Scarlett

Chapter Three

I shifted on the stiff mattress, my eyes slowly opening. My body ached, and my head throbbed as I slowly sat up. My hair that I had braided had fallen out completely, leaving loose knotted waves. The cell was small, with a narrow window at the top allowing light to trickle in from outside. A small mattress and a bucket were the only furniture in the room. I was surrounded by grey brick and a set of bars looking out into the dark hallway. Candles hung on the wall that offered barely any light.

My dress was absolutely filthy, and I had no idea how long I had been down here. I was also starving as I had only eaten an apple before going to the bookstore, intending for it to be a quick trip. The sound of footsteps made my head shoot up. I pushed my back against the cool brick, trying to put as much space as possible between me and the wolf approaching. I hated to admit it, but I was scared. I hoped Amber and Elsa weren't panicking too much, I knew word travelled fast, and when I didn't show up, they must have known. I wish I could hug them one last time.

"You're awake." Alexander's sharp voice echoed against the stone walls.

"What am I being punished for? It is not a crime to go to a bookstore." I replied, forcing my voice not to waver.

"Your right, it's not." He got closer to the bars leaning against the opening. "It is a crime to show blatant disrespect to your superiors, however."

"Disrespect? You chased me."

"I was only trying to return something of yours before you bolted out of the shop. Quite dramatically, I might add." Alexander dug into his jacket. I wrapped my arms around my waist, hugging myself. I could only imagine what he was grabbing, a knife perhaps? Maybe a gun? Oh, stars! I didn't wanna die yet. There were so many books I haven't read yet.

"I believe this is yours." A small yellow ribbing rested in hands. My hair tie. He tied the thin ribbon on one of the bars, a small bow forming.

"Thanks," I muttered. "I apologize for jumping to conclusions. May I go home now?"

"Home?" He laughed. "Scarlett, you're not going home for a while, but I may have worked out a deal for you. You will help serve at Alpha Theo's ball tonight, and if you do a good job, you will be free to go. We will write it off as a warning."

"Ball tonight?" I echoed.

"Yes, it's the yearly Alpha ball. Alphas, Lunas and their councils come from all over to celebrate. Our pack was picked this year to host."

"How do you know my name?"

"The old lady in the bookstore knew you pretty well. She said you came in a lot but never bought anything." Alexander said. I felt my face flame up, embarrassed. I mean, it was pretty obvious I was poor; almost every human was.

He started walking away from the bars, "Well, I have to go and do rounds, but someone will come down soon to get you ready."

"Oh, and Scarlett?"

"Yeah?"

"I would thank my mate, Eva. She was the one who suggested the rather light punishment." Alexander smirked, leaving. I was alone again with my thoughts, and I wasn't sure that was a good thing.

I got up from the thin mattress untying the ribbon. I tied my hair back with it and started to pace. I was to work at the Alpha's ball tonight? The mere thought of being around that many werewolves, let alone Alphas, scared me. Especially if their mates were there, they all acted crazy possessive. They were constantly on edge with their Lunas. I would also possibly meet Alpha Theo tonight. I had never actually seen him, but if his reputation was true, I would stay far away.