Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 109

10:40 Wed, Jun 10 MAA.

Scarlett

Chapter 109

A sigh of relief escaped me, and I gave him a small, grateful nod. His understanding felt genuine, and I wanted to believe in his words.

“Ebenezer told me how you two met,” Keith continued, an amused glint in his eye. “It’s quite a story. I have to wonder, though what’s a beautiful woman like you doing up North?”

I hesitated, a rueful smile tugging at my lips. “Running from my mates,” I answered, and he let out a laugh.

“Smart choice,” he chuckled. “The North is too hostile for anyone to settle, in my opinion. I don’t know what the Alphas there are doing about it, but it’s no concern of mine.” He paused, his expression warm. “All that aside, you’re safe here, Annika. Welcome the West.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt safe–maybe even hopeful.

Ebenezer cleared his throat. “And about the job?” he asked, glancing at his cousin.

Keith turned his gaze to me, his lips curving into a thoughtful smile. “Someone like Annika has no business waiting tables and

scrubbing floors,” he said softly, his eyes studying me intently before he extended his hand. “Give me your hand, if you would.”

My heart raced, anxiety stirring at the thought of his magic. What if he saw something that exposed me? But his gentle expression gave me little choice. I offered him my left hand, watching as he turned it palm up, his fingers tracing the lines with a kind of

his gaze. reverence. As he touched my skin, his eyes flashed neon blue, and something in his expression shifted. Surprise flickered in and he let go of my hand gently, looking at me with an intensity that unnerved me.

“What’s your wolf’s name?” he asked, his voice soft but expectant.

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could answer, Ebenezer cut in. “She has no wolf,” he said, shaking his head slightly.

Keith’s brows shot up. “She has no wolf?” he echoed, his tone layered with intrigue. “That is… interesting.”

A faint smile touched his lips, and then, without warning, his voice entered my mind, soft and reassuring, but filled with a quiet authority. “I know you haven’t told Ebenezer everything about yourself. But when you’re ready–when you trust me to keep your

secret–you’ll tell me.”

I looked into his eyes, taken aback by the gentle way he was inviting me to confide in him, no demands, no pressure. His unspoken words settled something in me, easing the tension I’d been carrying. I nodded subtly, letting him know that I understood. The relief that washed over me was unexpected and profound. Perhaps one day, I could tell him the whole story. Perhaps, here, I might truly

be free.

When your wolf finally awakens, let me know,” Keith said gently, his eyes studying me with a hint of something deeper. “In the meantime, I’ll help you block the hond connection. It’ll take a lot of energy, but I’ll do it for you His tone was casual, but I sensed

that would come at a cost to him, and yet he was willing to do it for me. The gravity of his offer. This was a powerful favor, on

10:40 Wed, Jun 10 MAA.

Chapter 109

“How… how will I ever repay you?” I stammered, taken aback.

Keith only smiled, a warm, patient expression. “There’s no need to think about that now. You just got here, Annika. I want you to relax. I’ll place you on an allowance, give you a room of your own. No rush–just take your time settling in, And…” He hesitated, a soft, genuine smile tugging at his lips. “I’d like to get to know you. Wolfess or not, I find myself… drawn to you. Since my mate passed, I haven’t felt that pull toward anyone. But something in your aura feels right, and I’d like to see where it goes. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll still be cared for, and we can be friends. But I have a feeling it will.”

I was stunned, barely able to process what he was saying. He was interested in me–wanted to give me security, protection, and a place in his world, even if only as a friend. There was no pressure, no rush, just a gentle offer. I felt a warmth I hadn’t known in a long time, and even though I wasn’t sure what he meant by it all, the sincerity in his voice made me feel safe.

Ebenezer linked me privately. “First day in the West, and you’ve already caught the Valkin Alpha’s attention, Annika.” I could feel

his smile, the warmth of his support.

We finished dinner, and I was about to head back to Ebenezer’s room when a staff member approached me. “Miss Annika, the Alpha

has arranged a room for you in his wing.”

My heart fluttered, nerves and curiosity intertwining. Did Keith fancy me? After everything i’d been through, I wasn’t ready to even think about love or anything emotional. The scars were too fresh, the wounds too raw. I told myself to be cautious, to let things

unfold without expectation.

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Comments

Tanya Gordon

OMG I can’t He most Certainly Did didn’t he!

7 days ago

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10:40 Wed, Jun 10 MAA

Scarlett