Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 184: Her New Prey

The party should have ended already, but Elsie Lancaster and her loyal entourage weren’t ready to let go of their victory celebration just yet. Not when the humiliation of Violet Purple was still fresh and ripe for their merriment. This was Elsie’s moment, and she was going to bask in it for as long as she pleased.

"You should have seen the look on her face when she said, ’I reject all the houses,’" Sharon mimicked in an exaggerated, mocking tone, "I bet she thought we’d all drop to our knees and crown her Queen of the Rogues!"

She dissolved into laughter, clutching her stomach so hard as tears spilled from the corners of her eyes. The sound was infectious, and affected the girls who joined in the fun.

If there was anyone who despised Violet as much as Elsie, it was Sharon Andrews. The sting of being pushed out of the top twenty rankings and being humiliated by Violet in front of everyone when she first arrived at Lunaris Academy still burned.

Though she had clawed her way back into the elite, Violet had continued to rise, outshining, outperforming and overshadowing her at every turn. Sharon had waited patiently, biting her tongue, and biding her time. At last, the tables had turned. Violet Purple had fallen and she was ready to feast on her remains.

Surrounded by her usual clique of elite students, Elsie held court like a queen, savoring every moment of her triumph. Their drinks were refilled without a word by Grace, their self-appointed maidservant, who dared not challenge their rule.

And in the corner, nursing his own drink, was Roman Draven. He was silent, watching the girls as they celebrated and made their plans, a disinterested look on his face as he swirled the liquid in his glass.

Though he had changed out of his bloodied and tattered clothes, the injuries remained. The bruises stretched ugly and purple across his jaw and knuckles, reminding eveyone of the beating he had endured in Asher’s hands. The worst of the wounds were already fading, but it would take the rest of the day to fully heal.

"So," Annabelle mused, her voice dripping with intrigue, "what’s the plan for Violet Purple and her little band of misfits? I’m sure as Rogues, they deserve to be taught some lessons."

"Of course. For starters, Rogues shouldn’t have the same privileges as the rest of us." Elsie sipped from her glass, the words tasting sweet on her tongue. "Their access to training grounds and specialized classes meant for ranked students only should be limited."

There was a pause, just long enough for the words to sink in and the others to agree to the idea.

of conscience, asked uneasily. "Are you sure we can do

scoffed. "Lunaris Academy was built on the foundation of the pack system. If she isn’t in a pack, she shouldn’t enjoy the same privileges. That’s how

You’re making them

is a scholarship student, a freeloader, and a rogue. She contributes nothing to this school, just leeches off it. If it wasn’t for the Alpha King’s generosity and our families’ donations,

met theirs. "Violet

her off her classes, especially the advanced ones. I’ll have a little chat with Principal Jameson about my family’s willingness to contribute to that new academy project in

through the room, the girls

if Violet fights back?" another girl asked warily.

was just about to respond when Sharon beat her to

control them," Sharon suggested. "We should assign someone to keep an

a second, Elsie’s eyes flashed at the sudden intrusion on her spotlight. Sharon was overstepping and speaking as if she held authority over this conversation. Unfortunately,

it’s time

girls snickered. She had thought she and Elsie were equals but she was

place, Elsie exhaled, pleased. "Why waste time watching them when we can just make

a hum of approval before one of them

fascination with

not directed at Roman, it ought to be answered by him since he knew Asher too well. However, the South House alpha had been silent throughout the conversation. Annoyance flickered across Elsie’s face as she turned

awfully quiet. What do you