The Hidden Luna

Chapter Four

Scarlett was being chased.

She darted through the trees, her vision different as if she were wearing some sort of goggle or something, which caused her to see more than ever before. Her senses were heightened, Scarlett could feel the breeze run through her and the damp forest floor on her toes.

Something was chasing her and it was getting closer. Suddenly, it gained on her and pounced on top of her.

Its jaws wrapped around her neck and Scarlett tried to fight it off when she noticed it wasn't a hand that tried to push off the thing that was attacking her, but rather a paw. The thing that was on top of her was a wolf.

And so was Scarlett.

"SCAR!" a voice yelled. "SCARLETT!"

Suddenly, her vision clouded and her eyes shot open.

It was a dream. Just a dream.

Scarlett's eyes wandered until they landed on Asher, who wore nothing but sweat pants that rest low on his hips, exposing his v line, and giving her a supreme view of his abs. Not knowing what to say, Scarlett blurted the first thing that came to mind. "I am a wolf."

Asher ran a hand through his bed slept hair. "You're a wolf?"

She mentally facepalmed at how stupid she sounded. "I-I mean I was a wolf, in my dream."

Asher got pale; his eyes laced with concern. "What exactly happened in your dream?"

"I was just running," Scarlett shrugged. "And then out of nowhere another wolf attacked me, that's when you woke me up. Why?"

"Just wondering," he answered but his mind was clearly elsewhere. After a moment, he looked up at her. "Can I stay in here, to keep an eye on you?"

"O-kay..." Scarlett said slowly as she scooted over to give him some room.

He crawled over to her and buried himself under the covers. Without any rhyme or reason, Scarlett found herself tucking her face into his chest, clinging onto him. As she did so, Scarlett felt a wave of relief wash over her, as if she was finally calm after constantly being on edge. His sweet scent filled her nostrils and the next thing she knew, Scarlett was back asleep.

But this time, no nightmares could get to her.

***

The next morning, Scarlett woke up in Asher's arms. Which, she could have possibly enjoyed had she not have had the immense need to pee. Slowly, Scarlett tried to get out of his grasp, but it was proven to be useless because his grip on her was pretty intense. It was as if he were stranded in the middle of the ocean and she was a life jacket.

Scarlett squirmed again but her plans were foiled when she heard her doorbell ring. Without being careful, she ripped herself out of his arms so she could answer the door. It might be Leon, which she doubted since he fired her last week saying Scarlett reminded him too much of Zoey, but one could hope that he would change his mind.

She brushed her hair to one side with her fingers so it didn't look as messy and she opened the door, only to be greeted by two guys I had never seen in my life.

"Can I help you?" Scarlett asked, though her tone is a little bit more annoyed than she intended it to be.

"Oh, feisty," the one on the left, who was as tall as a tree and had cropped blond hair, winked at his friend.

His friend, who was the complete opposite of the other one, being slightly short than the other one, with dark curly blond hair, and glasses, rolled his eyes. "That's hardly the appropriate thing to say to a woman in mourning, Hunter." He turned to Scarlett with a kind look. "I am very sorry to hear about your best friend getting her heart ripped out. It sounds absolutely horrible."

She arched a brow. "Uh... thanks?"

The one on the left, Hunter, ignored his friend. "Don't mind Carter, he's a nerd. Anyway, I was wondering if you happen to know anyone by the name of Ash-"

"What the actual fuck are you two doing here?" A voice boomed behind her, causing Scarlett to flinch in surprise. Asher approached the door, his jaw clenched.

Carter pushed up his glasses and shook his head at Hunter. "I told you there was a 98.7% chance he would not be happy to see us."

"Will you stop talking like an encyclopedia? It's creepy as hell." Hunter snapped. He turned back to Asher. "Look, I know you wanted out but there's been a change in plans."

Asher clenched his fists until they turned white. "And who, exactly, changed the plans?"

"Your father," Hunter replied. "He's coming back to Cedar Creek and he's bringing the pack with him."

Asher paled and turned to Scarlett with a look she had never seen before. "Do you mind making us some coffee? I need to speak to these two."

Not wanting to get involved with whatever was going on, she nodded her head and made her way to the kitchen and began brewing some coffee.

She admitted, as she did so, Scarlett found herself staying as quiet as possible so she could hear what they were saying.

"... he won't take no for answer, he is determined to make you the Alpha." Scarlett heard Hunter say in a hushed voice, being careful to keep his volume low.

"Precisely," Carter added. "He ideology is if you won't stay with the pack to be Alpha, he'll bring the pack to you."

Asher let out a defeated sigh. "That can't happen. It will put her in danger. She's going to turn in a few weeks. If the pack comes, it'll be too much for her. She's been through too much in too little time. When do they get here?"

Turn? What did he mean by turn? And why do they keep saying pack? She bet it was some lame code for a gang or something. But then again, that would be incredibly stupid.

"I understand your concern, Alpha, but as your second, I strongly suggest you inform her as to what she is. The less time she has to prepare for the shift, the more it's going to hurt," Carter said gently.

Asher growled. "Don't you dare tell me what is best for her. She is mine. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Realizing this might be an appropriate time for coffee, Scarlett quickly poured three mugs and brought them out to the boys. She tried her best to feign a smile. "Who wants coffee? I also have some coffee cake in the fridge if you guys are hungry."

Hunter's eyebrows shot upward, excited by the offer of food. "That would be awe-"

"Lovely," Carter cut in. "But we kindly decline your offer." His voice dropped to a whisper. "You've lost enough, we won't take your cake too."

Asher groaned as he rolled his eyes. "Will you two just shut up?"