Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 47: Mattew 7:7

Violet stood in front of the restroom mirror, staring blankly at her reflection. The tap ran on, cold water spilling over her hands, but she barely noticed. Her mind was a million miles away, still trapped in the whirlwind of what had just unfolded in that classroom.

She had escaped, mostly unharmed. Her scalp still tingled where Griffin had gripped her hair, but it wasn’t the lingering pain that unsettled her. It was the emotional vulnerability she had shown.

Her golden eyes seemed to stare back at her accusingly. "You cried," they seemed to say.

Violet couldn’t believe she had let that happen. Crying in front of Griffin Hale? The brute of East House? It was almost laughable if it didn’t make her stomach twist with unease.

And yet, Griffin’s reaction had been...unexpected. After her emotional breakdown, all he had done was apologize. The sincerity in his voice still echoed faintly in her mind.

"You are right," he had said regretfully. "I was a coward for facing you when Asher should be the one I should be interrogating. But don’t worry, I’ll surely get the truth out of his mouth one way or the other."

And then, like some holy knight delivering a grand promise, he’d added with unwavering determination, "In case you ever need my help, or need to move into another house, don’t hesitate to come to me. I’ll fight for you and will be happy to welcome you into the East House."

The memory of his words made Violet scoff quietly, water still running over her hands. Holy knight? You have got to be kidding me.

Griffin might have played the role of protector in that moment, but she wasn’t about to start seeing him as her savior. Still, she couldn’t deny that his demeanor had shifted drastically, almost disturbingly so.

Griffin’s sudden turn was the look Alaric

how the Lightning Prince’s sharp eyes had lingered on her, as if dissecting her very existence. It was crystal clear that Alaric didn’t like or trust her.

right

as she took a deep breath. Her reflection stared

There was no way she could walk into her next class looking like this. The last

a stall door creaking open. Violet’s head snapped up as a girl stepped out with an air of confidence that practically radiated off her. From the elegant sway of her hips to the sweet, almost intoxicating scent of her perfume, Violet

if there was one group Violet avoided like the plague, it was the

with practiced grace.

of red lipstick and expertly applied it, the vibrant color accentuating her full lips. She popped them with a satisfied smile, radiating the kind of confidence that made it clear

wear

off a red lace bra and the subtle curve of her cleavage. It was deliberate action, Violet noted. The girl intended to grab attention and she did. But Violet had no time

sneer at her, give her a condescending look, or outright ignore her. But the alternative was walking into class

immediately dismissed the idea. This wasn’t her old school. She wasn’t a thief and being branded such would

said, "All you have to do is ask..." Her voice was smooth, teasing, as if she’d been

the girl’s unexpected response. She studied her closely now, taking in her attractive dirty blonde hair cascading in loose waves, sharp cheekbones, and beautiful hazel eyes. There was something familiar about her, but Violet couldn’t

help me," Violet finally admitted, her voice