Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 13: Choose An Alpha

"Who said they aren't special?" Ivy whispered, her eyes like shards of ice. "What other alphas have you seen possess the godly powers they do?"

"W-what?" Violet stammered.

Ivy groaned, pressing her palm to her face. "Please don't tell me you don't know about their abilities too. At this point, I'm starting to think you must be really dumb."

For the first time, Violet was speechless, an embarrassed flush spreading across her cheeks.

Lila turned to her, eyes wide in disbelief. "You really don't know the cardinal alphas have powers?"

"Who doesn't know the cardinal alphas have powers?" Daisy echoed.

Violet suddenly found herself in the spotlight, feeling foolish for her lack of knowledge. She didn't care about the cardinal alphas, but now it seemed like everything here revolved around them. Not knowing anything made her look like a clueless outsider, and Violet resolved to learn all she could to avoid looking like an idiot again.

Still, Violet's pride wouldn't let her back down. She tried to shrug it off with a smirk. "All right then, enlighten me. What amazing powers do they have that makes you want to practically throw yourselves at them?"

"You!" Ivy snapped, pointing a finger at her, nearly suffering an aneurysm.

Before the argument could spark up again, Lila, ever the peacemaker, stepped in with a cheerful smile. "That's where I come in. Since you missed the orientation, I'll give you the crash course."

The way Lila's eyes gleamed with excitement made it clear she'd been waiting for this moment to show off her storytelling skills. Before Violet knew it, Lila had gently but firmly guided her back to her bed, making her sit. Without wasting a second, Lila plopped down beside her, as if afraid Violet might change her mind if she hesitated even for a moment.

With lightning speed, Lila tapped away on her phone, then held up the screen with a gleam of excitement. "These are the four Cardinal Alphas."

The screen displayed a photo of the so-called Cardinal Alphas all together. It took Violet roughly thirty seconds to recognize each one, and when she did, a curse slipped from her lips. "You have got to be kidding me!"

"Why? What's wrong?" Lila straightened up, concern flickering across her face.

Violet's eyes were wide as she launched into a frantic explanation. "This guy," she jabbed her finger at the green-haired alpha, "he's the idiot who gave me Griffin's necklace, and the burly one nearly choked me..." Her gaze landed on the alpha wearing shades. "And then, this creep just stared at me..."

Lila looked down at the alpha Violet was pointing to. "You mean Alpha Asher?"

"Alpha Asher?" Violet's voice came out in a croak, dread knotting in her stomach. This can't be happening.

"Alpha Asher is the leader of the West House," Lila confirmed, solidifying her fears.

Damn. Violet's stomach dropped. She was under the guidance of this creepy guy. How could she have ended up in this situation?

Completely oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside Violet, Lila continued excitedly, pointing to another figure. "And here's Aldric. Isn't he so handsome?"

eyes fell on the picture, and her breath caught. It was him, the white-haired

the academy, but none like the Cardinal Alphas. Each one is named after the region their packs hail from. What's even more

it, this was the Moon Goddess's way of answering back after humans committed mass homicide against the she-wolves, wiping out nearly ninety

humans knew these were the werewolves' intentions, then why give them that much power? Why pretend

and Violet's eyes narrowed in anger, the memory of his assault still fresh

a withering glare and Lila

a force to be reckoned with. His power allows him to lift and break through virtually any obstacle, and his combat skills are unmatched in direct confrontation. His senses are heightened, giving him an edge in tracking and hunting, and when enraged,

he had grabbed her, still feeling the phantom ache. If what Lila said was true, she was incredibly lucky he hadn't crushed

next, Roman Draven, the alpha of the South, " Lila said, swiping to the next image, a photo of

eyes showing the tiniest flicker of admiration, despite her resentment towards him. Roman's toned torso took center stage, each muscle etched like

disheveled, irresistible way, and with

Violet hated to say this, but Roman

his shapeshifting. He could transform into any animal. Like anything, from a swift hawk to a powerful lion, granting him unmatched versatility in battle and stealth. He's the most likable alpha and every woman's dream alpha,

I'll pass." Violet scrunched her face

help but linger on the image..... if she and Roman

thinking? She shook her head, horrified. Get out of my

should know," Lila continued. "While not all alphas get

have unmatched strength, but Roman has his advantage, he can shape-shift into any animal he chooses, especially ones

Griffin? He hates that. He's always up for a fight, so the idea

that tidbit of information into the back of her mind. Something told her it might just come in handy in the future especially when it came to dealing with Griffin

Asher Nightshade, alpha of the West and also our house captain," Lila announced, her finger swiping to reveal his solo image on the

and the first thought that came to mind was: Who hurt

intense, vacant look that sent chills up her spine. Dark sunglasses covered his eyes, giving him an

to amuse himself. Though it was only a photo, it felt like

fought back a

"Now, Asher is—"

to associate with," Ivy interrupted, her tone ice-cold. "The guy's

herself silently agreeing with

to control minds, which is why he's rarely seen without his glasses. He can plant thoughts, compel actions, and erase memories, making him the ultimate puppet master, as he's called. So yes, Ivy is right in telling you not to associate

a masochist and would do well to avoid the guy like a

our charming prince Alaric." Lila practically shoved the picture

as if someone had caught him in a rare, unguarded moment. He exuded a calm, serene energy that radiated a quiet innocence, a purity

he possessed. The contrast was magnetic, leaving Violet curiously drawn to the duality he embodied,

Alaric, at least for a few seconds, until she came back to her

just a flick of his wrist. His power allows him to