Page 64 of Demon Rejected

“You and Trevor, I saw you, young lady. What would your dad say?"

“It was Trevor and Dean," she added with a smirk.

“Cello, you’re a hussy!" I used the high-pitched voice our kindergarten teacher used most of the time.

“I hope Scarlett returns soon. I miss her here." Cello was sincere. I miss Scarlett, too.

“Sure she will. I mean, why would she give up on all this, and for what? For an awesome life?"

Cello giggled.

“Scarlett is like you. You are both locked. Maybe you are each other’s key."

I pinched Cello and we both started running. Her words stayed with me until I finished my run and later under the shower.

Was Scarlett my key? Was she the one that could gain free access to my heart?

* * *

Scarlett

I sat on the uncomfortable chair feeling like when I got myself in trouble and found myself in the principal’s chair, only this time it was the office of the Alpha of Shifter Nation. Kyle’s dad. Everyone knew the Alpha, but I’ve never been formally introduced to him. At the end of my training, I’ll be asked if I wanted to leave the pack or stay, at which point I’d have to offer submission and loyalty to the Alpha.

Matt was not part of the pack. I never asked him if he was a rogue Alpha or a free loner, same with Ziggy.

The Alpha entered the office. I felt his energy before he entered the room.

Strength.

Power.

Calm.

I turned my head and was about to stand up as a sign of respect and submission. I wouldn’t fuck with the Alpha.

“No need to stand up, Scarlett. I’m impressed with your work.”

He offered me his hand and looked deep into my eyes. The Alpha looked so much like an older and stronger version of Kyle. I was shocked by how similar they looked.

“Hello. How do I address you? Sorry, I’ve never lived in a pack.”

The Alpha sat down and smiled. He was strong, had long dark hair with just a touch of silver, and wore an expensive suit perfectly tailored on his strong muscles and broad shoulders. He made me nervous.

“You can call me Jack. if you like. We are here to have an off-the-record conversation."

His voice was warm. I looked into his green eyes, like Kyle’s. They made me blush.

“Okay, Jack." I did my best to relax a bit. Worst case, he would throw me out of the pack or kill me.

“The kids you rescued made some interesting statements about a golden wolf made of energy."

“Yes, that’s Sparky."

I allowed Sparky to step out and sit next to me. She was not submissive in the presence of the Alpha. On the contrary, Sparky was in her largest form, her eyes blazing red, and her body was a mass of flames. She looked ready for whatever. The Alpha lost it for a second. I could smell his spike of adrenaline and a touch of fear.

“Why have you kept this a secret?"

“Out of self-preservation."