Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106

Scarlett’s POV

As we rode, the gentle hum of the car lulled me into an uneasy sleep. The nightmares were never far, though, filled with flashes of the North–cold and unyielding, just like the way they’d treated me.

My mind replayed the harshest moments, making me flinch as I remembered their faces, the empty promises, the way they’d turned on me without a second thought. I’d believed in them, trusted in their words, and yet they’d left me to die, casting me out as if were nothing.

I’d thought I’d known suffering before, but nothing could have prepared me for the pain of their betrayal. They’d taken everything, left me with nothing but the scars of their abandonment.

I could feel the tears slipping down my cheeks, but I quickly brushed them away, glancing over at Ebenezer. He hadn’t noticed, thankfully. I took a deep breath, gathering myself. It was time to look forward, not back.

I was done with the North. Clay, Lucian, Maxwell–they could have it all, have their revenge, their so–called justice. I’d find my own

way now, far away from them. There had to be something better in the West. I’d make sure of it.

I turned to Ebenezer, grateful for his kindness and the quiet strength he offered just by being there. “Do you think your cousin

might employ me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ebenezer glanced at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. “And what can you do?”

I straightened, listing off what skills I had. “I can cook, clean, read, write… whatever is needed. It would mean a lot to have work, something to start with. I know he’s important, but if you could mention it, I’d be grateful.”

His smile widened. “I’ll speak to him. I’m sure he can find something for you.”

Relief flooded through me, and I gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you so much, Ebenezer. You won’t regret it.”

As we finally entered Woodshire, I felt my spirits lift. The town was beautiful, more vibrant than the harsh wilderness of the North, more alive in a way that soothed something deep inside me. The buildings were old and sturdy, yet graceful, blending seamlessly with the landscape. The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves casting a golden–green glow over the streets, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh pine and earth. I felt a strange peace settle over me, a sense that maybe, just maybe, this place could be my

home.

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of gratitude toward Martha, the one person who’d seen my suffering and given me a chance to escape. She had saved my life, risked her own to help me, and I would never forget that.

As we drove up to towering iron gates crowned with intricately carved wolf heads, I couldn’t hide my awe. The gates swung open smoothly, revealing a long, winding path leading up to a grand, ancient mansion made of stone, its high walls covered in ivy and its windows glinting like dark, polished minors. The place felt like it held a thousand secrets, each one embedded in the very walls. It was stunning, unlike anything I’d ever seen.

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10:39 Wed, Jun 10 MAA.

Chapter 106

“Wow,” I murmured, stepping out of the car, barely able to tear my eyes from the mansion.

A man stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Welcome, Master Ebenezer.” He moved to the trunk to retrieve Ebenezer’s things, and I stood quietly beside him, clutching my satchel. It was all I had, but in that moment, I didn’t mind. I was here, safe, and starting

over.

Ebenezer nodded to the man and then turned to me, his smile reassuring. “Come on, Annika. Let’s get you settled. You’re safe now.”

With his words, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. This was a new beginning, a place where I could leave my past behind, where I could begin to heal. I followed him toward the doors of the mansion, ready to step into a life I could finally call/my own.

“Come on,” Ebenezer said warmly, offering me his arm, and I gratefully looped mine through his. He led me through a grand foyer, up a sweeping staircase, and down a long, elegantly decorated hallway. The place was exquisite–every detail carefully chosen, from the rich colors on the walls to the antique furnishings. It was nothing like the North, where the Alphas seemed to live in stark

simplicity, their spaces cold and impersonal.

For a moment, I couldn’t believe that I’d ever thought I belonged there, that I’d loved them.

“Do you mind sharing a room with me until the Alpha allows me to arrange a place for you?” Ebenezer asked, and I felt a pang of relief. His offer was so genuine that I didn’t hesitate. Even if he were somehow dangerous, I knew nothing could hurt me the way

my mates had.

“I’ll gladly sleep on the floor,” I said, shrugging. I was so used to it by now that it didn’t even feel strange.

“Oh no,” he replied with a soft laugh, shaking his head. “You’ll sleep on the bed. I’ll take the couch, and don’t worry–no funny business. It’s actually nice to have company that doesn’t treat me like some kind of celebrity.”

His kindness warmed me, and I smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“I’ll have Morgan bring you some clothes and toiletries. My cousin can be… particular, so you should look your best,” he said with a grin, and I nodded, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

“You look a bit thin,” he added, his voice softening as he took in my appearance.

I felt my cheeks burn. “Food was… hard to come by in the North.” I admitted. I knew now that they had been deliberately keeping me hungry, starving me to weaken me.

“Well, there’s plenty here, so eat as much as you need–just don’t go overboard,” he teased with a wink, and I laughed, feeling the faintest hint of joy creeping in after so long.

Then, after a pause, he glanced at me curiously. “Do you have a wolf?”