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 that. She’d probably punch

muttered. "The only sibling

women run in the family. Violet’s like your mom, you know, fierce, independent, and not afraid to smack sense into you when

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

her," Alaric teased, nudging him with his

a pointed look

letting the matter drop even

his abilities and saw

to Elsie, Griffin was

of treatment. He was more than his power, more than his

sharing the one thing he cherished most. Moreover, If there was anyone he would trust with Violet’s heart, it was

seem strange to Violet and she would probably protest against the idea at first. But he’d seen the way her gaze lingered on his best friend, that flicker of

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

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 you this distance. Just... don’t smother her. Violet’s not

parting like the sea, murmurs rippling through the group

who had been relaxed moments ago, went rigid. His jaw was clenched so tightly that a vein in his temple pulsed, his eyes

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

doing?" she snapped, her voice cutting through the common room like