Page 26

VIOLET

I rolled onto my back on the criminally soft bed. They left me locked in Graham’s room. Cold-blooded bastards. Threats and curses had been all that escaped my mouth in the last few hours, and I’d tuckered myself out trying to find a way to escape.

I’d tried the door. I’d tried the window. I’d tried everything, but he’d Violet-proofed the room.

My body was itchy. I was itchy. I huffed and rubbed my palms on my face. At least he’d locked me up in a place with a bathroom.

Leaving me locked up with my thoughts wasn’t going to have the effect they believed. My anger only festered. They’d be lucky if I didn’t kick them right between the legs when I saw them.

Scratches came from the door. I popped up, eyes narrowing. The door swung open and quickly shut behind Maggie.

“Maggie,” I gasped. She hurried over to the end of the bed, hugging clothes to her chest.

“Here, change.”

She didn’t have to tell me twice. I shucked off the shirt I’d pilfered from Graham to pull on the bra and underwear. Then the top and jeans.

“That’s why you wear hoodies?” Maggie was gawking down at my body.

The shirt was much tighter than I was used to. It hugged my boobs, and my cleavage peeked out from the swoop on top.

Warmth spread across my face and I shrugged. Once my body began to change, I took to wearing oversized everything.

Alpha Elton’s pawing at me had cemented the style choice. Honestly, it was crazy that I’d had to change my wardrobe so I wasn’t perceived by him. I shouldn’t have had to, but he was head of the pack, and I had no power. Not that hiding my body dissuaded him, but at least I tried.

That was why I needed out of there. If he didn’t manage to rape me, then his chosen mate, the Luna, would have killed me if I stayed any longer.

“Where are they?” I asked.

“They’ve been in Graham’s office for a few hours. I think they’re talking about what’s going to happen now with Hester.”

I thinned my lips. My wolf rose to the surface. They were talking about another female right now? I narrowed my eyes.

“Uh oh, that look on your face is a little scary.”

The door swung open and Adan staggered in.

“What did you give me?” That was all he said before he dropped to his knees and then fell on his face.

Maggie winced and hurried to grab a pillow and then ran over to him. She rolled him over and tucked the pillow under his head.

“Sorry, my mate,” she whispered and kissed his cheek.

She peeked over her shoulder at me.

“Hurry up before they come.”

I ran across the hall to shove my shoes on and slip the phone into my pocket.

“What did you do to him?” I whispered, eyeing the water bottle laying on its side in the middle of the hall.

“He’ll be fine.” She still looked worried over it. “We’re not telling anyone about us being mates yet, but I didn’t want him to get on Graham’s bad side by letting me help you escape. He would have killed him.” She shrugged. “So, I laced his water.”

I gawked at her and hurried to catch up. His office door was closed and Whitlock’s shouting came from inside. I didn’t slow to snoop.

“And maybe there’s a teeny tiny part of me hoping you guys can work it out so you can be my sister for real.” Her words left me flabbergasted and emotional. I blinked a few times.

The living room was blessedly empty.

“I was thinking, I mean, I won’t judge you if you choose to take my car and drive to the closest airport.” The dent between her eyes deepened. “But, if you’re interested, there’s a better option?” She raised her eyebrow as I cocked my head. “Give those stubborn Alphas some payback.”

A smile bloomed across my face.

If I wanted nothing to do with them, I had to show them—I could choose someone else too.