I Have Always Loved You!

I Have Always Loved You!
Scarlett yawned as she rolled out of bed in the morning. It was a short night, but today will be a busy one. Scarlett opened the curtain, allowing light into her room. Cornelia's leg rested on Avery's, causing both of them to grumble.

"Is it morning already?" Cornelia asked.

"Yes. It's time to get to work. You girls can go back to sleep once we're finished." They'd return home around 2:30 a.m. and talk some more before retiring around 4 a.m. Scarlett sat on the bed, flipping open the book. She flashed the UV light on it and kept reading.

Mia entered through the open door, holding a tray. She set it on the table and looked over at Avery and Cornelia. "They're still sleeping." Mia turned her gaze to Scarlett. "This is breakfast." Mia put her hands around her waist. "Did you discover anything?"

"Not at all. However, there are far too many names here." She put the book down. "Grandfather is simply sending these people to their deaths."

"I wish there was something we could do."

Belly entered through the open door. "What are you girls talking about?" Scarlett and Mia turned to face her, surprised.

"Belly?" They both called.

"You are home." Scarlett added.

"Yes. And you girls were completely unaware. That means there's something serious going on here that you're not telling me about."

Scarlett slid the book under the pillow, keeping it away from Belly. They still didn't know if she knew about their parents being hunters or not. At the same time, there was no way she could have been unaware. After all, she is the first child and the one closest to October.

"It's nothing. Mia and I were just discussing the new maid."

"A new maid?"

"Latifah. Didn't you see her downstairs?"

"I didn't see her downstairs. Mom said she'd be gone for a month but didn't say anything about a maid coming over." Belly eyes landed on Avery and Cornelia. "Did you girls have a sleepover or something?"

"Kind of. Just let them be. They'll stand up when they're ready. It was a really fun night." Scarlett said. She got out of bed, grabbed her jacket, and escorted Belly out of her room. Scarlett came to a halt in front of Mia as they descended the stairs. Belly walking ahead. "You should stall her while I am gone."

"Where are you going?"

"Go meet with Mace. I have so many things to tell him. Perhaps he can assist with all of this."

"And then what? Tell him our parents__ No! family are werewolf hunters?"

"What do you expect me to do? Mace is the only person I know who understands things. I can't tell Simon. He will become enraged and wish to have everyone killed. This is the only option we have. With Mace aware of this, he could attempt to tame or direct the werewolves. He is a gamma in command of soldiers."

"And you're higher in rank than him."

"I understand, Mia, but who do you believe the werewolves would follow? A turned werewolf who only brings shame and doesn't even do her job as one of them, or a gamma who has been training them all their lives?"

"You have a valid point. But what should I tell Belly if she inquires about you?"

"Just make up a lie. You are good at that. Also, keep the book safe. I still have some reading to do when I get back." Scarlett passed the back door as she left for her car. Mia went to Belly on her own.

"Where is Scarlett?" Belly asked.

"She went out for a bit. She will be back really soon. Would you like to meet Latifah?"

"Nah. All I want to do is close my eyes and breathe in the fresh air. There are no parents at home. How nice is that?"

Mia was still perplexed as to why Belly never brought up the subject of Scarlett's memories resurfacing. Didn't October tell her about it? When Belly looked at her, Mia smiled warmly.

…

Scarlett came to a complete stop when she arrived at Simon's garage. There were only two entrances into werewolf territory. The first was the main door, which was heavily guarded by some werewolves, and the second was the other entrance, which led to Simon's house. Except for those closest to him, no one is aware of it. Scarlett only found out when he took the route to bring her back home.

Scarlett got out of the car and noticed Mace walking into the mansion. She ran as quickly as she could to catch up with him. "Mace." She stopped him from reaching for the doorknob with his hand. "Just the person I was looking for."

"Scarlett?" Mace called. It had been a long time since he had seen her. Before the accident. "What exactly are you doing here?" Her presence surprised him, but he acted normally. He is willing to give up his feelings for her for the sake of his friend.

"I came to find you. Is Simon home?"

"Well, he went to see the council."

"What?"

"Don't worry, he's not stepping down. Actually, he's had this strong desire to return to work since he returned home yesterday morning. I was thrilled. Did something happen between the both of you?"

Scarlett took a deep breath. She recalled the words Simon had said. Perhaps he was clinging to the one percent. "No. I didn't say anything to him, but that's probably a good thing, right? Simon wanting to work again."

"Yes. It is. Tell me. What is it?"

"You won't believe what I'm about to tell you, but you have to."

"Whatever it is you say is always the truth, Luna." He smirked, and Scarlett shifted her gaze away from him for a moment before returning her gaze to his face.

"You must find a way to relocate the werewolves to a new location."

"Why?"

"The hunters are..." She took a breather.

"You don't need to be concerned. This place is magically sealed. Except for werewolves, no one knows we live here. Ordinary people's eyes cannot find this location unless we show them."

"You don't get it. My family is…"

Mace cut in. "Are hunters?" Scarlett's eyes widened. "Yeah. I know." Mace added. "I've known for quite some time."

Scarlett's mouth dropped open. He knows and hasn't told anyone? "Is there anyone else who knows?"

"No. It is just me. And I believe you should leave before Simon returns. You don't want him to find out."

"Find out what?"

Scarlet was taken aback when she heard that voice. That was really quick. She and Mace both turned around to see Simon standing a few feet away. "Simon," Scarlett said. She inhaled deeply.

"Your heart is beating really fast as if you shouldn't have said something, but you did." He went up to them. "What did you say to Mace?"

Scarlett's gaze met Mace's, and she swallowed before shifting her gaze to Simon. "I-I considered what you said to me, and I believe we still have a one percent chance of getting back together."

"What exactly are you saying?"

Scarlett gulped, clutching her fist tightly. She didn't want to say it now, but she supposes she has no choice. He will become aware of this sooner or later. "I'm saying you hurt me, Simon, but I still love you." Her gaze was fixed on him for an extended period of time. "I have always loved you."