by Sara Dailey
My eyes searched the darkness for some sign of life. If I was being honest, I was searching for some sign of Luke. Pathetically hoping that maybe he would turn around. Come back for me. Involuntarily, I took a few steps toward the direction he’d run but reminded myself to stop and think. It took every ounce of restraint I had to force my body to sit. Impulse control was never my strong suit, and in wolf form, it was even more difficult.
What was with his hot-and-cold attitude? I didn’t get it. If I had any sense at all, I would allow myself to face the fact that maybe he was just not that into me. But the look in his eyes told a different story. There was a fire there, a want that told me there had to more to it. Or maybe he was just leading me on. Was this all a game to him? Get me all worked up and then shit all over me? Maybe he wanted to see how many times my pathetic ass would fall for it. He was probably with Gage laughing about our little romp through the woods right now. That sick, twisted mutt.
Oh my God, I’m such an idiot.
It was times like this that I needed a girlfriend. I could spill my heart out and sulk, and then she would tell me what a giant jerk Luke was and how I deserved so much better. How I should give him the cold shoulder and make him realize what he was missing out on.
Come to think of it, that might not be such a bad idea. Maybe I shouldn’t be fawning all over Luke. If he was the player he seemed to be, maybe the cold-shoulder act would work. Either way, it was worth a shot. What I was doing wasn’t working. Obviously. I wouldn’t be standing here all alone if it was.
I was a fool to think for one second that Luke would come back for me, so half-heartedly, I headed back toward the estate, but I didn’t run. Instead, I took my time, allowing my mind to process the last few days. Dad was going to want an update, and I wasn’t too sure how much longer I could lie and get away with it. I couldn’t exactly explain that I’d fallen for the guy and he seemed to want nothing to do with me. Epic fail.
By the time the estate was in sight. I’d decided to give it until after New Year’s to admit that I’d failed at my mission. Operation Cold Shoulder was my last play. If that didn’t work, I’d just have to admit defeat.
After locating my clothes and quickly dressing, I hurried back to what was now my home, at least for the time being. As I looked up at the ginormous house in front of me, it no longer looked as inviting. It no longer held the promise of whatever I’d hoped would happen when I stepped foot on the Red Ridge estate. Somehow, I’d convinced myself that it would all be so easy, but this whole ordeal was anything but.
With both my Dad and Drew’s cars sitting in the driveway, I knew what would be waiting on the other side of the door, so I plastered a smile across my face and prayed they couldn’t see through my façade.
Just as I’d assumed, Dad and Drew were sitting in the living room. I’d barely stepped foot inside before the questions began. “Have you been with Luke? How are things progressing?” my dad asked.
My eyes darted back and forth between Drew and my dad. Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I wandered over to the couch. Hoping to appear relaxed, I took a seat as far away from Drew as possible and replied, “Good. It’s going just as planned. And yes, I was with Luke.” At least I didn’t have to lie about that.
“And…?”
“And what?” I asked, avoiding eye contact with the both of them.
Drew let out a sigh as he sat back on the couch. “Well, I spent some time with Cade today. Got in his head a bit about Aiden and the alpha situation. Have you made any headway with Luke regarding backing Aiden?”
“I’m working on it. I had lunch with Luke, Aiden, and Teagan today. Luke and Aiden really seemed to be getting along, and I got to know Teagan better. I’m thinking if Aiden and Luke spend some more time together, Luke may change his mind about Cade.”
“Scarlett, you aren’t trying to find Luke a new BFF. That’s not the enforcer’s role. You know that,” Dad chided.
“No, I know. I’m working on getting him to open up to me about what’s going on with the alpha problem. That takes a bit of time. I can’t just start prodding him for information. Once we talk about it, I’ll start planting seeds about Aiden.”
Another frustrated sigh escaped Drew’s lips. “We don’t have all the time in the world here. Get the boy between the sheets and after, when he’s all satisfied and shit, get him talking about his feelings.”
Holy Mother of God! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Get him between the sheets? Really? I kept waiting for my dad to cut in and tell Drew he was out of line, but he didn’t. He just sat there awaiting my reply. It was in that moment I knew without a doubt that everything Gavin had said was true. My own father really was whoring me out for the “good of the pack.” He was using me just as he expected me to use Luke. And he didn’t care if I had to have sex with the guy to get things done.
Well aware that my mouth was hanging open in shock, I couldn’t seem to form words, which was probably a good thing being that anything I would have said in that moment probably would have gotten me a one-way ticket back to my own pack. Sign, sealed, delivered, and labeled Failure.
Finally, Dad spoke, but it wasn’t to defend my honor. It was to give more orders. “Look, Scarlett. We need your head in the game. We are planning a New Year’s Eve party for the pack teens, and you have tomorrow to get Luke at least leaning toward Aiden before the party. Drew has plans to shake things up during the party, so you need to do your part.”
All I could manage was a nod of my head, and without another word, I headed up to my room. I managed to hold it together until the door was shut behind me. Then I fell to the floor and finally allowed myself to wallow in the sorrow and regret that had been brewing inside me since I watched Luke take off in the night.
CHAPTER 21
Drew
Scarlett made a pretty large shopping list for her father, but at the last minute—after describing pita chips to Brian for the third time—she decided that she’d better go with him. So that left me to make the calls inviting everyone to our New Year’s Eve party. Brian made a point to ask Marcus’s permission for us to have the party at the house. Marcus thought it was a great idea to keep all the kids on the estate. He agreed it was much safer that way. He even gave Brian a phone list, so that we could call and invite everyone.
I started making the calls as soon as Scar and Brian left for town. It didn’t take long and with the exception of Luke and Gage, who I didn’t even get a hold of, everyone seemed excited about the party. I wasn’t surprised that any of these losers didn’t already have plans for tonight.
I tried calling both Gage and Luke one more time but they didn’t answer. I thought about leaving a voicemail, but I needed Luke at the party. So I decided to walk over to Luke’s and see if he was home and just not answering the phone. I grabbed my coat and hit the road. At least the major players, except Luke, had agreed to be there. Aiden was excited about the party, especially when I lied to him and told him that Cade had mentioned to me how he was hoping that Aiden and Teagan had made other plans and wouldn’t be able to come. Aiden fell for it without question, just as I expected. Cade, on the other hand, didn’t seem too thrilled about the event, though he accepted the invitation. I didn’t give a shit about his lack of enthusiasm as long as he showed up. Now I just had to make sure Luke was there so Scarlett could work her magic.
As luck would have it, Luke and Gage were pulling up just as I got to his house.
“Hey Gavin, what’s up?” Luke asked when he saw me coming his way.
“Excellent. You’re both here. Scar and I are having a little New Year’s Eve thing at the house tonight. Last minute, I know, but it should be fun,” I managed, proud of myself for keeping the sarcasm out of my voice. “So, can you make it?” I asked them both.
I noticed that Gage didn’t respond until Luke did.
“Sorry man, I have plans tonight,” Luke said, but I could tell he was lying.
“That’s too bad. We were hoping that
you could make it. Well, what about you, Gage?” I asked.
“I’ll try to make it,” he said, but I knew he wouldn’t show without Luke.
“Great! Cade and Aiden seemed pretty excited about it,” I lied, or at least half-lied.
“Cade and Aiden are both going?” Luke asked.
“Sure,” I said. “Everyone will be there. Well…with the exception of you. Too bad you can’t make it.”
Luke crossed his arms over his chest, looked over at Gage, and sighed. “I’ll guess I can drop by for a while.”
The dickhead didn’t even try to hide his frustration, but I didn’t give a shit. He would be there and that’s what matters, so mission accomplished. “All right, man, see you guys tonight then.” I said as I walked down the driveway.
I knew that Luke wouldn’t be able to refuse if he knew that both Cade and Aiden would be there. He was well aware just how volatile the situation could get between those two. Cade and Aiden in the same room together, both with a few drinks in them? Something was bound to happen. It may be Luke’s job to keep them from going at each other’s throats, but it was now my job to make sure it happened.
CHAPTER 22
Luke
“Looking good, Pops. Where are you going all dressed up?” I asked when I saw my dad sporting his best suit and tie.
“I’m driving out to Santa Fe with Michelle. You remember her? She runs the Red Mountain Ski resort in town. You met her a couple of months ago when we were snowboarding. Well, the Marriott in Santa Fe is having a New Year’s Eve Ball, and she wants to go so we are going to be staying there tonight. I should be back fairly early tomorrow though. Michelle has to be back at work,” he explained like he thought he needed my approval.
“Sounds fun,” I said, trying not to sound sarcastic. Of course I remembered her. Hot for a domestic.
“What about you? I heard there’s a big party on the estate tonight. You planning on going with Cami?” he casually asked, which of course surprised the hell out of me.
“How did you know about Cami?”
Dad gave me look that told me it was his responsibility, and would one day be mine, to know everything that goes on around here.
“Cami dumped me,” I admitted, trying not to smile at the thought of it.
“Oh yeah? I wonder why on earth she would do that.”
I knew he was fucking with me. We may not talk about it, but he was aware of my track record with girls. He grinned at me as he straightened his tie, and I just shook my head and laughed. Then he turned to look in the mirror and said, “Smart girl.”
“I can’t believe you just said that!” I slapped him on the back for giving me crap.
“I’m just messing with you. I like Cami. She’s a sweet girl. Pretty, too. Oh well, don’t let it get you down. You’re young, no need to rush things. So what are you doing tonight?”
“I’m going to the party. I don’t really want to, but Cade and Aiden are both going, and I feel like something bad will happen if I’m not there to stop it,” I told him.
“You’re a smart kid. You know that? We’re going to have to do something about this situation we are in. I don’t like it one bit. It makes us look weak and exposed. Watch those two boys tonight. Don’t let things between them get out of hand while I’m gone,” he instructed, shaking his head.
“Normally, I wouldn’t worry about Cade losing his head around anyone, but lately I just can’t read him very well,” I admitted, which caused a worried look to appear on my father’s face.
“You think it’s because of the mating?”
“Maybe. I never really thought about it. Cade is different though. He’s more…I don’t know how to explain it…real. Does that make sense?” I asked. “It’s like he’s nicer and more aware of other people’s feelings and shit. He completely threw me off guard the other day when he told me that Gage was back in town. He was almost apologetic, and I swear I seriously thought he was going to hug me.”
My dad just laughed. “You guys have known each other your whole lives. It makes sense. Maybe he did feel bad for Gage and for you.”
“Yeah, but that’s what I mean. The old Cade wouldn’t have cared about my feelings. It’s just weird.”
“You think being mated has made him weak?” he asked.
“No, I think it’s had the opposite effect. I think it’s made him stronger, but more volatile as well. Which is why I’m worried about tonight. Aiden doesn’t know when to stop, and Cade is so unpredictable right now. If something were to go down tonight, and since I’m sure there will be some alcohol involved, it’s completely possible, Aiden’s not going to know what the hell to do.”
“Cade’s not stronger then you though, right? I’m sure you can handle it. But if you think I should stay, I will.” His concern was more than evident in his voice worried.
“Please, he’s not even close. Cade would never take me on. No, you go. I can handle them. I would just rather not have to, you know?” I assured him.
“Yeah, but maybe I should stay here just in case something happens.”
“No. Dad, I’ve got this. Really. Go to Santa Fe. Have a little fun. I’m probably overreacting, and if I’m not, then I will step in and squash the situation. You’ve trained me well.” I walked him to the door. He was still thinking about staying, I could tell, but he relented and picked up his overnight bag.
On the way out to his car, he gave me the speech: the one where he tells me not to drink and drive, to be careful about what I say and do around the humans, and to always be smart and protect myself and whoever I’m with. He’s been giving me that speech for so long I swear I have it memorized.
Once he was gone, I headed back inside to take a shower and get ready for the party. If only I could bring a date with me tonight, maybe then I could keep my mind off Scarlett for a while. But that was completely out of the question. There was no way in hell I could show up to a party on the estate with a domestic, but that thought gave me an idea. What I needed was an after-party and a date; a night out with some girl with no emotions, no strings, no promises, and no pack. Just a human girl to take my mind off of Scarlett. Without a second thought, I grabbed my phone and made the call.
“Luke! I was just thinking about you!” Taylor, a very hot, blonde cheerleader from my English class answered.
“How’s my favorite girl?” I asked.
“Lonely,” she moaned. “You haven’t texted me all break.”
“I’m sorry, babe, but I’m calling you now. Listen, you free tonight?” I asked.
“As it turns out I am free. Which brings me to why I was thinking about you. Want to keep me company tonight? My parents just left to go visit my brother and his family in Albuquerque and won’t be back until Sunday, so I’m having some people over to ring in the New Year. And when I kick everyone out, I don’t want to be in this big, scary house all alone…”
“Oh, so you need me to come keep you safe?” I teased.
“You know it!”
“I have this family thing that I have to go to, but I’ll cut out early. I’ll text you when I’m on the way.”
“Great! Make sure you’re here by midnight so we can celebrate together. I don’t want to miss my New Year’s Eve kiss,” she cooed.
It was that easy. Taylor was one of the hottest girls in school, and we both understood each other. She knew I didn’t do the whole relationship thing. Sure, she was looking for someone who could one day whisk her away from her ultra-religious family and this sleepy little town, but until she found him, she was always more than willing to have a little fun with me. I hoped that after the evening was over, I’d be able to forget all about Scarlett Reed… at least for a little while. Just long enough for her to move back to her pack, and then I would be able to move on with my life.
Feeling a lot better about tonight than I did earlier, I took a shower, got dressed, and sent Gage a text telling him that I was on my way to the party.
CHAPTER 23
Scarlett
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br /> Surveying the kitchen, I cringed at the thought of playing party host to a bunch of people I hardly knew. Chips, dips, and snacks covered the island, and there was enough alcohol to support a fully functioning bar at a nightclub on a busy Saturday night. Apparently, step one of the New Year’s Eve party plan was to get the partygoers hammered.
Knowing this was all a ruse to get Aiden and Cade in the same room only served to intensify the guilt churning inside me. At home, when this whole thing was just a distant plan, it all sounded like such a great idea. Now it just seemed harsh and cruel. More than anything, I wanted to make my father proud. The fact that he actually asked for my help made me feel like his daughter again and not just a body that took up space in his home, a nuisance unworthy of a second of his time. But this was not our pack, and in my heart, I knew we had no business being here trying to ruin them. Suddenly, it was difficult to remember why I’d ever agreed to be a part of this. What was I thinking? Was pleasing my father really worth it? I wasn’t sure, especially now that I knew just how far he expected me to go to get things done.
And then there was Luke. The fact that Luke would surely be here didn’t help my already frazzled nerves. If only I could flip a switch and turn my feelings off. I wasn’t supposed to care about this guy, but I couldn’t deny it. I liked Luke— a lot. Too much. This was one hell of a hiccup in our little plan. If Luke found out why we were all really here, he’d never speak to me again. My heart constricted at the thought, and the need to flee overwhelmed me.
I started for the front door, ready to run, to get as far away from this place as I could. It was my go-to response when life became too much to handle. But as if on cue, the door swung open and Drew entered. He looked at me and then at his watch. “What the hell are you doing? Why aren’t you dressed? People are going to start showing up any minute now.”
Without waiting for a response, Drew practically herded me up the stairs. “Go, go, go!” he demanded. “You have ten minutes to make yourself irresistible, so hurry the hell up.”