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Violet’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched Irene’s expression shift while the clip of her making out with both Griffin and Alaric played.

It felt like the world was caving in around her.

She saw the exact moment Irene’s eyes widened in disbelief, as though struggling to process what she was seeing.

Standing beside her, holding the phone for her to watch, Caroline was nothing short of pleased. Irene’s reaction was everything she’d hoped for. This was her chance to finally remove the obstacle in her daughter’s path once and for all.

Thank the heavens she had been keeping tabs on the school. If she hadn’t intercepted things when she did, her foolish daughter might have lost Irene’s favor completely.

Nothing would ruin her plan.

Everyone was curious about what Alpha Irene was watching, but none dared to interfere. All they could do was wait for Irene to lose it so they could get a taste of the gossip.

Violet swore her soul nearly left her body when Irene finally looked up. The woman’s gaze locked onto her with unsettling intensity. What was she thinking? Was she angry? Did she feel betrayed?

Yes, Violet had lied. Yes, she had kept the nature of her relationship with her son and the others a secret. But there had been no time to explain anything. Still, even with guilt squeezing her chest, Violet didn’t look away. She met Irene’s stare eyeball to eyeball.

When Irene opened her mouth, Violet braced herself for the rebuke, but instead, Irene laughed.

Huh?

Violet blinked in confusion. What was going on here?

Caroline, Elsie’s mother, frowned. There was nothing remotely funny about the situation. So what was Irene playing at?

But Irene laughed again, louder this time. A boisterous, unapologetic laughter that echoed across the space.

The wolves from the East didn’t need to be told, they joined in almost instantly. It was a little awkward at first as some were unsure of the joke, but it quickly spread.

Soon, the entire Luncheon was filled with the sound of laughter. Even the other human parents joined in, swept away by the sheer absurdity of it all.

When Irene finally stopped, the room quieted again, hanging on her next words.

She said lightly, "It’s an honor, really, to know that I’m inspiring the younger generation. Monogamy is so last season."

"Alpha Irene!" Caroline gasped, scandalized. "These are the Alpha heirs we’re talking about!"

But Irene only shrugged. "They’re young. Let them explore. This is the age for experimenting, not shackling themselves down. I’m sure they’re very much aware of their duties."

Then she dusted her sleeves like something about the whole scene had bored her. "Anyway, I think I’ve had enough fun for today. I’ll take my leave now."

Murmurs arose at once. The Luncheon had barely begun, and yet Alpha Irene was leaving already? No one had seen that coming.

Caroline’s jaw dropped. Clearly caught off guard, she scrambled to do damage control.

"Alpha Irene, surely you’re not upset over a little chitchat? Come now, don’t be provoked."

But the damage was done. Irene was already walking away, and it seemed to dawn on Caroline right at that moment that the woman was fucking serious. She quickly walked over to her and tried to touch her, "Alpha Irene—"

But that was a big mistake.

The moment Caroline’s hand wrapped around Irene’s, the woman turned and let out a roar so ferocious that Caroline paled. Goosebumps erupted on everyone’s arms, and most people felt the urge to bow their heads in submission as the Alpha aura filled the space. It was overwhelming and suffocating.

With her eyes blazing amber as her wolf rose to the surface, Alpha Irene commanded with a voice that was both human and wolf, "Don’t you ever touch me without permission!"

Caroline whimpered. As she was just a mere wolf, not an Alpha, she felt oppressed by the aura and could only nod her head. Only when Irene left did she let out a sharp breath, as if her lungs had finally been returned to her.

So that was the power of an Alpha? Violet was both impressed and frightened as she witnessed what happened. Her eyes happened to cross with Caroline’s, and the hatred she saw in that woman’s eyes was enough to make her shudder.

But Violet ignored her and followed after Alpha Irene. The woman might have defended her here, but Violet knew her own fate was about to be worse than Elsie’s.

The gods help her.

On their way out, Irene almost collided with Luna Zara, Alaric’s mother. But instead of the usual warm greeting, Irene simply ignored her and walked on as if she hadn’t seen her.

Zara blinked, momentarily frozen in place.

That was odd.

They were good friends who always exchanged pleasantries. So why the sudden cold shoulder?

With a small frown, Zara turned to watch Irene’s retreating figure before shrugging lightly. Whatever it was, she’d find out soon enough.

And with that, she made her way toward the Luncheon with curiosity in her eyes.

Violet and the girls followed at a safe distance, just in case they unintentionally provoked the Alpha the way Caroline had done.

Irene didn’t speak to them and just kept walking. But that was enough confirmation for the girls that she wanted them around. However, Violet noticed the way her nose kept twitching, as if she were tracking something. Or rather. someone.

Griffin.

Well, thank the gods she wouldn’t be receiving the rebuke alone. Violet was grateful that Irene was a reasonable person.

At a point, Violet turned to the girls and said, "I think it’s time you let us be."

They understood her words and protested, of course, especially Lila. Alpha Irene was obviously strong and dangerous, and she wanted to be there to defend her in case the woman tried to harm her.

"Don’t worry," Violet assured her. "She’ll probably yell at me and demand I leave her son alone, but she won’t hurt me. So give us some space to talk. I’m sure some of your family are here already. Spend time with them."

Ivy’s reaction gave her away at once. Her mother had been at the Luncheon and witnessed what happened. She’d probably rip her one.

"Don’t return to the Luncheon. Hang out with Daisy’s brother. I’ll be back soon," Violet advised.

She had chosen Daisy because Lila Meadows’ identity here was fake. Violet still had a feeling she had manipulated the scholarship with Fae magic just to land herself here and protect her.

So she squeezed Lila’s hand. "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. So for once, go have fun without the princess."

Hopefully.