Hael’s P.O.V.With hands outstretched and determination burning in my eyes, I lunged for her.My first mistake was not paying more attention to the egg in her hand, because she didn’t hesitate to launch it at my face. She had a strong arm on her, sending it soaring through the air faster than most she-wolves her age. Unfortunately for her, I was faster.I moved my head just a few inches to the left, and smirked when the egg exploded on the wall behind me.Second mistake, I assumed she’d stop with the egg.The last thing I thought she’d do was launch an entire bag of fucking flour at me like it were some kind of grenade. Which it might as well have been considering it exploded the second it hit my chest.A plume of white powder filled the air and coated nearly every surface in the entire kitchen.I didn’t move—didn’t fucking breathe with how much anger was coursing through me. If I had, I might’ve thrown her to the ground. Restraint wasn’t something I often had to exercise, but it was
Hael’s P.O.V.The walk from the foyer to Violet’s suite took a few minutes, giving me time to control myself and my stubborn cock.It had never reacted this way before, like it didn’t care who she was or what she’d done. All it knew was untethered desire, the growing need to see her naked and squirming beneath me, completely at my mercy.Violet shifted her weight forward, still slung over my shoulder. I failed to bite back a snarl when her breasts grazed the upper part of my back.“Sorry.” She muttered listlessly.It took her long enough to quit thrashing and finally accept that escape was impossible.“Already apologizing for putting up a fight?” I feigned surprise. “Incredible. I didn’t even have to force it out of you.”Her snort was soft and unamused.“That’s not what I’m apologizing for.” She said.We were just down the hall from her suite, close enough to where I could see the door. For those few seconds it took to close in, I wondered why she was apologizing. It couldn’t be for
Hael's P.O.V.Weak.I was weak, and I couldn’t afford to be.The sparkle in her eyes dimmed, like she too could sense that this moment—this thing between us was done. I stepped back, letting her untangle her legs from my waist.“Finish cleaning yourself off.” I grunted, leaving the bathroom without once looking back.It didn’t take her long to emerge from the bathroom. In that time I’d already looked through the contents of her bedroom, not that there was much to go through to begin with.Violet had little personal belongings. Her entire life was summed up by a couple of cookbooks, romance novels with cheesy covers, and some t-shirts that were several sizes too big.I’d expected her to come out wrapped in a towel, having actually taken a shower, but she didn’t. The corset and skirt she wore was still on her body, albeit soaked completely through. From her pout and the defiant light dancing in her eyes, I’d guess she thought she was doing something by not showering.“Why are you still
3.Violet’s P.O.V.I crawled into bed absolutely drained of energy. Tonight sapped every ounce of my strength (and possibly my sanity) until I had only fumes left.If it weren’t for those fumes, I would’ve fallen asleep butt naked on top of the comforter.Thankfully, I had just enough to slip on a tank top and some panties before passing out head-first into the pillows. I’d also managed to flick the lock on the door, which made me even more exhausted.There was no amount of time in the world that would help me process everything I’d learned. From meeting Cole’s infamous twin sister, whose rogue gene was so bad she had to be kept locked away from the world, to the fact that I didn’t have these scars when Hael and I had first met.I just didn’t know what to do with it all.Sleep was the only reprieve I had, and even that only lasted so long.I was launched head-first into a nightmare. One full of blood, and the sound of a child’s laughter. When I was torn from sleep, I swore I could sti
Violet’s P.O.V.Denial burned in my gut, fueling my anger. My head was swimming, churning with waves that crashed against one another. On one side was desire, forming a vicious swell that toppled me and shoved me under. Rage helped me break through the waves, but it was becoming so hard to resist when my body sang under his touch.“Fuck you, Hael. Make up your damn mind. Fuck me or murder me, but you can’t have both.” I hissed.He ignored me. Of course, he ignored me. His eyes had already left my face, sliding down the curve of my neck to where my breasts strained against the thin fabric of my tank top, heaving with every ragged breath I took.When his attention flicked back up to my face, his eyes were so hooded I wondered if he could even help himself.Was Hael drowning too? Did he crave me as badly as I craved him?“Have you ever had someone’s mouth there, Princess?” He asked, his voice like gravel.The urge to preen at that horrible nickname he gave me was so strong I had to bite
Hael’s P.O.V.Like a coward, I fled.This scarred, defenseless she-wolf had sent me running twice now. A seasoned assassin with more lives under his belt than most human serial killers, and I was terrified of a girl.No, not terrified of her. Terrified of what she made me feel, of how easily she tore down the carefully constructed walls of restraint I’d built for well over a decade. They might as well have been fucking Legos to her, as easily as she ripped them apart brick by brick.I laid back on my bed, the silk no longer soft but scratchy against my skin.She’d been so soft, so yielding in all of the best ways. Her thick thighs fit perfectly in my grip, her stomach cute enough to sink my teeth into, and her breasts.Fucking hell.Her puffy pink nipples felt like velvet in my mouth and tasted like icing. As much time as she spent in the kitchen, she was beginning to taste like those pastries she made, and I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder whether or not her pussy had the same sweetnes
Hael’s P.O.V.Violet’s scream wasn’t just the kind that pierced your ears. It was the kind that cut through thought and emotion, delving past flesh and bone straight down to something primal.Every one of my honed instincts shouted in unison, taking in the look of abject horror on her face and bellowing, “She’s in danger! She’s in danger!”With fingers curled into claws she lashed out, swiping and scratching at the air. I was rooted in place by shock, my heart actually seizing up in my chest, when she turned on herself. The underdeveloped mate-bond that spanned between us was pulled taught, practically fucking vibrating with her terror.Even human nails could leave a wound, and if she woke up the next day with her face torn to shreds, that guardian of hers would notice. I’m sure it wouldn’t take him long to figure out what happened, and he’d quickly get her back on her cocktail of medications.That’s what I told myself when I grabbed her wrists and pried her hands away from her face.
Violet’s P.O.V.“Insufferable, ignorant, brutish…” I snatched my Mary Jane’s off the floor and shoved my feet into them, then grabbed my blazer and forced my arms into the tangled sleeves. “…no good, disrespectful—”“Those are a lot of adjectives.”I spun around, slapping a hand to my chest as Hael’s voice came from out of nowhere. The asshole in question leaned against the doorframe like he had nothing better to do, which he probably didn’t considering he was severely lacking in the friend department.He changed faster than I thought possible, wearing a fitted t-shirt that made my mouth go dry. It had the University’s crest embroidered on the front and fit him like a glove. It was a damn shame he had the personality of stale bread because those arms were easily drool worthy.Why the hell did my mate have to look like every grisly bad-boy I’d ever read about? Lucky for me, he had the attitude to match.‘Next time he lays his hands on us, we can bite them.’ Lacey suggested.I bit back
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