3. Rejection accepted

After Scarlett’s proposal, silence descended between them, the sensual environment transforming into one brimming with tension in a matter of seconds. The words she had dreamed of as her paradise had suddenly turned into the essence of her nightmare. But she had decided to make those who had made her life miserable pay for it, and now it was done.

With her heart racing, Scarlett watched him, this stranger she’d just proposed to. His expressionless demeanor made her regret her impulsiveness.

The man stood, exuding dominance and fire. Scarlett, who remained far from violence off the field, felt like she was in his shadow.

“What is your name?” he asked, looking down at her.

Scar chewed on her lower lip before responding, “Scarlett...” She deliberately omitted her last name.

He stared at her for another moment, seemingly lost in thought, before picking up his shirt and putting it on.

Scarlett blinked, regretting her words. “Hey, I didn’t—”

He turned and left her there alone. She sat on the sofa, nearly naked, staring at the door. He hadn’t even given her a chance to explain. She clutched her head and sighed, feeling dizzy.

“Why am I even upset?” she mumbled. It wasn’t like she could expect him to accept her proposal. She couldn’t even believe her own nonsense. “Ugh!” She rubbed her head, wishing Ulva were there with her, listening to her confused thoughts. “Ulva would’ve knocked some sense into me,” she murmured. Frustrated, she flopped back onto the sofa, her eyelids growing heavy.

A few seconds later, Alaina entered and pulled her into a sitting position. “No sleeping here,” she said, with sympathy in her eyes. She grabbed Scarlett’s clothes and helped her get dressed. As she did, she shook her head with her lips pursed. “You’re a drunken mess, lying nearly naked with the door wide open. What happened? Why did he leave?”

Scarlett glared at her. “Why did you abandon me? Bitch!”

Alaina raised an eyebrow. “I abandoned you?” She folded her arms. “It wasn’t me who was all hot for my ex’s uncle tonight. You seemed determined to lose your V-card. That’s not on me.”

Scarlett lowered her eyes, rubbing her forehead. “Yeah… yeah. You’re right... I messed up.”

Alaina frowned. “What happened? Did you confess your relationship with George or something?”

Scarlett shook her head. “No. It’s bigger than that... I asked him to marry me.”

“What?” Alaina squealed. “Marry you? Are you out of your mind, Scar? You just met the man, and you asked for marriage?”

“Ugh! I know.” She ran a hand down her face. “It was so stupid. I thought it would be a good way to avenge the heartbreak.”

Alaina sighed and sat beside her. “It’s all right. He doesn’t even know you, and he doesn’t stay in the pack. So... just forget it ever happened.”

Scarlett leaned on Alaina’s shoulder to steady her spinning head. “You’re right. I think I will.”

But then her anger flared, and her head snapped up. “But I can’t believe he ran away without a glance. Who does he think he is? He didn’t even give me a chance to explain.”

Alaina nodded. “Mm-hmm. Got it. You’re definitely drunk.”

Scarlett shook her head. “Not funny!”

Alaina sighed, pulling Scarlett off the sofa. “Okay, okay. Not funny. Now, let’s get you back home.”

It took fifteen minutes, but Scarlett finally gave in and agreed to leave. Still, she complained the entire time while Alaina dragged her out of the bar.

As they were leaving, Scarlett looked up to see George at the bar’s entrance, blocking their path. “So you’re here,” he said.

Scarlett’s mood darkened, disgusted at the mere sight of him.

“What are you doing here?” Alaina snapped at him harshly. “Not satisfied after breaking her?”

George clenched his fists, stepped a little closer, and kept his gaze fixed on Scarlett. “Can we talk, please?”

“What is there to talk about? Seems to me you said all you needed to when you rejected her.” Alaina’s tone rose sharply.

Scar put a gentle hand on her arm. “It’s all right, Alaina.”

“What? You want to listen to his shit?”

Scarlett nodded. “He doesn’t deserve it, but I’ll listen for a minute.”

“All right. Fine. But I’ll be checking on you soon.” Alaina gave George a death glare as she stepped away.

Scarlett turned to him. “What is it?” she asked, her tone rough, though she worked to suppress her emotions.

George approached, reaching out to touch her hair, but she dodged and put some distance between them.

“Stop with the act, George. I don’t have time to waste on you. Not anymore.”

George rubbed his face. “You were close to another man, weren’t you?” he asked, his voice filled with pain.

Scarlett chuckled bitterly. “You’re asking that now? It’s a little late for that, don’t you think?”

“Scarlett, I—”

“Yes, I was with another man. We kissed passionately. What of it?”

“Please, Scarlett, you’re not handling this right.” George’s tone grew heavier.

“I’m not handling this right? Does Olivia know you’re here?”

He remained silent.

“Of course she doesn’t,” Scarlett sneered.

George stepped forward, clenching his teeth, “Please, Scar. You don’t understand. Alpha has chosen Olivia as his successor. She’ll be the next Alpha. And not only that, but she’ll inherit eighty percent of the company in the future. What do you think someone should do in that situation? What would you do?”

For a moment, Scarlett worked to grasp the gravity of the situation. She tilted her head, looking at him in a new light as her eyes welled. “That’s why you chose Olivia over me?”

George shook his head. “No, no, I didn’t give up on you, Scar. I-I’m doing this for us. It’s only temporary. Olivia isn’t my mate. I’m even going against Sago,” he said of his wolf. “Look, Scar, you know my parents died early. If I don’t marry her, competing for beta in the future will be difficult for me, and that will make it hard for us to survive. I won’t be able to give you everything you desire.”

“For us? You’re hurting me… for us? You can’t be serious?” She scoffed. “You’re only twenty-five. Why wouldn’t you try to run things on your own? And when did I ever want too much from you? When did I ever ask for more than love and a simple family?”

“You’re so naïve,” he said. “There are some things we’re not meant to choose based on where we come from.”

“Choose? Really, George? Since when do fated mates choose each other?”

“Scar, you hav—”

“You rejected our fate for your selfish reasons, George. You chose this.” She pointed at him sharply.

He sighed, “Give me three years, Scar. Please. In three years, I’ll divorce her and marry you. I promise.”

Scarlett laughed in disbelief, sorrow and bitterness dripping from the notes. She harshly wiped the tears from her eyes. “You promise?” She shook her head. “And what will I do during these three years while you fuck her day and night, huh?” Her tone pitched up so that it sounded like the howl of an injured wolf. “Answer me, George. What will I do? Can you tell me you won’t fuck her?”

George’s lips parted, but nothing came out.

Scarlett laughed again, and this time, it was a pure roar. “That’s what I thought. And deep down, you know you can’t keep your promise either. You’re lying, either to me or to yourself, or both. But I’m not going to hurt myself for a shit like you.”

She stepped forward, piercing his pleading, sorrow-filled eyes, and shook her head. She had no softness for his sorrow. “I have a better solution,” she said. “I, Scarlett Rowan, member of the Night Walker Pack and a descendant of the alpha bloodline, accept your rejection, George Weston.”

“No, Scar... Ugh! Noooo!” He fell to his knees, and she turned and strode away.