Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 429: Where Was Asher?

Who knew all that was needed to change Roman’s mind about her was a little seduction.

Almost immediately, after their little "indulgence", Griffin received the call that Asher had woken. Now they rode together in tense silence toward the hospital, the hum of the car engine doing nothing to ease Violet’s nerves.

She twisted her fingers in her lap, hyperaware of Roman’s thigh pressed against hers and Griffin’s warm presence.

The timing couldn’t have been worse considering she hadn’t visited Asher once during his coma. Not when she had been taken by the mating fever, the East Pack customs, and finally had to rush back to the academy. And now, the moment she resolves to finally see him, he wakes up.

Yet through it all, Asher had never left her thoughts. Violet just prayed he’d understand.

"So how does this work exactly?" Roman’s voice cut through the silence, his fingers drumming against the leather seat.

Oscar, who served as the driver, kept his eyes fixed on the road, the beta’s neutrality giving nothing away as Violet sat bookended between Griffin and Roman in the back.

"Just like we were, Roman. Like nothing ever changed," Violet said.

"But something did change," Roman argued. "You’re bonded to Griffin. That’s something the rest of us don’t have. No matter how much you try to play it down, Violet, the feelings you have for us will never amount to the bond you share with him. Even if we somehow end up together, we’d be struggling for scraps. The real deal is you and Griffin."

"The prophecy says Violet will unite the pack," Griffin interjected.

"Yeah, by having us bonded to her too," Roman muttered. "I just don’t see how or when that’s going to happen. Or even how it unites the pack."

don’t know, Roman..." Violet confessed hesitantly. "About

Roman

when we

all Violet knew, this could come back to bite her if the cardinal alphas betrayed her. But she was willing to take

at the hospital. Violet stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air brushing against her skin as she clutched the fruit basket tightly

toward the entrance. The hospital’s glass doors slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing a bright, bustling lobby filled

to the

as they approached Asher’s room, but her anticipation

"I’m Griffin Hale," he introduced himself, but the guards merely acknowledged him, and his eyes

are," the guard replied, his tone flat.

understand. Why are we

is from Alpha Henry," the guard stated, his gaze

her spine at the mention of Henry’s name. She exchanged a worried glance with Griffin, who was clearly struggling to maintain his composure. Sensing the

this," he said, his voice smooth and charming. He approached the guards with an air of authority.

"Not even you,

and was replaced by a dark intensity that radiated

a voice interjected, cutting through the

all turned to see Alpha Henry

with forced politeness, the unease in the

didn’t deserve her respect. The mere sight of him ignited a fire

mate," Henry drawled, his gaze finally landing on Violet. A sneer curled his lips, as if he found her presence distasteful. "To what do I owe this