Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 17: Kill Her In Her Sleep

"Tell me you’re excited about today!" Lila popped up out of nowhere, scaring the life out of Violet, who screamed and promptly dropped to the floor.

Poor Violet had been balancing on one foot, struggling to get her sock on when Lila startled her.

"The moon weeps, I’m so sorry," Lila squeaked, reaching out to help her up. But one sharp scowl from Violet made her freeze and tucked her hands behind her, swallowing nervously. Violet could be terrifying.

Seeing the fear on Lila’s face, Violet let out a sigh and softened her expression. Lila reminded her annoyingly of a stray cat she’d once taken in.

The cat had been so scrawny it looked like it would drop dead any moment. Violet didn’t have much herself, but she’d managed to feed it, even going without food sometimes so the poor thing could eat. Because of that, the cat had grown attached, and they’d ended up forming a bond.

Violet had named it "Stray," fitting for the little wanderer it was. Their bond had grown over time, and they met daily at their usual spot. But one day, Stray didn’t show up. She remembered the sick feeling that had gnawed at her for days as she searched, fearing something terrible had happened to the little creature, maybe even because of her.

Regret weighed heavily on her. She should have taken Stray in when she had the chance, even if Nancy would’ve blown a fuse. Their trailer was cramped enough already, and adding an animal to the mix would have been pure chaos. Not to mention, Nancy hated animals. Not even the most adorable puppy could thaw her stone-cold heart.

Violet understood that life’s hardships had drained any warmth out of Nancy. There wasn’t room for love, not even for harmless little creatures.

Two weeks later, Violet learned the truth: Stray wasn’t actually a stray. It turned out the cat had a family and had only wandered a bit too far from home.

That was the last time Violet could remember crying. She had fought so hard to keep Stray, but she couldn’t win against the cat’s original family.

"taking care" of their pet, a payment she

the man’s daughter, smug and satisfied, as she stroked Stray just like she had done only weeks before. If looks could kill, Violet would have riddled the girl with

The cat had leaned into the girl’s touch without the slightest protest, as

days, nearly making herself sick with grief. It wasn’t until Nancy slapped her across the face and lectured her that

family had led her to bond so deeply with that cat. She’d thought it would be her and Stray against the world, but in the end, the cat taught her a harsh lesson that even family could walk away without a second thought — the same way her real family had

ten-year-old starved of affection, it sure left a lasting mark. It had shaped her view of life and how she related to people. Yes, Violet had friends, but she kept them all at arm’s length, close enough for good times but

Lunaris, no doubt everyone was waiting for a moment of weakness to stab her in the back.

in her intensity and asked, "What

regal and, on her, fit like a glove, hugging her curves. It was just

brightly, watching Violet struggle with the tie. When she finally ripped it from her neck and moved to toss it aside, Lila’s eyes

no, you don’t!" Lila scolded, scooping up the tie from where Violet had tossed it

Jameson would roast you alive if you showed up with an

rich female brats don’t seem to

want to stay there, or climb higher, you’ll need every point you can get.

about their stupid ranking!"

shamelessly, deftly looping the tie around Violet’s neck. "If you make it to the top, then I’ll be your lackey, scraping up

you, I—" Violet’s words cut off as Lila

silly smile, though the apology felt hollow. "You were