The Blood Rose pack

Mistakes

(Jace POV)

After I took Scarlett to the kitchen, I tried to speak to her about her status as my mate and how we could take things slow so she wouldn’t feel pressured to be with me.

I was quickly interrupted by Hazel who grabbed her, “Scarlett! It’s almost time for lunch! You can help me with getting the sandwiches made. Thanks for bringing her, Jace. Are you still down with movie night on Saturday with me and Ashton?”

I nodded my head as I remembered the plans I had made with Ash and Hazel, “Yep, but Ash and I get to choose the movie. I will die if I have to watch another rom-com with you.”

She gave me her usual big smile before she took my mate away from me to a nearby counter. That woman’s going to be the death of me if she makes Scarlett anything like her.

I walked to my room to take a quick shower, then changed into a pair of jeans and a gray button-down shirt. I then made my way to the library. Once I had started to walk around, I managed to grab a couple books, and made sure to set them to the side to show Scarlett. As I grabbed the books, my thoughts began to wander off to think about Scarlett. Her beautiful eyes were glued to my mind along with her long brown hair, and that scent. Man, I could spend hours just holding her close and not daring to let go. Those glorious lips and that smooth silky voice, I had multiple plans for those beautiful lips, but I shouldn't let those thoughts take over every thought in my mind. Especially while I need to focus on the material to teach her. I grabbed some more books regarding the history of the pack along with some books with general and basic werewolf information.

I checked the time and noticed a few hours had passed, then sighed before I found a seat nearby. I leaned back while I thought to myself about how I could show Scarlett proof, then thought of an idea. I carefully thought about how and where to show her, then was brought a sandwich by one of the omegas. I thanked them, then ate the sandwich. Once I had finished eating, I did a final run through of my plan in my mind. I’ll take her to the woods out back and shift in front of her. She'll get to meet Hunter and get her proof at the same time. Hitting two birds with one stone, right?

You’re missing one detail in your plan, Jace. Of course, Hunter had to join in and go all wise wolf on me.

And what’s that Hunter? She gets to meet you, then also gets her proof. I know how much you’ve been wanting to meet her. So what’s the problem?

That’s true, but you are unsure of how she’s going to react. She could be frightened and attempt to run away or try to hurt us.

Or maybe she’ll understand that we exist, then want to learn more.

After that, Hunter didn’t bother to respond, which left me slightly frustrated. Why does he have to doubt my thoughts on everything? His pessimism had always gotten under my skin and this time was no exception.

I made my way down to the kitchen and heard Hazel and Scarlett as they talked about the movie night along with Hazel’s attempt to convince Scarlett to have her dressed up by the former. I got slightly excited about seeing a movie with my mate and how I’d want to hold her on my lap and maybe do a couple of things. I had to shake the thoughts as quickly as they came. Scarlett noticed me and I noticed she gave me a slightly long glance.

I spoke softly to keep my composure, “Scarlett. Ready for me to show you proof that werewolves actually exist?”

I noticed Hazel let out a small giggle as she pushed Scarlett towards me. I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that my small mate had already made a good friend and it gave me some reassurance since she appeared to start to be somewhat accustomed to the property.

I started to make my way out of the kitchen, then waved my hand to tell her to follow me. I noticed I was a little farther away, then slowed my stride so she could catch up and stay with me. We walked a little bit and made our way out the back door.

“So Scarlett, I know it’ll be a bit overwhelming at first, so try to take a couple deep breaths and don't be afraid and know it’s still me.” I spoke in a soft tone to try and keep her calm.

She looked up at me with those gorgeous eyes, “Still you? Are you gonna do something crazy to show me proof?”

I nodded and held the back door open as I rubbed the back of my neck, “You could say that. But if it gets to be too much for you, tell me and I’ll stop. I promise.”

She looked slightly skeptical as she bit her lip while she walked with me into the woods nearby. Once we made it there, I looked at Scarlett, then looked away from her as a blush slightly rose to my face. As I took off my pants, I heard her let out a small gasp and the smell of her arousal became slightly noticeable. I took a deep breath, then let Hunter take over as I shifted. Hunter took full control as I let him out. Once the transformation was over, he looked at Scarlett, who stood there in pure shock. She looked scared and I could feel it. I even noticed some tears form in her eyes as she remained silent.

She still didn’t say a single word as she quickly turned, then ran to the house as she sobbed. Hunter felt terrible and he made sure that I knew exactly how he’d felt.

I told you she wouldn’t be too fond of you suddenly shifting in front of her.

Not right now, hunter. I need to go to her.

You can’t go to her like this, Jace. She’s frightened and I doubt a wolf chasing after her would help the situation.

Right. Let me shift back and go after her.

He agreed, then moved to the side of my subconscious to allow me to take over once more as I quickly put on the pants I had thrown to the side and ran to the house. I made my way inside and noticed Hazel stood in the foyer with a glare directed at me.

She gently shoved my chest as she spoke in a low tone, “What the hell did you do, Jace? She was completely fine a second ago and she came barreling through here crying!”

I took a step back as I attempted to remain calm, “I shifted to show her werewolves are real and she didn’t seem to take it well. I need to go talk to her.”

I didn’t bother to let Hazel respond as I ran up the stairs to Scarlett’s room. The door was locked and it was easy to hear her soft sobs from the other side.

“Scarlett? Please let me explain. I know it was frightening, but I promise I won’t do it again if you don't want me to.”

She didn't respond and I felt my heart slightly break as I felt her fear and pain. It made me feel terrible. What did I just do?