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They were almost out to the track field for today’s training when someone said aloud, drawing their attention. "I bet trainings going to be brutal. I can’t wait to see the humans failing woefully like the weak creatures they are."

Violet’s head snapped towards the asshole who had spoken, and even without Lila, her human encyclopedia of information, judging from his words, she could already tell he was a werewolf.

Only those arrogant werewolves would find joy in human misery. Maybe she really was prejudiced afterall, because Violet still didn’t believe in the concept of humans and werewolves peacefully coexisting in a school. It was a disaster waiting to explode in their faces.

The werewolf must have sensed her glare because he turned, and his gaze locked with her own. He looked momentarily taken aback, but then his eyes narrowed, and he growled, "What are you staring at, prey?"

Violet raised an eyebrow. Oh, so that’s how it was going to be? Unfortunately for her, she had a sharp tongue that often led her into trouble instead of getting her out of it.

She licked her lips, preparing herself to relish this coming mess. Lila seemed to notice her intent because her eyes widened, and she shook her head, trying to warn her not to. But it was too late.

Violet shot back, "Oh, I’m sorry, are you just dying for my attention, dog?"

And she did it.

Lila’s breath hitched in her throat immediately. Not just her, but nearly everyone around the vicinity. Oh no, she didn’t.

But Violet did.

Everyone within earshot froze, as if Violet had just committed some kind of heinous crime. Seconds later, murmurs started up, and Violet caught bits and pieces like, "She’s dead meat," and, "Clayton’s going to tear her apart."

Despite those ominous whispers around her, Violet had no idea what gave her the confidence to stand her ground. She refused to cower in the face of danger, or, in this case, bullies. Kind of?

"What did you just call me?" The werewolf, whom she now knew as Clayton, asked in a gravelly tone, his nose flaring as his beast began to surface, provoked by her words.

"You mean the same way you called me prey? Or don’t you know how to take your own joke, dog?" she sassed back.

"Violet!" Lila cried, desperately trying to pull her away, but Violet wouldn’t budge. She was bigger than Lila, and the smaller girl couldn’t move her an inch.

Violet saw the moment his eyes flickered amber, his wolf coming to the forefront.

While she might be brash and quick-tempered, Violet wasn’t entirely stupid. She began to mentally calculate how many strides she’d need to make to reach the outside where help would definitely come. She was sure of it.

"I’ll teach you a lesson today," the threat came out as a growl, a blend of man and wolf as he charged towards her.

Violet had already braced herself to run when, suddenly, someone stepped in. A strong hand grabbed the werewolf’s arm, and in front of everyone’s shocked eyes, started to pull. The sound was gruesome to the ears — a wet, cracking noise of bones shattering filling the hall.

"Oh God...!" someone gasped from behind her, the horrified exclamation followed by the sound of vomiting. Thankfully the someone was not Lila, else she would have been splashed by the vomit.

Violet was frozen in place, her eyes wide in shock as she watched Asher Nightshade take over. He had not come here like some fairy-tale prince to save the day. No, this was no knight in shining armor, he was a dark knight, coming to her rescue with an aura of pure menace.

"Hello Clayton, did I just hear you call my purple flower your prey? Hasn’t anyone told you that I’m, and only I, hunt her alone?" Asher drawled, his voice imbued with possessiveness as he continued crushing the werewolf’s arm as if it were a plastic toy.

At times like this, Violet would have rolled her eyes at those misleading words and refuted him, but she was too horrified at the scene to say a word. For now, she could only stand there, dumbfounded at Asher’s brutal display of dominance.

"I’m so sorry, Alpha," Clayton moaned, his earlier bravado now replaced by desperation to escape the torment.

Asher remained unmoved, his voice cold as he asked, "Really, are you?" He twisted the arm further.

"Fuck, I am... I seriously am! Daddy..." Clayton cried out like a child as Asher applied even more pressure to his arm.

"Tsk, tsk, naughty Clayton. Now, what do you do when you’re sorry?" Asher teased, his gaze shifting towards Violet.

Clayton followed Asher’s line of sight and seemed to get the message. Instantly, he bowed his head, albeit stiffly, and stammered, "I’m so sorry, Miss Purple."