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.

mercy," Griffin groaned, running a hand down his face. "How is it that I know your girlfriend better than you do? Violet’s too proud for

grew up with three sisters," Alaric muttered. "The only sibling I have hates

the family. Violet’s like your mom, you know, fierce, independent,

when you put it that way, I guess they are similar.", Griffin reluctantly

into her," Alaric teased, nudging him with his

Griffin gave him a pointed look with a clipped tone. "Don’t even

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

Elsie’s hands. She dismissed his abilities and saw his beast as a liability, a manifestation of chaos rather

sensitive issue. And to Elsie, Griffin was

wave of protectiveness surged through him. Griffin didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. He was more than his power, more than his beast.

if it meant sharing the one thing he cherished most. Moreover, If there

best friend, that flicker of curiosity in her eyes

And Alaric would make sure this didn’t turn into the same painful story. He’d protect them both even if he

thought Alaric was still worried about Violet, said to him. "Look, she’s probably fine. But if you’re really worried, talk to her at the party. Find out why she’s giving

when a sudden commotion broke out nearby. His pack members were parting like

room shifted at once, and Griffin, who had been relaxed moments ago, went rigid. His jaw was clenched so tightly that a vein in his temple pulsed, his

toward them, her heels clicking against the floor. She wore her signature scowl, her features twisted into a look

you think you’re doing?" she snapped, her voice cutting through the common room like