Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Lucian’s POV

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When we reached the bedroom, Stasia turned to me, her expression a mixture of anger and resignation. “I don’t think you’re ready for me, Lucian,” she said, het voice holding an edge of defiance. I noticed the absence of “Alpha” in her tone, a subtle change that stung, but I let it slide.

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to brush off the unease settling in my chest as I lay back on the bed.

She crossed her arms, staring at me with something akin to disgust. “How can you feel anything for a whore who was sleeping around, knowing she had mates?” The words were venomous, and I shot upright, a low growl rumbling from my throat. Tiger stirred, his anger rising alongside mine. In that instant, I realized that while my feelings toward Scarlett were conflicted, I would anyone to insult her–not even Stasia.

not allow

“I might like you, and we may have slept together,” I warned, my voice steady and firm, “but don’t forget that I am your Alpha. You’d better watch your tone when you speak to me.” She shrank back, the fire in her eyes dimming as she cowered under my gaze.

As I looked at her, an uncomfortable realization sank in: I had debased myself. I’d begged Stasia to come live with me, lowering myself to promises I knew, deep down, I could never fulfill. I had fought the mate bond, choosing bitterness and resentment over something sacred the goddess had granted me. The goddess had given me Scarlett as a mate, a bond meant to ground me, protect

me from my own worst impulses. And I had spat on that bond, on her, simply because she carried the blood of my enemy and had

not met my flawed, hypocritical standards.

Maxwell had been right. We needed to address this, to mend what had been broken, before things unraveled further. Scarlett

deserved better than what I’d given her, better than the hatred I’d thrown her way. It was time to confront the truth: I needed to

face what I’d been avoiding. I couldn’t let this bitterness continue to control me, not when it had already cost so much.

I sat back, the weight of my thoughts pressing heavily on me. Scarlett might have slept around before, but that could have been her

way of rebelling against her father’s control. Sin

she’d hon here, she hadn’t shown the slightest hint of wanting anyone else. If I

was honest, I suspected she might still be a virgin. The thought twisted something inside me, a mix of guilt and strange admiration.

I looked over at Stasia, her face streaked with tears. Her defiance had melted into desperation, a change that caught me off guard. “I think it’s best we end this, Stasia,” I said, forcing myself to stay composed.

“I’m your Alpha, and I should stay that way. Scarlett is my mate, my responsibility, and I’ve made my choice. I’ll do what Clay and Maxwell have asked. I’m going to accept her, to honour the bond. I need you to leave tomorrow, and know I won’t come back

you.”

to

The words hit her hard, and she sank to her knees, her hands clasped as she begged. “Please, I don’t mind being your mistress, Alpha. Don’t send me away. I’ll take whatever you can give.”

Her plea shocked me. This was the same woman who had made demands, given ultimatums, tried to control a part of me. Now, her pride was gone, replaced by an urgency I didn’t understand.

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15:51 Fri, Jun 5 Md

Chapter 36

“Stasia,” I said quietly, “this is what you wanted. You asked for conditions and made me choose. Now, I’ve chosen. Tomorrow morning, I want you gone. I’ll ensure you’re taken care of, but you need to move on.”

My words were harsh, but they needed to be. I wanted her to have no illusions about where things stood, and I knew a part of me hoped she’d hate me enough to move on. Her face crumpled, and she looked away, a final tear slipping down her cheek as she nodded in acceptance.

“Where are you going?” she whispered, voice thick with sorrow as I rose to leave.

“To my mate,” I said simply, looking back at her. “I don’t want you here when I return in the morning.”

Without waiting for her response, I left, closing the door on that chapter of my life and walking down the hall toward Scarlett’s room. When I stepped inside, I found her lying on the floor, her face still damp with the evidence of her pain. Guilt hit me like a wave, but I pushed it down, focusing on the moment.

I moved to her side and scooped her into my arms, cradling her gently as she stirred. I crossed to the bed and laid her down on it, pulling the blanket over her.

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion flickering there. “What are you doing?” she asked weakly, her voice barely a whisper.

“Hush,” I murmured, tucking the blanket around her, then sliding in beside her. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her

close, feeling the warmth of her body melt into mine as I spooned her, my face nestled into the back of her neck. The bond pulsed

between us, bringing a peace I hadn’t known was possible.

For the first time, I felt something beyond anger and resentment. Scarlett wasn’t just my mate; she was a gift, a fragile light I had

nearly extinguished with my own bitterness. Now, as I lay with her, feeling her heartbeat sync with mine, I understood why Clay and

Maxwell held on to her so fiercely. She was worth it. She was worth every struggle, every moment of pain, and I was done fighting

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Comments

Tanya Gordon

It’s about Damn time Lucian

You have a lot of making up to do.

7 days ago

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