Page 74 of Fated to the Hunters
With her fingers over his throat, her thumb brushed his carotid. The artery picked up pace, thumping beneath her fingertip. “Pack children stay with the pack until they can keep our secret. The only difference in me was when I didn’t enrol into public schools like the others. I hated it, but I was raised to be a role model. Packs work because of the hierarchy. You see it in rogue groups time and time again—they fall apart because they dare question their leadership.”
“So, you followed him for the good of the pack.”
“Yes. And I also know you probably think it’s stupid.”
“I do. Then again, I’ve done things that I don’t personally agree with for Vince and Mateo.”
“Such as?”
“Dinner.”
“Because they are your pack, your people.”
“I guess, but don’t tell them I said that.”
“Ah yes, because you hate them so deeply that you only live here to make their life as miserable as possible,” she countered sarcastically.
“Fucking hate their guts,” Ezra mumbled.
She leaned down, and all Ezra could do was to swallow the moan that threatened his lips when Scarlett’s met his forehead. “Of course you do.”
“My mother used to say my life will be overshadowed by dark clouds. I used to believe her, but now I know that she was seeing you.”
Scarlett graced him with a smile so tender that it melted his heart, mending something within him that he didn’t even have words to describe. Further still, she continued forward, sealing her mouth over his. He grunted in surprise, hints of mango and chocolate teasing his lips. He lifted a hand, spearing his fingers through her hair. Far too soon, she pulled back, her cheeks rosy and her chest heaving heavily.
“You’re my storm, Scarlett,” Ezra panted.
“As long as you are my shelter.”
No one had ever asked him to be their shelter—not that he even knew how. But deep down he knew he would be anything for her. Even if he was clueless, he had some help.
“I’ll be anything you need.”
Once Vince and Mateo entered the room, they asked Scarlett to join them at the table, where they presented their findings for their next hunt.
“Since this is our first lycan and probably our riskiest hunt to date, we wanted you to be part of our decision making going forward,” Mateo explained.
“I’m not sure I’ll be of much help.”
“It’s less about you helping us hunt and more about your presence. First, we never know how long these things are going to take. We would be gone for a while, and we all feel uncomfortable leaving you for so long.”
“You could come with us,” Vince continued. “But wouldn’t be involved in the physical part of the hunt. As far as we understand, lycans can control werewolves’ minds. We believe that extends to you too.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“We only found that out recently as well.”
“So, what do you three need from me?”
“Consent,” Ezra bluntly stated.
Their eyes met with an amused grin from Scarlett. “You don’t seem like someone who would ask for consent beforehand, nor would you ask for forgiveness afterwards.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not the only one here.”
Mateo rolled his eyes, redirecting her attention. “We would like to go on the hunt soon, but there is no rush since no one else knows about them or their location. I believe what we are asking is how you would feel about leaving for a while.”
Scarlett’s eyes drifted down to the map, her fingers tracing over the paper. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been alone.”
