Page 31 of Fated to the Hunters
Her father indicated the empty chair next to Maximilian and trying to hide her nerves, Scarlett took the seat.
“I want to train again. I know you disliked it, but when the hunters came after me, I didn’t know what to do and it made me feel awful. I couldn’t defend myself and didn’t even stand a chance against them. I don’t want that to happen again.”
“It won’t.”
“Can you promise that? Because I can’t see the future.”
“Scarlett, this discussion is over,” her father growled his patience visibly wearing off his hardened features.
Scarlett shot to her feet, but glared down at him. “Yes, Alpha.”
She spun on her heel and stormed out of the office, her heart pounding and pumping hot anger through her veins. Yet again, she’d only been belittled because of her father’s own insecurities over her safety. Because that’s what Maximilian had said, right? He wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if something worse had happened to her. That’s why they kept her hostage, with no chance to live a normal life. Because that’s what her father had meant when he’d said history wouldn’t repeat itself. He’d never let her out due to his own fears that something may happen.
Scarlett was becoming fed up with how everyone looked at her. They weren’t even considering her feelings on the matter. She had to sit and obey, left utterly helpless and unable to defend herself.
She walked right past her mother and to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Her blood was running hot, and tears filled her eyes. Maybe she should’ve tried another tactic to convince her father. She’d grown so used to submission that standing up for herself didn’t come easy—not when it came to him.
She stood in her room and stared out of the window, the tears drying as she tried to calm herself. The urge to pack her bags and call her mates was growing to a terrifying degree. How would life be if she was free? Wouldtheyallow her to go out? Would she be able to decide when and where she wanted to go? Temptation grew, but before she could spiral, a knock on her door pulled her back to reality.
“I’m coming in.” And a second later Maximilian walked in.
Great—another decision she didn’t get to make for herself. “You didn’t give me a chance to veto it. Maybe I don’t want to see you.”
“Well too bad, I’m here.”
“Go away.”
“I would like you to hear me out first.”
She sighed and turned back to the window, crossing her arms tighter over her chest. She didn’t need any sympathy from him.
“He agreed to let me train you in defence techniques.”
“I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
Her brother didn’t even fight her. “Well, we’re both worried about another attack. He doesn’t really want you to learn anything because in his mind, you won’t be needing it.”
“Because Rapunzel won’t be leaving her tower anytime soon,” Scarlett chided.
“Scarlett, please. We’re just worried about you.”
“I’m sick of hearing that.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Maximilian slowly crossed the room and sat on her bed, keeping his eyes on her. He was being so kind that she had trouble staying angry at him. “Talk to me. What’s happened the past few weeks to make you so frustrated? I’ve never seen you like this.”
I met my mates and they can offer me a better life.
She hated even thinking the words. Her family had always loved her, she didn’t doubt that. They only wanted what was best for her. Yes, she was barely allowed to leave the house, but pack life was here. Would she still feel the same if the pack lived on their land? Probably not. A lot of women never left the safety and comfort of their pack’s residence. Her frustration had only peaked after meeting Vince, Mateo, and Ezra.
“Scarlett.”
“I don’t know,” she finally answered. “Maybe it’s the thought of always being stuck here. Yes, I feel safe, but I can’t make my own decisions—ever. Those hunters made me realise how weak I truly am. Everyone wants me to be this sweet little girl, and I’m just not. I’m a grown woman and I wish people would treat me as such.”
“How about you let me change that?”
Finally, Scarlett looked at him, and her heart melted. Her brother sat there, giving her the biggest, greyest puppy dog eyes she’d ever seen. He looked more desperate than she felt. “Fine.”
Maximilian gave her a shy grin. “I’ll meet you by the elevators in ten minutes.”
