Scarlett’s POV:
“Scarlett!” Lucian’s voice cut through the haze. “Someone get the pack doctor!”
Strong arms lifted me. Even through the pain, I could smell Lily’s perfume on his shirt. The scent made my stomach turn.
“She’s burning up,” I heard him say. “Her heart’s racing too fast.”
The curse pulsed beneath my skin, feeding on my pain, growing stronger with each betrayal.
I woke to white walls and the sharp smell of antiseptic. Lucian sat beside my bed in the pack’s medical wing, his face etched with what looked like genuine concern as he held my hand.
“You scared me,” he whispered, brushing hair from my face. “What were you doing outside my office?”
“The council documents,” I managed. “You forgot them at home.”
His thumb traced circles on my palm. “You should have sent Mary. You’re not well.”
“I…” I hesitated, then decided to test him. “I thought I saw Lily earlier, in the pack hall?”
His hand stiffened for just a heartbeat. “She’s visiting. You know how it is – she’s from the Shadow Pack’s noble line. We need to maintain good relations.”
“Of course.” I turned away, unable to bear his lies. “Diplomatic relations are important.”
“Scarlett, look at me.” He cupped my face, forcing me to meet his eyes. “You’re my Luna, my mate. I could never lose you. Don’t you know that?”
The words might have meant something yesterday. Before I’d heard him laugh at my weaknesses.
His phone buzzed. Something flashed across his face as he read the message.
“You need food,” he said quickly. “I’ll go back and have Mary bring you something to eat. Rest, my love.”
He stood up immediately and I took his hand just in time.
“Can you stay with me a little longer, honey, I’m not hungry yet.” I took his hand in mine and pleaded in a low voice for him not to go.
He hesitantly sat down again and took my hand in his, “Then you’ll have to talk to me when you’re hungry, little Lottie.”
But I clearly sensed that he was distracted, and just then his cell phone rang again and he checked it quickly, this time without hesitation.
“Lottie, I just remembered, there’s another paper in the office that I need to sign, and then I’ll be back with dinner for you. Wait for me to get back, honey.”
He asked me perfunctorily about my forehead and left quickly.
The moment he left, I pulled out the IV. My legs shook as I stood, but determination drove me forward. I’ll go back and have Mary bring you something to eat. I followed their mingled scents into the woods behind the medical wing.
The physical exertion left my chest burning. My vision kept fading in and out, and my stomach was cramping. But when I saw the scene in front of me, I felt nauseous and like I was going to vomit.
Lucian embraced the naked Lily, leaning her against an ancient oak tree. Lily wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around him. Lucian thrust into her body forcefully, and Lily let out broken moans, making bile rise in my throat.
“My powerful Alpha,” Lily purred. “Such a hero, rushing to save me the moment I called.”
“Who told you to send me your nude photos?” Lucien said, pounding hard, “Didn’t you want me to f””k you?”
“What about your perfect Luna?” Lily’s laugh was cruel. “The pack can’t stop praising her domestic talents.I wonder how skilled she is in bed?”
“Stop talking about Scarlett all the time and focus.” Lucien was obviously more addicted to her flesh, his large hands rubbing her breasts as he slammed into her harder. His lips nibbled at her shoulder.
“Well, don’t mention her, baby, I know you’re just political, ex-Beta Alexander’s daughter, she’s very useful to you, isn’t she? Oh, Lucian, be gentle. You’re hurting me.”
“Who told you to still talk about Scarlett, she’s my perfect Luna, the best woman in the world.” Lucien continued to lick and nibble at her shoulder boobs, causing Lily to moan and moan.
My mind flashed back to four years ago. Thomas, a visiting Alpha’s son, had mocked me at a pack gathering.
