Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 7: Purple Flower

The air was cool against her skin, the grandeur of the academy almost making her feel small. Violet clutched her bag tightly, the rough fabric digging into her palm as she eyed the stone stairs leading up to the academy's main building.

She was ready to step forward when a voice called out, "Hello."

Startled, she turned, only to see a well-dressed man in a tailored suit striding toward her. He looked like he belonged here with his polished confidence. And though Violet should have been on edge, there was something oddly disarming about his smile, as if it had been practiced to put people at ease.

"You must be Violet Purple?" His voice was smooth, catching her off guard.

Violet blinked. How did he know her name? Then she remembered the guard from earlier typing her information into his device. Of course. The academy must have an efficient communication system. Information sure traveled fast around here.

"And who are you?" she asked, keeping her tone polite but laced with a thread of suspicion. Growing up in the ghetto had taught her not to trust anyone at face value.

The man's smile widened as if her wariness amused him. "I'm Michael, a staff of this institution."

Wow. even their staff dressed fine. Violet thought.

"I've been tasked with taking your things to your dorm." His eyes flicked to her bag, his smile faltering slightly as he took in the modest size. "Is that... all?"

Violet caught the flicker of disapproval in his gaze, and for the first time, she felt self-conscious. She hadn't thought much about how many belongings students were expected to bring, but in an academy meant for the elite, the rich, and the privileged, it wouldn't surprise her if others arrived with wardrobes fit for royalty. But she wasn't about to let a stranger make her feel inferior.

Violet straightened her back and met his gaze head-on, "Yes, that's all," she replied firmly, her lips pressing into a thin line.

Michael raised an eyebrow, clearly reading her mood. He immediately backpedaled, his tone apologetic. "I'm quite sorry. It's just that... well, we're used to students arriving with more."

Violet cringed inwardly but maintained her composure. "Well, this is me," she said, her voice steady, though embarrassment burned her cheeks.

Without another word, Michael reached for her bag, lifting it effortlessly, as if it weighed nothing at all. Violet watched him with a mix of gratitude and lingering discomfort. Her belongings might be light, but they were hers. She half-expected another judgmental glance, but instead, Michael simply smiled.

"I'll take your things to your dorm. You should head inside and get yourself set up," he said, gesturing toward the tall double doors looming ahead.

"Well, thank you," she murmured, watching him walk down a different path, likely towards the dormitories.

Despite the man's reassurances, her old instincts flared. Violet had trust issues with strangers and always had. Growing up where she did, people went through your things if given half a chance.

Her gaze narrowed as she considered the possibility that Michael might rummage through her bag. But this was Lunaris Academy, not the ghetto. And, realistically, there was nothing of value in there anyway. Yep, her poor, pathetic life.

she'd hunt him down. After all, she knew his face

seeming even more daunting now that she was alone. She squared her shoulders and began her ascent up the stone steps and walked through the

all dressed in the academy uniform—slacks for the boys and skirts for the girls. Back at her old school, they hadn't bothered with uniforms, seeing it as a thing for elementary school students, and the fact they

a crisp white shirt. The left chest pocket proudly bore the golden crest of a wolf, finished off with a matching tie.

this school so far has left her gaping like a moron. She stood in the lobby still examining the school environment which might as well be akin to a five-star hotel when a commotion caught her

laughing like he was being chased. There was no

of

could feel the power in his grip, his body solid against hers. He smelled incredible, like the promise of freedom carried on a wild breeze, and

definitely losing

he purred, his voice smooth and velvety, slipping into her ear like silk

her neck, and Violet involuntarily shivered, realizing how dangerous this one was. She

were hot,

of gold at the center, and they were locked on her, intense and unblinking. A slow, mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his lips, making

full, undeniably kissable lips. The gods help her, what in the world was she thinking? Hasn't

I would love to get acquainted with you, my purple damsel.

Violet could tell this one was a lady's man but the mention of murder, made her blood run cold, and whatever attraction she felt towards the stranger vanished at once.

reverberated through the hall, scaring everyone. What the hell

out of

shouted after him, guessing he must have dropped the necklace when

that for me, darling, would you?" he winked before disappearing out

head, bewildered. "What a weirdo." Although a cute one.

knows good stuff." She

with a single teardrop-shaped sapphire pendant encircled by tiny diamonds. The sapphire gleamed with a deep, oceanic blue, catching the light at every angle. Violet frowned,

looking it over when a growl that made the hairs on edge came from behind her. She turned slowly to see

Why was the universe doing this to

was so tall that she could almost call him a giant. His long red hair was

straight out of an old movie, with thick, sculpted muscles that made his biceps and pecs bulge under what could barely be called a uniform. His blazer was nowhere to be seen, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a hard, tanned chest and a teasing glimpse of a tattoo she couldn't

was into some dark beauty-and-the-beast romance, this was the

eyes, with his lips curled into a

her hand, and without warning, he lunge to snatch it. Violet acted instinctively, dodging and pushing it away from

bulged out of her eye. What in the name of madness was going on