Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 10: West House

"Just a quick question," Violet began, eyeing Mary. "Don't you have something better to do than follow me around? No offense, but if your schedule is as packed as mine, we should've wrapped up this little liaison by now."

Mary had lingered even after the healer had finished, which didn't take long. Still, she seemed in no rush to leave, despite the fact that Violet could easily find her way back to the dorm with the school map. She was a quick learner, after all.

The girl shrugged, a nonchalant smile on her face. "I take my role as a student guide seriously. I'm not done until I know you're settled comfortably in your room. And as for schedules, I'm a senior. You'll find that some courses are dropped with each term as you get acclimated. Plus, being a student guide comes with certain privileges."

Violet said dryly. "I should have known." So much for feeling guilty about taking up Mary's time.

"Come on," Mary said, tapping something on her phone, "you've been assigned to West House. Let's get you settled so I can finally get some rest, too."

Violet couldn't agree more. She was exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It had been a long journey to an unfamiliar city, and the overwhelming sensory and mental assault she'd experienced since her arrival in this academy hadn't made things easier either. All she wanted now was a shower and a long, uninterrupted sleep before tackling her packed schedule tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Lunaris Academy was massive, and Violet was starting to understand why she'd seen cars driving along the pristine campus roads, dropping students off at various spots. If she hadn't been so determined to play it cool, Violet might have stopped to gape at the sleek, fancy cars gliding past her. Back in her district, she'd only seen vehicles like these in old-world movies or on illegal racing tracks. The sight of them only reminded her how insignificant she was here, and that was fine by her. She didn't come to draw attention.

After about twenty minutes of trekking, Mary finally announced, "Welcome to West House."

"Wow," Violet muttered under her breath, taking in the stately black-and-white brick building.

Its classical architecture stood out, the four-story rectangular structure adorned with evenly spaced windows and tall chimneys on the roof. A grand columned portico framed the front entrance, with wide steps leading up to double doors while the surrounding green lawns and towering trees added a natural, serene charm to the imposing structure. Clearly, the school had a love for nature.

"And that, my dear, is the West House," Mary said with a smug grin, clearly pleased at the awe on Violet's face. "And over there are the other houses: East, South, and North."

stately buildings, identical in architecture but painted in

mean something?" Violet asked, picking

love how fast you catch on," Mary responded as they

school operates on a strict hierarchy, and whether you're human or werewolf, we form packs in our houses out of necessity. The four

Just how many rules does

"Also, West House

Who was he?

in before Violet could fire off more questions. "Everything you need to know is stored in that phone of yours. Plus, I'm

by the school to monitor our activities and make sure we follow dorm rules. But, honestly, they're pretty much useless when

they sure seem to have a lot of downtime for extracurricular activities, she

ascending the stairs, which likely led to her floor, Mary continued her chatter. "The female dorms are on the first and second floors, while the males take the third and fourth. Oh, and by the way, Alpha Asher and his inner circle of minor alphas with their betas live on the top floor. So, you know where to go if you ever need someone to... scratch your itch," she

burying her face in her palm. Does every single thing that comes

packed with students, and Violet could feel the weight of a hundred eyes on her.

Mary stopped in front of a door. "Here it is. Room 104. And with that, I conclude the grand tour, madame!" She finished with a dramatic bow, sweeping her arm out

Mary was like an annoying itch that refused to go away, yet

best tour she'd ever experienced, and Mary was undoubtedly the perfect student to lead it. Among the students she had seen so far, Violet had a feeling Mary was about the nicest person

do hugs, so

opposite. Before Violet could even react, she was

breathe. How was

the horror of the unexpected hug wasn't enough, Mary began to cry. "This is always the hardest part of the tour—saying goodbye after the wonderful time we've