Chapter 8

Scarlett's POV

The night before Lucien's arrival, Ruby and I began sorting through the clothes in my wardrobe.

Ruby stood in the doorway, holding up a tight deep-V dress with excitement. "This one will have every pair of eyes glued to you!"

I rubbed my forehead and sighed. "Ruby, what I need tomorrow is leadership, not a sexy ass."

She blinked in surprise, lowering the dress with her brows raised. "Seriously? Luna, trust me, I know men better than you do. If they want to get to know a woman, it always starts with her chest."

I didn't want to hurt her confidence. I walked over, gently touched her arm, and said, "Ruby, I really appreciate your help. But you have to understand, tomorrow we're facing an alpha who's already seen more than enough perfect chests. I need to make a lasting impression."

I spotted a sleeveless slate-blue high-neck dress lying on the bed—perfectly tailored, eye-catching without being too alluring. I picked it up immediately. "This is the one."

Without hesitation, she sprang into action—pulling out designer boxes, a velvet-lined perfume tray, and the heels I hadn't worn since my father's funeral. I watched her silently, trying to calm the storm in my chest. My appearance wasn't just about pride now—it was strategy. If Lucien didn't see me as the true leader of the Winter Pack, the soul behind the company we'd built, he wouldn't support me. And without his support, the other alpha wolves would tear me to shreds.

Ruby laid the slate-blue high-neck dress out on the bed again, repeating firmly, "It says you're the one in charge."

I nodded. "Good."

She reached for the perfume tray. "And what about fragrance?"

I walked over and picked up the glass bottle with the purple label—Nocturne. I'd designed it myself after my mother died. Wild iris and white pepper, with a hint of smoke. A perfect bottle of power.

"This."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "You sure? That stuff's dangerous."

"Yes." I turned to the mirror, barely recognizing my own reflection. I looked strong. Determined. "I want him to remember."

Then I turned to Ruby. I'd already put enough pressure on her today. "You look exhausted. You should rest. I don't want you pushing yourself too hard."

Ruby hesitated. "I'm not. It's my honor. No matter what happens, I'll support you, Luna. You saved me. I owe you everything."

I looked at her, my heart softening. "You don't owe me anything. But thank you anyway."

She smiled and glanced out the window. I stared into the mirror for a few more seconds, then reached behind me to undo my ponytail. The tightness in my spine finally eased. I collapsed onto the bed and forced myself to sleep.

But my mind wouldn't settle.

Lucien was coming.

It had been seven years since I'd last seen him.

~

By morning, Alexander still hadn't come home.

Good. It gave me time to breathe.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Coby.

Alexander and Faye are at the Pack's front gate. He's trying to charm Lucien first.

Coward. As always.

I typed back.

Thanks. I'll ruin his plan.

I threw off the covers and walked to the window. My breath caught.

Dozens of black vehicles were lined up along the driveway below. I watched as the car doors opened like the jaws of a beast, and several tall, sharply dressed men in suits stepped out. They surveyed the area like it already belonged to them. But one vehicle caught my attention more than the rest.

He stood in the middle, dressed in a charcoal gray suit, removing his glasses. Oh my god. That was Lucien.

Taller than I remembered. His shoulders were broader, sharper. His jaw more chiseled.

Oh my god. He was still dreamy. "Focus, Scarlett," I told myself. "Focus."

He didn't move. He looked like he'd been carved from stone.

Even through the glass, I could feel his energy thrumming—like a blade against skin. That raw dominance. Like a storm barely contained. I hadn't felt this since the last time I saw him—when I was sixteen, foolish, and desperate to be seen.

And he had seen me.

But he'd still left.

I stepped back, ducking behind the curtain in case he looked up. My heart pounded.

How the hell did he know I was watching? Damn it.

I hated that I still felt this way.

His square jaw now had a dusting of stubble. His lips were full, tense. His eyes—pale gray—were cold. I couldn't decide if I wanted to slap him or kiss him. Maybe both. But one thing was certain.

I wasn't that girl anymore.

He had left behind a pup.

Now, he was facing a wolf.

"Ruby!" I called, already moving. "We're going out. Now."

She met me by the bed, handing me my heels, the slate-blue slit dress, and a silky gray blazer. "You sure you're ready?"

I looked at her. "He's the one who should be worried."

Once I was done, we stepped outside. The sun was warm, but there was heat in the wind—like the beginning of a battle. The men—wolves—stood shoulder to shoulder in a line, pledging loyalty to Alexander in a way that felt ancient. Faye clung to his side like the air he breathed belonged to her.

Poor girl. I wanted to rip her hair out, but I didn't. I wasn't going to play the unhinged, jealous woman today.

But god, I wanted to punch her.

Then Lucien turned.

Our eyes locked.

Just for a second. But it hit me like a wrecking ball. This time, I didn't flinch. I didn't look away. His gaze moved over me—slow, calculating. My pulse raced, but my face stayed still.

He blinked. Recognized me. Blinked again. And then his face hardened.

Goddess, save my soul. This man scared me.

I walked into the crowd like I belonged there—because I did. My wolves followed behind. Coby walked silently at my right.

"Anything?" I whispered.

"Nothing yet. But Lucien didn't let Alexander speak first. He's… evaluating."

I smiled. "Of course he is."

As I moved forward, the crowd parted. Faye narrowed her eyes. Alexander saw me and gripped her wrist tightly.

But I stayed at the back.

Now, all I could do was to wait—and see what would happen next.