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Irene stormed out in anger, but Griffin wasn’t concerned. His mother, for all her fire, was not an unreasonable woman. She would never do anything reckless that might jeopardize her son’s safety.

Besides, his father, Arion, was present.

If there was anyone who could get through to her, it was him. That man could charm the moon down from the sky if he tried.

Now, if it had been the other twin, Father Aeron, who came along, then maybe there’d be real cause for alarm. So yes, Griffin counted his stars—lucky him, it was Arion who made the trip.

With Irene gone, they all settled into the couches in Griffin’s room.

And frankly, the whole setup felt strange.

It wasn’t like Asher and Roman hadn’t been in his room before, but this was the first time they were all gathered with an air of friendliness.

And it was all because of one girl, Violet Purple.

Violet was sandwiched between Roman and Alaric, while Griffin sat across from them beside Asher Nightshade.

Yet, even amidst the rare harmony, Griffin could still sense the tension between Violet and Asher, one that he intended to resolve.If they were going to make this harem work, there was no room for negative energy.

Griffin’s eyes locked with Alaric’s from across the room and with a slight tilt of his head toward the door, he signaled the obvious message: it was time to go.

But Alaric, lounging a little too comfortably beside Violet, gave the smallest shake of his head in reply. He didn’t want to leave. Not when Violet was right next to him, warm and close.

Griffin’s jaw tensed, and then a growl rumbled from his chest. It was quiet enough to not seem aggressive, but loud enough to draw every head in the room.

Violet blinked, startled, turning to Griffin with a puzzled frown. "Are you okay?"

Griffin cleared his throat quickly, relaxing his shoulders and covering it up with a casual smile. "Yeah. Sorry. Something was stuck in my throat."

Violet didn’t believe him. Griffin was a bad liar and she wondered if he knew that.

"Idiot." Asher muttered from the side.

Griffin turned to him with a glare. To think he was trying to save his ass here and he was being an ungrateful ass. Perhaps he should just let him drown in his shit.

Thankfully, before Griffin could respond, Alaric stood and announced casually, "I think I have to go. My parents are here already."

"Oh, okay," Violet said, turning to bid him goodbye, only to gasp slightly as Alaric swooped down and pressed a quick, soft smooch to her lips. The kiss, though brief, caught her completely off guard. Her cheeks flushed instantly, blooming red.

When Alaric straightened up, he gave her a knowing look, then turned and clapped Roman on the shoulder. The motion was rough, and carried meaning. He was to leave as well.

"Huh?" Roman blinked, confused. "Wait—why am I leaving? My folks aren’t even here."

That was until his eyes connected with Griffin’s, who mouthed clearly, "Go."

Roman narrowed his gaze, his quick instincts kicking in. His eyes shifted to Asher and Violet, catching the tension radiating off them like static. Ah. Understood

With a stretch so lazy and elegant it might as well have been choreographed, Roman rose from the couch like the cat he often became. "I guess this is my cue to leave as well. We’ll settle all this later. But for now, the Brotherhood calls me."

Violet parted her lips to say something, but she didn’t get the chance. Roman leaned in swiftly to say his own goodbye too, and unlike Alaric, there was nothing restrained about his kiss.

It was slow and heated, his lips coaxing hers open, his tongue teasing with just enough pressure to make her head spin. Violet didn’t mean to, but a soft moan escaped her lips before she could stop it. By the time Roman pulled back, smug satisfaction painted his features

"I guess that’s enough for now," he murmured, brushing a thumb across her bottom lip.

Violet stared, dazed. Her heart thudded against her ribs as Roman casually strolled over to Alaric.

"Seriously, dude?" The lightning prince was not happy over being outdone.

"What?" Roman deadpanned, as if he were completely innocent.

Then, without another word, Alaric turned back. And the moment Violet saw that stormy look in his eyes, and that powerful stride, she knew the boys had just turned her into competition. So she opened her mouth in alarm. "No, Alaric—"

But it was too late.

Alaric was already there, slamming his mouth against hers in a kiss that crashed her world. Unlike Roman’s playful seduction, Alaric kissed her like vengeance and desire had collided in his veins. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her flush against him, lips moving in rough, searing rhythm.

Violet could hardly breathe, all she could feel was sensations. She felt like she was falling into a never ending pit and her fingers gripped his shirt to anchor herself else she lost her mind. Her toes curled in delight, and a shiver raced down her spine.

Heat exploded in her core, and by the time Alaric finally pulled back, Violet was left trembling. Her breathing was shallow, her swollen tingled, but most of all, her eyes were glaze over with want.

"Tell me my kiss was better," Alaric breathed against her lips, like he’d dive right back in if she dared to say otherwise.

"Why don’t you let me kiss her one more time so our turns are equal and she can make a valid judgment?" Roman chimed in, clearly ready for a second round.

"What?" Violet gasped in disbelief. Goddess help her with these men.

But before their nefarious plan could go any further, Griffin’s voice thundered across the room.

"Are you two insane, or are you actually trying to start an orgy?!"

Even in her dazed state, Violet managed to find Griffin. He was standing there with a furious scowl on his face, but more than that, there was a very obvious bulge in his trousers.

Her breath hitched. Had the scene really been that arousing? But that was a ridiculous question, considering her own panties were soaked.

Griffin roared, "Wait till I get my hands on you two!"

Roman and Alaric took off before he even reached them, laughing as they disappeared down the hall like the shameless alphas they were.

Thankfully, Griffin didn’t swoop in for a goodbye kiss because Violet honestly didn’t think she could survive another devastating kiss without tearing off someone’s clothes.

But then it hit her.

She was alone with Asher Nightshade.