Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 403: The Remaining Three

Lila sat on the hospital bench, her foot tapping impatiently against the floor in a constant, restless pace as she moaned over her decision to help Asher Nightshade.

Boosting Adele’s power had drained her, leaving her too depleted to continue the search for Violet. They had no choice but to stay behind and deal with the aftermath the operatives left behind.

Alaric and Roman had rounded up the remaining rogues who had tried escaping in the middle of the commotion. Adele, nearly collapsing herself, used the last of her strength to heal the injured and comfort the traumatized she-wolves, most of whom had never thought they’d be rescued.

In one word, the cleanup lasted well into dawn.

By the time the parents of the Cardinal Alphas arrived, they brought with them their usual entourage of pack members. Henry had personally arranged for Asher’s unconscious body to be transported under heavy care. Irene Hale had declared she’d be leading the mission to recover Violet and Griffin herself.

Of course, Lila had insisted on coming too.

"I understand you’re Violet’s friend," Irene had said, brushing her off cooly, "but you’ve done enough. Follow the others and leave this to me. I’ll find Violet and my son."

And that was that.

Lila had wanted to argue but she didn’t have a good enough excuse. Irene likely assumed she was human and had nothing meaningful to contribute to the mission. And Lila couldn’t exactly reveal that she was Fae.

It was already dangerous enough that the Cardinal Alphas knew about her identity, and even more dangerous that they suspected Violet’s roots. Their parents couldn’t know. Especially not their parents.

At least the Cardinal Alphas had a reason to protect Violet, but their parents didn’t. Fae power was coveted and werewolves, in all their strength, were still creatures driven by want. Greed was what got them all tangled in this mess in the first place.

Roman, at least, had offered to go with Irene, surprising her. The green haired, slightly likeable asshole had winked at her and Lila understood this was his way of saying, I’ve got your back.

So Roman left with Irene.

Meanwhile, his father, Alpha Leon, took the lead in rounding up the rogues and securing the scene for formal investigation. An investigation Caspian Storm had already launched into, inspecting the high-tech gear and weapons the operatives had used, even before the special werewolf-human alliance team arrived.

In short, she was shipped off with Adele and Alaric. Which led her to sitting here in the sterile hallway of the hospital, posing as someone waiting patiently for Asher’s recovery when in reality, she was simply waiting for any news of Violet.

Just then, a news segment flashed across the television mounted on the wall, immediately drawing her attention.

"We are coming to you live from the edge of the Wildveil Rainforest, located far beyond the structured borders of Aster City and its surrounding human districts. This dense, ungoverned expanse has long been shrouded in mystery, but we have come to confirm that it is indeed the stronghold of the rogue werewolves."

have surged, leading to rising tension between the packs and heightened security concerns. But it seems the rogues may have finally met their

the whereabouts of Griffin or Violet, sources say a high-level search operation is already underway, led

even when heavily outnumbered. Tragically, the battle has left Asher Nightshade, son of Alpha Henry of the West Pack, hospitalized. No further updates have been given,

believe this is a glimpse into the future of pack leadership. The

humans and werewolves has never been more crucial, and many are hopeful that these next-generation leaders will usher in a new era of peace, power,

continue, we turn our attention to those on the ground. Stay with us as we

frowning now as

mention of the operatives from last night. Clearly, the truth was being buried. They were keeping it from the public to prevent panic. But more than that, this was politics.The Alpha King was at

opened and Adele stepped out of the room, looking around only for her

"Hey," Adele said.

Lila ignored her.

was fine by her. She was quickly getting used to the

then glanced at the news screen before shifting her attention back to Lila. "So... Asher is stable now. We had to keep him sedated so his body could use the time to recover." She looked at Lila again hopefully, but there was

added, "I just wanted you to know. Just in

Still no response.

She was going to keep her mouth shut from this point

over a

like I’m bothering you, but I just can’t help it anymore." She scooted closer, squinting at Lila. "Usually, I see these kids as just kids. But something tells me

Lila turned to

palms quickly. "I just need

Just pretend I’m one of those kids and nothing has changed because it won’t. Once

wait a minute?!" Adele’s eyes widened. "Did you just say you’d

to be

you have to do is say a word and I’ll carry it

said bluntly and Adele flinched as if

a neutral expression before

without missing a beat. "My role here is to protect Violet. That is what

in disbelief, then looked past her. "Well,

to follow her gaze, only to see Roman approaching.

about Roman. His expression was like stone, his eyes dark, and the energy from him radiating menace as