Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 101

11:29 am

PP

Scarlett

Chapter 101

Scarlett’s POV

“Thank you,” I murmured as I sank into the passenger seat, feeling a strange warmth spread through me. As the car began to move, I watched Redcape fade into the distance, slipping away like a bad memory. My heart filled with a quiet, cautious joy. I never thought I’d leave that place alive, not after everything that had happened. I closed my eyes and silently thanked the goddess for this small mercy, for this second chance. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally leave the past behind.

The driver cleared his throat, his voice warm and surprisingly gentle. “I’m Ebenezer Jenkins. What’s your name?”

A flicker of panic shot through me. My real name could tie me to everything I was running from, could undo the fragile safety I’d just found. “Annika Petrov,” I replied smoothly, offering a name that felt distant enough from my true self. He nodded, smiling as though he bought it.

“Sounds like a Southern name,” he said, giving me a curious glance. “What’s a Southerner like you doing up North?”

I held his gaze for a moment, trying to come up with something that wouldn’t invite too many questions. “Greener pastures,” I replied with a shrug. “Though, I admit, I wasn’t prepared for all this snow.” I let out a small laugh, hoping it sounded natural.

He laughed along, the sound filling the quiet car. “Greener pastures? In the North? You must be crazy to come up here for that. Anyway, did you hear? The Northern Alphas finally got their hands on the Southern lands through marriage. Lucky bastards–probably haven’t had to fight for a single thing in their lives,” he said with a shake of his head.

I laughed with him, but his words twisted something inside me. My mates–Alphas who should’ve been my protectors, my family–had turned on me when I

needed them most. They didn’t believe me, didn’t even try to stand by me. To them, I was disposable, something to use and discard without a second thought. I felt a surge of bitterness, my heart hardening. I didn’t owe them anything. Now Lucian could have his perfect little bride, and I wouldn’t have to see them flaunting their bond in front of me. I was determined to sever the mate bond. I’d heard whispers that Seers could help, that they could numb the

pain. I would find one and make sure this bond held no more power over me.

“So, are you from the West?” I asked, eager to steer the conversation away from anything that might reveal more about me.

He smiled, glancing over at me with a friendly warmth.

“My cousin is the Valkin Alpha of the West,” Ebenezer said, glancing over at me with a hint of pride. “I’m heading there to meet him, and I decided to drive

myself for safety.

Ever since Vladislav passed, security’s been… chaotic. Too many enemies, too many people hated him without ever understanding what he was really doing. Your Alpha was a strong leader. He kept the peace, but sometimes that meant being the bad guy. Whenever he sensed trouble, fe’d eliminate it before it could grow. But now that he’s gone, attacks have skyrocketed. I only wish he’d had an heir to step into his place. The Northern Alphas have no idea what’s coming for them. The East is planning to strike hard. But in the West, we’ll be all right. You’re making a good choice, heading that way.”

Ebenezer’s words settled over me, strange and unexpected. My father wasn’t hated in the West. They saw him as a necessary force, a protector. For so long, I’d been told that he was a monster, that his actions were cruel. But here was someone who understood, who saw a side of him I barely dared to believe in Maybe my father had been ruthless, but maybe he’d also been a shield against something darker. It felt good–reassuring–to think that he wasn’t entirely despised, that maybe some part of him had been right.

“My cousin,” Ebenezer continued, “he’s got magic. His mate died years ago, giving birth to their first child. Neither of them survived, and… it broke him. Now, he carries her magic as a reminder. Anyway, I know I’m rambling on,” he said, laughing a little, “but it’s nice to have someone to talk to on this long drive.”

I gave him a small smile, warmth spreading in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I needed someone’s company, the easy conversation, the sense of safety

11:29 am

PP

Chapter 101

over if pest for a little while. I reached into my satchel, pulling out the flask and sipping the tea Martha had packed. The warmth of it slid down my throat, soothing and familiar. I offered the flask to Ebenezer.

“Sweet tea,” he commented after taking a sip, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I felt more at ease with each mile, each shared word.

Digging back into the satchel, I pulled out a sandwich–a delicious salmon one, made just the way I liked it. wanted to save a piece, something to remember Martha by, but my hunger got the better of me. There were scones tucked away in the satchel too, soft and fragrant. I offered Ebenezer one of each, and we ate together, laughing and talking, the miles shoping by like a pleasant blir

With my stomach full and the warmth of the car lulling me, I felt my eyelids grow heavy. I hadn’t felt this safe in a long time, and in that moment, I knew I could let go. I let sleep take over, feeling the last of my worries fade away, I was on my way to freedom, to a new life, and whatever awaited me couldn’t be worse than what I’d already survived. For the first time in a long time, I felt hope, soft and steady, like a heartbeat.

Comments

Michele Gremillion

maybe the west alpha will become her 2nd chance mate.

7 days ago