The Blood Rose pack

Date night

(Scarlett POV)

I had gotten used to living here and had started to get into my own groove as the days continued. I’d cook breakfast and dinner, then spend the middle of the day with Jace. He would mainly teach me about the history of werewolves and how they work, he would even teach me about being a Luna, if I chose to become one. He never rushed me into anything and respected my boundaries. I liked it and my feelings for him grew slowly. One morning I woke up at my usual time and got ready. Hazel then grabbed me from my room so we could prepare breakfast for the pack. We chatted more about werewolves so I could fully wrap my head around it all. I felt many eyes on me as I walked down the hall with Hazel. It was normal, but I never fully understood why. It could be that I was a human and knew about them, or that I was Jace’s mate and spent a lot of time with him.

Once Hazel and I made it to the kitchen there seemed to be a new face that stood out to me. It was a woman that was very tall and slender. She looked like she could easily throw me across the room without breaking a sweat. Her hair was blonde and was cut to her shoulders. Her green eyes seemed to have caught their target. Me.

Hazel grabbed my hand and spoke in a slight hiss, “Maddison nice to see you this morning. We don’t have breakfast prepared just yet, but Scarlett and I will get started with the others. You can go hang out in the den if you want.”

She seemed to continue with her glare, then spoke, “That’s Jace’s mate?” she pointed to me with her perfectly manicured finger as she rolled her eyes.

“She’s human. How the hell did that happen? Did she use a spell to get Jace?” Her tone was harsh.

It was obvious she was full of herself and appeared like she lived in a mall. Her clothes were various shades of blue and showed that she was either spoiled or had a high enough rank to get some good money. I noticed she kept her eyes on me as I went through my thoughts on the woman.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Scarlett. I didn’t use a spell to get Jace, I don’t even know how to get one let alone use it.” I spoke in a soft tone as I kept my hand in Hazel’s as she gave it a small squeeze.

She rolled her eyes, then turned to walk out the kitchen, then gave me a forced smile, “Jace will know he’s making a mistake then come to me.” She spoke in a sharp tone before finally walking out.

I stared at the doorway from the kitchen before Hazel moved in front of me to try and snap me away from my thoughts that seemed to grasp on every word Maddison had said.

She gently shook me, then tilted her head to the side, “Do I need to slap you? I promise It won't hurt… much but I’m willing to try!”

I raised my hands in front of me as I gave out a small chuckle, “No slapping! I’m fine, Hazel. Trust me! I was just wondering about what she meant when she said that Jace would go to her.”

“Oh, that. Well, she had a huge crush on Jace since she was a kid. As she got older she had it in her head that Jace was her mate. Once she turned eighteen she was so upset when Jace wasn’t all over her, she started to try and seduce Jace into having her as a new mate. I’m glad he never did it. Now we have you and I can dress you up like my own personal doll!”

I burst into laughter, then pulled Hazel to the counter so we could start with breakfast. We prepared scrambled eggs while talking. She did great with helping me to shift my focus from Maddison. We got the food out and ate in the kitchen.

“So, will Maddison cause any issues in the future? For me and Jace?” I spoke as I shoveled food into my mouth.

“Awe, you love him! That’s cute! But, No? I don’t know if she will try to cause issues. But I think she will try. But don’t worry. If she goes between my favorite couple I will fight her!” She did a lame excuse of a karate chop in the air, but managed to knock over the cup of orange juice that sat in front of her.

She ran off to grab a towel, then came back to clean the spill, ”Don’t tell Jace! We made a bet that I can go a day without being clumsy!”

I burst into laughter, then helped her clean, “So you already lost that bet!” I took the dishes to the sink, then noticed a familiar scent.

“Who lost a bet?” Jace spoke in a cool tone as he leaned on the door frame with his arms crossed on his chest.

I leaned on the counter, then nodded my head to Hazel. Jace raised an eyebrow, then looked over and gave a small smirk at Hazel who was still cleaning the mess.

“Oh, so we are only five hours into the bet and you already lost! Damn, Hazel, it’s like you want to lose!” He chuckled as he spoke in a sarcastic tone.

Hazel groaned, then gave me a small glare, “I told you not to tell him! How dare you!”

“No, I didn’t tell him. I showed him! So I kept my promise!” I laughed as I walked next to Jace, who still had his eyes on her.

“She is right, Hazel. She just showed me the proof that I was right.” He moved his arm on my shoulder, then immediately removed it as he looked away from me.

Hazel looked between Jace and I, then gave a small smirk, “Fine, you win, but I want to change your prize! Instead of me having to do your laundry for a week. You get to spend a night with Scarlett.”

I felt my face flush red. I then looked at Jace who also had a blush on his cheeks. Hazel could only squeal which caused us to look at her.

She jumped, then smirked towards us, “What do you say Scarlett? You sleep over with your man?”

“Uh, if Jace is ok with it. I don’t see why not. It’ll be kind of nice to have someone keep me company.” I looked at Jace who gave me a small smile.

“Sure, you can sleep in my room, my bed is bigger and we can watch some movies on the couch.” His tone was shy, but adorable.

Hazel squealed once more, then jumped, “It’s settled then! Scarlett! You spend the night with Jace tonight and I get out of laundry duty! Win for everyone!”

I looked back to Jace. We then nodded to each other before he turned to Hazel, “No, I spend the night with Scarlett and you stay on laundry duty. But I’ll move it down to four days instead of a week.”

Hazel gave her usual pouty face, “Come on Jace! Is that how you repay someone who just gave you a night with your girlfriend, excuse me!?”

I cut in as I attempted to hold back a laugh, “You still lost the bet and got a punishment, Jace just got an added bonus with me being there.”

She groaned, then walked out the kitchen and left me and Jace alone in there for a short while, before the Betas came back to do dishes. I looked at Jace and gave him a smile as he looked slightly flustered before he chuckled.

“I didn’t mean to put my arm around you. I’m sorry, I should have kept my hands to myself.”

I shook my head, then grabbed his hand and walked out of the kitchen as he followed behind, “Where are you taking me? Don’t you wanna stay and do dishes with the others?”

“No, they’ll be fine without me there to help, I want to show you more tips on taking photos. We can do it in the library while I read those books on the moon goddess!” I spoke in a rather high pitched tone with him on my trail.

We walked to the library after we made a quick stop to my room to grab a camera. I got my polaroid camera so he couldn’t delete them like he always did. I sat in the reading nook in front of a large window. I had a rather thick book on my lap as I read through the pages. Jace attempted to take a photo of another book on the table he sat at, but never got the angle right.

“Jace, you’re too stiff, you have to relax. Think of something that relaxes you, then take the picture, I also have a new packet of the film if that runs out.”

He nodded, then looked at me and gave a small genuine smile as he fidgeted with the camera. I glanced down at the book and continued to read as I chewed on the sleeve of my hoodie. I heard the camera snap. I wasn’t phased by it since he had already taken hundreds of photos.

“Hey, Shutterbug. I think I did good on this one.” He sounded happy as he looked at the one he just took.

I closed the book, then walked over and leaned over his shoulder as I looked at the various photos, they were either too close, too far, off angle or were of the floor. I noticed the one in his hand and grabbed it. It was me. He caught me as I chewed on my sleeve and read the book. It was actually good. The angle was off, but that gave it character.

“I like it. You did good, Jace.” I kissed his cheek as I noticed the tips of his ears had turned slightly red.

“S-Sorry. You just look so cute when you chew on your sleeve. I wanted a picture for my office when I can’t see you.” He was adorable as he stuttered with his words.

I couldn’t help but smile and hug his shoulders. “I like it Jace. it’s cute and actually good. Plus, you wanted it for a cute reason and I don’t see why you should be sorry.”

(Jace POV)

“I like it Jace. it’s cute and actually good. Plus, you wanted it for a cute reason and I don’t see why you should be sorry.” She hugged me as I stayed seated in the chair.

I nodded, then held her hand as I smiled, I could stay here forever. We sat like that for a good minute, then my phone decided to join in and buzz. Scarlett let go of me so I could get it. It was a text from Hazel.

Hey, remember the camping trip is next week.

I know, Hazel. I have it marked down.

Ash says we should invite Scarlett. We do have two tents.

I thought for a second, then looked at Scarlett who sat in the chair next to me, “Hey, Scarlett. Ash, Hazel and I are going on a camping trip next week. Do you want to join?”

“Sure! I loved camping as a kid! Do we have enough tents?” She smiled as she spoke, then leaned back in her chair.

I nodded, then smiled as I turned back to my phone and sent another quick text.

She’s down to go.

After several heart and kissy face emojis, I shut off my phone, then looked at Scarlett who went back to chew on her sleeve as she read her book. I couldn’t help but smile at her beauty.

We got up and cleaned our mess, then walked out the library. I gave Scarlett a small kiss on her forehead, before I had to go back to my office to get some last minute things done. Scarlett went off towards the kitchen to prepare dinner. Once I got to my office I noticed my father stood there with a serious face.

“Jace, we should talk about possibly changing Scarlett. It’s been weeks and she hasn’t decided. I want to resign and make you Alpha. That's in two weeks and we need an answer from her.” His tone was stern and straight to the point as usual.

I nodded, then sighed softly as I scratched the back of my neck, “We are going on a camping trip next week. I can talk to her about it. I’ll see if she has decided.”

He nodded, then sighed as he sat in a nearby chair before he gestured for me to close the door for a private conversation.

Scarlett (POV)

I walked into the kitchen where Hazel stood, “Scarlett! Let's go get you some pajamas for Jace’s room! Judy said it was ok for us to go get some stuff!”

She didn’t bother to let me answer as she dragged me away. I looked to Judy who gave me a small wink with a smile before she went to help with preparations for dinner. After we made it to my room, Hazel wasted no time as she rummaged through my closet, then grabbed some clothes and ran back to me.

“You’re wearing your cute pajama shorts with a tight tank top! You’ll be comfortable while looking sexy! Underwear for the pajamas is optional!” she squealed as she spoke and tossed the clothes at me.

I shook my head and groaned then flopped onto my bed, “Hazel. I was thinking of what I usually sleep in. A t-shirt and some pajama pants. I love the shorts, but won’t they be too sexy for a night with Jace? I might just sleep on his couch. It’ll be awkward if we slept in the same bed.”

“Don’t say that! You are a couple now! You two need to get comfortable, you know, if you become a werewolf you two will be together for the rest of your lives. Might as well get comfortable now so the bond is stronger when you gain a wolf.”

If I become a werewolf? That’s a crazy decision and I never really thought about it since Jace never pushed it. He showed me the duties of a Luna and it made me comfortable. Maybe I will become one. If being a werewolf means I get to live here and not be in the bubble my parents kept me in. I’ll do it. Plus, I do enjoy Jace’s company. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind a future as his mate. I should tell him tonight.

Hazel snapped me out of my thoughts as she smacked my head, “Hello? Anyone in there? You did that weird thinking face again. Was it because I brought up possibly becoming luna?”

I nodded as I rubbed my head, “Yeah, I was thinking about it. Maybe I will become one and join Jace as his Luna. What do you think?”

Hazel deadpanned, then smacked my head again, “Woman, you should already know what I think about that! I would love to have you as the pack’s Luna!”

Before I could respond there was a knock at the door, “Shutterbug? It’s Jace, you ready for that night Hazel set up for us?”

Hazel looked at me as she smirked and mouthed ‘shutterbug’ to me. She appeared to have hearts practically in her eyes as she cupped her cheeks in her hands. She gave a small giggle before she ran to the door and opened it.

“Jace! Just in time! Shutterbug is waiting for you! You’ll thank me later!” She gave his cheek a gentle pat as she walked away to her own room.

Jace stood there dumbfounded before he walked into my room, “What did she mean by I’ll be thanking her? Did she do something to you?”

“No, she was just playing love doctor while throwing all my clothes around the room.” I spoke in a chuckle as I grabbed the pajamas Hazel laid out for me along with a change of clothes for the next day.

We walked hand in hand to Jace’s room. It was just a couple doors down the hall. He smiled at me, before he opened the door to reveal a rather large room. There was a wall with a large TV hung above a fireplace and a couch across from it. The bed was positioned behind the couch. It was indeed larger than mine and looked very inviting.

“Welcome to my room. I hope you like it here, and you’re welcome to stay here any time you want.” He smiled as he walked me in.

I nodded to him, then ran and jumped onto the couch without any hesitation. I could hear him chuckle behind me before he sat down next to me, “So you like it?”

“Are you kidding?! This room is amazing! I might just move in here for the TV!” I chuckled as I spoke.

He gave a small smile before he held my hand, “If you want to you can. What's mine is yours.”

I smiled, then squeezed his hand, “Maybe I will! A large room with you doesn't seem too bad.”

“I can let the Betas know if you’d like. I won’t push you though.” He sounded shy before he scratched the back of his neck.

I smiled, then kissed his cheek, “I’ll see how tonight goes first, ok?”

He nodded, then gestured to the TV, “Want to watch a movie tonight? You can choose the movie.”

“Can I shower first and get into pajamas? I smell like food and sweat after today. You can maybe order some food while I'm there?”

He nodded, then pointed to a nearby door, “The bathroom is right in there, I can call for some pizza to be sent up to us.”

“Sure, I’ll just have pepperoni and olives on mine. thank you!” I hollered to him before I ran to the door with my pajamas in hand.

I looked around and noticed a larger shower with a large clawfoot tub nearby. I placed the clothes onto the counter, then turned on the water in the shower. Once it was warmed up, I changed out of my clothes, then jumped in. I washed myself off and got lost in my own thoughts. I’ll tell him that I have decided on becoming a werewolf. I’m willing to become a Luna and accept him as my mate. Once I got out, I took out my contacts, then changed into the shorts and tank top that Hazel had chosen for me, then put on my glasses. I looked into the mirror and got slightly embarrassed with my look, then took a couple deep breaths. After I calmed myself down I tied my hair back into a ponytail, then walked out the bathroom to notice Jace had changed into pajamas of his own. He wore some gray sweats and a dark shirt. He looked comfortable and irresistible.

He looked at me and the tips of his ears immediately turned bright red, “U-Uh, the Betas will be bringing up the pizza, in the meantime we can watch a movie.”

I nodded, then walked over and sat down next to him. He shuffled slightly but kept his arm behind me before handing me the remote, “You look adorable with your glasses on Shutterbug, You’re like my little nerd.”

I blushed as I shuffled through the various movie titles and stopped on one, “I am not a nerd! I’m a geek!”

I gently shoved him as he chuckled in response, “Fine! Fine! You’re my geek! Now did you find a movie to watch?”

“How about Jaws? It’s a classic! You’ll love it!” I smiled as I looked at him and shuffled closer.

He smiled, then hesitantly held me closer to him, “Sure, I think I’ve seen it once, but I’m willing to watch it again with you.

I started the movie and cuddled close to him. He smiled as well. We were interrupted a good few minutes into the movie by a Beta bringing up the pizza. Jace smiled to them and took it and we happily ate while watching. Once the movie was over, Jace and I noticed it was nearing midnight, but decided to watch one more movie. When the second movie was over, we turned the TV off and stood up from the couch. .

“I can grab a blanket and sleep here, I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.” I spoke with a yawn as I looked at Jace.

He gave a small frown, then put a hand on my shoulder, “No, I can’t do that. You can sleep on the bed and I can be on the couch. It’s no problem for me.”

“Hmm, how about we both sleep on the bed? I can curl into a ball away from you so you can take up as much space as you want.” I smiled as I spoke.

“Deal, but you don’t have to curl into a ball to be away from me, I wouldn’t mind if you kicked me.” He gently held my face as he looked into my eyes.

I blushed as the small voice in the back of my head told me to lean in. So I got onto my toes and leaned close to him. He let out a small chuckle, then leaned in to close the gap between us. I could feel his breath on my lips as I closed my eyes. Finally our lips came together in a small tender kiss. I was in pure heaven as I felt small sparks go through my lips as they made contact with him.

After we broke apart Jace pressed his forehead to mine as he blushed, “That was amazing. I’m surprised Hazel didn’t try to interrupt us like she has.”

I could only giggle and nod in response before we walked to the large bed. I climbed in next to Jace. The bed was more comfortable than mine and I knew it would be hard to get out the next morning. I cuddled close to Jace and placed my head on his chest as he stroked my hair.

“Hey, Jace? I have something I want to tell you real quick.” I turned my head to face him as he kept his hand on my hair.

Jace continued to stroke my hair as he immediately fell asleep. I sat there as I stared at him with a faint smile. He was perfect and I couldn’t wake him up to tell him, so I decided to tell him the next day. I laid my head on his chest and relaxed as I listened to his steady heartbeat, which soothed me. I let out another small yawn and closed my eyes as I started to doze off into a blissful dream. I knew without a doubt. A life with Jace was the perfect life to live.