Chapter 20
Jun 1, 2025
Never!
Scarlett’s voice rang through the small room, filled with raw disbelief and rage. Her eyes darted between Ace and Rowan, searching for any sign that this was some cruel joke. But the firm set of Ace’s jaw and the look on Rowan’s lips told her otherwise.
“You’re lying,” Scarlett whispered, shaking her head violently. “You have to be lying!”
Ace exhaled sharply, standing her ground. “I wish I was.”
Scarlett stumbled back, gripping the chair behind her for support. Elara’s mouth hung open in shock, her wide eyes flickering between them. Kane sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
“This… this can’t be,” Scarlett muttered. “It’s impossible.”
“It’s the truth, Mother,” Ace said, her voice softer now.
“No.” Scarlett pointed a shaking finger at Rowan. “You kidnapped her. You kept her prisoner! How can you stand there and tell me you’re her mate?”
Rowan’s expression remained unreadable, his piercing gaze fixed on Scarlett. “I didn’t know,” he admitted. “Not at first.”
Scarlett let out a hollow laugh. “And now what? You expect me to just accept this?” She turned to Ace, her face twisted with pain. “Do you even hear yourself? He killed your father! He destroyed our home! He is the reason you were locked in a cage!”
Ace swallowed hard, guilt pressing on her chest. She couldn’t deny the truth in her mother’s words. But—
“It’s not that simple,” she said carefully.
Scarlett’s eyes burned with fury. “Then explain it to me, Ace! Explain how the man who ruined our lives is suddenly your mate!”
Ace hesitated.
Rowan took a step forward. “I understand your anger, Luna Scarlett,” he said evenly. “And I will not ask for your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. But I won’t deny the bond I share with Ace.”
Scarlett’s breath hitched. “Bond?”
Rowan’s gaze flickered to Ace, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. “I feel her, just as she feels me.”
Scarlett turned to Ace, as if hoping—begging—for her to deny it. But Ace remained silent, her jaw tight.
Scarlett inhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her temple. “This is a nightmare.”
“Mother,” Ace started, but Scarlett cut her off with a sharp glare.
“You cannot be with him,” she hissed.
Ace clenched her fists. “It’s not a choice.”
“Then reject him!” Scarlett’s voice cracked, desperation leaking through. “Reject him, Ace!”
The room fell silent.
Rowan’s body tensed. Kane’s gaze snapped to Ace, curious.
Ace took a slow, steady breath. “I—”
But the words caught in her throat.
Scarlett’s eyes widened in horror. “You won’t?”
Ace looked away. “I… don’t know if I can.”
Scarlett let out a choked sob. “Ace, please,” she begged. “Don’t do this. You can’t do this.”
Elara, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. “Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems.”
All eyes turned to the young girl.
Scarlett gaped at her. “Not as bad? Elara, do you even understand what’s happening?”
Elara hesitated. “I do. But Ace isn’t a child anymore. She can make her own decisions.”
Scarlett’s chest rose and fell rapidly, her breaths uneven. “You don’t understand what’s at stake.”
Ace stepped forward, her voice firmer now. “Then help me understand, Mother. What are you so afraid of?”
Scarlett looked between Ace and Rowan, torn.
Rowan tilted his head slightly. “I’d like to hear that answer too.”
Scarlett stiffened. “You don’t deserve an answer.”
Kane sighed in impatience. “We’re going in circles here.”
Rowan ignored him, his attention locked on Scarlett. “You’re not just angry that Ace is my mate,” he observed. “You’re terrified.”
Scarlett flinched.
Ace caught the way her mother’s fingers tightened on the chair, how her knuckles turned white.
A cold realization crept over her.
“You know something,” Ace whispered. “Don’t you?”
Scarlett’s throat bobbed.
Ace stepped closer. “Mother.”
Scarlett turned away.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Ace demanded.
Scarlett squeezed her eyes shut. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It does!” Ace’s voice shook. “If this is about my safety, if this is about the Pack—then tell me the truth!”
Scarlett trembled.
Rowan crossed his arms. “The more you hide, the more dangerous this becomes for Ace.”
Scarlett’s nails dug into her palms.
Ace took a deep breath. “Please.”
Scarlett’s shoulders sagged in defeat.
For a long moment, there was nothing but the sound of her ragged breathing.
“I made a deal,” Scarlett whispered.
Ace froze.
Rowan’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of deal?”
Scarlett’s lips parted, but before she could speak, a deafening boom shook the ground.
The entire room trembled.
Elara screamed, clutching Ace’s arm. Rowan’s instincts kicked in immediately. He spun toward the door, his body tense. Kane was already drawing his weapon.
“What the hell was that?” Kane muttered.
Ace’s pulse pounded. “Mother?”
Scarlett’s face had gone pale.
“They’re here,” she whispered.
Ace’s blood ran cold. “Who?”
Scarlett turned to Rowan. “You need to get her out of here. Now!”
