Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 142: Queen Of Nothing

~ Alaric ~

Alaric Storm lifted his head from his phone as Griffin plopped down beside him on the plush sofa. The school’s common room was buzzing with chatters, the air still alive with the energy of their recent victory.

Members of the pack were scattered around, laughing, teasing, and riding the high of their win. But for Alaric, the noise barely registered. He felt detached from them, his mind occupied with something else.

"She still hasn’t picked up?" Griffin asked, his voice cutting through the haze.

"Not exactly." Alaric sighed, holding up his phone. "She sent me a message."

Griffin leaned over to read it aloud. "Apologies. Would meet you at the party. Making some quick bucks."

He arched an eyebrow, mirroring Alaric’s own puzzled expression. "What the hell does that mean? What’s she up to now? Is she selling something? Betting on fights? You’ve got your hands full with that one," he added with a laugh.

Alaric sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Do you think she needs money? Is that why she’s avoiding me? If she needed help, why wouldn’t she just tell me? I have more than enough money to last two lifetimes."

Griffin gave him a look that screamed disbelief. "Seriously, dude? Do you really not know your own girlfriend? Does Violet seem like the kind of girl who’d waltz up to you and say, ’Hey boyfriend, I’m broke. Can you wire me some cash?’" He mimicked a high-pitched feminine voice, his impression of Violet so absurdly off that Alaric couldn’t help but snort.

"So... I should send her money?" Alaric asked seriously.

know your girlfriend better than you do? Violet’s too proud for that. She’d probably punch you

all of us grew up with three sisters," Alaric muttered. "The only sibling I

family. Violet’s like your mom, you know, fierce, independent, and not afraid to smack sense into you when you’re being

I guess they are

into her," Alaric teased, nudging him

a pointed look

so." Alaric raised his hands in surrender, letting the matter drop even

She dismissed his abilities and saw his beast as a liability, a manifestation of chaos

especially an Alpha, was a sensitive issue. And to Elsie, Griffin was only good for smashing and breaking things. Brute strength was not enough of a quality in a mate for

that kind of treatment. He was more than his power, more than his beast.

to make sure his friend was happy, even if it meant sharing the one thing he cherished most. Moreover, If there was anyone he would trust with Violet’s heart, it

her gaze lingered on his best friend, that flicker of curiosity in her eyes that she probably wasn’t

He’d protect them both even if he

"Look, she’s probably fine. But if you’re really worried, talk to her at the party. Find out why she’s giving you this distance. Just...

commotion broke out nearby. His pack members were parting like

been relaxed moments ago, went rigid. His

Elsie, watching as she marched toward them, her heels clicking against the floor. She wore her signature scowl, her features twisted into a look of irritation as she came to a stop directly in front of them. Ignoring Griffin entirely, her focus

snapped, her voice cutting through the common