Page 218

Oh, shit.

That was the first thought that came to Violet’s mind as she slowly came down from the fifth heaven.

Her body still tingled from the lingering orgasm, but her mind was already snapping back into place. She forced herself to stand, ignoring the weakness in her legs. There was no need to panic. The deed was done, and now it was up to her to salvage the situation.

"Thank you for your services," Violet said stiffly, straightening her clothes as though Roman were some male escort being graciously compensated.

Roman stilled. Then a growl rumbled in his chest. Was she seriously pulling this act on him?

Violet arched a daring brow. "It was a good one, wasn’t it?"

But he bristled.

For a second, Violet thought he might snap, his eyes burning dangerously close to fury. But instead of exploding, Roman let out a dark chuckle, the sound slithering down her spine like silk.

Roman rose to his feet slowly and Violet stepped back instinctively, only to feel the rough bark of the tree pressing into her back. Rather than backing away, he pressed closer, his body heat wrapping around her like a trap.

He captured her face between his hands, stroking her cheeks in a slow, sensual gesture. "If it was that good, then you should forget Alaric and Asher..."

His voice dropped, his lips grazing her cheek as he added, "Griffin too. I’ve seen the way that one’s been staring at you lately."

Violet blinked. "Excuse me?"

Roman’s hands trailed down her sides, intentionally brushing the swell of her breasts, sending a heated jolt through her that she refused to show outwardly. His hands settled on her waist and he jerked her forward.

Violet gasped, fully aware of the undeniable proof of his arousal pressing against her stomach.

Roman smirked, knowing exactly what he was doing.

"I would fuck you to your heart’s delight every day..." he whispered against her ear, his breath hot and tempting.

His lips trailed along her jaw, down to her throat. Soft, slow, maddening kisses.

Violet’s eyes fluttered shut, her head tilting back before she could stop herself, giving him more access.

"Satisfy your body’s every cravings..." He paused, his lips hovering right over her pulse.

Roman pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. His gaze was no longer playful, it was now serious.

"If you would only leave the others alone." He let the words sink in before adding, "I’ll give you anything you want. Sex. Money. Fame.You name it."

For a moment, Violet almost fell for it.

She lifted a hand to his face, fingers grazing his jaw, her touch light and reverent. His eyes closed at the sensation, as if savoring it.

Then Violet whispered in a lilting tone, "What a great martyr you are, sacrificing yourself for the good of your Cardinal brothers..." Then her eyes hardened, and she shoved him back. "Except I don’t believe a word of it."

Roman had already proven he’d do whatever it took to reach the throne, including accepting that snake, Elsie. She wouldn’t be a pawn on his chessboard.

She stepped away, struggling to regain composure. She had to be careful with this one. The bastard was a master at seduction, and she would not fall into his honey trap. Again.

Even as stubborn as she was, Violet knew when to retreat from a losing battle, and right now, if she stayed any longer, she was going to make a grave mistake.

"I came here to learn the reason behind your action on Friday, but all you’ve fed me are crumbs."

She turned to leave, throwing over her shoulder, "So if that’s all for tonight, I’ll be taking my leave."

Then, just to twist the knife, she added, "Thanks for the release. I needed that."

Violet barely made it two steps before he was right in front of her with astonishing speed, blocking her path and snarling.

"I’m the one thing stopping Elsie from tearing you apart."

Violet didn’t flinch, meeting his glare evenly. "No, you’re not. That would be Asher. Perhaps, I should be thanking him if I knew where he was right now."

Roman’s face hardened.

"Don’t encourage Asher. With his reckless streak, he’s already flirting with too much trouble. Don’t give him more reasons to oppose Elijah."

Violet held his gaze, challenging him. "Then start talking, Roman."

Roman hesitated. Then, reluctantly, he said, "I’m sure you’ve met Micah, son of the former Alpha king, Angus Raymond IV."

Of course, Violet has met him and heard his story and she still felt bad for Micah every damn time.

"His father was so obsessed with having absolute power that he summoned a demon—a chief demon, no less."

Her throat tightened even though she already knew what happened next.

"It raped his pregnant wife, then killed him for his audacity. However, demons are such sardonically humorous creatures..."

He went on to say, "The power Angus so much desired was granted to his son. It transformed Micah in the womb, turned him into something we don’t understand. However, such power comes at a great cost. Angus’ death was supposedly not enough.

"On the same day, it was reported that Elijah supposedly had some strange encounter in his dream. He had seen everything play out between his brother and the demon. And the demon before leaving muttered some sort of words he couldn’t understand.

But it wasn’t until later he would come to understand that he was the one who paid the price. "

"He was rendered sterile," Roman announced, watching her reaction. "The family got their all-powerful heir, but it would only be Micah. No other heir. No lineage.

"This reality left Elijah bitter and angry. He has gone everywhere for a solution all to no avail. Spilled his seed everywhere with the hopes of raising bastards, but nothing. The curse is too strong.

"Micah couldn’t rule either. Demons are creatures of mischief, even if half breed or a created one, whatever he was. It would be an abomination for a demon to lead werewolves. In one word, the throne was left empty, no successors. Until our parents made one for themselves."

Roman’s gaze darkened, locking onto hers.

"I’m sure by now, you know none of our powers were gifted.

" His voice carried a bitterness that sent chills down her spine.

"Our parents forced the hands of the goddess to give us this curse.

.."He glanced down at his arm where faint green scales had covered as he willed it.

For the first time, Roman looked haunted.

Without thinking, Violet whispered, "Not everyone agrees with that. You’re amazing."

Fuck.

Her lips clamped shut the moment the words escaped, but it was too late.

Roman’s head snapped up, his expression startled, as if he hadn’t expected that of all things.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, just as quickly, Roman smothered the surprise, masking it with indifference. He pushed on, acting as if the moment had never happened.

"To cut the long story short," Roman continued, his tone sliding back into neutrality, "Elijah loathes us."

Violet felt her stomach turn.

"He turns his frustration on us, blaming us for what he could have had. A heir. Elsie is no gift, she’s a trap, and Elijah wants us to dance along."

His jaw ticked. "But Asher—Asher doesn’t abide by rules. And he plays his games too recklessly."

"If Elsie opens her mouth and reports you to the Alpha King..." Roman hesitated, then shook his head. "I can’t tell what would happen to you. Or what he would do to my brothers."

There was a sudden pause. Roman came closer, his eyes fixed on Violet’s.

He warned. "Elsie is a spoiled brat. If she thinks her position is threatened, she will look for a higher authority to fix it.

" His hand ghosted down her arm, fingers barely brushing her wrist. "I turned you into a Rogue to give her a semblance of control. To make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid. "

Violet let out a sharp breath as his touch skimmed lower, intentionally slow.

Roman’s eyes darkened as he added, "Asher can’t have you. Not with your... mystery background. It will undoubtedly be chaotic."

His fingers curled at her hip.

"Alaric yearns for love. Don’t give it to him."

Violet’s breath hitched as he leaned in further, murmuring tantalizingly against her ear.

"Griffin is too stubborn, perhaps the toughest of us all when it comes to being headstrong."

His lips almost grazed her skin as he whispered, "So don’t start that bond with him, please."

For a moment, the world seemed to tilt, her heartbeat loud in her ears. Then, Violet found her voice.

"And what about you, devil’s advocate?" Her tone was almost mocking. "Are you the one to have me?"

"If you want me to." His eyes twinkled," I’m already doing my part."

His fingers tightened just slightly,

something wicked in the curve of those lips, and quite dangerously enticing.

"So what say you, Lady Purple?"

His lips brushed the corner of her jaw, a whisper of a touch. "Are my reasons enough?"

His kiss lingered now.

"Or do I have to seduce an answer out of your mouth?"