The Alpha's Rejected Mate novel Chapter 6

Shortly after leaving the funeral home, Scarlett and her friends arrived at Tucker's house, but they didn't get out of the car until after eight. Scarlett ignored Mrs. O'Hara's repeated calls and threw her phone into the car's storage area.

In front of a white glass mansion, Scarlett was standing between Cornelia and Avery with her hands now entwined with those of her companions. She took a deep breath. "Here we are." She spoke while fixating on the house. Tucker's house.

At 15, Scarlett was aware of Tucker's intense love of partying and it was one of the barriers preventing the two of them from being together. Whenever his parents are away, Tucker takes advantage of the chance to party with his basketball teammates every weekend. Even though they still liked one another, the fact that Scarlett was a bookworm and Tucker wasn't didn't make them compatible.

The mansion had a large pool in front of it and music was playing inside. People from the lower classes who weren't invited to the party were loitering outside the mansion while those who had been invited were inside.

"Scar, take a deep breath. I am aware that you don't normally do this but let's consider it a step outside of your comfort zone." said Avery.

"I suppose you should use this opportunity to stop holding yourself responsible for what happened to your father." Cornelia said.

Scarlett felt guilty for a split second. She was at the party despite knowing she wasn't supposed to be there. She was aware that she shouldn't have let go of her father so quickly, but she did. How could she? She let go of her friends' hands and turned around, turning to leave when she heard Tucker's voice. Scarlett halted abruptly and turned around. "Tucker." She spoke, shyly tucking her hair behind her ears. She swallowed. Hard. Her heart started to beat very quickly.

There, Tucker stood handsomely. Scarlett was unable to take her gaze off of him. Even after 8 years of liking Tucker, she still harbors the same childhood crush on him.

He flashed a wide grin. "I didn't know you were coming. He pointed to the balcony. "I saw you from the house so I thought I should personally come say hello to you." Then his face grew grave. "I heard about your dad and I am so sorry." She graciously consented to his hug when he offered it. It was Tucker. She'd do anything to be in his arms.

Scarlett sniffed as she let go of him. "Thank you, Tucker." She said. Her friends caught her attention and understood the signal she was sending.

"Cornelia and I will see you later, Scarlett. If you need us, we'll be inside." Avery snatched Cornelia by the hand and led her away. 

"I feel so bad for being here, Tucker. Today is his funeral." Although she attempted to contain them, tears were in her eyes. "I feel so bad for being here. Despite the fact that he was my best friend, I let him go so easily."

"Shh. Don't say that." He gave her another hug. "You didn't let him go. You still have him in your heart." He held her hands while gradually releasing her. "I'll be here for you always, Scar. I'm here whenever you need someone to talk to."

Scarlett nodded. "Thank you, Tucker." As she let go of her hand, she grinned.

Tucker drew her nearer to him. "Come on. Let's go have some fun."

She gave him a glance. "By the way, congrats on your wins, Tucker." She encircled him as they entered the house through the front door. It appears to Scarlett that she will actually get the man she wants tonight. But is there really a happy ending? Of course! Sometimes there isn't, and in Scarlett's case, she knew she wouldn't get the happy ending she desired because she could see Cassy coming toward them.