, red hair was bouncing behind her as she ran joyfully toward the dining table. It was her birthday and a birthday girl needs to be happy on her special day. Well, Scarlett was very happy. She has always looked forward to turning 18 years old. Now that she's an adult, she'd finally be able to do whatever she wants. She'll also finally get to spend the day with her father before he departs on another trip.

Scarlett was wearing a Lakers jersey, black skinny jeans and white sneakers that her best friends Cornelia and Avery had given her just yesterday after school was over as a birthday present.

"Thank you, daddy." She approached her father and kissed him on both cheeks before sitting down between her two sisters, Mia and Isabella.

"Happy birthday, Scarlett." Both of her sisters and mother said.

"Thank you all for remembering my birthday." While she waited for the food to arrive, she remarked in jest while curving her lips into a smile.

"Hon, we'll never forget your birthday," said her mother.

Scarlett couldn't take her eyes off of her father and they both started laughing. She was ecstatic just thinking about it being D-day she had always looked forward to. She has wished since she was twelve that her father would take her to the basketball game she has always wanted to see. Now that she is 18 today, she will finally get to go.

She was a miniature version of her father, loving everything he loved and her siblings were always jealous of her because she always had to be the one to spend time with him.

"You look so happy, hon. What has your father promised you this time?" When Scarlett and her father's laughter increased, Scarlett's mother questioned.

Scarlett spun the table for the food to get to her and when the food finally got to her side, she began to serve it onto her plate.

When she was finished, she leaned her elbows against the table and put her hands on her chin before turning to face her mother. "That's a secret between Dad and me. Mom, you don't need to know." Scarlett rolled her eyes, returned her attention to her food and started to eat.

"October." Scarlett's father drew her mother's attention. "You really don't need to know what Scarlett and I have planned for today,"

"Really? Is keeping secrets from your family now acceptable?" With her hands clasped across her chest, October questioned. "Edward, do you realize that Scarlett is not our only child? The other girls don't want to hang out with you because of you. And it's been this way ever since Scarlett started taking pleasure in everything you do." October added.

"I don't think it's his fault just because I like everything he does. Belly and Mia don't appear to be interested in the things that Daddy likes, but I am. That is why he favors me the most."

"Scarlett, calm down and you too, October. This doesn't need to turn into a fight between you two because I love all of you girls."

The oldest child, Isabella, who had been remaining silent ever since the argument began, looked at Scarlett with a frown and then spoke. "Scarlett, don't be rude to mom. This is something you always do. Just once, make a change. You are an adult now that you are 18; stop acting childish."

Scarlett returned her focus to her meal. She no longer has an appetite, but she is reluctant to leave the table while everyone is still eating for fear of upsetting her father. She hated her mother and Scarlett and October have fought in the past over unimportant things.

Just two days ago, the two of them argued over whether Scarlett should plan a party or not. Scarlett had stated unequivocally to October that she was opposed to a party. She only wanted to go out with her father, but October kept insisting that since she is already 18, she should throw a party.

"I think I agree with Belly this time." The youngest, Mia, spoke, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Don't get me wrong, but Scarlett and Mom fight every time they get the chance."

"And who asked for your opinion, Mia?" Scarlett asked. Her brows furrowed as she darkly gazed at Mia.

"All I need to say is that I am aware of Daddy's promise to Scarlett." She turned her attention away from Scarlett and toward October.

Belly and October grew curious about Mia's viewpoint. "And, Hon, what did he promise her? A car?" October asked.

Mia shook her head. "No mummy. You must give me $100 right away if you want me to speak."

October grinned. "That's no issue, dear. You'll get it after breakfast, I promise. Actually, I will double the payments."

"Now you are talking, mom."

Edward rolled his eyes. "I find it unbelievable that you are spoiling Mia just so you can find out what I promised Scarlett. This is so not you, October."

"Well, Edward. You left me no choice." October said to Edward before returning her attention to Mia. "Go on, sweetie."

Scarlett was scowling and irate from where she was sitting. Scarlett's conversations are particularly vulnerable to Mia's constant listening in. Scarlett's conversations with her closest friends and the boys at school are never safe from Mia's eavesdropping, which she eventually divulges to October to get more money.

Mia went on. "Mom, yesterday I overheard Dad and Scarlett talking. Scarlett wanted something different, despite Dad's efforts to talk her into throwing a party and getting her a cake. You guys are aware of Scarlett's passion for the NBA, right? Obviously, she is wearing a Lakers jersey with Lakers written all over it." Mia made a gesture toward Scarlett's attire. "She has always wanted to attend the march, but Daddy has never had the time due to his busy schedule. Well, he does now. As a present for her birthday, Scarlett requests that he take her to the NBA game today."

After Mia spilled, Scarlett furiously pushed her empty plate aside and stood up. She was furious. However, if she had the chance to fight with her younger sister, she would definitely rip Mia's head off of her neck and not feel guilty.

She turned to face October rather than venting her rage on Mia. "Are you now content? You cursed today for me! Do you need to have all the information? You are so self-centered, mom!" Even though she had tears on the bridge of her eyes, she made an effort not to cry.

"Calm down, baby. Just because your mother learned about your birthday plans doesn't mean your birthday is cursed." Grabbing his jacket, Edward got up from his chair. He walked up to Scarlett and put his hands on her shoulder, making her face him. "If you stay here and argue with your mother, we'll be late for the game. You should smile; it's your birthday."

Edward barred Scarlett from getting inside the vehicle after leaving the house and arriving there. "You know I love you, right?"

Scarlett nodded. "We are best friends, Daddy." She smiled as she said.

"Yes, we are and that is the main reason why we need to talk."

Curiosity grew in Scarlett. Was her father going to let her down once more and leave for his trip like he always does without keeping his word?

"Daddy, what is it? Did I do anything wrong?"

"It's about your mother, Scar."

Scarlett's expression changed and she began to frown. "I hate her." Her arms were crossed across her chest.

"Don't say that. Never say you despise your mother. I am aware that what she did in the past wasn't accepted, but Mia and Belly have moved on. You should too. For my sake, Scar. Please respect her as well; she loves you."

October had never been a good mother to Scarlett or her siblings since they were young. She was the type of person who used alcohol to escape her problems.

On the other hand, because of her father's busy schedule, October was left in charge of caring for Scarlett and her sisters. Due to her habit of waking up inebriated, October constantly forgets to attend Scarlett and her siblings' competitions or class meetings.

It wasn't once, twice or three times but a couple times and Scarlett hated her mother for it. Because of her mother, her grades dropped and because of her mother, she was asked to change schools.

The fact that Edward made sure October attended counseling doesn't mean she immediately stopped drinking. Mia and Belly have forgiven October for what she did, but Scarlett would never. She simply doesn't want to forgive her mother. Scarlett also believes that her mother is not deserving of her pardon.

"Daddy, she doesn't love me. She loves herself."

"Hon, that's not true. Although she may appear to be very obstinate, your mother loves you." Edward decided to make Scarlett feel better after observing her reaction. "All right, let's set that aside for the moment. It's your birthday and what do we do when it comes to the NBA game?"

"We roar!" Happy, Scarlett yelled.

As Edward began to laugh, Scarlett joined him. "Yes, we roar. Go Lakers!"

"Go, Lakers!" As she sprinted to get in the car, Scarlett uttered. She firmly fastened her seatbelt and waited for her father to start the car.

She couldn't wait for them to get there. Finally, she would be able to fulfill her lifelong dreams. To accompany her father to a game.

Once they were moving, Scarlett went to get a pretzel from the back seat and handed one to Edward. Her father finally stepped onto the one-way roads as she started to eat and the two of them continued to discuss the game.

"We'll arrive there shortly. Are you that excited?" He turned his attention away from the road and toward Scarlett.

Scarlett gave a nod. She grinned broadly and when her eyes returned to the road, she let out a startled yell and started tapping her father's hand. "Daddy. Dad! Stop the car!" She yelled, gesturing toward the street. "There is a large bear on the road!"

Edward returned his attention to the road. He made an effort to prevent the car from colliding with the animal he could see in front of his screen. However, the animal was not at all like a bear; rather, it was a werewolf waiting to eat his next victim.

It had large, dark werewolf fur and red eyes. Scarlett does not know anything, so her only concern was preventing her father from running into the bear on the highway.

Without a doubt, if Edward decided to stop the car after turning it to the left, the car would crash into the tree.

"Daddy, what are you doing?" Scarlett yelled.

"Saving us both."

Scarlett was bewildered. She has always been a bookworm and thought that animals are friendly and not dangerous. "What?"

"Hold tight!" Her father said. He tried everything he could to stop the car, but when he finally did, the car collided with a tree and Scarlett's head hit the glove compartment because her seat belt wasn't properly buckled and was already almost loose.

As the car came to a stop, he called out, "Scarlett?" and turned to face her. She was wailing and her head was bleeding. "Are you okay?"

"It hurts."

"Hon, don't worry, you'll be fine," He said as he got close to her to look at her head.

"D…dad," Scarlett spoke, trembling. "What t–the heck is that?" She stuttered as she gestured toward her father's window. Her vision was already becoming blurry, making it impossible for her to see what was coming toward them.

Edward whirled around to see what Scarlett was talking about. When he noticed what was coming toward him, his eyes grew wider. His daughter was not in danger; he was.

"Dad..." Scarlett said, fadedly. Weakly.

She extended her hand to try and touch him. She fought to stay awake even though her eyes were trying to close. She fought to reach out to her father, but it was impossible.

She suddenly heard the sound of glass shattering, saw her father being dragged out from the window and heard his scream before she fell unconscious.

The sound of a crane slamming metal was all Scarlett could hear as she struggled to open her eyes. She could only make out a hazy image and a continuous metallic sound. Now that she could hear the voices clearer, Scarlett could hear her father joining in on the laughter as they drove to the NBA game.

She remembered yelling that exact phrase, "There is a large bear on the road!" and then everything went blank after she heard her father scream.

In the dimly illuminated room, Scarlett awoke, panting loudly. Her entire body was drenched with sweat. Except for the ticking of the alarm clock, the mansion was quiet. With her hand, she located it and switched it off. Scarlett wanted to stay beneath the covers after her nightmare, but she was afraid that going back to sleep would trigger another bad dream.

She got out of bed and as she sank back into it, she became aware of how frail she was. Her head started hurting, and she could feel the bandages around her head as she put her hand to her head. She was perplexed as to how she got hurt. She wasn't the type to play rough, so how did she end up with a head injury?

Scarlett succeeded in rising to her feet once more and she left her room. To inform her father of the nightmare she was experiencing, she needed to locate him. When she had a complaint, her father would always have a way to make her feel better. Her father is someone she can't live without and if anything happens to him, she won't be able to handle the world without him by her side.

Strangely, she couldn't see anyone as she descended the stairs. Edward would have been drinking his early morning cup of coffee and reading his morning newspaper but there was nobody there. "Daddy." To avoid waking the rest of the family, she whispered her call.

Finally descending the stairs, Scarlett looked around the hallway. "That is strange. Where did Daddy go?" When she couldn't find him anywhere, she suddenly found herself in front of her parents' door.

She opened it slightly and peered through as she observed her mother sobbing in silence. While lying on her pillow, she nagged at the picture she was holding in her hand. "Why did you take Scarlett to the game? Edward, where are you? Please come back to me."

After hearing what October said, Scarlett shook her head. She had her hand over her mouth as she made an effort to hide her eavesdropping from October. She kept shaking her head in disbelief. "No. No. Daddy." She then recalled that her birthday had just passed and that her father and mother had argued solely over her.

After carefully shutting the door, she took a few steps backward, then ran back to her room. Scarlett started to cry as soon as her door was shut behind her. Not because of what she overheard her mother say but rather because she was unable to recall anything after seeing the bear on the road.

The bear!

Now it wasn't all a bad dream. As her father was with her at the time, she heard his screams. She gasped as she swallowed. Hard. Because of her, her father didn't come home!

Scarlett violently struck her head with her hand. "It's all your fault, Scar! It's all your fault!" She screamed, her hands pounding on her head. No matter how much it hurt in her head, her heart was hurting more. She began to tremble and feel irrational, biting her fingernails. Then she heard a knock at her door.

She was startled, and her heart started to race as she turned her head in that direction. "Daddy. Is that you?" Quietly, she inquired.

Another knock echoed on the other side of the door, making Scarlett jump in panic. The moment her body began to move, she hurried to her bed and clung to the blanket with no intention of letting go.

The door opened and she could see Belly standing in front of it. Scarlett quickly covered her head with the blanket so Belly wouldn't see her disfigured, ugly face. She dislikes it when people witness her crying. They'd think she's frail and Scarlett wanted them to see how strong she could be without her daddy.

"You are awake. Good." Belly walked up and took a position in front of Scarlett. Then she took a seat on Scarlett's bed. Belly had to be the type of person who could be strong for her sisters because she was the oldest of her siblings. "Scarlett." She made a soft call. She reached for the blanket but Scarlett wouldn't let it go.

Scarlett had to ask while hiding under the blanket. She needed to be aware of what was happening. "What happened to daddy, Belly?" She sniffed and Belly got the impression that Scarlett had found out about what she had come to the room to talk to her about.

"First things first, remove the blanket from your face. This is a serious matter."

"How did I get here?" asked Scarlett. She didn't want to hear what Belly had to say, all she wanted to know was whether her father would be coming back to her.

Belly sniffed while attempting to contain her tears. Even though Scarlett had turned 18, she was still a child and if she doesn't learn to take care of herself without her father nearby, life will be difficult for her. "The cops found you unconscious in the car and brought you home."

Scarlett yanked the blanket away from her face right away. She questioned, "And Daddy?" When Belly turned to face her, she noticed how pale Scarlett was. "What about my daddy?"

"I'm sorry Scarlett, but the cops didn't see him in the car. Although they claimed it was some sort of accident, you weren't seriously hurt. They brought you home and Mom took care of you."

"Belly, that's not the kind of information I need from you." Scarlett yelled and gave Belly a ferocious glare. "Where… is… my… daddy!" This time, she yelled louder and her breathing quickened as she struggled to control it.

Belly shook her head and averted her eyes from Scarlett. She bit her lip hard and closed her eyes. Finally opening her eyes, she said, "They discovered one leg of his shoe, as well as a broken window."

Scarlett then remembered hearing shattered glass and screaming before passing out. "What?" Scarlett made a weak response. Her hand was on her face. Glass breaking instead of creaking metal was the sound she now remembered.

"They think he ran away, but they don't know why."

Scarlett's eyes grew wide. "No. Daddy didn't run away. Daddy could never run away."

"I know that too but the cops said…"

"Don't listen to what the cop says. Daddy would never abandon me and leave. Belly." Belly was able to sense Scarlett's trembling as she reached for her hands. "Yesterday, I remember a bear being on the road."

Belly became attentive. "A bear?"

Scarlett gave a nod. "Yes. It was big and black. Really huge and…"

"What else?"

"I don't know. I can't remember." She shook her head.

"Scarlett. Try."

"I can't. It is hard." Quickly, she spoke.

"You have to try, Scar."

Scarlett dropped Belly's hands right away. "How does that matter? It's just a bear, Belly."

"It is not–" Belly wanted to say something to Scarlett but the doorbell called their attention away before she could even finish her sentence.

"Daddy." The door caught Scarlett's attention. She jumped out of bed and sprinted for the door. Belly followed behind her.

Scarlett and Belly ran to the front door after descending the stairs and Scarlett smiled as she opened it. However, her smile vanished the moment she noticed two men in place of her father in front of the door.

She felt perplexed.

"Good morning, we are looking for Mrs. O'Hara." A man in a gray suit stood tall next to another man in a black suit.

"And who are you?" Belly asked.

"Detective John." The man said.

Detective? Scarlett was bewildered.

Belly noticed footsteps coming and whipped her head around. "Mom. They are here for you. The detectives."

"Detectives?" October asked as she approached the door and saw two men standing.

"Mrs. O'Hara?" Detective John called.

"Yes. That is me. Why are you here? It's still early."

"It is concerning your husband."

Scarlett looked at detective John as Belly and October exchanged glances. "My daddy?" She asked.

Detective John gave a nod. "Can we come inside?" He asked.

October made a fake smile. "Yes, please." She led them inside, and behind the detectives were more men dressed in masks and gloves over their black overalls. They were standing outside. "What's going on here?" October asked.

"Bring it in." The men were instructed by Detective John to bring the items they found into the house.

Four people entered carrying a large, black bag that appeared to be heavy as they set it down.

"What is this?" Scarlett asked as she walked up to the bag.

"Mrs. O'Hara. We discovered this man in the woods while conducting our investigation. His face wasn't totally destroyed, so we were able to identify him." After pausing, he continued. "I'm sorry to inform you, but your husband is dead."

"I'm sorry to inform you, but your husband is dead."

October stumbled to the ground but was caught by detective John after hearing this over and over in her head. Scarlett was shocked as she stood in the room, unable to move her legs. Like water falling from a fountain, tears were streaming down her face.

Belly on the other hand, was attempting to keep her cool for the sake of her family. Mia? She had no idea why her mother was on the ground when she descended the stairs.

"What is going on here?" She asked. Mia was only aware of the time that Scarlett was returned to her home by the police last night. Her mother had told her that her father went on an errand and would be back the next day but seeing her mother on the floor, Mia was expecting an answer.

Her eyes then fell on Scarlett as she approached her. "Scarlett?" She touched Scarlett, startling her from her thoughts. "Why are you all crying?" Mia asked.

Scarlett scowled as she turned away from her sister's eyes. She shouldn't be crying right now. When her family is around, she doesn't cry. She isn't like that at all. She kept telling herself that if she kept crying, they would think she was weak. She dried her tears and appeared to be on the move again as she walked slowly toward the bag on the floor, then stopped.

She knelt down, trembling hands reaching for the zip, when one of the men stopped her. "I won't advise you to do that."

Scarlett gave him a raised gaze. "He is my daddy. I'd like to see his face." she said quietly. The man shook his head and that alone made Scarlett angrier. She got to her feet and tried to push the man away but he was stronger. He barely made a movement at all. "He is my daddy!" This time, when Scarlet yelled, Mia collapsed to the ground, trembling. She couldn't believe what she heard, but she was consoled by Belly, who held her tightly as she cried.

"Please take her out of here." Detective John gave a command to one of his men, but Scarlett slapped the mask-wearing man who attempted to touch her. Being 18 doesn't make her a small child; it makes her violent, and seeing her favorite person in the world lying dead on the floor made her feel like a beast!

Scarlett turned to October. "I need to know how Daddy died," As she spoke, she scowled. October did not want her child to hate her even more, and she was unable to place the blame for what had occurred on Scarlett. Since Scarlett is completely unaware of things, it was acceptable for her to feel this way about the person she loved the most in the entire world. Her father.

While glancing at Detective John, October sniffed. "I think she needs to be here. After all, it is her father." She paused before continuing. "What happened to him when you found him in the woods?"

"There was a mark on his face and body, and..." he cleared his throat. "When we found him, his heart had also been taken."

After hearing Detective John's comments, Scarlett began to gag and walked away from her father's body. She walked over to the table and leant against the chair to get some air.

"Was it a bear?" Turning around, Scarlett gave him a glance.

"What bear?" Detective John asked, and October became curious as she met Belly's eyes.

"Yesterday, on our way to the NBA games, I saw a bear in front of Daddy's car. It didn't look harmless, so I didn't think it would hurt us, so I told Daddy not to hit it, and he hit the tree instead."

"What? What does this bear look like?" October asked, wanting to know. "How big is it?"

"I don't know. I can't remember, but it is really big. Huge. That is all I can say."

"And the color? What color was it?"

"I don't know, Mother!" She averted her gaze once more and gritted her teeth firmly.

Detective John shook his head. "I don't think this is a bear's work. Something is strange here."

"Of course, it is strange!" Scarlett yelled. "My daddy vanished all of a sudden and was brought back home with his heart removed and claw marks around his body and you think that isn't strange?" She scoffed. "I need an autopsy for my daddy to find out what happened!"

Scarlett's statement shocked October. "An…A– autopsy?" October stuttered.

"Yes, Mother." Scarlett swiveled to meet her gaze. "If the result is known, we will understand the true course of dad's death."

"But we can't do that."

"Why not?"

October swallowed. Hard. She whirled around to face Belly. "Tell her, Belly."

"Tell me what?" Scarlett became curious.

"Hmm, Scarlett. Are you sure you want to go with this?" Belly asked.

"What is going on here?" Detective John asked.

October approached him. "Can we talk in private, please? What I'm about to say shouldn't be revealed to the kids."

Scarlett scoffed. "No matter what you guys have to say, I won't stop until the autopsy report on my daddy is given to me." Scarlett walked away.

When Belly noticed Scarlett climbing the stairs, she finally spoke up. "All right, detective, we'll agree to the autopsy." Belly's comment caused Scarlett to halt in place and turn, and October also turned to look at Belly in shock.

"What are you doing?" Belly was dragged into a corner as October approached her. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

"Until we provide the result to Scarlett, she won't stop. You should be the last person to be surprised by her tenacity."

"And the right thing to do was to actually give your consent? You of all people should know what we are dealing with here, Isabella. Your father was attacked by a werewolf and if Scarlett said it was huge, we all know who the werewolf who attacked your father was!"

"Calm down, mother." Belly noticed that everyone was staring at them as she peered over October's shoulder. "If you continue acting in this manner, they will all have suspicions. I am fully aware that the Alpha did this after the detective said dad's heart wasn't there when they found him, but we also know that the Alpha is seeking revenge for what Dad and the other hunters did to his parents."

October sighed. She could recall everything, but she never anticipated how quickly the Alpha would find Edward after two years! "Belly, what will we do about the result and the detective? What if they found out about these big secrets? If this is revealed, the council won't be pleased with us."

Belly laughed mockingly and she shook her head. "No, Mother. They're not going to be pleased with you. They won't even come for me, Mother. I am not a member of your werewolf-killing gang. I'm only 22 years old and a student." She grinned. "But do not worry, nobody will find out about anything or what we do. We just have to get the autopsy result first and change it before Scarlett or the detective finds out."

"And how do we go about doing that?" October asked.

Belly smirked. "I think I have the man for the job."

Only a thin line separated love and hate and hatred was something Alpha Simon was familiar with. Love was never his thing; he stopped believing in it after the death of his parents, which he had watched as they were brutally killed by the hunters two years ago. He desired vengeance. At any cost, he is going to exact the vengeance he so desperately desires.

Like his wolf, Devil, Simon developed his ruthlessness when he became an alpha two years later, after putting in a lot of training and closing himself off with hatred. He was shielded and comforted by his wolf, but just as his wolf doesn't have a heart, so does Simon. He was a leader, and a leader must set an example by showing no mercy to humans or his own kind when they do something wrong.

Humans have wronged him, so he won't forgive all of them. He'll keep killing them until he can round up the last few hunters and exact his retribution. He was 6'2" tall, had dark hair and brown eyes, a mixed skin tone, broad shoulders, and a jawline that would make women swoon.

In front of the statues of the former Bright Moon Wolf Pack, Luna, and Alpha, Alpha Simon took a position wearing a black T-shirt and a pair of worn-out jeans. Every time he passed by the statue, which was placed in front of the mansion, he was reminded of how much he hated humans.

As he continued to stare at the statue with his hand in his pocket, his thoughts had already drifted away when suddenly a voice brought him back to the present. "Alpha, I knew I would find you here." It was the voice of his best friend, Mace. After his younger brother Flint, Mace was the second person Simon could sacrifice his life for.

When Simon turned around, he could see Mace coming toward him. He sighed. "I am always here." He smirked.

Mace came in front of him with a frown on his face. "Alpha, you should have brought me along with you." He said in a whisper. "You are aware that Flint will be upset with you if he learns what you did and you detest it when your brother is upset with you."

Simon nodded. "Mace, I had to do it. I had been looking for him for a long time and finally found him."

"It's been two years, Simon. Isn't it time to let it all go?"

Simon drew in a long breath. "No. It isn't. Before my heart can rest, I must kill every last one of them."

"You don't even have a heart." Simon started to laugh as Mace made fun of him.

"Mace, why are you here? I know it isn't because you heard about what I did. I…"

Mace interrupted. "It is actually because of what you did. I recently found the police in the woods when I went into the human settlement and it didn't look so good, Simon." Mace paused and glanced around to make sure nobody was listening in on them. He turned his attention back to Simon. "They discovered the hunter's body—without a heart. Since when did you start eating the hearts of humans?"

Simon didn't seem alarmed or worried. He only had one goal: to continue killing. "I gave it to the birds to eat."

With a frown, Mace uttered. "Lies."

"Mace." Simon licked his bottom lips. "Please keep in mind that I am the dominant person in this situation and can do whatever I want."

"Alpha, I'm sorry, but sometimes you need a friend like your best friend to help you think things through clearly. You won't be able to move past this, Alpha, if you keep looking for retribution. You will become lost."

"Please halt your lecture. I didn't eat the hunter's heart. I fed it to the birds. I wouldn't even dare eat a wicked man's heart."

Mace smirked. "You have no right to judge whether someone is wicked or not. You are not different from them."

Simon jerked his eyes away from Mace in annoyance. The last argument he had with his best friend was when they were young, over a soldier toy they had discovered in the woods. Despite the fact that Mace discovered it first, Simon wanted it from him. However, just because he was the Alpha's son, didn't mean he could have anything he desired.

Flinch, the previous Alpha, learned about it and instructed them to engage in combat on it. Of course, Simon prevailed, just as he would this time if he and Mace engaged in combat once more.

"Alpha, I'm so sorry. This time, I crossed the line." Mace said.

Simon returned his gaze to Mace. "I am not mad. You are the only one who can actually communicate with me in this manner without fear of punishment—trust me, I won't punish you. Mace, you are my lone confidant." He put a hand on Mace's shoulder and slowly nodded with assurance. "We are brothers."

Yes, they are, and if he chooses to go in the wrong direction, he really needs Mace to put him back on track. That kind of a friend has always been Mace. Loyal and calm. Simon has always been happy to have a friend who has the exact opposite personality to him.

"I should leave before Flinch gets here, unless I won't hear the last of his complaining that you don't give him enough training or have enough time for him." Simon raised his brows. "Is that actually true?"

Mace groaned. "No, not in the way he put it. Recently, the rogues have been spotted prowling around. I predict that a war will break out soon. The soldiers need to be trained and equipped for combat. Flint shouldn't be concerned. I have left him in capable hands."

Simon's eyes narrowed and he began to wonder. "Mace? Who did you put in charge of Flint?"

"Anton." When Mace met Simon's eyes as he said Anton's name, he saw that Devil was furious as Simon's eyes had changed from their normal brown color to red. "Simon, calm down. Although I am aware that you dislike Anton, he will do a fantastic job and will eventually be able to connect with Flint."

Simon shook his head and tried to hold back his anger and his wolf's anger. "Anton is the absolute last person I want around Flint. Anton is like a poison that spreads once he touches something. I don't want Flint to behave the way that Anton does."

"He is, however, your brother. Since Flint and Anton are brothers, what harm could he possibly cause Flint?"

"Turn him against me? In the same way that he turned our sister Adolpha against me?"

Slowly, Mace nodded. "True. I just merely assumed that since he is a beta, he would perform more effectively."

"Moreover, you are a Gamma; therefore, look after and educate my brother. Give Gamma Cypher the soldier's training if it becomes too much for you to manage on your own."

Mace sneered. "My brother?"

Simon nodded as he began to walk away.

"And where exactly are you going?!" Mace shouted.

Simon whirled around and cast a cunning, sly gaze in Mace's direction. "To hunt humans."

On a Sunday afternoon, Scarlett was standing in front of a large group of mourners who had gathered in front of a coffin. They were holding umbrellas over their heads to protect themselves from the still-pouring rain.

As she stood next to October, she struggled to hold back tears in the hope that it was all just a bad dream and that her father wasn't already gone. Her auburn hair had recently been dyed black and was pulled back into a ponytail, and she was dressed in a long, black gown.

"Go on, Scarlett. Put the flowers on the casket," said October. As her mother's hand slipped from her shoulder, she walked over to her father's coffin to place the flower on it. "Say something to him so he can hear it," her mom added.

Scarlett wasn't the kind of girl to hold those beliefs. She was the kind of girl who was knowledgeable about things that other people weren't. At two years old, she was already aware that the tooth fairy was a myth made up to make kids happy. She didn't go through financial hardship as a child because she was born wealthy and her parents were both financially okay.

She was not the stereotypical rich girl you might expect—often portrayed as a spoiled brat in books or movies. She was actually the complete opposite of that. She was tall, has a body fit for a model, excelled in school, and has made a lot of friends. She was accepted for who she was, but right now she was standing in front of the coffin of her best friend. Scarlett still doesn't believe that he's gone for good.

When she learned that her father's heart had been removed, it was difficult for her to even approach him after the detective dropped off his body at their home. She knew her mother and Belly were keeping something from her, and she had also suspected them when they went to a corner to talk.

The detective had also informed her that the results of the requested autopsy would be available in a few weeks, and Scarlett was glad that she would soon be able to discover the true cause of her father's death.

For the first time, Scarlett ran to her room and stayed there all day long by herself, not even wanting to eat or talk to anyone. She kept berating herself for losing track of what had transpired in the car prior to her passing out. She might have been able to understand what was really going on if she had been awake. She could have found out what actually happened to her father if she had been a little more conscious.

Perhaps this wouldn't have happened to her and her father would still be here with her if they hadn't gone to the game.

"It's all your fault, Scarlett. You caused this!" She beat herself up and repeatedly banged her head against the edge of her bed, and as she sobbed helplessly on her bed, her chest was in excruciating pain.

Two days later, Scarlett received instructions to prepare for the funeral and to wear the gown her mother had purchased. Just as the program was about to start, she finally left her room and arrived at the location. At that point, it began to rain.

After seeing her younger sister lay flowers on the coffin, Scarlett walked back to her mother's side.

"I will miss him." said Isabella.

Scarlett nodded, still fighting the urge to cry in front of the entire gathering. She knew that after the funeral, she would cry herself to sleep in her room for the entire following week. Her best friend would not be coming back to her. He won't be coming back from trips with a big box of presents for her anymore. Sincerely, she would miss him.

She rested her head on Isabella's shoulder. With a sigh, she exhaled. "I too will miss him."

Scarlett watched her mother leave after the service to talk to those who had taken their time to attend. She walked over to the car with the intention of having some alone time or returning to the mansion to lock herself in her room.

"Scarlett, wait!" Belly yelled.

Turning around, Scarlett noticed Belly rushing over to her while holding her long dress. "Mom is with Grandpa if you're looking for her. They probably would still be babbling nonsense to her." said Scarlett to Isabella

Isabella came up to her and halted. "They don't get along. We all know that her relationship with Dad's family was sour and now they will blame her for his passing." Belly shut her umbrella, allowing a thin mist to fall on her head. "There is less rain now. Are you alright?" Isabella was worried. Scarlett hasn't really talked to her family since they brought their father's body home; she's been grieving.

She gave a nod. "Everything is fine with me. Why?"

"You did not cry. I was expecting you to cry. You were dad's favorite, and since you two got along so well, I didn't get that chance with him. However, I wish I had."

"Belly, I'm good." Scarlett made every effort to control the trembling in her voice. She does not have to sob in public. If she did, they would think she was weak. It will be better if she is left alone in her room to cry. "The tears are holding back." Rather, she said.

"You're aware that I'm available to help you with anything, right? Even though I may not be as close to you as you were to your daddy, I will make an effort to be there for you."

"Thank you, Belly. Coming from you, that means a lot." Scarlett gave a small smile.

Belly cocked her head to the side and nodded before turning to face Scarlett. "I'll..I'll go right now. I need to find Mia." Just as she was about to walk away, Scarlett stopped her. With curiosity, Belly turned around.

"Something has been bothering me, Belly."

"What is it? You can talk to me."

"Can I?"

"Of course. Scarlett, talk to me. If I have the answers to your questions, I will respond."

After giving her sister a long glance, Scarlett realized that Belly wouldn't provide the clarification she was seeking.

Belly laugh a little. "Come on, Scarlett. Is it about a boy? Are you shy?"

The last thing Scarlett needed to worry about was a boy situation.

"Belly."

"Yes, Scarlett."

"Do you have anything you'd like to share with me?"

Belly was bewildered. She giggled apprehensively. "Whoa, what do you mean? I don't want to share anything with you. You were the one who wanted to tell me something."

Scarlett nodded. She knew Belly wouldn't readily admit it if she said what was bothering her. "Belly," Scarlett called. Then she grinned. "It is about the bear. I remember the color now." She added.

"What?"

"Now, tell me. What secret are you and Mom hiding from me, Belly?"