Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 520: The Alpha King's Welc"Can someone shut him up, please?" Aeron finally spoke, his voice a growl as he pressed harder on the accelerator, putting more distance between them and Christian's trailing car.

And that was the crack Griffin had been waiting for. His unflappable father, the man who could face down enemies without blinking, finally snapped under the one force of chaos no wolf alive could handle: Roman Draven. Even Asher couldn't stomach him for long, and that said everything.

Roman, of course, looked positively delighted at the outburst. "As you wish, Dad Deluxe." Through the rear-view mirror, Aeron gave him a stare like he was trying to decide if Roman was a wolf or snew species of pestilence. Griffin hid the grin tugging at his lips, while Violet prayed they survived the car ride before Roman got them killed with his mouth.

Thankfully, Roman went quiet after that, and Aeron seized the chance to speak seriously.

"Now listen up," he said, voice sharp. "As far as anyone's concerned, Alpha Henry died in the explosion set off by Patrick Vale. Are we clear?" "Clear as day," Griffin answered without hesitation.

"Yes, Aeron," Violet answered.

"Yes, Dad," Roman added smugly.

Aeron cut him another look but let it slide.

After a beat, he asked again, slower this time. "Is there anything else I need to know?" The way Griffin and Violet's eyes snapped to Roman in unison was almost comical. It was almost like a silent firing squad warning him to keep his mouth shut. If Aeron had nearly wrecked the car over mashed-potato Henry, God only knew what would happen if Roman blurted out that Violet was half Fae, half werewolf. Definitely not a roadside conversation.

"Nothing, sire," Roman said at last, for once behaving.

Aeron lifted a brow at Roman's answer. For a man desperate to silence Roman, he sure looked like he had an appetite for more gossip.

"What's the situation at hand?" Griffin asked his father.

Aeron told him. "Your mother is waiting for us at Elijah's residence. Apparently, everyone is waiting to hear you guys part of the story." Roman perked up instantly at the news. "Is my father there too?" he asked with curiosity.

"Yes," Aeron confirmed, eyes fixed on the road. For a moment he said nothing else, then he added, "You have nothing to worry about. Your mother and I have everything in control. On the bright side, we won't have to spend much twith him, anyway. Everyone's headed down to the West pack for Alpha Henry's burial." The tstared at each other, a thought passing between them. This was a good thing. With everyone headed down to the West pack, they'd finally be reunited with Asher.

Aeron suddenly said to Violet, "When we arrive, make sure either Griffin or Roman is always with you. Don't ever stay alone with Alpha Elijah no matter the circumstance." The warning hit Violet harder than she expected. Aeron didn't even know who she truly was, yet he was already cautious. That alone made her feel even more aware of the danger.

Griffin noticed her unease first, his hand closing over hers. Roman followed suit, catching her other hand, the both of them giving her a firm squeeze.

"Elijah will have to get throughfirst to get to you," Griffin assured her.

Roman added with a smirk, "We'd die for you, little mate." He even wiggled his brows in that stupid way of his.

Violet tried not to laugh but failed miserably. The sound of her laughter eased the tension and made the rest of the ride feel lighter. They spent the tjoking, throwing insults, and for a while, it was almost easy to forget where they were headed.

But the mood vanished the moment the Alpha King's estate cinto view. The gates were already open, as if they had been expected.

Violet studied the vast grounds, her eyes mapping exits without thinking. She flexed her shoulders, feeling that restless pull again—the phantom weight of her wings itching to break free. The urge to fly pressed against her bones and she pushed it down with an exhale. Now wasn't the time.

Griffin and Roman told her it was normal for young shifters to shift often in order to strengthen the bond between wolf and man. Unfortunately, it was too risky. She could feel her wolf, slumbering beneath her skin, restless and waiting for her to take the first move. Violet already knew her wolf wasn't going to make it easy for her.

The car rolled to a stop at the entrance, the engine still humming before Aeron cut it off. Doors opened one after the other with Aeron stepping out first, Griffin right behind, and then Roman, who didn't wait a second before turning to the backseat. With his usual flourish, he offered his hand to Violet as if he were escorting royalty.

Violet almost refused out of principle, but the smug little smirk on Roman's face made her slip her hand into his. Irene was waiting for them, flanked by a few people Violet didn't recognize. "Welcome," Irene said warmly.

"Mom!" Griffin said with boyish excitement, his expression brightening instantly. He stepped forward, his arms already outstretched for a hug.

But to everyone's shock, Irene brushed right past him. Her arms circled Violet instead, pulling her in with such firmness that Violet nearly lost her breath. Roman absolutely lost it. He threw his head back and burst into a mocking laughter.

Griffin stood there, arms still spread, looking as though someone had stabbed him in the chest.

Meanwhile, Irene fussed over Violet om as if she was a baby, her hands brushing her hair back and tilting her chin as though inspecting her for injuries. Violet felt heat rush to her cheeks under that motherly scrutiny. "How are you feeling?" Irene asked.

"Fine," Violet mumbled.

"Good." Irene's tone sharpened, the warmth vanishing in an instant. She released Violet and straightened. "Because the Alpha King wishes to see you now." Her gaze cut to Griffin and Roman. "All of you."