Violet“Is that you-know-who?” I lowered my voice to a whisper even though he most likely could hear our every word, down to the ragged breaths I let out.“Voldemort?” Olive replied instantly, but this time her sense of humor wasn’t a comfort, not when Hael had gone out of his way to threaten me against coming here. “No, much worse.”“Does he look angry?” I couldn’t help but ask, scolding both Lacey and me for the shiver of glee that tickled my spine from the thought.“He always looks angry. Turn around and lock eyes with him, that’ll get you a reaction. Shouldn’t be too hard since he’s staring right at you.”Questioning whether or not I had some latent desire to die young, I turned slowly and faced the guy I was unlucky enough to call my mate. He stood far below the raised patio we were on, past the crowds of dancing partygoers in their bikinis and skimpy dresses.Standing at his side was a dark-skinned man that looked a whole lot like the guy he’d been talking to in the kitchen that
Violet“What’s wrong? I didn’t mean to overstep, really. If it’s a bathing suit you’re worried about, I have a t-shirt and shorts you can use.”There was a split second that passed where I was sure I’d refuse, but Lacey’s voice in all of its strength, lifted my darkening thoughts.‘He won’t do anything to us, and if he tries we’ll tear his eyes out.’ She reassured me, a slight growl to her voice. ‘Plus swimming will scatter our scent and make it harder for Hael to find us, which is a bonus because I doubt we’ll ever get the chance to rip his eyes out.’“I—I’ll take that t-shirt and shorts, if you don’t mind.” I swallowed, embracing the happy and semi-threatening thoughts Lacey placed into my head, all of which were meant to take the edge off.Holden’s face lit up at my response, and much like an eager child, he nodded in rapid succession whilst tugging me out of the lounge and down the hall. “I have some clothes in a spare bedroom down here.” He said, pausing at the third white oak do
HaelThat little fucking brat.She ran from me; she seriously ran from me.I knew it had been her even before she turned around. Five minutes was all it took for me to memorize her every curve, the way her hips moved, and breasts bounced with every infuriating giggle she let out.The sound of her laughter was the exact opposite of Mykelle’s, who became a screeching hyena the moment she opened her mouth. Violets was light and airy, with a higher pitch that sounded natural and unforced. The way she threw her entire body into it, throwing back her head so that her mane of pale hair flowed down her back, was almost cute.‘She’s always been cute. Now she’s much more.’ Magnus made note of his growl vibrating my skull—though that could’ve been because of how hard I was grinding my teeth.‘None of it will save her.’ I insisted even though Magnus had stopped listening.She wanted to play chase, did she? Well, little Violet. Wait until you see how good of a hunter I am, just wait.Finding her f
HaelA sickening emotion encompassed me, one that bordered on painful even though I had no physical injury. It left me feeling vulnerable and exposed, two things I swore I’d never feel again. Like a wounded beast, I lashed out.“That’s cute. You think someone like him could be friends with someone like you?” I said coldly.There was a faint rush of satisfaction as her glare wavered, but Violet was also skilled at hiding her emotions, because all too easily her expression shifted into one of disinterest.“I didn’t know you were capable of thinking something was cute.” She drawled, padding around in the lake like I hadn’t ordered her out of it. “Doesn’t that require…oh, I don’t know, a soul?”I cracked my neck, hissing out the strongest pieces of my anger through clenched teeth before responding. Never have I been this out of control.“So help me—”“So help you what, Hael?” She interrupted, shouting from across the lake, her tone taunting. “You’ll kill me and chop me up into little piec
HaelI blinked and the garage was back, the girl in front of me no longer a child but a woman. Her hair longer, lips fuller, and eyes just as round.There was a rapid thudding sensation beneath my fingers, like the ticking of a clock whose timer needed calibrating.“Hael.”She whispered my name and the thudding beneath my fingers skipped a beat.The world settled back into focus, the spots leaving my eyes until I could see clearly the situation I’d put us in.She was pushed against the side of the Ferrari, her throat nestled within the confines of my hand, her body pressed against mine so tightly that I could feel the impression of her nipples against my sternum. Her eyes were burning—burning with both hatred and fear.This was the second time I found myself with my hand around her throat, only this time around I wasn’t squeezing, wasn’t attempting to drain her of the very life I coveted. No, I was only holding her in place, pinning her against the car as I clenched my eyes shut and t
Hael “What exactly is it that you’re doing?” Violet never seemed to react the way I expected. Hearing my voice, she let out a low string of curses, then threw her head back and groaned loudly. People were predictable, even more so once you learned their habits and motivations, but not Violet. Despite how much I thought I knew her; she’d already managed to surprise me more than once. Violet was an enigma, one I initially hadn’t cared to find out, but what kind of predator didn’t do its research on its prey? “You made me lose count.” She muttered. “I’ll have to start all over again.” Flustered, she flung her mane of curls over her shoulder. The strap of the silk nightgown she wore slid down her arm, flashing but an inch of the curve of her breast. I peeled my eyes off of the patch of milky skin and stared at the back of her head. “Start over?” I questioned; my tone indifferent even though I was intrigued with what she was doing. Really, she could’ve made this much faster by elab
HaelAs I ruefully anticipated, forcing Violet from Holden’s party hadn’t gone unnoticed. Early that morning, just a few hours after catching her little ritual with the door locks, I received a mind-link from my father.‘Hael, my office. Now.’Short and to the point.I didn’t bother getting dressed, not when it would be fastest to run on four legs. First, I called Cole and let him know he’d be taking Violet to school today since I’d be unavailable. I’d have to suffer through taking her home at the end of the day, but with my mother returning this afternoon, Violet would have full use of her driver for the rest of the week.The run from my mother’s estate to my father’s never seemed to be long enough to quell the murderous urges that arose whenever his voice slithered into my head. With each morning, the humidity in the air thinned, vanishing faster as winter’s first frosty notes were sung into the air.There had never been feelings of fondness between my father and I, only a sense of
VioletI stayed up half the night thinking about what happened between Hael and me.Both the kiss, which was mind-blowing in the absolute worst of ways, and the door incident were still fresh on my mind when the sun rose, and a light knock disturbed what little sleep I’d managed. Luckily, I was more than used to running on fumes. I had plenty of practice with working on little sleep when I started at Jeb’s.This wasn’t the first time I’d dealt with a bully, but never had I met one that actually wanted to kill me. Not only that, but my body was indescribably attracted to him, and it was that attraction that dulled the warning bells in my head that should’ve been going off full force.In the midst of the storm raging in my head, I was firmly lodged somewhere between numb and downright angry.Instantly, I knew it wasn’t Hael at my bedroom door. There was no way he’d knock that gently. No, Hael would punish the expensive wood with his meaty fist and use that venomous voice of his to deman
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