Chapter 2: She Never Arrived

Scarlett didn't cry after walking upstairs.

She simply closed the bedroom door behind her and stood in silence.

The house echoed with laughter from downstairs.

Victoria had arrived less than ten minutes ago, yet everyone was already treating her like the guest of honor.

Scarlett slowly opened her suitcase.

Inside were carefully folded sweaters, hiking boots, and travel journals she had bought specifically for the family vacation.

Every item reminded her of the effort she had poured into the trip.

For six months, she had worked overtime at the clinic.

She had accepted emergency appointments late into the night.

She had sacrificed weekends just to earn enough money for everyone to travel comfortably.

Not once had Alexander offered to help.

Not once had anyone thanked her.

She pulled out the official itinerary.

Across the top, in neat handwriting, she had written:

"Our First Family Adventure Together."

A bitter smile crossed her face.

"Family..." she whispered.

"What a beautiful lie."

Without another thought, she tore the itinerary into tiny pieces and dropped them into the trash.

Then she opened her laptop.

Instead of confirming the Shadow Pack travel permit Alexander had arranged, she searched for something completely different.

"Northern Healing Retreats."

Several destinations appeared.

One immediately caught her attention.

Moon Lake Sanctuary.

A quiet healer community hidden beyond the Frostfang Mountains.

No tourists.

No pack politics.

No mind-link disturbances unless specifically approved.

Exactly what she needed.

Within minutes, Scarlett canceled every reservation connected to her own journey.

She purchased a new travel permit under her healer credentials.

This time...

She wasn't traveling to meet anyone.

She was traveling to leave everything behind.

Downstairs, Alexander knocked once before opening the bedroom door.

"Are you packed yet?"

Scarlett calmly zipped her suitcase shut.

"Almost."

"Good."

"The convoy leaves at sunrise."

"Victoria wants to stop by Silver Falls before crossing the border, so don't be late meeting us afterward."

Scarlett looked at him quietly.

"Alexander."

"If I disappeared one day..."

"Would you come looking for me?"

He frowned.

"Why would you ask something so childish?"

"Just answer me."

He sighed impatiently.

"You're my mate."

"Of course I'd look."

"Satisfied?"

Scarlett nodded slowly.

"Thank you."

He leaned over and kissed her forehead absentmindedly before walking back downstairs.

It felt more like habit than affection.

As soon as he left, Scarlett wiped away the spot where his lips had touched.

"Too late..." she whispered.

Before dawn the following morning, the villa buzzed with excitement.

Victoria stepped outside wearing expensive travel gear while Emma took dozens of pictures.

"This is going to be the best vacation ever!" Emma laughed.

"Alexander, stand closer to Victoria!"

"Smile!"

Scarlett quietly loaded her own luggage into a separate vehicle parked across the street.

No one noticed.

Sarah was too busy adjusting Victoria's scarf.

James chatted happily with the convoy guards.

Alexander was checking Victoria's travel documents.

Not once did he ask whether Scarlett had enough food, enough fuel, or enough protection for the dangerous journey he had forced upon her.

Scarlett watched them one last time.

Then she got into her vehicle.

She drove in the opposite direction.

North.

Hours later, the protected convoy crossed into the Southern Territories.

Victoria laughed with Emma in the lead vehicle.

Alexander occasionally glanced at the empty passenger seat beside him.

For some reason, the silence felt strange.

"Scarlett should've reached Shadow Pack territory by now," Sarah commented.

"She'll be fine," Alexander replied.

"She's stronger than all of us."

Everyone accepted his answer.

No one questioned it.

Meanwhile...

Scarlett crossed the Frostfang Bridge under a clear blue sky.

The cold northern air filled her lungs.

For the first time in years...

She felt like she could finally breathe.

She stopped beside a crystal-clear lake and switched off her pack mind-link.

A warning immediately appeared.

"Disconnecting may prevent emergency communication. Continue?"

Scarlett stared at the screen for several seconds.

Then she pressed:

"Yes."

The familiar mental connection vanished instantly.

No more demands.

No more expectations.

No more guilt.

Only silence.

Peaceful silence.

Three days later...

The family arrived safely at their luxury lodge.

"Has Scarlett checked in yet?" Emma asked casually.

Alexander frowned.

"She should've arrived yesterday."

"Maybe she's taking the scenic route," Victoria suggested with a smile.

"She always likes exploring."

Alexander nodded.

"Probably."

But late that evening...

The lodge manager approached him.

"Excuse me, Alpha Alexander."

"We've checked every scheduled arrival today."

"Your mate never reached the Northern Territories."

Alexander's smile slowly disappeared.

"What do you mean... she never arrived?"