Semua Bab Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King: Bab 321 - Bab 327

HildaI’ve always trusted my gut. It’s served me better than magic, training, and all the blades I’ve ever wielded. And right now, my gut won’t shut up.Scarlett’s gone and flown headfirst into something. It’s not a crisis, not yet. But I know that tone of voice all too well.That dreamy, half-distracted way she starts talking in whenever she mentions Erik. Like he’s become some storybook figure she’s trying to figure out. Part of her is still cautious. She was raised to be. But another part, and I’m worried it’s the bigger part, wants to believe in him.And that’s what really has me worried. Because the moment you start believing in someone because you want to trust them, things become very murky and you lose the ability to see what’s right in front of your eyes.Chris, on the other hand, is the opposite kind of puzzle. All smooth edges and polite silences. Smiling at all the right moments. Laughing with Ilsa. Pretending everything’s fine. I don’t know who he’s trying to protect, us,

ScarlettIt’s been over a week since I started working at Häxa, and nothing strange has happened again. No more whispers from behind the locked door.There’s also been a complete lack of customers murmuring about blood rites or demanding eye of newt and toe of frog. No backroom seances. No talking cats.Just tea blends, scented sachets, and locals looking for headache powders or love charms they don’t quite believe in.A few come in asking for something more specific. A protective charm, something to ward off bad dreams. Erik always smiles, nods, and tells them his mother will prepare it for pick-up the next day. He never lets me into the prep process for those, but I don’t push. Not yet.Signe hasn’t set foot back in the shop since my first day here.Still, the place has settled around me like a second skin. The earthy scent of dried herbs, the soft hum of crystal energy, the quiet hours spent watching sunlight filter through dust-speckled windows. Watching with a smile while Erik he

ScarlettThere are five outfits crumpled on my bed. I’m currently wearing number six. It’s a simple red dress; not too clingy, not too casual. With short sleeves and a flattering neckline. The skirt ends a few fingers above my knees, and when I twirl, it flares around me like a soft breeze.But every time I look in the mirror, I second-guess myself. Is it too much? Too little? Gods, what if he thinks I’m trying too hard? Or not at all? I’ve never been this nervous about my appearance before.I tug the dress down, glance at the clock, then whirl back to the kitchen. There’s no more time for this.The pasta sauce is simmering gently. Simple garlic, bacon, tomato and basil, nothing fancy. I could’ve done more. Cerelia taught me to cook like a professional and Tara showed me how to bake the most perfect confections. But tonight I needed something simple and safe.I want to be able to focus on him. I walk into the dining room and stare at the candles I lit earlier. Then blow them out. It’s