Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 156: His Foolish Girlfriend

"I don’t think I can do this anymore," Violet sobbed, her voice breaking like shattered glass. The guilt and judgement she was about to face made her unable to look him in the eyes.

"Hey, hey," Alaric’s voice was soothing, gentle yet firm as he lifted her face, forcing her to look at him. Violet resisted at first, but he was persistent.

"Look at me," he demanded.

And she did.

Through tear-streaked lashes and blurry vision, she met those piercing blue eyes, full of concern.

"Good girl," Alaric murmured softly, his fingers brushing against her cheek to wipe away her tears.

But his tenderness only made it worse. How could she betray this? How could she look into those eyes, see all the warmth and devotion he had for her, and still crave another? Others. Was she truly that broken?

"I betrayed you," Violet confessed, her throat tightening around the words. "I kissed Asher behind your back."

The moment stilled, the silence stretching unbearably with unspoken tension. Alaric’s blue eyes widened slightly, but that was it. His grip on her didn’t tighten. There was no explosion of rage, not even a breeze of tempest. He didn’t look angry?

Instead, his gaze flickered around the area, scanning the surroundings as if ensuring no prying ears were listening in.

"Come on." He took her hand, his grip strong yet absent of aggression.

Violet blinked in confusion. Wasn’t he supposed to be furious? To yell, you know, demand answers, and break something?

Instead, Alaric’s voice was calm as he explained, "This isn’t my turf. Anyone could be listening."

Neither did he drag her, nor hold her with the bruising grip of a betrayed man. No, his touch remained gentle, guiding her through the maze of bodies.

And indeed, it was not his turf, as he called it. Violet glanced around, realizing for the first time that she wasn’t in familiar territory. There were different faces and no sign of Alaric’s packmates. No wonder there were four bonfires set up. One for each pack and she had wandered all three in a haste to get away.

Just like in school, the hierarchy still ruled even in a party meant for everyone. Packs stuck to their own. Yes, it ruined the fun of mingling together, Violet had learned to respect werewolf custom. It was the way of the wolves.

Although now that she looked around, there seemed to be a neutral point where they all met, but most still hung with their pack members.

And now, Alaric was leading her, no, guiding her, through the shifting territories, moving with the kind of unchallenged authority only a Cardinal Alpha could possess.

It was not long before Violet began to recognize familiar faces, and realized Alaric had led her into his domain. The North pack’s turf — it was, at least for tonight.

Most of the pack members barely paid them any attention, too caught up in the celebration. A few mischievous wolves howled, cheering on their Alpha for bringing his girlfriend. But not everyone was happy to see her.

burning into her skin and it was Elsie Lancaster, the so-called Queen of the North

lost on her. Elsie might be queen in

But Alaric didn’t even acknowledge her. He didn’t acknowledge anyone. Alaric kept walking, leading her to a secluded area near the tree

chill crept up

Oh, hell no.

heart pounded harder, her mind jumping to the worst possible conclusions. Dark, secluded forest. Furious boyfriend. Infidelity

enough horror stories to know how this scene played out.

Alaric wouldn’t

escape if it came down to

what did you

was no malice in his voice. No sharp edge of

throat was dry, but she forced

she told him everything. What had happened in Micah’s office with Asher. And—God help her—the way she lusted after Griffin, his best friend. Her mating

was

out a slow, deep breath. "Is that why you’ve

and Violet nodded, biting

silence

Alaric muttered and before she

recoiled, holding her forehead, gaping at him in shock.

you really think I didn’t

dropped. Excuse

mouth opening

known Asher longer than you know him, no, all through my life. It would even be more suspicious if Asher doesn’t act

gently, tilting her chin so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. "It’s my fault. I knew how obsessed Asher was with

but at herself. She had spent days drowning in guilt. Fucking Days! when all along, Alaric had already known and

realization hit Violet like a collapsing building and tears spilled over before she could stop them, her body trembling. She had carried this burden alone when

tears spilling as she

of

stop crying. He just held her like she was

"Shh," Alaric murmured, pressing his lips to the top of her

only made her

the time she pulled back, Alaric’s white polo was thoroughly ruined, soaked with her tears. It left Violet mortified, and she tried

sorry,"

merely chuckled, catching her hands before she could fuss over it.

A soft,