Violet’s P.O.V.“Oh, girl you have some explaining to do.” Delaney squealed, plopping down in the seat across from Olive and me.Olive had just bitten into her apple and her mouth was full as her eyes darted between the two of us. A crude blush had already formed on my face, and the chargrilled burger I’d been eager to bite into now looked unappetizing.“Yeah, I don’t think that’s—” I began.Olive coughed, having swallowed her bite of apple whole. “Wait, wait, wait. What the hell happened? Violet, why do you look like you were caught doing the dirty?”“Because she was!” Delaney said much too loudly. Several heads turned in our direction and I just about shot up out of my seat to clasp a hand over her mouth. Her tongue darted out to swipe my hand, and I reeled back with a look of disgust.Delaney smirked and Olive let out a laugh that bordered on utter disbelief.Thank the Goddess Holden hadn’t come to sit at our table yet. I could only imagine how this conversation would blow over wit
Violet’s P.O.V.I blinked several times, and even sucked in a sharp gust of air, but nothing changed what I was seeing with my own two eyes.Hael wouldn’t tell her to do something like that. No, I was sure of it. He’d punish me himself if he were that pissed off.He would. Wouldn’t he?Pain wracked my chest in ice-cold waves, the scar above my heart throbbing from its impact. Betrayal stole the air from my lungs, but Mykelle’s words made them seize and prevented me from taking any more.“Like I said, mutt. You’re a pet, and you know what happens to pets with behavioral issues?”The dark spots that hovered along the edges of my vision were a clear warning that I needed to get out of here and fast. I couldn’t have a repeat of what happened with Blaze, especially not with these three.If I murdered Mykelle Vanderbilt, I’d unleash hell on myself.Mykelle leaned in, her nose inches from mine. She was so close that I could smell the sugary sweet undertones of her lip gloss.“They get put do
Violet’s P.O.V.“How did you get that bruise?” He demanded, turning my head so that I was looking up at him once more. His eyes scanned my body, freezing when they reached my knuckles.The busted and bruised skin was already on the mend, but it still had a long way to go.“Who did you get into a fight with?”I scoffed, both at his anger and at his cluelessness.“It wasn’t a fight so much as it was me getting jumped in the hallway after classes.” I hissed, smacking his hand away from my face. “And you should know who I fought considering you gave the okay on the whole thing!”Hael’s head fell to the side a second time, his brows furrowing. “What are you talking about? I didn’t give permission for you to get jumped, Violet.”“Really? Then explain this!” I slapped the phone against his bare chest, clenching my hands into fists as I waited for him to read through the messages.He looked down at the screen, tapped it a couple of times and stiffly shook his head. “This isn’t my phone number
Violet’s P.O.V.I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. The second Hael stepped into the room, kicking the door shut behind him with an audible bang, I felt my confidence waver.Mykelle popped into my head, the sight of her flooding my veins with enough anger to force me to my feet. She was part of the reason why I was doing this. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t give into Hael, yet the moment he set those dark eyes of his on me and showed me a smidgen of care, I melted in his hands.It was time to channel my inner bad bitch and show Hael just how addicting touch could be—and how relinquishing your control for even a few fleeting moments could be the drug you never knew you needed.All of the steamy romance novel’s I’d read should’ve prepared me for the real thing, but they hadn’t.My mind was blank, a slate wiped clean as I slid off the bed and approached Hael with slow, cautious steps. Like the predator he was, he watched my every move. Slowly, his eyebrow lifted.“Something funny?”
Violet’s P.O.V. I scurried back to my room like the coward I was, locking myself away until late into the afternoon when Olive came over for a girl’s night. Hael had left the house, speeding off in one of his many flashy cars to goddess knows where. I’d just so happened to be looking out the window when he emerged. It wasn’t like I’d heard the front door slam and ran to peek out. No, not at all. That would be creepy—borderline obsessive. I committed myself to spending the weekend with Olive and focusing only on what girly activities we had planned and not the dark-eyed, temperamental, Alpha-to-be who’s taste I still couldn’t get out of my mouth. Which is exactly why when my phone rang in the middle of Olive and I painting our nails, I didn’t get up and sprint over to it the way I wanted to. I jogged. Lightly. A sting of disappointment pierced my chest when it wasn’t Hael’s name that flashed on the screen, but an unknown number. I’d almost hit ignore but decided otherwise at th
Hael’s P.O.V.I slipped out of the house before Olive arrived, dead set on breaking into my father’s private office. With him out of town for a few days, I wouldn’t get a better opportunity than this.As I headed to my car, I could feel a set of curious eyes on my back. Awareness prickled over my skin along with the ghost of sparks, and I knew if I were to turn around I’d see a certain doe-eyed blonde watching me from the window.Before the emotional and physical maelstrom that was Violet could form in my head, I pushed those thoughts aside and buried them deep down.Now was not the time for this. The drive to Cole’s place was spent clearing my head. I went inside for just a few minutes, long enough for him to hand me a flash drive and explain the process of copying and transferring all of my father’s files onto it.Easy enough.I left my car parked out front of Cole’s, slipping out the back door and into the forest where I made the trek to my father’s estate on foot. Remaining in my
Violet’s P.O.V.“What do you mean you broke into your father’s office?” I blanched. The only thing running through my head was what Alpha Xavier would do if he found out. Clearly he had a hand in turning Hael into a killer, which meant he probably didn’t give a rats ass about him. No, men like Xavier cared about one thing and that was power.Hael gave me a dry look that told me he knew exactly what was going through my head. “He won’t find out.”“What if he did, though? What would he do?” I exclaimed, dialing down the panic that seeped into my voice.Hael shrugged like this entire situation was nothing new—just your average Friday night.“He’d kill me, hide the body, and make Graham his new heir.”I could feel my face turning red but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment. It was because I was two seconds away from losing my shit on one of the most dangerous people in this pack.A chuckle came from down below, on the floor where Olive was currently laying. She was on her stomach with
Violet’s P.O.V.Every single letter had a date in the upper left-hand corner, and was written in the same font and format each time. The month was first, followed by the day, then the year. They began a couple of years before my birth, and were relatively tame.Each one started out with a single compliment directed towards Evelyn. One mentioned her soulful eyes, and another brought up her smile, comparing it to a morning sunrise. I would’ve thought they were sweet letters from a secret admirer if I hadn’t already known the truth.The letters continued like clockwork, maybe one or two a year until my mother met my father. Olive handed me the one she’d been reading, her face a bit pale as she pointed at one line in particular.I see you’ve met someone, beautiful Evie. Your happiness is infectious, a beacon of light beneath your flawless skin. I’ll continue to watch from afar until the day comes where you return my love. “That’s a bit creepy.” I muttered, fighting the feeling churning i
Violet’s P.O.V. Ten Years Later “I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. You’ve definitely improved.” I teased, slipping my arms around my husband’s waist as he stood over the stove. The brisket he tended to had been a twenty-four-hour project of his that he insisted on getting perfect. In fact, this entire dinner tonight had been cooked by him alone. It was his way of proving all my years of cooking lessons hadn’t gone unnoticed. He spun around with a piece of meat in his hand. I went to pluck it from his fingers only for him to move it just out of reach. He shook his head, his ebony hair falling over his brows. “Open up, princess.” I pulled him close, my stomach fluttering as I did as he asked. A groan slid past my lips at the rich, savory flavor. He really had improved in his cooking skills. Another year or two and he’d probably surpass me. One of his arms slid around my waist and remained there as he reached across the counter to grab one of the cupcakes he’d made. Rich chocolate and
Violet’s P.O.V.Two Months LaterDeep breaths, Violet. In and out just like Doctor Leanna said. There’s nothing to be afraid of, nothing at all.Hael squeezed my hand once, and I looked up to meet his knowing stare. The ring on my left hand twinkled in the sunlight as we walked. It was such a beautiful day, and I didn’t miss the irony of that fact as we headed into the maximum-security prison that loomed overhead.Today was the day of Dominic Harding’s execution.Trailing behind us was everyone Dominic, Alice, and Noah had ever hurt. My Mom and Dad were first, followed by Marcel in his wheelchair, then Sylvia, Olive, Cole, and Mykelle. Even Eric Chen was attending, though he was likely already waiting inside. The execution wouldn’t commence without us, leaving me with plenty of time to mull things over.I turned my head to the sky, drinking in the sunlight that warmed my cheeks. There wasn’t a single cloud in sight. It was as though the Goddess herself knew that today wasn’t a time fo
Hael’s P.O.V.One Week Later“Hael! You are in so much trouble.” Violet gasped, but I wasn’t hearing any of it.I paused in front of the doorway, the breath sucked from my lungs at the sight of my mate. You’d think it had been days since we last saw one another with how fast my heart was racing, yet it had only been a couple of hours. Her cheeks warmed beneath her pretty pink blush, and she toyed with the ends of her freshly cut hair nervously.The gown she wore was embedded with tiny gemstones that twinkled whenever she moved. I’d never seen fabric so shimmery before, almost like it had been sliced from the night sky. It was worth every penny to see it wrapped around her mouthwatering curves. Her pupils dilated as she took me in, and fuck if I didn’t love the way her breath hitched.I crossed the small dressing room in six strides and pulled her into my arms, her dress whooshing as it slid against my tux. There was so much raw emotion rushing through me that only her presence kept me
Violet’s P.O.V.The crowd’s chattering came to a halt as the sea of people parted. Voices faded into the distance until only one remained, louder than all the rest. Mykelle groaned from where she sat in the back of an ambulance and covered her face with her hands.“Coming through, coming through! Beta of Alpha Hael here and mate to the most beautiful she-wolf in this place. Come on, people, move it!”Cole shoved his way through the crowd, barreling through the caution tape so quickly that the warriors scattered to seal the breach. A handful ran after him, clearly not getting the memo that he had the authority to be here. Cole either didn’t notice their presence or didn’t care. His eyes were locked on one person in particular.A flutter of something warm and pleasant filled my chest as I watched the scene unfold.Mykelle scoffed at the sight of him, turning her nose up as though she could care less. The blush staining her cheeks and the way she combed her fingers through her hair said
Violet’s P.O.V.Hael stood from the injured wolf, radiating such pride that I wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms and let him tell me it was finally over. I stumbled over to him when a bloodcurdling cry pierced the air.It was the scream of someone being mauled.“Mykelle, stop!” I shouted in time to watch her fling Dominic’s severed arm across the room.Oh fuck. My stomach clenched as I gagged. The massive wolf stepped off of Dominic’s chest, kicking him in the head with its hind leg. She pulled her muzzle back and flashed her blood-stained teeth. Was she grinning at me?Hael snorted, so I must’ve been right.“I know he’s the one that tormented your family and all, but why couldn’t you just let me finish him? I would’ve made it worthwhile.” Mykelle huffed, now standing between Hael and I with her arms folded over her naked chest. She lifted her hand to inspect her nails, a smirk tilting at her lips as she found her manicure still intact.“Don’t be selfish. If anyone deserve
Violet’s P.O.V.“You killed my brother.” Alice seethed, her eyes a shock of white across a canvas of blistering red.Hael cocked his head, the grin on his face both dark and playful. With a gentle hand he pushed me to the side, partially concealing me behind his back. The thudding upstairs continued without missing a beat, as did the drip, drip, drip, of Noah’s blood on the carpet.“I honestly thought he’d put up more of a fight, but instead he hid behind his gun like a coward. It’s not at all surprising that his sister’s exactly the same.”I reached out to stop him from goading her when I spotted the knife behind his back. The hilt was clutched tightly in his hand, and from the way his muscles bunched I knew he was preparing to strike. Alice snarled, the sound cracking off the walls of the small living room.“You think you’re going to trick me into dropping my gun? Please, I’m no fool. You know what? I’m actually thankful my whore of a sister survived when Noah threw her into that fi
Hael’s P.O.V.You’re never going to see her again.The fuck I wouldn’t.I scrambled off of Holden’s body, kicking the bastard in the head for good measure. He had said his name was Noah—the Noah. Absolute fury rushed through me, all of it directed at myself. How many times had he been within sniffing distance of Violet? Too many to count.He tried to kiss her. His fucking half-sister. Man, the guy really was messed up. Should’ve trusted my gut about him, but it was much too late for that.Marcel groaned as I turned him over, his face slathered with his own blood. With my fingers pressed against his throat, I felt around until I registered a small flutter. Atticus’s Beta had taken half a dozen bullets for me. The feeling it left me with was uncomfortable as fuck.“You stupid, lucky asshole. I really hate owing people.” I muttered as I swiped his phone off the floor.The first call I made was for an ambulance, while the second was to Cole. Thank fuck I’d memorized his number considering
Violet’s P.O.V.Dominic stood from his crouch and offered me his hand. While I wanted to bite him and tear a few fingers off as revenge for Olive, I didn’t. I swallowed the disgust that rose from this never-ending pit in my stomach and accepted his help.He didn’t let go though, not for several seconds.“I know you likely have mixed feelings for Hael, but I promise you this is for the best. You trusted me once, and I know that trust will return in due time. Still I feel the need to apologize.” His shoulders fell as he sighed, those dark brows furrowing.“Apologize for what?” Such a stupid question, but what didn’t he have to apologize for? He ruined my family’s life. That didn’t just call for an apology. It called for fucking vengeance.There was such genuine guilt on his face that my heart cried out in response.Dominic ran his hand down his jaw, clenching it as he spoke. “If I hadn’t been so absent, I would’ve noticed the signs. Hael was manipulating you this entire time, just as At
Violet’s P.O.V.The eyes I stared into were Elijah’s, the same man who had raised me these past ten years, but his face was no longer his own. Now that I had seen the mask fall, I’d never be able to go back to who I’d once been.It tore my heart in two to know that the man who had written those terrible letters to my Mom was also the man who had bought me my first cookbook. Elijah—it had been Elijah all along. Behind those soft eyes and his kind smile was the darkest kind of monster.No matter what I felt for him, I would not let him take me. If that meant playing into his sick fantasy, then so be it.I inched my way across the carpet, as far away from my vomit as I could get. The stench alone would make it impossible to speak without gagging. Elijah hovered over me, still on his knees with his hands out in that placating gesture. The sight of it made me sick.“I don’t understand how this is happening. You—You had us both. You had me at the cabin and my mother…” There was no need to f