Page 327

Violet didn’t get a chance for one-on-one time with Nancy. Not with so many people eager to meet her. Also, where were her boyfriends? She could not find any of them to introduce to her mother, except Griffin.

Right now, Violet and Nancy were seated under a canopy that Lila had set up for them. Where Lila had gotten the resources? No one had a clue. But Violet and the others had learned never to question Lila’s ways. They would never understand them anyway.

It was Violet, her girls, Griffin, and Daisy’s brother Jack who sat under the canopy.

After yesterday’s incident at the luncheon, Ivy’s parents hadn’t bothered to show up today.

They didn’t approve of the company their daughter was keeping and claimed they were embarrassed by her choices.

Chances were, they had already gone back to their district and wouldn’t bother with their daughter again.

Well, they could go to hell, as far as Violet was concerned.

Parents who didn’t care about their child’s happiness didn’t deserve to be called parents.

Which was why she and the other girls were determined to make sure Ivy had a good time.

Not that there was much to do, Ivy was too wrapped up in Jack to care about anything else.

Daisy’s parents hadn’t made it either, blaming the distance. But Violet knew, deep down, it was because they couldn’t afford the trip. Daisy could have told them, and the group would have happily covered the travel expenses. But she didn’t.

The fact that Daisy hadn’t asked — knowing they would never refuse and would absolutely help — meant she didn’t want their money. Violet respected that and let her be. After all, she wouldn’t want anyone looking at her like she was dead weight either. She had her pride too.

At the same time, Violet wondered if Daisy knew Ivy was crushing on her brother.

Honestly, it wasn’t that hard to see. Not with the way Ivy’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early, and how she couldn’t stop gawking at the guy.

And during one of their playful jibes, when Jack had casually flexed his muscles? Yeah, Ivy had practically drooled.

So, yes, it was obvious. But knowing Daisy, the girl had a high IQ, not so much EQ. Stuff like this didn’t exactly hit her radar quickly. And if Daisy had noticed, she wasn’t saying anything.

Violet couldn’t blame Ivy though. Jack was handsome, especially with that curly hair that kept falling into his eyes — beautiful brown eyes that Ivy clearly wanted an excuse to brush his hair away from.

The only downside to this was that Jack was a bit too old for Ivy. Six years older, to be exact. Not a huge gap, but still. Guys like Jack usually didn’t go for younger girls like Ivy; they tended to see them as easy flings or too immature to take seriously.

Violet could only hope this little crush didn’t end up causing drama between them. She wanted the best for Ivy’s love life, but from what she’d seen, falling for your best friend’s older brother rarely ended well.

And there was no telling if Jack even liked Ivy back. For all they knew, he probably had a girl waiting for him back home. The gods help them, because this had all the makings of a disaster.

"Here you are. Found you," someone said, snapping Violet out of her thoughts.

She looked up to see a handsome man approaching her mother with a smile, and from the way her mother immediately perked up, it wasn’t hard to guess who it was.

Ezra King. Her mother’s new mate.

Nancy hadn’t stopped talking about him; she was practically rapping praises since she arrived.

Violet adjusted in her seat, preparing to stand and introduce herself to her new father—ugh, no, scratch that—her mother’s new man. She had already opened her mouth to speak when Ezra leaned down and kissed her mother passionately, right there in front of everyone.

It was probably at that exact moment the reality of Nancy being Ezra’s mate finally sank in. Her mother had found someone the heavens had destined for her, and they were bound together forever.

Fuck. It was heartwarming and sweet. And gross. Especially watching them devour each other’s faces like that. Eww. Couldn’t these old people get a room?

Violet quickly looked away, clearing her throat, and unintentionally breaking up the moment. Nancy and Ezra pulled apart at once, both grinning at each other with goofy smiles. It was an expression Violet noticed and memorized, because honestly, she had never seen Nancy look that happy before.

To be fair, as happy as Violet felt for her mom, there was also a small stab of jealousy. Nancy had always reserved that kind of attention and love for her, but now she was giving it all to this stranger. And yet... Nancy seemed truly content.

"Grow up, Violet," she scolded herself inwardly.

"Violet, this is Ezra," Nancy said at last, making the introduction. "Ezra, this is Violet, my daughter."

"Nice to meet you, Violet. I’m Ezra King, Alpha of the Midnight Pack." He held out his hand.

Violet, now on her feet, shook his hand. "I’m Violet Purple, and I don’t really have a title yet unless you count the moniker ’The Rogue Queen.’ "

Ezra looked completely baffled.

"Long story," Violet added quickly.

Ezra nodded, even though it was clear he didn’t get it, and let go of her hand.

"And these are my friends..." Violet went on, introducing everyone under the canopy.

As the introductions went on, Violet quietly studied Ezra. One thing she’d noticed about the men Nancy had dated in the past was that they always had that lusty look. But Ezra didn’t look at her the wrong way. Or at her friends. Not even once. And that alone earned him points in Violet’s book.

Although she’d still keep an eye on him. Nancy looked genuinely happy for once, and if this man ever hurt her, Violet was pretty sure she’d be committing her first murder. Nancy might not have been her biological mother, but she was the closest thing she had to a real mother figure.

"I know this isn’t the ideal time to meet or to talk about this. And I know you’re a bit old to have someone stepping into the role of a father," Ezra said, scratching his head awkwardly, "but I want you to know, Violet, you can count on me. I’ll take care of you."

But Violet shook her head. "You don’t need to take care of me. Just take care of Nancy. That’s all I ask."

"I know, and that’s my promise to you. But Nancy is my mate. Whatever concerns her, concerns me. If Nancy’s worried about you, I’ll be worried too."

"In that case, no need to worry," Violet replied. "I’m well protected here." She glanced at Griffin with a fond smile. And then, as if she felt it before she even saw it, Violet looked up and spotted Asher striding toward her like some angel descended to earth. "...By them."

Nancy and Ezra followed her gaze and saw Asher approaching.

As soon as he was close enough, Violet started to say, "Mom, meet Asher, he’s—" but she didn’t get to finish.

Without warning, Asher cupped her face in his palms and kissed her with raw, possessive passion.

Violet hadn’t felt this kind of intensity from Asher since the night she discovered his secret. It was explosive, the kind of kiss that said he wanted to own her. Her mind was still spinning even after they pulled apart. She looked up at him, breathless, and saw his eyes burning with fire.

"You’re mine now, Violet Purple. Forever," he declared.

Violet smiled like a fool.

It was only then that Violet remembered that she had company. She turned to look at Nancy, who was utterly dumbstruck.

And that’s when it hit Violet, she’d only introduced Griffin to her as her boyfriend.

Fuck.

She had planned to ease into things. One boyfriend at a time.

Oh well. Guess she’d just roll with it.