It was a little unnerving the way Romanâs demeanor changed suddenly. It was as if he had become another person the moment they stepped through that door. Thanks to that, Violet held onto him a little tighter, as though she could anchor him before he drifted too far into whatever mask he had to wear around his parents.
And to be honest, she had no idea which of them Alexa was talking to when she said, "Weâve been waiting for both of you since the moment we heard youâd arrived. But I see now..." Her nostrils flared as she scented them, a knowing look flashing in her eyes. "Not even the shower can get rid of those. Trust me." She said it like advice, but the smirk on her lips made it feel like mockery.
That wasnât weird at all. Violet wasnât sure she liked the vibe she was receiving.
Roman wasnât in the mood for games either. He demanded. "Where is father?"
"As I said, weâve been waiting." Alexa answered carelessly, and turned on her heel. She walked languidly as if she knew they had no choice but to follow.
Violet exchanged a glance with Roman, and the hardness in his jaw told her he wasnât any more comfortable than she was. Still, he moved, and she had no choice but to go with him, her hand pressed tighter against his arm as they walked the length of the corridor until it opened into the living room.
As befitting an Alphaâs station, Romanâs parentsâ quarters dwarfed the one they had been given, broad and richly laid out, with even an extra room attached. Compared to that, their own chamber seemed almost plain despite its comfort.
"Roman!" Alpha Leonâs face lit up, and in eager strides he closed the distance between them, pulling his son into a firm embrace.
For the first time since theyâd arrived, Roman seemed to ease, his shoulders losing some of their tension.
Leon pulled back, studying him with sharp eyes, then looking him over again as if to reassure himself it really was his son standing before him.
"What the hell happened? How could you vanish off the radar just like that?"
And so, they spent the next several minutes repeating the same story they had rehearsed, making sure there were no cracks in their cover and that it lined up perfectly with Asher and Alaricâs testimony.
"So you have a Matebond?" Leon repeated, as though saying it twice might force the reality to sink in.
Violet, however, was far more interested in Romanâs mother, who hadnât said a word since those cutting remarks at the entrance. She sat elegantly, wine glass in hand, her gaze pinned on them with a cool, unreadable intensity.
When Violetâs eyes locked with hers, neither woman looked away. Instead, the tension between them tightened.
Alexa arched her brow. Whether it was amusement, or a subtle challenge, she seemed entertained, even impressed, that this human girl had the audacity to meet her stare without flinching. It seemed her son had chosen a bold one.
Whether Leon noticed the strain hanging in the air or not, he pressed on. "I should have realized this was the Matebond speaking when you told me your animal side was pulling toward her." His voice carried a trace of regret. "I may have failed you there..." He trailed off, only then seeming to register the quiet standoff between his wife and Violet.
Even Romanâs attention had shifted, watching the silent clash unfold.
Taking the pause as her cue, Alexa set her glass down with deliberate calm. "You must be so thrilled?"
"Excuse me?" Violet asked, honestly confused.
But Alexa only chortled. "Oh, come on. Donât play the innocent now. Youâre screwing two men, darling. But noâno one dares judge you, not when itâs neatly dressed up with that fancy little title... " She lifted her hand, gesturing mockingly in the air as if writing it out. ".. The Matebond."
"Mom." Romanâs warning came out as a low growl, a sound that rumbled in his chest more beast than man.
"What?" Alexa finally turned to him, her eyes flashing. "Youâve spent years acting like you were too good for me, like you couldnât stand the sight of me. And now the moon goddess throws a bond in your lap, and suddenly youâre fine with sharing?"
The muscles in Romanâs jaw clenched tight. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?" The words hissed from between his teeth, carrying a promise of violence no one in the room missed.
Okay. Maybe this was the point to call it a day. Violet hated the atmosphere already.
She reached for Romanâs hand, trying to pull him up, but he slipped free. He rose on his own, towering over Alexa, his voice laced with venom.
"I bring my mate here, and this is what you have to say?"
"Roman." Leon shot to his feet as well, trying to diffuse the situation clearly getting out of control.
Alexa rose slowly, her eyes flashing with anger. She hissed, "Iâm just pointing out how much of a hypocrite you are and the worst mistake I ever made was agreeing to your fatherâs idea of birthing you!"
It felt like an explosion went off. The room froze and no one dared breathe.
Violet swore she saw the air leave Romanâs lungs, or rather, the hope drain from his eyes. She had never seen him so vulnerable, so small. For once, the fierce wolf looked like a pup cowering beneath a parentâs disapproval. It was as if Alexa had broken him.
The surge of pain and fury ripped through their bond, burning Violet alive. She lost it.
Before she even realized it, she had lunged. "Iâm going to kill you today!" Violet snarled, tackling Alexa back onto the couch, her hand clamped around her throat.
"Violet!"
"Alexa!"
Roman and Leon shouted in unison.
They both grabbed Violet, trying to haul her off, but she clung like iron, her strength fueled by fury.
For the first time, Alexaâs eyes widened with fear. In that instant, she understood Violet could actually kill her.