Page 171 of Fated to the Hunters
“Fights, weapons, wandering off, or disrespect,” Ezra finished for her. “I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ezra took her hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “Wait here.”
She watched him disappear up the stairs, hearing him rummaging for something before he returned with a black satin bag. He nudged her towards the couch, dropping to his knees once she sat down. Curious, Mateo and Vince sat to either side of her.
“I have kept this for quite some time, but I haven’t found the right words to give it to you. Until now.”
Ezra opened the bag and revealed a cup that had once been shattered, mended with filigree golden elements. Upon closer inspection, Scarlett recognised it as the mug she’d smashed in the sink. Even the initial chip in the ceramic ceased to exist.
“Iwillbe nice. Not because I particularly like your family, but because they mean a lot to you. If I were to disrupt your relationship with them a second time, I’m not sure it would be able to be mended back together again. This is important to you, and therefore it is important tome. Your relationship with your brother is fragile and I will treat it as such.”
“That is very sweet of you.” Scarlett graced him with a kiss to his forehead before spinning the mug in her lap and running her fingers along the thin gold lines. “Thank you.”
When her childhood home came into view, Scarlett nervously fidgeted with the hem of her dress. By the time Vince approached the visitor parking, she could already see Maximilian standing by the entrance—with Kurt by his side.
Oh no.She hadn’t mentally prepared to see him, nor did she know how she should act. She’d left him, heartbroken and shunned by his former alpha.
Helping her out of the truck, Mateo gently squeezed her hand. “It’s all going to be alright.”
“I feel sick,” she whispered.
“Breathe,” Mateo hummed, gently leading her towards the entrance to the building.
As she approached, she could tell that Kurt was trying to hide his excitement. Though Scarlett knew those little crinkles under his eyes far too well.
Vince was the first to break the ice, reaching his hand out to greet Maximilian. “It’s nice to meet you, Alpha. I’m Vince.”
Mateo was next, introducing himself.
“And the last one must be Ezra,” Maximilian guessed correctly, also shaking Ezra’s hand before he spread his arms and grinned down at her. “Come here.”
The moment his arms wrapped around her, and he planted a kiss to her hair, Scarlett felt like she could finally breathe again. The hug was brief, with Maximilian giving her a gentle push towards Kurt.
“This one hasn’t stopped chewing my ear off since he heard you’re visiting.”
Kurt rolled his eyes and tugged her closer. “I disagree—politely.”
Before they stepped over the threshold, Maximilian eyed the three men. “I don’t allow weapons past this point.”
Without her having to say a word, Ezra revealed the small dagger strapped to his hip and handed it over. Then he droppedto his knee and pulled out the small knife he kept hidden in his boot. Straightening to his full height, he attempted to walk past Scarlett—only for her to stop him with a hand on his chest. Defeated, Ezra sighed and handed over the small bag in his back pocket.
He flashed a quick, mischievous grin towards Kurt. “I wouldn’t open that.”
“Thin line, Ezra,” Scarlett warned.
Though Ezra tried to keep up his tough demeanour, he faltered under her glare. “Noted, princess.”
When Kurt entered the elevator with them, she beamed up at him. “Are you coming with us?”
“He insisted,” Maximilian answered for him, using his key to unlock the button for the penthouse.
“I thoughtyouwere alpha now?” Scarlett teased.
“A very lenient one, apparently.”
“You’re still trying to find your style.” When they got to the penthouse and she noticed the buffet-style breakfast, she frowned. “I could’ve brought something.”
