7. I agree to marry you.

For the next two days, Scarlett remained in the room, resting to allow her body to recover fully. The time also allowed her to mourn her sorrows and solidify her determination to become a rogue as soon as she left there. Or perhaps she’d live among humans? Either way, she had no desire to be around people who had consistently disappointed her.

Ulva had also come to accept Scarlett’s decision after witnessing her unwavering determination.

During her two days of rest, the most Scarlett moved was to gaze out the window and observe the dark forest in the distance. She didn’t encounter the mysterious man, but another man named Dave visited her room once or twice a day to check on her. An appointed doctor and a nurse took care of her as well.

She had questions for Dave, but he made little effort to hide his apparent disapproval of her. Unaware of the reason behind his attitude, Scarlett chose to keep her questions to herself.

On the morning of the third day, she woke with renewed energy. Stretching her arms, she left her bed and stood in front of the mirror in the room’s corner, noting that she’d gained some weight.

Ulva rolled her eyes. ‘It’s because we’ve been stuck in this room for days!’ It was too long to remain inactive for a free-spirited wolf like Ulva.

‘Don’t be grumpy. We used the last two days for mental exercises, and it helped us reach a decision, right?’

‘Yeah, a one-sided decision.’

Sighing, Scarlett said, ‘Ulva, we’ve discussed this already. It’s better to be a rogue than to remain in the pack as an omega. I don’t have to remind you of the life of an omega, do I?’

Ulva curled up in a corner and mumbled, ‘I mean, I never said to go back to the pack... I just said to follow destiny.’

‘We’ll follow destiny by running away,’ Scarlett stated firmly, and Ulva fell silent.

A knock sounded at the door, and Dave entered.

It was unusual for him to appear in the morning, as that was typically when her nurse arrived.

They greeted one another, then Scarlett curiously watched him. He gave off an elegant vibe, unlike his boss, who seemed like the main character of a mafia series.

“Alpha wishes to see you,” Dave said. “He’s waiting in his office.”

Alpha? “Oh... Okay.” Scarlett pursed her lips. Although the man exuded a domineering aura, she didn’t think he was an alpha. Why would George stay away from his uncle and scheme to secure the beta position if his uncle was an alpha?

“Come soon,” Dave said with a curt nod, then left the room.

‘Two days have passed, and that man calls for us now?’ Scarlett murmured but received no reply from Ulva.

****

Ten minutes later, Dave escorted her to a study to see the alpha. The room was as cold as hers, but the mysterious man, the alpha apparently, sat hot as fire at a desk, watching her intently.

“I trust you are fully recovered, Miss Rowan?” he said, his tone deep as the blue sea, holding a rare melody.

Pursing her lips, Scarlett nodded. “Thanks to you... I mean, thank you for saving me that night and letting me stay in your place,” she replied, trying not to allow him to affect her senses.

Something about him seemed different, but she couldn’t place what, maybe because of his intense gaze. Scarlett felt suffocated by him, as if she was going to run out of breath at any moment. Even her lips went dry.

“Glad to hear it,” he said with a nod. “Now, Miss Rowan, do you remember your words at the pub?”

The question was so unexpected that it threw her off guard. “Wh-which words?” she breathed.

“Seems like you have a weak memory, Miss Rowan,” he said, his tone so even Scarlett couldn’t tell if he was mocking or serious. “I’m referring to your marriage proposal,” he added.

Scarlett flushed. “Umm, of course, I remember,” she said, trying to play it cool, though her insides were a mess. “What about it? If I am not wrong, you ran away.” Her eyes darted everywhere to avoid his gaze.

“Why do you wish to marry me?” he asked, catching her off guard yet again.

Scarlett felt caught in her own words. Out of desperation, she looked to Ulva for guidance. ‘What do I do, Ulva? I can’t just tell him the truth.’

‘Then you are left with nothing but lies,’ Ulva said with attitude. ‘So just say you fell in love at first sight.’ She was so out of character since the day their mate rejected them, and the arguments between them were getting too heated.

Scarlett struggled to contain her growing anger, but frustration still seeped into her voice when she asked, ‘Do you think he’s stupid, or am I simply a fool to ask for your help?’

‘I only answered what you asked,’ Ulva snapped.

Scarlett couldn’t hold back any longer, her temper flaring. ‘The pain wasn’t yours alone to bear, okay? And thanks to your impulsive attack, we’re in this mess!’

‘Then do whatever you want! Why come to me when you’ve already decided not to listen?’ Ulva growled before shutting herself off from Scarlett.

“Still waiting for your answer, Miss Rowan,” the alpha said, startling her.

“I-I fell in love with you at first sight,” she blurted.

“Is that so?” he asked, his scar twitching.

Scarlett couldn’t help but blame Ulva. ‘Yeah, you’re responsible for this! Fuck!’ Trying to regain her composure, she nodded at the man, feigning confidence. “Y-yeah, that’s it.” Then she quickly added, “I understand how immature that was of me, and I completely understand your rejection. It was impulsive, and—”

“I accept,” he said.

“Accept?”

“Your proposal.”

Scarlett did all she could not to allow her mouth to drop to the floor.