Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 442: Celebrity Mates

There was a situation. Where was Violet going to stay?

Not that there weren’t enough rooms in the lodge. But the real question was—who was she going to stay with?

The lodge was built in a grand U-shape, with three main wings enclosing a wide stone courtyard, where a heated fountain bubbled gently at the center. It held about thirty rooms, including several luxurious suites, spread across two floors.

Upstairs, long balconies overlooked the courtyard, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. But even with all its elegance, the owner likely hadn’t anticipated the arrival of a group with a relationship as unconventional as theirs.

There were three private cabins scattered deeper into the woods for anyone wanting a more authentic communion with nature.

Yeah, no thanks. Definitely not happening. That screamed girl-goes-on-mountain-vacation-and-ends-up-in-a-thriller-murder-mystery energy, and Violet wasn’t signing up for that.

Technically, she should’ve been rooming with Griffin, he was her mate after all. But they’ve spent enough time already, and to settle the growing argument, Violet made the executive decision to stay alone.

As flattering and thrilling as it was to be surrounded by her men, a little breathing room was necessary. The sheer volume of testosterone was choking sometimes, and she needed a clear head.

To her surprise, none of them fought it. There was no sulking, no arguing, just their mutual agreement. That alone was suspicious, but Violet let it go and took it as a small win. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for their group dynamic after all.

Her room upstairs was nothing short of indulgent. Warm amber lights glowed from wrought-iron sconces on the walls, casting a golden hue that made the place feel enchanted. The wood floors were dark and smooth beneath her bare feet, with a plush burgundy rug spilling out from under the bed.

enough to hold two or three of her men, if they

linen, the kind of

glass doors opened onto a private balcony, where crisp mountain air slipped through the crack she’d left open. From there, Violet could see the thick pine forest stretching for miles, mist swirling through the

a vintage-style chaise lounge beneath an old framed painting of the lodge from years ago, and beside it, a small table stacked with books that probably none of the guests

bathroom was nearly as large as the bedroom, all stone and brass, with a tempting clawfoot tub that could

was confirmed. She was going

sleep the evening away, but there was a slight problem. They had come with nothing, and Alaric had lent her his clothes since hers were soaked from the rain. But that wasn’t going to cut it if they were staying here longer. She needed clothes, and a few

and they were all ready to go shopping

is wrecked, thanks to the thunderstorm you summoned

shaming, asshole." Griffin flipped

his head. "Yeah, sorry about that.

and Roman, who held both of her hands. Although it was clingy, it was also sweet and sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach, especially with the

that it was over, people were up and about. They arrived

to remain low-key. That was the whole reason they were on

celebrities. It wasn’t until now that it hit Violet

the

watched as he strolled toward the store like it belonged to

to do? Charm them into compliance with his sex appeal?" she joked, although a pang of jealousy hit her at the thought of him flirting with other

the whole store for the duration of the