For the first time ever, their usually loud, boisterous group moved in absolute silence toward the school grounds. There was no witty banter, or teasing shoves.
Nor Lila cracking inappropriate jokes to lighten the mood.
Just silence.
Unlike the other students, who were practically skidding forward with excitement, eager to witness the final initiation of the new members into their permanent packs and houses, Violet and her friends lagged behind.
Violet knew time was running out and had to tell them before it was too late. Stopping abruptly, she turned to face them, saying, "We can’t be in the same house."
Ivy, Daisy, and Lila froze in place, blinking at her in disbelief.
"What?!"
And just like that, the three of them erupted in protest, their voices overlapping in an explosion of outrage.
"Where is this coming from?! I thought we had an agreement?!"Daisy demanded.
"Wait, wait, wait—" Ivy scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. "Is this because you don’t want us near your boyfriend’s house? That’s... wow, Violet. That’s petty even for you."
But it was Lila’s reaction that stopped everyone cold.
"No. Never. I’m not leaving your side!"
There was silence.
In the past, Lila’s clinginess had always been cute, playful, and exaggerated. But now, knowing what she was? That she wasn’t even human? It felt different.
It wasn’t just Violet, Ivy and Daisy had matching horrified expressions, all of them clearly wrestling with the same realization.
Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration.
"I’m still the same Lila you know. How many times do I have to say that before you stop looking at me like I’m some kind of monster?" Her voice grew cold. "Had I known this is how you’d all react, I should’ve let you get captured. At least then, we wouldn’t have the freedom to choose and stay together."
That one hit hard. Violet, Daisy, and Ivy exchanged guilty glances because Lila was right. If she hadn’t used her powers, they would have been caught. And they wouldn’t know her secret either.
Despite their head start, the wolves were faster and stronger and had caught up to them. Lila had been the one to shield them, to make them invisible long enough for an opening to escape. And then? She had gone back for Violet.
They owed her.
Daisy let out a breath, her tone softer now. "Fine. We believe you. But that still doesn’t explain what the hell you’re trying to pull right now." Her sharp gaze flicked back to Violet
Violet’s stomach churned, but she stayed firm. "It’s for your own good. You can’t follow—"
"HEY!" A voice cut through the conversation. It belonged to a werewolf who glared at them for standing at the corner, separated from the others.
"What are you waiting for? Move your asses already!"
At once, the girls had no choice but to comply.
Violet swallowed her words, keeping the rest of her explanation to herself. She could not say more, not in front of all these people.
If anyone overheard her plans and reported back to Asher or even Alaric. Both men would do everything to stop her, Asher especially. She needed to catch him off guard.
They arrived at the school’s main ground, the same spot Amilo had dropped her off on her first day.
Violet had to applaud the alphas. The act was nearly symbolic, marking the beginning. A fresh start. Even if that start was brutal.
Violet’s breath hitched when she caught sight of Roman in the crowd. His face was bruised, deep reds and purples staining his handsome features.
He had fought Asher and judging by the damage, it had been vicious.
Their eyes met, unwavering emerald green piercing hers. Roman’s lips didn’t move, but his eyes delivered the message loud and clear: Keep the deal.
Violet’s stomach churned at the thought of still going through with the deal.
And then, because fate enjoyed kicking her while she was down, Alaric found her.
His icy-blue gaze roamed over her, frantic, searching.
"Where are you hurt?"
Violet tried to step back, but his grip tightened. Even with his careful touch, pain flared through her back, making her wince. Damn it.
Alaric’s eyes narrowed.
"You’re not okay."
"I’m fine," Violet gritted out but Alaric wasn’t buying it.
His nostrils flared. "I can smell your pain, Violet. Don’t lie to me." He turned to Finn. "Where’s Adele?"
Finn frowned. "Haven’t you heard? Adele left yesterday on a trip. She was supposed to return today, but I guess she got delayed. She probably won’t be back until later today."
Alaric cursed under his breath. He hated the thought of his girlfriend being in pain and being unable to help out, especially knowing it was partially his fault.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up with an idea.
"A werewolf’s saliva has healing properties." His tone turned hopeful. "It’s not as good as Adele’s abilities, but it’s better than nothing."
Oh, no.
A vivid mental image of Alaric licking her wounds flashed through her mind, and her heart sank especially knowing that was his plan after this was over.
Violet couldn’t take this anymore, not with the way Alaric looked at her, like he would burn the world down for her. The guilt was suffocating.
His warm fingers cupped her face gently.
"Hey..." His voice was gentle, his concern etched into every syllable. "Are you okay?"
Violet’s throat tightened. The words were right there at the tip of her tongue and she was going to say it —
"Alaric! Get your ass over here! It’s time!"
Griffin interrupted them.
Alaric’s jaw clenched. But before leaving, he turned back to her, his eyes burning with intensity.
"I’ll understand if you don’t choose my pack. It’s okay."
Violet swallowed, his words nearly breaking her. He thought that was the issue.
But his expression darkened the next minute. "But not the West House."
His meaning was crystal clear. Not Asher.
Not after everything they had done to get her out of it.
Violet couldn’t speak because if she did, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to hold it together. So she nodded instead.
Alaric pressed a brief, tender kiss to her lips. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away to join the Cardinal Alphas.
And then, there was Asher, standing at the center of it all, and looking as arrogant as ever. Except, this time, he was bruised.
Roman had fought back and for the first time, Violet felt something close to satisfaction at his pain.
Asher’s eyes locked onto hers as he spoke.
"Congratulations, winners and losers of the Running Game. It’s time to decide which pack you’ll belong to for the rest of your miserable school days."