Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Fight Like Dogs

Violet was not the first to finish the race; there were already human males who made it with their masculine strength, not to mention Lila as well. But then, she wasn’t the last either.

However, the race was over, and right now, the result was obvious—those who had made it and the ones who quit halfway. And among the quitters, Violet saw Daisy Fairchild.

"Fuck!" Violet cursed when she saw Daisy looking around with what looked like a crestfallen expression and tears in her eyes.

When their eyes connected, it felt like the emotion slammed straight into Violet’s chest. She hadn’t helped her, having been busy with Ivy. And now the guilt hit her hard.

Lila must have noticed the exchange and picked up on her thoughts because she said, "It’s not your fault. You can’t save everyone, Violet."

Then, as if to lighten the mood, she added in a chirpy tone, "At least, on the bright side, you’ve just proven you’re not as emotionless as stone."

"And whose fault is that?!" Violet snarled and took off.

She couldn’t bear to be around Lila or stare at Daisy’s disappointed face right now, which didn’t make any sense because it was none of her business. This was a race. Everyone was on their own. But then she had helped Ivy, the roommate she liked the least, and abandoned Daisy, the warmer one. Well, "abandoned" being a strong word, but whatever.

This was why Violet preferred being on her own. It wasn’t because she was a social outcast, no, she knew better than that. Violet knew the truth, and it was because she cared too much. And in a brutal world like this one, caring too much only got you betrayed, a knife in the back for your trouble. _{fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com}

Violet took a moment to gather herself, forcing her emotions into submission. This was all Lila’s doing—her words, her presence, were making her feel things she didn’t want to feel.

But then, she wouldn’t let that girl’s influence undo her. By the time Violet opened her eyes, the tight grip of anxiety had faded, and she felt back in control once again.

In her effort to collect herself, Violet had moved to the back of the crowd, where she suddenly caught sight of Griffin.

Wait a minute, Griffin Hale?

Violet wasn’t sure she’d ever seen that brute smile, and he certainly wasn’t smiling now. The anger rolling off him was almost tangible, like a living force that made her skin prickle. It brought back memories of yesterday when he had nearly choked her to death. Was it really just yesterday? It felt like a week ago, with so much happening in between.

Violet froze as the space between her and Griffin closed up, and she expected him to grab her by the throat once again and perhaps this time finish her off for good.

But Griffin strode past her, his shoulder brushing by ever so briefly, but that small contact felt like she had been enveloped in flames. Heat traveled to every part of her body and left her burning.

She had caught his scent, and it was a rich blend of sun-soaked woods and warm amber, infused with hints of fresh summer citrus and earthy spices. He smelled full of life and strength.

Instinctively, Violet turned to follow him, curious about who had drawn his wrath this time. Others seemed to sense his rage too, parting before him like a sea of bodies. His strides quickened, his focus sharpening as if he had locked onto his target and couldn’t wait to unleash his fury.

Violet slipped through the opening in the crowd before it could close, trailing Griffin to the front. She arrived just in time to see the exact moment he locked eyes with his prey.

Oh, fuck.

Asher Nightshade was in the middle of a discussion with his friend and fellow cardinal, Alpha Roman, when Roman suddenly trailed off, his gaze shifting to the angry figure rapidly approaching them.