Chapter Five

SCARLET'S POV

I was dumbfounded and couldn't seem to process what was going on. I sank back into the bed, trying to decipher what was happening but it was all a fuzzy dream in my head. Two mates? What on earth was Brad talking about?

“What—what are you talking about?” I managed to ask amidst my confusion.

Brad chuckled and pointed to Elias. “He didn’t tell you, did he?” He licked his lips. “I’m guessing he didn’t tell you that he is your mate. And he has known for years! He has watched them bully you for years and he did nothing!”

“Brad!” Elias' voice rang in the room and I flinched. “That’s enough!” I could detect the anger in his voice and his eyes were glimmering with fury.

Elias turned to me. “You don’t have to listen to him.”

My breath faltered and I could hear my own heart beat. I lifted my gaze to Elias, unable to believe what Brad said. Could he have known for three years? He had watched them bully me for three years and he did nothing.

“You knew…” I started but the words were caught up in my throat. “You knew and you didn’t tell me about our bond. Is that because you’re ashamed of me?”

“I’m not ashamed of you, Scarlet.” Elias answered. “Don’t let him get into your head.”

“Scarlet, you have to make a choice!” Brad interrupted, his jaw clenched. “Is it me or him?!”

"What about Valerie?!” The room seemed to be closing in on me. “Didn't you already reject me for her? Why did you suddenly change your mind?” I asked, my voice weak and filled with fear as I managed to look into his eyes.

He fixed a long look on me with his hands clasped together. "Well, I did but I suddenly realized that I didn’t make the right choice by rejecting you. I want you back but you have to reject Elias first.” There was a finality in his tone. It was clear to me; it was either him or Elias. There was no in between.

Elias, on the other hand, remained calm, watching me with warm eyes. I glanced deeper into his gaze in search of something I could hold onto but there was none. He was completely blank or perhaps he had a way to hide it from me.

The memories of how Brad had rejected me for Valerie played in my head and irritation pricked by skin.

He must have gotten into a problem with Valerie and realized that he couldn't be with her. I was nothing but a second choice and that upset me so much.

I would have turned him down without thinking twice if I wasn't feeling so attached to him. My wolf was yearning for every bit for him and wouldn't keep calm. He was handsome and I couldn't dispute that fact but it still hurt that he chose Valerie over me initially.

Elias, on the other hand, was the crown Lycan prince and the heir to the throne that controlled all supernatural powers. He had had his eyes on me for a long time but just didn't reveal it on time. The reason for that was far from my knowledge.

I was plunged into a dilemma and did not have the slightest idea of what was to be done.

Brad's eyes remained fixed on me and he looked really agitated. Although I was happy he was ready to accept me, I couldn’t give him an answer yet.

I could bear it no more. It was too difficult for me to choose. My eyes flickered around and then shut for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry but I can't make a choice now," I blurted out. Their faces fell and I could see the hurt in Elia's eyes. My heart sank and a pang of guilt washed over me.

"But Scarlet.."

"No buts. I can’t make a decision now and you’re not going to force one out of me." I turned my head to the other side at once, unable to stare any of them in the eye. I didn't care if they were going to tear each other apart for my choice. In fact, it felt good to be the center of attention for once.

“You’ll regret this!” Brad yelled and then I heard the door slam shut. I exhaled and hoped he wouldn’t return again.

There was a moment of silence between Elias and I before he spoke to me. "Are you alright?” He asked, sounding quite worried. I felt hot tears pricking my eyes but I couldn’t let them out.

Elias reached for my hands and locked them in his. They were warm and assuring. Strangely, the thumping against my chest decreased drastically.

"You've got nothing to worry about.” He smiled. “I know it’s a lot to deal with. First, you’re rejected and now, you have two mates who want you. I can imagine how you feel.”

I tried to speak but he wouldn't let me. He placed his index finger on my lips, shutting me up at once.

"You don't have to say anything. Like I said, you should relax. You need enough energy to heal."

He smiled and my wolf swelled with energy, arousing my emotions. He lowered his head and planted a kiss on my head.

"I need to get something out there. I'll be back in a minute," he said, and winked at me before he dashed off.

As I watched him leave, a sigh escaped through my lips. I had to be grateful to him for saving me from Valerie. If he hadn’t showed up, I probably would have been too hurt. But at the same time, I felt this anger imprinted on me. I wanted to know why he refused to tell me about the mate bond, why he knew for years and said nothing to me.

The door flung open, snapping me out of my thoughts and Elias walked in.

I was going to speak to him but the nurse came in. She glanced around the room and smiled when she saw me.

"I can see you're much better.” She said, “I hope you heal completely soon.” She turned to Elias. “Thank you for bringing her here. You saved her life.”

He nodded and cleared his throat rather dramatically, attracting both of our attention. "When do you think she will be discharged from here?" He asked. “To keep her safe, I think she should be sent home immediately.”

“What?” My eyebrows furrowed. “I can take care of myself!”

“You’re no way able to shift in your current situation. You can’t defend yourself if anyone attacks you. There are people still looking to hurt you so the school is not safe for you.”

"That's right and that's the main reason I'm here.” The nurse added. Due to what happened, I doubt you’ll be able to shift anymore. If you’re unable to accept the rejection from your mate, staying away from school is the best option. If you’re attacked again, I’m not sure you’ll survive it this time.”

I felt helpless as I considered their advice. If I couldn’t shift, I was useless as a wolf. It also meant that I had to make my decision faster. I had to choose between Brad and Elias soon. “Fine.” I breathed. “I’ll go home but I can still protect myself without shifting.”

“If you say so.” The nurse said, before handing Elias a paper. “You should clear her bills before leaving.”

"Alright, that's not a problem," he said in a low voice, then accompanied the nurse to clear the bill.

“You’ll regret this!” Brad’s warning rang in my head again. Maybe I should have accepted him as my mate. Instead of facing the danger of being wolf less.

How could my day turn out this way? I was supposed to find the love of my life, listen to him claim me as his but none of that worked out.

"This is the worst day of my life."