Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 178: Time To Decide

For the first time ever, their usually loud, boisterous group moved in absolute silence toward the school grounds. There was no witty banter, or teasing shoves.

Nor Lila cracking inappropriate jokes to lighten the mood.

Just silence.

Unlike the other students, who were practically skidding forward with excitement, eager to witness the final initiation of the new members into their permanent packs and houses, Violet and her friends lagged behind.

Violet knew time was running out and had to tell them before it was too late. Stopping abruptly, she turned to face them, saying, "We can’t be in the same house."

Ivy, Daisy, and Lila froze in place, blinking at her in disbelief.

"What?!"

And just like that, the three of them erupted in protest, their voices overlapping in an explosion of outrage.

"Where is this coming from?! I thought we had an agreement?!"Daisy demanded.

"Wait, wait, wait—" Ivy scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. "Is this because you don’t want us near your boyfriend’s house? That’s... wow, Violet. That’s petty even for you."

But it was Lila’s reaction that stopped everyone cold.

"No. Never. I’m not leaving your side!"

There was silence.

In the past, Lila’s clinginess had always been cute, playful, and exaggerated. But now, knowing what she was? That she wasn’t even human? It felt different.

It wasn’t just Violet, Ivy and Daisy had matching horrified expressions, all of them clearly wrestling with the same realization.

Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

"I’m still the same Lila you know. How many times do I have to say that before you stop looking at me like I’m some kind of monster?" Her voice grew cold. "Had I known this is how you’d all react, I should’ve let you get captured. At least then, we wouldn’t have the freedom to choose and stay together."

Daisy, and Ivy exchanged guilty glances because Lila was right. If she hadn’t used her powers, they would have been caught.

Lila had been the one to shield them,

They owed her.

let out a breath, her tone softer now. "Fine. We believe you. But that still doesn’t explain what the hell you’re trying

"It’s for your own good. You can’t

through the conversation. It belonged to a werewolf who glared at them for standing at the corner, separated from the

for?

had

herself. She could not say

Asher or even Alaric. Both men would do everything to stop her, Asher especially. She

at the school’s main ground, the same spot Amilo had dropped her off

to applaud the alphas. The act was nearly symbolic, marking the beginning. A

caught sight of Roman in the crowd. His face was bruised, deep reds and purples

and judging by the damage, it had

unwavering emerald green piercing hers. Roman’s lips didn’t move, but his eyes delivered the message loud and

churned at the thought of still going through with

because fate enjoyed kicking her while she was down,

roamed over her,

"Where are you hurt?"

his careful touch, pain flared through her back, making

Alaric’s eyes narrowed.

"You’re not okay."

out

flared. "I can smell your pain, Violet. Don’t lie to me."

on a trip. She was supposed to return today, but I guess she got delayed. She probably won’t be back

being in pain and being unable to help out, especially knowing it was partially

eyes lit up with

has healing properties." His tone turned hopeful. "It’s not as good as Adele’s abilities,

Oh, no.

vivid mental image of Alaric licking her wounds flashed through her mind, and her heart sank especially