Chapter 154: UNKNOWN NUMBER

Scarlet's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall, my thoughts tangled in a mess I couldn't escape. I was losing this battle.

No matter how much I wanted to pretend I was indifferent, no matter how much I told myself I was done-deep down, I wasn't.

I still loved him. I hated myself for it. For being so weak. For allowing my heart to override my mind.

But how could I not?

Every time I pushed him away, he found a way back in. Every time I tried to be cold, he showed warmth. He wasn't the same man he was before. And no matter how much I wished I could hate him, I couldn't.

A frustrated sigh escaped me as I buried my face in my hands.

I could already hear my brother's anger, my parents' disappointment. They wouldn't understand. They wouldn't forgive him.

And maybe they were right not to. But… I couldn't turn my back on him.

Not anymore. I loved him.

And as much as I hated to admit it, I never really stopped.

I lifted my head, looking toward the door. I needed to talk to him. I needed to set things straight.

I stood, making my way downstairs, but as I reached the last step, I paused.

Alex was sitting on the couch, his phone pressed to his ear, his expression unreadable.

I stayed back, watching him.

"I understand," he said, his fingers tapping against his knee. "Just keep me updated. I don't care what it takes, just do it."

I frowned. Who was he talking to?

He sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'll handle it. Just make sure it's done."

He ended the call and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. His face was tense, his brows furrowed in deep thought.

Something was wrong.

I hesitated before stepping into the room. "Alex?"

His head snapped up, surprise flickering in his eyes before they softened. "Scarlet."

I crossed my arms, trying to steady myself. "Who was that?"

He held my gaze for a moment before sighing. "Just business."

I frowned. "What kind of business?"

His lips pressed together, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. But then he exhaled, running a hand down his face.

"I'm handling things," he said. "Things I should have handled a long time ago."

A lump formed in my throat. "Does this have to do with your father?"

His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening slightly. "Yes."

I swallowed. "What are you planning?"

He looked at me then, his gaze intense. "I'm making things right."

A part of me wanted to push, to demand details, but another part of me knew this wasn't the time.

Instead, I took a breath and stepped closer. "Alex, I need to talk to you."

His expression shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "What is it?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "I've been thinking… about us."

He straightened, his full attention on me now.

I licked my lips, forcing myself to continue. "I know my family will never accept it. I know they'll be against it. But… I want to give you a chance."

His eyes widened slightly.

I took another breath, steadying myself. "A chance to make things right. To prove that you've changed."

For a second, he didn't speak. He just stared at me, as if trying to process what I'd said.

Then, slowly, he stood, closing the space between us.

"Scarlet…" His voice was low, careful, almost as if he didn't believe what he was hearing.

I forced myself to hold my ground. "But it won't be easy," I warned. "You hurt my family, Alex. You took everything from them."

He flinched slightly, guilt flashing in his eyes. I exhaled. "If we do this… you have to make it up to them. You have to fix what you broke."

His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his hands clenching at his sides.

"I will," he said firmly. "I'll make it up to them, Scarlet. No matter what it takes."

His sincerity was undeniable, but I knew words weren't enough. Actions mattered. And he had a long way to go before my family would ever consider forgiving him.

I held his gaze. "Then prove it."

A small, almost sad smile tugged at his lips. "I will."

For the first time in a long time, I let myself believe him. Scarlet's POV

For the first time in a long time, I felt like we had reached some kind of understanding. It wasn't perfect, and it sure as hell wasn't easy, but I had made my decision.

I was giving him a chance.

Alex held me close, his warmth against my skin comforting in a way I didn't want to admit. I still wasn't sure what the future held, but for now, I let myself rest in the moment.

It didn't last long.

A sharp knock sounded at the door, followed by rapid footsteps. Alex's entire body tensed before he pushed himself up, his expression instantly shifting. I could see it in his eyes-something was wrong.

His beta, Marcus, rushed in, his face grim.

"Alpha," he panted, "we have a problem."

Alex was already on his feet. "What happened?"

Theo hesitated for half a second before answering. "Some of the pack members… they were attacked."

My breath caught in my throat.

Alex's entire body went rigid. "Where are they?"

Theo's expression darkened. "That's the problem. Their bodies haven't been found… but there was blood everywhere."

A cold chill ran down my spine.

Alex didn't waste another second. He grabbed his jacket, his movements sharp, controlled. I knew that look-he was about to go into battle mode.

"I have to go," he said, his jaw clenched.

I sat up, my stomach twisting. "Alex, wait-"

He turned to me, his expression softer but still filled with determination. "I have to handle this, Scarlet. Stay here. I'll be back soon."

I wanted to argue, to tell him to stop throwing himself into danger when he was still weak, still poisoned, but I knew it would be pointless.

So instead, I nodded, watching as he stormed out. The second he was gone, unease settled in my chest.

Something wasn't right. I could feel it. This wasn't just some random attack.

This was a trap , and I had a sinking feeling I knew exactly who was behind it.

Alex's father.

He had lost everything, and now he was retaliating.

I swallowed hard, my hands tightening into fists.

A part of me wanted to call Alex, to tell him to be careful, but I knew he wouldn't listen.

He was too stubborn.

Too determined to make things right.

I sighed, rubbing my temple. Maybe I was just overthinking-

My phone rang.

I jumped, my heart hammering against my ribs as I grabbed it. An unknown number flashed across the screen.

Frowning, I hesitated before answering.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then-"If you want to save Alex, come to the abandoned factory on the outskirts of town."

My breath hitched. What?

"How do you-who is this?" I demanded, my grip tightening around the phone.

The voice on the other end chuckled, dark and mocking. "You don't have much time, Scarlet. Come alone."

The call ended. My hands trembled as I lowered the phone. My entire body went cold. Alex had just left. How did they already know?

And worse-how did they know he was poisoned?