Chapter 11 : Confronting Marcus Chapter 11 : Confronting Marcus Scarletts POV ) A sharp knock , echoed through the stillness of my house . It wasnt hurned or timid . It was deliberate . Authoritative . Through the frosted cle glass on my front door I recognized the tall broad shouldered silhouette immediately . Marcus Winters . My so called father 1 glared at the door for a moment , my hand resting on the brass knob . He was likely here to lecture me , to reassert his fragile authority , or worse , Cora growled in the back of my mind . We owe him nothing , she rumbled . Send him away . Let him stew outside But I couldnt do that . Not without opening the door first to deliver the rejection in person . Taking a breath , I swung the door open . He stood there , dressed sharply as always in dark trousers and a perfectly pressed shirt , his Alpha aura rolling off him like waves . His silver streaked hair shone under the moonlight , and his piercing gaze met mine , full of expectation Scarlett he said , his voice steady but carrying that forced calm he used whenever he wanted compliance . I didnt reply . Instead , I stepped aside silently . His brows furrowed slightly not in surprise , but as if calculating why I wasnt immediately snapping I had no intention of making this meeting comfortable for him . Youre in . Dont make me regret it , I said curtly , closing the door after he stepped through Without offering him so much as a look , I walked toward the kitchen . My pace was deliberate , unhurried , a small show of disinterest in his presence . I grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured myself water not as hospitality but to make it clear I wasnt accommodating him . The sound of water filing the glass filled the room , drowning out the slight shuffling of Marcus shifting his weight uncomfortably . I returned to the living room , cradling my glass , and sat down in my armchair . My movements were cold and sharp , each action laced with quiet defiance Marcus remained standing for a moment , clearly uncertain about where to position himself . He seemed to expect warmth or acknowledgment- neither of which were forthcoming . Finally , he sat stiffly on the edge of my sofa , looking out of place in the intimate , private space . Did yo Did you and Alexander have a quarrel ? he began , his voice trying to sound conversational but laced with tension I let the glass rest on my knee , staring at him as though hed just asked something utterly ridiculous . For a second , I considered playing along , but sarcasm felt more appropriate . A quarrel ? I repeated , my tone mocking . The corner of my lip twitched upward in a humorless smile . Is that why youre here , my father ? To accuse me without a shred of understanding yet again ? The words were sharp , cutting , and they landed exactly where I wanted them to on the very quilt he tried to suppress . He stayed silent , his jaw tensing , but his eyes gave him away . He was regretting coming here . Let me guess , I continued . Graces sob story reached your ears , and now youre here to ensure your precious omega daughter doesnt feel sighted ? His expression flickered briefly an almost imperceptible wince , a tightening of his brow . It was the smallest ck in his stoic facade , but i caught it Though he quickly plastered on an unreadable mask , it didnt fool me I knew Marcus Winters too well , I saw the regret buried in his gaze . Regret he had no right to aim at me . I leaned forward slightly , my tone chilling the room further . Or did Luna Sarah put you up to this ? Sent you to twist my arm with a lecture about duty and respect ? Spare me the theatrics Thats not what this is , he said sharply , his voice finally firm with the authority of an Alpha , though I was immune to such commands . His own betrayal softened the edge in his tone . Chapter 11 Confronting Marcus This isnt about Grace , Marcus insisted , though his refusal to meet my eyes betrayed him . I came here because- Because you need something . I cut him off coldly , crossing my arms . Decause I serve a political purpose , and you cant afford for me to cut ties completely , can you ? The tension in his jaw told me I had hit a nerve . Youve changed , he said , his voice quieter now . You werent always this … combative . My lips curved into an icy smile . Maybe thats because Ive spent years trying to earn your approval . I watched as the words landed , hitting him like a slap to the face . You realize that severing the mate bond will affect this packs reputation , he said finally , falling back to his tried and true strategy of logic and reason . You know how fragile alliances can be without this marking ceremony , Scarlett . Have you really thought this through ? Thought it through ? I raised an eyebrow , letting out a dry laugh . Did you ask Alexander if hed thought it through before he humiliated me in front of his entire pack with Grace clinging to his arm ? Marcus visibly stiffened . He opened his mouth to respond , but I held up a hand to silence him Did you think it through when you revoked my packhouse access the moment I dared to push back against your precious Grace ? I stood now , my voice rising . Dont , Marcus growled , his Alpha tone slipping . No | barked back , silencing him with a c *** k of my voice so sharp and icy that even Cora hummed with approval . You dont get to play the wise , concerned father now . You made it clear where I stand in your priorities years ago ! His fists curled , resting on his knees . The veins in his forearms bulged slightly , betraying his losing grip on his temper . When he finally spoke , his voice was quieter but burning with tension . you know how much damage youll do if * This isnt about Grace , he said through gritted teeth . This is about the Winters Pack . Our strength . Do you This alliance was broken the moment Alexander paraded his true mate in front of me like some weak damsel in distress , I interrupted , taking a step forward . If cutting ties with the Winters Pack is what it takes to avoid betrayal and humiliation , then so be it Scarlett ! Marcus leaped to his feet , towering over me with every ounce of Alpha bravado he had . His eyes flashed with anger . But I didnt budge . You dont scare me , Marcus , I said coldly , my emerald eyes locking onto his . And you never will . He looked like he wanted to grab something to break it just to regain a sense of power . His broad chest rose and fell with sharp breaths as he stared at me , searching for something anything that would make me bow . But there was nothing left for him to find . You may be the Alpha of the Winters Pack , I said , stepping aside and strolling to the door . But this ? ut this ? Whatever bond you think still exists here ? It ended the day Grace nearly killed me , and you sent her off to Europe instead of holding her accountable . Thats not true , he snapped , but his tone lacked conviction . Isnt it ? I threw the door open , my hand gripping the edge tightly . He faltered , the weight of my words finally sinking into his every move . You let her win then I continued . And youre letting her win now ! Stop it , he said , his voice low , though the desperation in it was unmistakable . You think I dont see it ? How every decision youve made since discovering your mistake has revolved around Grace ? How easily you revoke my privileges to appease your precious fake daughter- Enough ! he roared , his voice reverberating with his Alpha command . For a moment , his aura surged , his wolf responding instinctively . But it faded as quickly as it come . I didnt flinch . Marcuss shoulders slumped , just ever so slightly . It wasnt defeat exactly , but it was the closest Id ever seen him to it 2/3 Chorlei 12 Bin Along to Your Mate : I tilted my head , scanning him with cold precision . He looked smaller somehow , like the weight of his calculated decisions was catching up to him . But I had no room for pity . You only want me to care now because your reputation is at stake I said , my voice steady but sharper with each word . For the first time that evening , Marcus looked like he didnt have a response . Standing tall , I nodded toward the open door . Go back to your precious omega daughter and Alpha son in law to be , Marcus , I said , my tone completely devoid of emotion . Let me worry about myself . He stared at me for a long moment , his lips parted slightly as though he might say something else . But he didnt . Without another word , he stepped through the door . As the heavy wood clicked shut behind him , the silence that followed was deafening . Cora let out a low , satisfied growl in the back of my mind . Finally , she said , her pride thick in her tone . No more pretending . He knows exactly where we stand I let out a slow , steadying breath , letting the tension bleed from my limbs . Let him know , I agreed silently . Let them all know Chapter 13 Run Along to Your Mate Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a twist of fate leaves her facing an unplanned pregnancy that intertwines her path with unforeseen consequences. Exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, this tale delves into Ella's transformation from a past shrouded in shadows to a future illuminated by newfound strength and determination. Against the backdrop of a modern setting blending elements of romance and corporate intrigue, the narrative weaves together the threads of hidden emotions and personal growth. As Ella navigates the challenges of balancing her evolving circumstances with her own desires, readers are drawn into a captivating story that transcends traditional boundaries. What sets "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" apart is its poignant portrayal of inner conflicts and external pressures in a world where love and ambition collide. Offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and identity, this novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Discover Ella's journey for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.