Page 12 of Fated to the Hunters
The mind link was a tricky thing. It was a connection one shared with their pack, allowing them to communicate even over distances. The only downside was that it didn’t stop at pack communication. If not properly taught, things could be shared that someone would rather keep hidden—such as a bond to three hunters.
Scarlett took a detour to the eighth floor, buying herself more time. Her father’s office was only located with two others: Jake’s, his beta, and Felix, their lead warrior. She knocked and feeling her father’s mind pull at hers, Scarlett’s features softened to a look her father knew all too well: schoolgirl innocence. She found herself in the midst of what seemed to be an intense meeting. Her father was present, of course, along with Jake and her brother.
“You called for me,” she said, unable to suppress the worry that turned her stomach.
“I did,” her father stated, indicating the empty chair in front of his desk. She took the seat and folded her hands in her lap. “I was informed that a local paper is publishing an article about you tomorrow and was able to obtain a copy.”
He smacked a paper onto the table, flipping it around so she could read the headline.
DARK SECRETS UNRAVELLING ABOUT THE MOONLIGHT FAMILY
She skimmed the words on the page, and her stomach tightened. The article was all about how she was never seen in public. They mentioned her father locking her up in the “Rapunzel Tower.” She was kept like a bird in a golden cage. Naturally, there were speculations as to why. The nicer oneswere saying she was sick and too weak for her father’s social life, while others speculated she was just dumb and ugly.
“We believe that the Magnolia family is behind this,” her father continued. “They might be trying to sabotage our new development.”
Since Maximilian’s successful trip to the Night Stars territory had gained her father the last vote he needed to purchase new land, they’d started the process of making public announcements. The Magnolia family was a rivalling business—who also happened to be hunters.
Maximilian sat beside her and took her hand in his. “They’re just trying to get under our skin. We just wanted you to know this article is out there.”
Scarlett nodded, though she wondered what that would mean for her. Would this be the kick in the pants her father needed to loosen the reins? Or would it just add another lock onto her freedom? She looked up at him, who studied her closely. “Will it sabotage your launch?”
“We don’t believe so. All publicity is good publicity.”
Scarlett bobbed her head slowly and looked back down at the article, glad they hadn’t added a picture.
“We will be more careful about your… outings,” her father continued. “Maximilian will no longer be going anywhere with you. The resemblance will be too obvious.”
“Because you don’t want them to know what I look like?” And though she hated it her father was right. No one could ever deny the two of them being siblings. The brown hair, the grey eyes, some even said they’d both inherited their mother’s soft features and smile.
“I don’t want a target on your back. The next few weeks will be the most crucial so you will stay here.”
She snapped her head up, tears filling her eyes before she could stop them. “What about the Wolfmoon?”
“No more trips out beyond that.”
A knot tied in her stomach, but she bowed her head and submitted anyway. She knew there was no reasoning with him. If she attempted to fight him, he would only punish her more, taking her little trips away entirely. The conversation was clearly over, so she rose from her seat and left.
Maximilian joined her outside the elevator. “He means well, Scarlett”
“Of course he does.” Though her tone would indicate that Scarlett didn’t quite agree.
Her brother sighed and rested his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close as they stepped into the elevator. “Please don’t do anything stupid.”
Like meeting three hunters in a blind spot of the building's security?
“I won’t.” She sighed and tried to lighten her tone. “There go my chances to go to the next mate meet up.”
“I don’t think those things work. I’ve been to half a dozen and still haven’t found mine.”
Over the past few years, unmated young wolves had started to meet outside of their packs’ territories to find their one and only. It was also an excuse to party without having their families—and alphas—breathing down their necks.
“You’re a difficult case,” Scarlett teased.
Maximilian crunched his nose, feigning offense. “Damn, why so mean?”
She punched his bicep and grinned up at him, pushing away the thought that she’d miss him once her secret came out.
Chapter Seven
