Cursed

Reunion

Scarlett

The walls of the healer's building flew by as I stormed away. My wolf was working hard to find and track Chelsea's scent amongst the chemicals in the air. My heart didn't slow, still lurching within my rib cage at every twist and turn. A strong cinnamon scent trailed behind me, nipping at my back, making me move faster.

The exit sign glowed bright above double doors. My hands slammed into them, allowing fresh air to billow in. My shoulders sagged as my bare feet stepped into the main grass area. The ground was still damp from the morning dew. I stood there, quietly watching wolves go about their day. A man rushed past, muttering to himself with papers bundled in his arms. He paused briefly before me, eyes wide as he ducked his head.

"Good afternoon, Luna." He stumbled over his words, and he finished his bow before disappearing into a nearby building. My heart warmed, and my wolf purred.

Our pack are still loyal to us. They will be all we need. My wolf sang.

Chelsea's scent drifted across the main area, washing over me in sweet relief. I turned, my feet twisting in the grass below, to the direction of Chelsea. I could just about make her out, walking hand in hand with Dax. My wolf pranced around excitedly, desperate to see the only person who truly supported her.

Almost instantly, Chelsea stiffened, her wide eyes meeting mine. The squeal that left her could've been heard all over the world as she sprinted towards me. Her arms open wide as she neared. I planted myself firmly to brace for impact. Our bodies collided, and I groaned. My arms tightened around Chelsea's shoulders as a singular tear rolled down my cheek. The emotions were threatening to tip me over the edge. Chelsea squeezed tighter before pulling away.

We just stared at each other, neither of us talking. It wasn't until Dax cleared his throat that I tore my attention away from Chelsea. A large smile spread across Dax's face as his arms wrapped around the two of us.

"I am so glad you're back. This place has gone to shit since you left." His deep voice faltered at the end. I squeezed him before pulling away, leaving Chelsea still attached to his side.

The two of them were picture perfect. Chelsea looked truly happy by his side. Her deep brown curls whipped around in the wind, occasionally brushing Dax's face as he attempted to keep from sneezing. Chelsea sent him an apologetic smile before trying to control them. Dax chuckled, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. All of a sudden, I had become the third wheel. I fiddled with the hem of my shirt to distract myself from the love-struck couple before me. The awkwardness broke as soon as Justin appeared.

"Scarlett." His voice was breathy as he ran towards me, arms engulfing me. I hadn't been this close to him before, but it felt different now.

"Hi Justin." I pulled away, looking into those mysterious eyes of his. He held me at arm's length, his eyes roaming over my body before he twisted me, inspecting the rest. His fingers brushed my lower back as he gently lifted the hem of the shirt I wore. I tensed as he stared at the injury on my back before dropping the shirt and turning me back to face him.

"You can keep that." He pointed at the outfit I wore, clearly pleased with how my wounds were healing. I looked down at the clothes, heat rising on my neck as realisation dawned. I had been wearing Justin's clothes. He chuckled, taking a step back.

"Thank you for everything." I subconsciously fiddled with the hem of the shirt again, grateful that he was the one to help me. I went to say more, to tell him just how grateful I was, when a sour smell filled the air. My wolf growled darkly.

Intruder. That was all she said as she pushed forward, darkening my eyes slightly. It was rare for wolves and their humans to ever share control, but it was something we did often.

I tensed, turning in the direction of the smell. Usually, a smell that sour was a warning of rogues, yet there was something different. A familiarity was mixed in the scent. One of empty dreams. Cinnamon. I felt Chelsea's hand slip into my own as the pair stepped into view.

Cole's green eyes locked onto me, trailing over my body before taking in the group behind me. I ignored his gaze and focused on the she-wolf clinging to his arm, her long nails running down his bicep. My wolf froze, staring at our mate with another. I felt a pain course through me, as if being rejected all over again. My knees weakened, threatening to give way. Within an instant, Justin was beside me, his arm looping around my waist to steady me. He said nothing, only looked at his alpha. Cole stared at the arm around my waist, his face showed no emotion, but his eyes darkened, his wolf was just under the surface.

The she-wolf, Jenna, released her hold on Cole, strutting in our direction and leaving him trailing behind. Her face scrunched slightly as she took me in, stopping mere feet away. Justin took a step closer to me, and Chelsea flanked my left side. A show of unity before their unwanted Luna. I held my head high, pushing my wolf down as she growled. If I allowed her to take control, the smug wolf before me would be dead in seconds.

"You must be the weak mutt I've heard about. I'm Luna Jenna, and you shall address me accordingly." Her scratchy voice grated on my eardrums. She was taller than me by a few inches, so I looked up at her and smiled. Cole had now positioned himself at her side, his hand grazing over her hip. I didn't bother responding to her, not allowing her power trip to get even worse.

"I will see myself to my room," I said, ignoring the alpha as well. Chelsea nodded beside me, and Justin released me. I turned to leave, only for sharp nails to dig into my shoulder. Then for them to hook the hair off my neck, revealing my mark again. Jenna gasped, her hand dropping my hair like it was burning hot. I looked over my shoulder, her stormy eyes finding mine.

"You are still marked." She turned to Cole, "This situation better be dealt with immediately." Her voice was no more than a harsh whisper in his direction. Cole looked at her and then back at me, saying nothing. I faced back in the direction I was heading, leaving the 'Luna' to come to terms with my mark. A clear threat to their relationship and her position as Luna. A threat I was happy to follow through with. My title as Luna was about to be restored to me, and she would not get in my way.