Chapter 19:Shattered Bonds

(Scarlett's POV) I handed the diamond choker back to Victoria, watching her perfectly manicured fingers close around the ancient heirloom. Her eyes widened slightly, betraying her shock at my refusal. "Scarlett, please," Victoria said, her usually composed voice cracking with desperation. "Think about what you're doing." I straightened my shoulders, meeting her gaze directly. "I've thought about it plenty." Victoria stepped closer, lowering her voice to an urgent whisper. "Without Alexander's protection, your position in the Winters Pack becomes even more precarious. You know how they favor Grace." A bitter laugh escaped me. "Is that supposed to frighten me into submission? Into accepting a mate who doesn't want me?" "Alexander will come around," she insisted, her fingers tightening around the necklace. "He's just... confused right now. Grace has always had a certain hold over him." "Confused?" I echoed, incredulous. "He's been visiting her apartment every night for months. He a