Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 337: Out Of Lunaris

Roman sat beside Violet at the edge of the bed, unusually quiet as he focused on her injured hand, the first aid kit with its contents laid open between them.

Violet watched him in silence, noticing the way he handled her hand with so much care that a small smile crossed her lips.

"I didn't think you'd be this good at this," Violet said. "I usually assign medical competency to Alaric."

Roman gave a short laugh, glancing up at her. "Yeah, he'd probably love to hear that."

She tilted her head. "So? Where'd you learn?"

Roman's smile faded slightly, replaced with a more serious expression. "I didn't exactly have a choice. Growing up with Leon and Alexa, they weren't what you'd call involved parents. They were mostly distracted with their own needs and personal lives. So, I figured things out on my own."

Violet didn't say anything and let him talk.

Roman continued, his voice lower now. "I didn't grow into my powers easily either. People think it's all instant. Like, poof, I see a new animal and I become it. But it wasn't like that. Not even close."

He looked down at her hand, wrapping the last layer of bandage carefully.

"Sometimes I'd try to shift into something I'd seen, and only half of me would change. Like, one side of my body would be the animal, the other side still human. Bones cracking the wrong way. Skin not adjusting. I'd collapse half-shifted, bleeding all over the place. It was a mess."

There was a quiet bitterness in his voice. Not self-pity. Just the truth.

Violet reached out with her uninjured hand and gently touched his knee. "But you overcame it. Look at you now, Roman. You're in control. That's what matters."

Roman paused. Then slowly, he looked up at her.

raw. "Not after the kind of life I've lived. Not after the

doesn't matter anymore, Roman.

passed in his eyes. Relief? Gratitude? Or maybe even

he said

Violet replied and then glanced down. "And it looks like you're

the edge of the bandage. "Yeah. That should

pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, doctor," she

sudden intensity, he grabbed her face and kissed her full on the mouth. Violet didn't hesitate and melted into the kiss,

breath caught as her back hit the bed, and Roman's body followed, his mouth still

energy Roman always carried crashed into her, making her want to

was dangerously close to letting go. But then his phone rang, the sound slicing

breathing hard. He reached for his phone without looking, answered

he announced. "We should

that had been curling in her belly vanished, replaced

now. Roman stood and offered her a hand

dorms. Just like

The students stepped aside, clearing the way, not out of fear of offending their

glance but said nothing. Right now, their only priority

surprise, Nancy and Ezra were waiting right outside

"Nancy?"

pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're

eyes caught her bandaged hand,

"You're obviously hurt."