Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Scarlett’s POV

Tiger padded over to me, nuzzling me affectionately, and I reached out, stroking his fur gently. It was unexpectedly soft, and his familiar pinewood scent was even stronger in this form, mingling with the crisp, earthy air of the forest. Tiger’s size was impressive; he radiated strength, yet his movements were careful, tender as he shielded me from the cold, his massive body creating a warm cocoon around me. I leaned into him, feeling a comfort and safety I hadn’t expected.

“Nice to meet you, Scarlett,” Tiger’s voice echoed softly in my mind, filled with warmth. I ran my fingers through his fur, marvelling at the connection. Gathering courage, I leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his wet nose.

Tiger rumbled in response, pulling me closer with a paw, and then, in a gesture that felt both celebratory and solemn, he tilted his head back and let out a powerful howl that resonated through the woods, filling the air with his declaration.

Tiger’s presence lingered in my mind as I woke, his calm, steady energy so different from Lucian’s. Where Lucían was often intense and conflicted, Tiger had been grounding, a stable force that drew out a quiet peace I hadn’t felt in years. I remembered cuddling

with him in the forest, falling asleep surrounded by his warmth. But now I found myself lying in bed, back in the room that had

been designated as mine. Lucian must have carried me here.

“You’re awake,” Lucian’s voice broke the silence, and I turned to see him seated in a chair beside the bed, watching me with a soft

expression. His gaze held warmth, a quiet tenderness that made my heart flutter. “You inhaled some Garnicia pollen in the woods. It

made you fall into a deeper sleep than usual.” He smiled, and I sat up slowly, feeling his reassuring presence as he moved to sit

beside me on the bed.

1. e. “I pr

He leaned in, pressing his forehead gently against mine. “I promise I won’t rush you, Scarlett. We can go as slow as you need.” His voice was a gentle murmur, laced with sincerity, and I felt my pulse quicken, recalling the vulnerability I’d shown him, the

confession of my inexperience.

me

Lucian took my hand, intertwining our fingers before lifting it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on my knuckles. The moment held an unexpected intimacy, a sense of safety that made

and cherished. Then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed his feel sep lips to mine, stealing my first kiss. It was soft at first, gentle, yet filled with the longing of someone who had held back for too long. My breath caught as I instinctively began to respond, unsure at first but soon finding my rhythm. His lips were warm and tasted faintly sweet, and the kiss deepened, filling me with a dizzying warmth.

Lucian pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine, his breathing shallow, mirroring my own. The look in his eyes was filled with both apology and hope, and for the first time, I allowed myself to believe in his sincerity, feeling the last fragments of

distrust slowly fading away.

“Glad I was your first kiss,” Lucian murmured, a mixture of desire and restraint flickering in his gaze. His eyes shifted between his wolf and human forms, barely containing the intensity of his feelings. I felt the same pull, the same need, but his promise held me

steady.

“Don’t worry, Scarlett,” he reassured me, his voice gentle, as he took a step back. “I’ll wait. I promise.” Then, extending his hand to

me,

he helped me up. Together, we walked to their apartment, where a meal had already been prepared. Lucian guided me to a seat,

5

111

O

1/2

15:51 Fri, Jun 5 MJ

Chapter 40

settling beside me. He served my plate with a tenderness I hadn’t thought him capable of. It was like discovering a different Lucian

-a caring, attentive side he’d kept hidden beneath the hard layers of bitterness and mistrust.

As we ate, I couldn’t help but feel grateful, as if the harshness we’d endured together was giving way to something gentle, something real.

We were almost finished with dinner when the door opened, and Clay and Maxwell stepped in, back from their trip. The sight of them filled me with both excitement and nervousness, my heart racing with a blend of anticipation and shyness. They paused, their eyes sweeping over Lucian and me with surprise. Maxwell’s warm smile was matched by Clay’s curious gaze.

“Did we miss something?” Maxwell asked, setting his bag down as he looked between us.

Lucian took my hand, grounding me, and his words surprised me even though I knew the truth. “I’ve accepted Scarlett as my mate Hearing him say it out loud felt like a weight lifted, a confirmation that he meant to keep his word. I looked at him in wonder, his open confession making everything feel more real.

Maxwell and Clay exchanged glances before their eyes returned to me, filled with a warmth I hadn’t seen in them before. Though I was shy, their reactions put me at ease, their excitement evident.

Maxwell’s grin widened. “It’s about time,” he said, his voice soft but laced with joy. Clay nodded, giving me a gentle, approving

smile.

I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, something I hadn’t felt since coming to the North. The distance that had always

separated us seemed to fade, replaced by a quiet understanding and a sense that, finally, we were on the same path.

Comments

shell d

why am I still annoyed that she is so forgiving

7 days ago

9

#

SHARE

2 Comments >

1

19

5

O