CHAPTER 3

SCARLET’S POV

THREE DAYS LATER,

I paced the plush confines of our chambers with my hands to my hips. Today was the day Kaiden would return from the war and as usual he had emerged the victor in the just-concluded war. 

When the news of his return home reached my ears, I wasn't excited instead I was anxious. Afraid of him hearing about what happened in his absence – the rumor, and the council's unannounced meeting with me. But most importantly I was afraid of him getting word of the petition. The Pack's Council are a formidable foe but I was better than them.   

All I had to do was make sure I was by Kaiden's side at all times and they would avoid him. That might work.

A gentle tap on the door snapped me out of my thoughts and I went to answer it. My heart beat faster than it normally did as I clutched the doorknob and gave it a twist. 

Layla’s face appeared instead of Kaiden's.

“Oh. It's you.” I said in a dry tone, stepping back for her to enter.

Layla entered the room and crossed her arm over chest “You say that like I'm some kind of insect.”

I laughed over her comment and shut the door behind me.

“Well, Your Highness, you should be ready to join the party downstairs. The Alpha is here.” Layla told me as she put the items in her hands on the dressing table.

“Oh okay.” I gave her a brief nod and stalked towards the dressing table, hitching on a stool. 

Layla made sure to style my hair beautifully and daringly. Unlike other she-wolves who wore their hair the same pack design, I was a bit defiant. I wore my home pack's style of braids - the upper half of the hair is made into a french twist while the second-half will be curled beneath my shoulders. As usual, the people would be outraged for bringing a strange style but Kaiden didn't mind. , he loved it.

He always gave me this intense look whenever our eyes met and I'd fall in love with him all over again. 

He did the same thing when he arrived three days ago. From his horse, he stared at only me. Amidst the uproar and congratulations of the pack members, Kaiden crossed the room and kissed me squarely on the lips in front of everyone. 

I had told him to stop but his deep blue eyes bore into mine. “Stop? But I'm not doing anything.” 

My toes had curled in my shoes and they did the same thing again when I descended the steps — Kaiden was staring at me.

When I got to where he stood, he snaked his arms around my waist. “You smell heavenly.” 

I could only blush at his compliment. From a side - glance, I could see Eric and the others stewing in their rage. The thought of watching their previously smiling faces turn to scowls.

I made sure none of them followed us. How? I didn't let go of Kaiden. In the end, I had to. He had been summoned by the council members. 

“My lady, you have to relax.” Layla tried to give her another one of her pep talks but it wasn't working. 

I couldn't relax. Not when Kaiden was alone with them. 

“I c - can't. I just can't. Not when Kaiden's with them.” I dragged my hand through my hair. 

“What would you do now?” Layla asked me with a worried look on her face.

I looked up at her. “I have to see him. I can't let them make the petition.”

I bolted through the door before she could say another word.  

On my way to the Council Hall, I met Jasper, Kaiden's beta.

“Hello, Jasper. I’d like to go in. I want to speak to my husband.” I tried to move past the door but he blocked me.

“What do you think you're doing?” I flashed him a glare but he had a defiant look on his face.

“The Alpha is having an important meeting with the council leaders. It's not a place for a woman.” He stared at me intently with silver-gray eyes I'd always been wary of. 

I hissed through gritted teeth. “You better let me inside this very instant.”

Jasper shook his hair, shaking his short curly hair in the process. “I'm afraid I can't do that. Your husband will visit you tomorrow. Goodnight, Your Highness. Enjoy the party.”

I fisted both my hands at my sides, returning to my chambers, defeated.

As I settled into the soft mattress, I couldn't help but wonder what Kaiden was up to, what the council elders were telling him. 

Oh my Goddess. I hope it wasn't what I suspected.

 

I shut my eyelids to sleep but I couldn't. Insomnia took over as my eyes gazed at the ceiling, counting the number of angels on the painting made on it. 

I rolled over on my bed, slept on my side, clutched my pillow, let go of it and even slept upside down, anything to make me fall asleep yet I was still sleep-deprived. 

Heaving a frustrated sigh, I chose the last and only resort on my list - reaching out to Kaiden through our mating bond.

“Kaiden.” I called softly via telepathy but no response came.

“Kaiden.” I repeated. Still the silence replied to me. 

I gave up, letting my mind wander as to what decision Kaiden would make tomorrow — Keep me or let me go?

The morning came as quickly as the night vanished. 

I pushed back the covers, plucking up courage to speak to Kaiden about the rumors. If I had to prove my innocence, I had to act on it. 

Without Layla's help, I saw myself to my own bath and even had breakfast in my chambers. 

When I was done with those, I waited nervously for Kaiden to enter the room any minute with either a scowl or smile. I so desperately want the latter.

He was taking a lot of time so I decided to continue the novel from yesterday. 

Layla entered the room without knocking. I noticed her nose and eyes were red and decided to ask later.  

“Forgive the interruption, My Lady. You have a visitor.” she said in a quiet voice.  

My brows furrowed. “Who could it be?” 

Kaiden didn't need to be introduced when entering my chambers. Who was it? I wondered. 

“Send them in.” I rose to my feet, taking the book with me.

Jasper walked into the room, draped in a mourning attire. 

“Jasper, what's going on? What's with the attire?” I asked softly. 

Jasper dropped his eyes to the marble floor, his voice shaking as he spoke. “The Alpha is dead.”

The book in my hand dropped to the floor.