Page 359

Nancy was fine, thankfully. Else today would have been Elsie Lancaster’s last day on earth. Her mother had suffered a few bruises and aches from the impact, and the last time she saw her, Adele was already patching her up.

"Next time, I’m not agreeing to that reckless plan," Asher grumbled. "You should’ve just let me tear her apart."

And yes, Asher was talking about how they’d let Elsie get close enough to harm her.

It had all been Violet’s plan from the start. She had a feeling Elsie would explode after that reveal and try to attack her. And she did. Thanks to that spectacular display, everyone would finally see Elsie for the crazy wolf she truly was.

"But it did work out, didn’t it?" Violet nudged him gently, trying to soothe him, knowing he was still angry.

However, Asher didn’t respond. That tight frown was still on his face, and Violet decided to make it her mission to change that. So she stepped in front of him and began to bother him like a buzzing fly.

"Say it. It worked out, didn’t it? Huh? Huh?" she poked at different spots on his stomach, but apparently, Asher was impervious to tickle attacks. God, was this guy a robot or what?

Still, Violet kept jabbing at random places, determined to get even the tiniest chuckle out of him.

"Stop it, Violet."

Of course, she didn’t. She kept poking, grinning mischievously. Asher must’ve had enough, because he made a grab for her, but she saw it coming and swiftly dodged him, giggling.

"Come here," Asher ordered.

Violet shook her head, stepping back with a playful grin, eyes studying his movements. "Come and get me."

Asher lunged, and she jumped out of the way, only to step on a small stone she hadn’t seen. She tripped and would’ve hit the ground if Asher hadn’t caught her in time.

"Well..." Violet panted, "thank you."

Asher scowled. Why was she always so reckless? But then his gaze flicked to her lips, red and slightly parted, and the air between them shifted.

Violet tilted her head, inviting. She was ready for anything.

But instead of kissing her, Asher straightened up and pulled her to her feet. "The others are waiting. Come on, let’s go." He took her hand and led her away.

Violet was a little disappointed, but smiled to herself. They had the whole night ahead. There’d be plenty of time for that.

Asher arrived at the cobblestone road where the boys were already waiting.

Roman was perched lazily on the hood of his green car, legs crossed like he owned the world.

The moment he spotted them, a slow grin lit up his face.

Without a word, he tossed the car key in the air, and Asher caught it clean without even flinching.

"Hello, Beautiful," Roman purred, already pushing off the car and striding towards Violet.

He tilted her chin up with two fingers and pressed his mouth to hers.

It was a brief, but filthy kiss with all tongue and heat, and no room for patience or softness.

His tongue swept past her lips, coaxing a muffled gasp from her as he tasted her like he was claiming something no one else could have.

When Roman pulled away, a thread of saliva briefly connected their mouths before it snapped.

Violet blinked, lips parted, her eyes now smoldering with molten heat. Roman smirked at that and leaned in close to whisper against her ear.

"Come back pregnant."

"What? Seriously?" she deadpanned.

"Just a goodbye speech." Roman shrugged with a cocky, unapologetic grin.

The fire Violet had lit was beginning to catch, and starting tomorrow, it would rage. Asher knew the storm she had created wouldn’t die down anytime soon. It was why he planned to take her away. Just two or three days outside the academy, depending on how bad things got.

They were using Roman’s car since Asher didn’t own one, not because he couldn’t afford it, but because motorcycles were more his thing. They’d be staying at one of his properties in Aster City. Somewhere where no one would bother them.

Before Violet could say another word, Alaric showed up and unceremoniously shoved Roman aside with one hand. His expression was unbothered as he stepped up and cupped her face in his hands.

He kissed her. Hard.

Not the kind of kiss meant to tease or flirt, but the kind that said: you’re mine and I’m not letting go. His mouth slanted over hers with firm, deliberate pressure, his hands wandering her body. A kiss that bruised and branded.

By the time they pulled apart, Violet was breathless, her chest rising and falling, her lips swollen and her thoughts scattered all around the place.

Alaric pressed his forehead gently to hers and murmured, "I’m going to miss you."

"It’s just two days," Violet whispered, brushing her nose against his with affection.

"It’s two days without you."

Damn. Be still, her poor heart. She practically melted on the spot.

From the side, Roman yawned dramatically. "So corny."

Violet turned just enough to throw him a glare, before placing a small peck on his lips.

Roman might be annoying sometimes but the truth remained that she loved all of their individual traits — every maddening, sweet, possessive piece of it.

That was what made them special and drew her to them in the first place.

It was Griffin’s turn now and he stepped forward, arms already open, and pulled Violet into a tight, warm hug. It was the kind of hug that made you feel safe. The kind that wrapped around your soul. But Violet was having none of it.

She felt him trying to be considerate, probably because the other two minxes had already kissed her silly. But they were going to be apart for two whole days, and if not him, she needed to recharge with one final kiss.

So she pulled back, looked him in the eye and said, "Yeah, not happening. I want my kiss."

Griffin blinked, caught off guard, but before he could brace himself, Violet had already hopped into his arms. He caught her instinctively, hands gripping her thighs just as she slammed her lips against his.

She kissed him hard, her hips grinding into him with enough heat to make his grip tighten. Her hands tangled in his hair, tugging slightly as their mouths moved in sync—needy, breathless, and completely wrapped in each other. Griffin’s hands found her ass, squeezing with appreciation.

By the time they pulled back, both of them were breathless, grinning.

"Stay safe," he murmured, still holding her.

"You too, my big teddy," Violet whispered, breathlessly.

Griffin blinked. "Big teddy?"

Violet smirked. "Yeah, it fits."

Roman, who’d been watching from the sidelines with way too much interest, let out an exaggerated groan.

"Fuck, that was sexy. Sign me up first when there’s room for a threesome."