Page 49

VIOLET

I stepped on a few leaves that had fallen along the cement path leading to my house. Adan didn’t move in time to avoid the branch. He hissed a breath and shoved it out of his way. He’d been acting weird all day and he seemed distracted, which wasn’t the alert wolf I’d come to know.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” he said, mechanically.

“Oh,” I responded, not wanting to push him into spilling information if he didn’t want to. Especially if it was about Maggie.

He cleared his throat, dragging my attention over to him. He seemed to deliberate speaking and finally sighed.

“I explained the original plan to murder Graham to Maggie.”

I winced.

“And now she’s mad at you?”

“She won’t let me near her. She kicked me out of our house. I’ve been sleeping on our porch, only slipping in when she leaves to work so I can shower and change.” He suddenly went quiet. It was obvious he didn’t mean to say all of that.

I hummed, trying to keep a straight face. Honestly, good for her.

“I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it up to her.”

“Yeah?” The question was hopeful.

“She’s crazy about you.” I shrugged. It was the truth. He was her true mate. No one knew her or would ever reach her like him.

“Thank you, Luna.”

I smiled, close-lipped. The title still took me off guard.

The cement path continued to the front of the house, but instead of leaves and trees, the large space was covered with recently installed grass.

Hester bounced to her feet. She’d been plopped on the front porch.

Since the last time I’d seen her she hadn’t come by.

“Hey Hester, Simon’s out running patrol along the boundary,” I said as soon as I was close enough.

“I’m here to talk to you, actually.”

That took me off guard, but I quickly shook it off.

“Sure. Come in.” Sunlight reflected on the rectangular windowpane in the middle of the door. I pulled the huge jacket off and hung it on the hanger.

“I won’t take much of your time,” she said, her steps loud behind me as she followed me into the living room. Adan stationed himself at the entrance of the exiting hall. I didn’t bother asking him to leave. He wouldn’t per my mates’ instructions.

She sat on the couch a few inches from me. I straightened and angled my body to look at her.

“I have a favor to ask.”

I cocked my head, waiting for her to say it.

She sighed and scrubbed her hand across her face.

“That first time I met you.” She cleared her throat and faced me directly. Her eyes screamed anxiety. The first time she met me . . . wait, I knew where this was going.

Both of my claiming marks tingled.

“Hester—”

“No, let me get it out.”

“But—”

“I shouldn’t have been such a bitch.”

“Stop!” But I was too late.

“ What did you do?” The rage-filled roar would have shaken a less well-built structure. I closed my eyes and sighed. Simon shoved past Adan, wearing loose sweats.

“S-simon, I was, just I?—”

“Shut the fuck up,” he hissed at Hester.

“I knew you’d be pissed when you found out, but I haven’t touched her since.” He stormed over to her, about to get in her face.

“You touched her?” He was so still it was scary.

“I only grabbed her arm?—”

I quickly stepped in his path, blocking her from him.

“Get out of my way. I’m going?—”

“Stop, Simon.” I slapped my palms on his bare chest.

A chuckle dragged my attention to Graham standing next to Adan.

“I just had a favor to ask her, Simon. I swear I wasn’t here to harm her.”

“Simon,” I growled and grabbed the waistband of his sweats, twisting my hand in the fabric. He finally looked down at me and some of that rage cleared. “What did you want to ask, Hester?” I turned to face her, keeping my grip on Simon’s pants.

She chewed on her lip.

“Can I go to a human college?”

With everything she could have said, that wasn’t on my list.

“It’s dangerous for a young, female werewolf being alone,” Simon interjected. “You can do it online.”

I smacked his stomach, but he didn’t even react.

“I wanted to come to you, Luna. I didn’t want to disrespect you by speaking to the Alpha without asking you first.” Right, because technically, she needed Graham’s permission.

“Violet, it’s your decision,” Graham drawled. Now that they were both in the same room, I realized that neither of them ever acknowledged each other. I pursed my lips and turned back to Hester.

“I would be worried about your safety, but if that’s what you want, no one should hold you back from it.”

Hope bloomed on her expression.

I looked up at Simon and arched an eyebrow. He grumbled.

“You’ll have to check in every fucking week. If I don’t hear from you, it’s done with.”

“Thank you, Luna.” She squealed, grinning. “I’m going to start my applications.” With that, she hurried out, giving Graham a wide berth. My wolf was happy with her making an effort to not be near him.

I trailed my fingertips over Simon’s abs.

“See, you don’t have to approach everything like a jerk.” I peeked up at him coyly and rubbed my fingers over his skin. I leaned forward and inhaled deep.

“Has anyone ever told you, you smell delicious?” I asked playfully, and slid my fingers lower. I had no doubt Adan was gone, but I peeked over to make sure I was right. Graham watched us as he leaned against the wall.

Simon’s cock swelled and a damp spot formed at the front of his pants. I took hold of his length and he groaned.

I’d reward him for being so good.

“When you look at me like that, you make it fucking hard to not come.”

Good. I wanted him to unravel for me.