Page 57 of Knotty Lessons

“If she tries, she’ll face heavy consequences. She’s just trying to use everything as a scare tactic to get more money.” Dominic nuzzles his nose to mine, kissing the trembling from my mouth.

“She keeps insinuating that you are purposely pushing off the wedding, and I’m afraid she’ll use that to her advantage. I think I should drop out. A degree isn’t important to me. I only came out here to hide. You’re important. Our pack is important.” I rub my lips together, tasting the saltiness of my tears.

Dominic sighs. “We both know that’s not true. If that were the case, you would have wanted to do so sooner. You’ve worked so hard already, and you’re so close to finishing. Don’t give it up because of her. That’s what she wants.”

I scrub my hands over my cheeks. “It’s not because of her. I’m just—”

My phone rings again, cutting off my comment. My heart stinks into my stomach at another unknown number. Why did I even take it off do not disturb? Why can’t I catch a break? It’s like I need to keep the whole entire world blocked out. I just need to change my phone number. Maybe even use a burner phone like Emma.

Dominic taps the screen, choosing to answer it instead of ignoring it and sending it to voicemail. “Hello?” he asks, his brows pinching together.

I listen to the soft sound of a feminine voice, but I can’t decipher if I know who it belongs to. It’s not Emma or any of my sisters. It’s not Mom either.

“Yes, she’s available. May I ask what this is regarding?” Dominic glances at me, rubbing his big hand to my knee. He listens to the woman speak, pressing his lips into a thin line. “The art piece was extraordinary, wasn’t it? I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Scarlett is a very talented artist.”

I tilt my head, my curiosity growing as Dominic gushes about me, his deep voice turning soft. It helps steady my racing heart. I lower my guard and grab his hand, getting his attention.

“Yes, of course. I’ll put her on the line right now.” Dominic hits the mute button. “It’s a woman by the name of Talia from Pack Xavier. She saw your artwork at the Fall Carnival and wanted to reach out to you.”

I take the phone from him, clearing my throat and composing myself before I unmute it. “Hello, this is Scarlett.”

“Hi Scarlett, thanks for taking my call. My name is Talia Xavier. I’m the new director of the Art Department at Clearwater University and saw your Halloween piece at Beach Brew. The woman at the coffee shop gave me your information and said you were a student, so I looked you up and was pleasantly surprised that you’re graduating soon.”

I purse my lips. “Yes, I am. I’ll be graduating in the spring.”

“Wonderful, that is exactly what I wanted to hear. I’m looking for an assistant who is familiar with Clearwater University, and I have been allotted a great budget to reform and expand the art department. Pack Xavier has recently created ties to Pack Clearwater, and I think you would be perfect. You wouldn’t have to relocate, the position will have benefits, be paid full-time, and it could set you up for a lot of future opportunities,” the woman, Talia, continues.

An assistant? Expanding the art program? Her words spin through my mind. “Oh, I wasn’t planning—”

“Before you decline, I want you to take some time to think about it. It’s not often that a beta is given this kind of opportunity. Your art is amazing. You’re incredibly talented, and I would hate to see it wasted. I can help mentor you. Please, just think about it.” Talia cuts me off. “It’ll look good on your résumé and will open many doors for you. Getting your degree is nice, but having this experience? Just think about it.”

Dominic shifts beside me, grabbing my attention. He nods his head.

“Okay, I’ll think about it.” I can’t believe this. I was so excited about getting commissioned for the window paintings at Beach Brew, but this? This is something beyond my wildest dreams.

“Excellent. I’ll be sending all the information to your school email. I will need an answer by the end of the semester.” Talia hangs up, her words still spinning through my mind.

Dominic pulls me to him, touching my face and kissing me. “Oh, Scarlett. This is incredible. It is unheard of for someone to be offered an assistant position right out of graduation.”

Graduation. But that’s the thing. I need to drop out. I already had my mind set.

I frown, the excitement over the unexpected phone call drifting away as my dark thoughts grab hold of me once more. “But...”

“Don’t just discard this opportunity. We can talk about everything.” Dominic hugs me tighter. “This is so incredible.”

This moment proves just how wrong Mom really is. My guys don’t want me just for my fertility. If that were the case, I’d have already been pulled out of this university. I wouldn’t have been given the ability to make my own decisions. I wouldn’t be encouraged now to break the norm.

And now I feel stronger than ever.

I don’t feel afraid to face her.

I’m going to rub this in her face. I’m going to prove just how amazing Pack Hart is.

She can threaten us all she wants, but she will never bring us down.

20

Scarlett

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