Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 36: Fight Like Dogs

Violet was not the first to finish the race; there were already human males who made it with their masculine strength, not to mention Lila as well. But then, she wasn’t the last either.

However, the race was over, and right now, the result was obvious—those who had made it and the ones who quit halfway. And among the quitters, Violet saw Daisy Fairchild.

"Fuck!" Violet cursed when she saw Daisy looking around with what looked like a crestfallen expression and tears in her eyes.

When their eyes connected, it felt like the emotion slammed straight into Violet’s chest. She hadn’t helped her, having been busy with Ivy. And now the guilt hit her hard.

Lila must have noticed the exchange and picked up on her thoughts because she said, "It’s not your fault. You can’t save everyone, Violet."

Then, as if to lighten the mood, she added in a chirpy tone, "At least, on the bright side, you’ve just proven you’re not as emotionless as stone."

"And whose fault is that?!" Violet snarled and took off.

She couldn’t bear to be around Lila or stare at Daisy’s disappointed face right now, which didn’t make any sense because it was none of her business. This was a race. Everyone was on their own. But then she had helped Ivy, the roommate she liked the least, and abandoned Daisy, the warmer one. Well, "abandoned" being a strong word, but whatever.

This was why Violet preferred being on her own. It wasn’t because she was a social outcast, no, she knew better than that. Violet knew the truth, and it was because she cared too much. And in a brutal world like this one, caring too much only got you betrayed, a knife in the back for your trouble.

Violet took a moment to gather herself, forcing her emotions into submission. This was all Lila’s doing—her words, her presence, were making her feel things she didn’t want to feel.

But then, she wouldn’t let that girl’s influence undo her. By the time Violet opened her eyes, the tight grip of anxiety had faded, and she felt back in control once again.

to the back of the crowd, where she suddenly caught

a minute,

The anger rolling off him was almost tangible, like a living force that made her skin prickle. It brought back memories of yesterday when he had nearly choked her to death. Was it really just yesterday? It felt like a week ago, with

and Griffin closed up, and she expected him to grab her by the throat

so briefly, but that small contact felt like she

blend of sun-soaked woods and warm amber, infused with hints of fresh summer citrus and earthy spices. He smelled full

drawn his wrath this time. Others seemed to sense his rage too, parting before him like a sea of bodies. His strides quickened, his focus sharpening as

slipped through the opening in the crowd before it could close, trailing Griffin to the front. She arrived just in time to see the exact moment he locked eyes

Oh, fuck.

with his friend and fellow cardinal, Alpha Roman, when Roman suddenly trailed off, his gaze

if he could sense the storm brewing behind him, Asher turned at precisely the right moment, only to be met with a guttural roar from Griffin. The sound was wild and dangerous, cutting through the air with such force it sent shivers racing down

Griffin’s fist connected with Asher in a punch so powerful it sent him flying meters away, a clear display of the stunning strength packed into that

the front of his shirt and yanking him upright with an almost feral intensity. Then he began driving punch after brutal punch

force and intensity that it made her stomach twist, a visceral reaction to the sheer violence unfolding before her eyes. It was horrifyingly clear. Griffin wasn’t going to

even realized it, her body moving instinctively as she took a step forward. She barely managed

it was, her anger flaring, but the familiar face of Dion met her

going to kill

one

he’s going to kill him," Violet snarled, her hatred for Griffin bubbling to the surface. It wasn’t as if she was a die-hard supporter of Asher, but if there was anyone who had helped her since she arrived at this academy, it was the West Alpha. Whatever his twisted

sharp edge, his voice intense, leaving her momentarily stunned. "In case you haven’t figured it out yet, fighting is the way of the wolves. They fight to survive. Fight to prove themselves. Fight to own the