Violet’s P.O.V.Like I had the other two nights, I padded downstairs and fumbled with the lock on the front door until I was absolutely certain no one was going to break in.When I slumped back in bed around four in the morning, I burrowed under the covers and tried to will my limbs to stop trembling. This was the first time I didn’t immediately pass out after checking the locks, something I was grateful for. If I’d fallen asleep, I would’ve missed what happened next.I didn’t hear my bedroom door open, but I did catch Hael’s scent as he entered the room. His breathing was so soft that if I’d been any closer to falling asleep, I wouldn’t have noticed it.Considering the fact that I was already exhausted, it wasn’t hard to close my eyes and slow my breathing.Fingers grazed my cheek with the whisper of a caress, gliding along my lips before delving to the slope of my jaw. If it hadn’t been for Hael’s steady breathing, I would’ve never known he’d been inching closer and closer.If he wa
Violet’s P.O.V.I lifted the edge of the wig I had on and wiggled my finger beneath the mesh-like fabric. Scratching my scalp with my nail, I just about moaned as the itch I’d been fighting finally went away.Olive watched me from the corner of her eyes, her lips pressed into a thin line as they had been the moment we pulled out of the drive.“That’s kind of creepy.” She commented, referring to the peeled edges of the wig.In her defense, it did look like my scalp was coming up.I rolled my eyes at her, trying to lighten the tension even though my stomach was in knots as well. “You try wearing this thing. It’s so itchy!”“You make a pretty brunette, though it’s a little creepy with how pale your eyes are. I think I prefer your white-blonde after all, even if you look like Casper the ghost.”Smirking at her weak attempt at humor, I twisted my head and made the short hair swish around my shoulders. Afterwards, I had to readjust. We didn’t have time to put it on correctly, so for the tim
Violet’s P.O.V.Her hair was a waterfall of ebony that trickled down her narrow shoulders to her tapered waist. A slender jaw, high cheekbones, and deep-set eyes of the warmest brown I’d ever seen made up her face. Everything about her was flawless, from the maroon cocktail dress she wore, to the golden tan that radiated off her skin.She spared me a quick glance through her long lashes, but her attention was solely reserved for my best-friend.“Olive Chen, we finally meet. I am unsurprised Katherine managed to weasel her way out of this meeting, but the result is not terrible.” Cortana Santino had a heavy Italian accent that made each word sound like a melody as it slid past her plump and perfectly heart-shaped lips. She gestured to the other side of the couch and ushered a one worded command that left no room for argument. “Sit.”Killer slinked off to the shadows, leaning against the far wall where a mountain of a man stood. The creep’s eyes crawled over my skin like the furry legs
Violet’s P.O.V.“Alright, lets get things moving along. I don’t have all night and I’d like to play with Violet here before…well, that part doesn’t matter.” Lorenzo huffed, waving his hand dismissively. “Olive, you can leave now. Go home, take a shower, make sure your mother isn’t face down in a pile of her own vomit, crawl into your comfortable bed, and forget this night ever happened. Should Hael Ashford come asking questions, give him my name.”“Olive, don’t.” I warned her when she stiffened. Lorenzo wanted me, whether it was to piss off Hael or for something more, but he didn’t want her. He’d have no qualms killing her, and while I’d survived murdering my own share of people, I would not survive if my best-friend died trying to save me.Stubborn as ever, she shook her head. “I won’t leave you.”I’d never in my life heard the sound of a gun being loaded, but the moment the rapid ‘click’ hit my ears, I had no doubt what it was.In Lorenzo’s hand was a gun, and it was pointed right a
Hael’s P.O.VThe jet had just taken off and already I knew this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have left Violet back at home, not with everything going on and definitely not after I fucked things up between us. That day hung over my head, a storm cloud ready to burst that even Cole began to notice. If he told me one more time to beg for her forgiveness, I was going to throw him off the jet. Realizing I was wrong was one thing, but actually apologizing for it…Never in my life was I the one to apologize. The words weren’t in my vocabulary, but I knew that if I didn’t do something to atone for my mistake, I’d lose her forever If I haven’t already…Fuck, I should’ve found a way for her to come with us. My leg continued bouncing no matter how many times I tried forcing it to still. Cole noticed instantly, a knowing look on his face as he settled into his seat.“How much trouble could she really get into in one weekend?” He had asked. I returned his look with a much dryer one.
Hael’s P.O.V. “Cole, give her your shirt.” I ordered him. He tossed it at her face. She caught it just in time, flipping him off before shrugging it over her shoulders. It reached around mid-thigh and was the perfect length for what I had in mind. I darkened my features, drinking in the rage and hopelessness I’d been feeling these past few days, since I heard her and Violet’s conversation in the hall’s at Darling. Mykelle’s treatment of Violet had been my fault. I didn’t tell her to make her life hell, but I’d also done nothing to stop her. Hearing her say she wasn’t wanted, that it was a feeling she was used to, tore me to shreds. Even now, I could feel the soul deep agony and hear the mate-bond crying out, echoing Violet’s pain. Mykelle’s expression shuttered as she took in the obvious change. It pleased me more than words could express that she stepped back when I approached, glancing at Cole as though he’d dare help her. “You don’t get to know what this is about. You’re goin
Hael’s P.O.V. This small act of kindness changed nothing. I still couldn’t stand Mykelle, whether it be her voice or the way she clung to power like she couldn’t breathe without it. I didn’t want there to be more to her, because if there truly was something human lurking beneath the surface, then it just might make me hate her less. The inside of the place was as luxurious as one would think a long-term mental facility would be. Polished tile floors and spotless walls paved the way through a series of hallways that all looked the same. There were doors everywhere, each one with darkened windows. We made it to a set of elevators without seeing a single person. “The employees are on the other floors. This floor is where they process new patients. Second floor is where group activities are held and for short-term patients. Third floor is long-term patients, but there’s a room that’s bigger than the rest. I heard two of the orderly’s talking about it, and they say the person in there
Hael’s P.O.V. Rushing to ease her panic, I grabbed her trembling hands. “Yes, it’s me. You’re right.” In the very back of my head, I processed her words. The little boy she took. That meant it wasn’t her. Someone else kidnapped me. “Who is she, Evelyn? Did she hurt Violet too?” I asked without thinking. Evelyn let out a strangled croak. “Violet. Oh, my poor Violet. My sweet Violet. She didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve to die.” Die? She thought Violet was dead? I had no doubt that if someone were to blame, it was the same fucker who put her here—my father. “Violet isn’t dead, Evelyn. She’s alive.” Evelyn shook her head, going faster and faster until I wondered if I should restrain her. “No, no, no, no, no. She’s dead! Gone! I was there, I saw it. I saw it all! He got her….” I grabbed her by the shoulders, holding her firmly enough that she couldn’t escape. Each word that left my mouth was spoken carefully. “I just saw her, Evelyn. She is alive and well. I’m going to kee
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