Chapter 21
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
Violet
I ris sneaks into my room later that night.
We’re past the age of sneaking about when everyone’s asleep, but she’s in silly pajamas in bright pink—the only pink I ever really see her wear—holding milk in an old-fashioned white glass bottle and a tray heaped with chocolate chip cookies.
It makes me smile.
There’s an ache growing inside me. A restlessness that only seems to calm when I’m around him.
Stephan.
And since I’m not meant to have him, I need to ignore it and push on.
Some sister-girl time will help, so I’m thankful for Iris’s impromptu visit.
“If you tell anyone I still own these pajamas, I’ll destroy you.” Iris pokes out her tongue. Then she puts the bottle and cookies down on the floor and climbs on the bed.
“I would never.”
She studies me. “Maybe if you broke the rules more you wouldn’t?—”
“Be so boring?”
“So tense.”
The scent of chocolate wafts around me, something I normally love, but I’m not sure I can eat it. “Thanks for coming today, by the way. And for giving us space to talk.”
She pushes a cookie into my hand. “Eh, Heath being there would’ve only made things worse. And it’s obvious you two have a lot going on.” She shrugs. “Eat. At least a bite.”
I nibble on one for her, and it’s good. “I don’t feel poisoned.”
“Rue made them for you. And for Stephan, apparently, because she thinks you should hurry up and get a mark.”
A shiver races through me. Should I tell Iris about the Monarch’s ultimatum?
“Is that what you want?” she asks. “Or is Dominic Stockton the one for you?”
“I don’t?—”
“It’s me, Vi. You can tell me the truth. Hell, if you don’t want either, we can come up with a plan B.”
“I’m not running off to join the circus or something.” A laugh bubbles up at that. But it fades as my stomach starts to roil.
“But seriously, Vi. This is your life here. No one else’s. You have to do what you want. Not Mom. Not Heath. You. ”
A groan breaks free, and a wave of heat hits. I flap my pajama top to get some air.
“This is a nice night… So…” Iris studies me. “Are you still wearing your blocker?”
I nod.
“Is your stomach feeling like it’s being ripped apart?”
“Aftermath of nerves. I nearly had a panic attack at the restaurant once the Monarch showed up.”
“Yeah, that was an unwanted surprise,” Iris says. “I was really enjoying the food. Were you able to talk to Stephan about what you wanted to talk to him about?”
I nod. “It just…didn’t solve anything. Didn’t make me feel any better.”
“You make it sound like you both are walking to your deaths or something,” she says. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”
My gaze slips away. “No.”
She unscrews the lid to the milk and hands it to me. “Drink.”
I splutter at the floral sharp burn of whatever’s in there. It’s not milk. But the heat burns a path down, and I take another big sip as she motions me to.
Then Iris takes the bottle for herself. “Mother’s Milk. Gin, rose blossom, peach nectar, and seltzer.”
“Heath’s going to kill you.”
“Double kill me. I stole it from ‘The Dad Room.’”
“Iris.” I take the bottle as she hands it to me once more. “You stole booze?”
“Repurposed the mo-fo and then took it to the kitchen, decanted, mixed, and ta-da. I think I have a future in bartending.” But her grin fades. “Vi…have you and Stephan…?”
Horror grips me, and she forces me to drink more, making the panic peace out in the burn of the booze. “No. Of course not.”
“The kiss?”
I think about the other one when we ran, the good one, the real kiss where I kissed him back. All those others, he mainly kissed me, and they were like training. So that time, in the early hours under the tree, I could feel myself bloom and I did it, really kissed him back as if it was real.
And even though it’s Iris, she isn’t asking about a kiss; she’s asking about something more, something that might make me fall in love.
But love isn’t an option for me. I may feel something for Stephan, but he’s made it very clear he doesn’t want a mate—not really. So if he doesn’t find a way out of the Monarch’s requirement for him to claim me, then we may be stuck together after all.
And I don’t want that either.
“He… I… It was just a peck. It was nothing, really.”
“But you like him.”
“No, Iris?—”
“I know you, and it’s not that he’s famous or good-looking. You like him . And maybe he likes you. He sure seems to. He gets…prowl-y when he sees you, like he’s making sure no one’s about to go all Alpha on his Omega.”
“You’re seeing things.”
“Am I? He might not get it, but I do.”
“Iris Anne. You’re a closet romantic!”
She takes the bottle from me. “Am not. ”
“I can’t like him,” I say, the words spilling free.
“Why not? Because of Dominic? He’s old?—”
“I think,” I say, fiddling with my hands, “he’s out of my league.”
“Bullshit.”
I hug her, and breathe her in, and close my eyes. “I’m not those other girls. They’re glamorous, beautiful, sophisticated, and I’m positive there’s something with the new girl, Alicia.”
“That cow? Rich never means class, Vi. She’s rich but no class. New money.”
“And you’re a closet snob.”
She hugs me tight. “Closet? No, I just call it as I see it.”
“Thing is I open my mouth and I’m boring. I’ve never done anything. And…” I squeeze her as I try not to cry. I don’t even know why I want to cry. “Why did she choose me? There are plenty of nice, beautiful Omegas out there, one who’ll be happy to be his mate, who wants to please. I?—”
“Violet.” She untangles herself from me. “You are not someone who should settle. And fuck pleasing a man, what about pleasing you?”
“The Season is about finding a mate.” I say the words I’ve already told myself so many times. “It’s not going to be Stephan. In the end, he’ll want someone more exciting.”
“Then he’s an idiot.”
I take the bottle from where she put it, pick up my cookie, and wash it down with this Mother’s Milk concoction. It’s growing on me, or maybe it’s the fuzzy warmth the booze sends through me that settles and soothes and calms .
Iris gets up and goes to my vanity, picks up my hairbrush, then she comes back and starts brushing my hair. And while I’ve always liked having my hair brushed, that peculiar massage it gives that’s so good at calming, but with the alcohol it’s even better.
“If you want Stephan, then tell him. Forget the games. Or if you want Dominic, tell Stephan to fuck off. This is about you. Screw this stupid system.”
“Iris!” I gasp at her curse and then laugh. “We’re Omegas. We can’t. We’re built for Alphas. It’s in our DNA.”
“If you say so.” She goes silent as she brushes slowly in a way that makes me want to purr. “If this is what you want, then go for it. If Stephan doesn’t bite—literally and figuratively—just find someone else. I’m sure Heath has a list, color-coded and ranked no doubt.”
I laugh at that.
“You think all the things that make you you are a hindrance, but they show your innocence and that’s an aphrodisiac to Alphas. Alphas want a prize mate, innocent, pristine. Untouched. You really are a Luxe.”
“I don’t feel Luxe-like. I feel…blah.”
“Oh, that’s just anxiety,” she says. “A few more drinks and we can clear that right up.”
We settle in, passing the milk and the cookie tray back and forth. I haven’t laughed like this in a long time, and it is…freeing.
Rue jumps up and down with way too much energy and glee. “When is the Monarch announcing the next event?”
“There’s this regatta today,” I say. “And it’s pretty. Look at the boats on the big lake. The dresses, the food. Plus we’re at the Monarch’s estate with the maze.”
She rolls her eyes. “I want a ball. Something fancy.”
“You can complain when it’s your turn for a Season.”
I set up the blanket as the rest of my family settle in and Mom starts handing out refreshments.
“I’ll be mated before then. I’m finding an Alpha who can’t resist me so he’ll mark me and whisk me away. And if Asher doesn’t have a brother or a friend, then I’ll find one of my own.”
“You’re fourteen.” I grab at her, but she dances away.
“Not now, Vi. Later. When I’m of age and all grown up and having heats. I bet they’re amazing!”
Speaking of Asher, aka Stephan, he isn’t anywhere to be seen. I haven’t heard from him or seen him since our date last week. He was supposed to tell me a plan to get out of the Monarch’s mark requirement, but he’s been missing in action. Even today, he’s meant to be here—his aunt Penrith is attending—but he’s nowhere to be seen.
I want to cry.
Already there are whispers. They’ve been circulating about Jade, who’s going to beat me to a mating ceremony according to this morning’s Stitch and Rue’s constant updates. A fresh bite mark shines on her neck today as she struts around the lawn, showing it off and giggling to her friends.
“Vi!” Scooting in, Rue slides on her knees to land next to me and shoves her phone about an inch from my nose. “ Vi! Look! I think it’s a surprise ball. There’s a lucky dip for masks after sunset. Where’s Asher? Or are you dumping him and letting someone else make a play? Dominic? Did you know Heath has a list? I saw it, and?—”
“Go get some of those candied apple slices, Rue,” Mom says.
My sister sighs and stomps off. I bite my nails.
The whispers are like waves and the sneaky looks are like mosquito bites. They make me itch, want to hide, and still I don’t see Stephan.
Rue’s right. While I haven’t been on dates since the Hargrave party, it’s obvious Dominic’s still interested in me. Heath says that important phone call had dragged him out of Sabine again for business, but he is returning today for the regatta. He’s been sending flowers and gifts every day, and although it’s sweet and thoughtful, I can’t shake whatever is between me and Stephan.
Unlike Stephan, Dominic is a real possibility. A great choice for a mate. I just have to remember that. And today will be my chance to hopefully make things more official between us.
Since Stephan hasn’t come up with a plan to get us out of this entanglement, I have to. If I can secure a mark from Dominic before I see Stephan again, then the Monarch won’t have a choice but to let us off the hook.
That’s my hope, anyway.
Children chase each other and laugh. It’s supposed to be a day of peace without such strict rules of decorum that the balls have, but I can’t settle.
Heath’s talking to a handsome young man, who’s eyeing me, and then older, good-looking Dominic comes up to him and they shake hands.
Heath gives me that commanding look he has.
This is it. This is my chance.
Holding my breath, I walk over.
“You remember Mr. Stockton?” Heath asks.
“Of course. Thank you for the flowers and all the lovely gifts, Mr. Stockton.” I glance at Heath, and to his credit, he smiles at me.
Dominic is staring at me, mouth slightly agape, but then he seems to shake himself out of it and takes my hand. “I’m so sorry. It’s just…you are absolutely beautiful, Miss Gardener. It takes me off guard each time I see you.”
I blink and my cheeks redden. “Oh. Well…thank you.”
“I’m sorry business took me away for so long, but I thought about you every day I was away.”
I don’t know what to say—his flattery is overwhelming—so I settle for the obvious. “You’re back now.”
“I am. And I hope you will do me the honor of a walk on this perfect day?” He offers his arm.
I glance again at Heath, who gives me a knowing nod.
“It would be an honor.” I slip my hand around his arm and let him lead me away.
The sun is high, drenching the Monarch’s estate in gold. The heat presses thick against my skin as I follow Dominic down the winding path. The hedges of the maze rise tall around us, their green leaves rustling in the occasional breeze. It should be beautiful, peaceful even, but my pulse flutters with unease.
“This way,” Dominic says over his shoulder, his voice smooth, reassuring. A gentleman’s voice .
I hesitate. I shouldn’t be here, alone with him, away from the others. A walk around the lawn, in public, is one thing. But we’re too secluded over here at the maze for it not to be scandalous.
But he smiles, inviting me to something innocent. “You trust me, don’t you?”
I don’t, not really. But I want to. I want him to think I’m a true Luxe Omega, a worthy mate for him, so I nod. He’s been nothing but a gentleman, offering his arm as he led me away, his voice light with harmless conversation.
We walk deeper into the maze, the sounds of distant conversation and laughter from the lawn fading with each turn. The hedges close in, the path narrowing.
He stops suddenly and turns to face me, removing my hand from his arm and reaching for my other hand. His fingers lightly wrap around mine.
“I wanted a moment alone with you,” he says, his voice softer now, intimate. His thumbs brush against my knuckles, a small touch, but it sends a ripple of something uncertain through me.
“We should go back,” I say and force a small, uneasy laugh.
His grip tightens—just a fraction. “Not yet.”
Then his hands find my waist. Slow, deliberate. His fingers press against the fabric of my dress, a touch that lingers too long.
“Mr. Stockton—” I shift back, but there’s nowhere to go. The hedge scratches against my shoulders. “I don’t think— My brother?—”
He doesn’t let go. If anything, he steps closer, crowding the space between us. “Your brother has been pushing us together for some time, Violet.” The use of my first name feels wrong coming from his lips. His fingers skim higher, tracing the curve of my ribs. “You’re looking for a mate and I’m looking for an Omega who is ready for a pack and children. With your first heat so close…”
My breath catches. I shove his hands away. “How… How did you know that? My blockers?—”
He inhales through his nose, trying to draw in my scent. “An Alpha knows. Especially one as old as I am. I also work with the very blockers you wear and know when they’re straining to suppress the flood of pheromones you’re giving off.” His grip returns, firmer now. “I want to own that first heat.”
Panic flutters in my chest as he moves closer. I push at his chest but he doesn’t budge.
“Mr. Stockton, please.” My voice is smaller than I want it to be. “I—I need to go.”
His expression shifts, something dark flickering in his eyes. “Violet, I’m claiming you. Isn’t that what you want? Your brother has already given me his blessing.”
My skin grows cold despite the summer heat. Heath didn’t tell me that.
With a swift yank, he spins me so that my back is completely pressed against him. His erection is there , hard against my back.
Oh god.
He presses his nose into my hair and draws in another deep breath like he’s dying to get a whiff of my scent through the blocker. “I just need to give you the mark and you’re mine.”
“Stephan—” I don’t know why his name comes out of my mouth, but it does, gaining an angry snort from Dominic.
“That egotistical Emporian fop?” He laughs. My stomach twists.
Then I hear it.
The crunch of footsteps on gravel. Heavy. Purposeful.
Dominic must hear it too because his grip loosens just slightly. But it’s too late.
There’s a yelp from behind me, and suddenly, he’s yanked backward. I am pulled back with him, but his loose footing allows me to break free of his hold and drop to the ground.
I spin just in time to see a fist colliding with Dominic’s jaw, and the crack of the impact is sharp in the air.
Stephan stands between us now, his shoulders tense, his usually playful expression carved into something furious. His brown eyes, normally calm, burn with barely restrained violence, reminding me of when he came to Club Yin and defended Quinn from that creep.
“Touch her again,” Stephan says, his voice quiet, lethal, “and I’ll break your fucking jaw.”
“This isn’t your business.” Dominic barely gets his arms up before the next punch lands, sending him crashing against the hedge. Blood pours from his split lip.
I stand frozen, breath caught in my throat as Stephan grabs Dominic by the collar and shoves him back against the thick greenery. “Everything Violet does is my business. I claimed her.”
Dominic coughs. “There’s— There’s no mark?—”
Stephan doesn’t wait for him to finish. He slams him back again, then releases him roughly, letting him stumble. “ Don’t ever put your hands on my Omega again or this Emporian fop won’t let you walk away breathing.”
For a second, Dominic hesitates. But then he wipes his bleeding lip, flicking his gaze between us before turning on his heel and disappearing back into the maze.
When he’s gone, Stephan whirls on me, his shoulders rising and falling with each ragged breath.
I should say something—thank him, maybe—but words stick in my throat. My heart is pounding so hard, I can feel the drum of it everywhere, and all I can focus on is him—how thankful I am that he found me. How close the situation was to getting out of hand, and I?—
Eyes flaring, Stephan pulls me to him with a growl, mouth on mine as he kisses me with a savage thoroughness that makes my head spin. Like Dominic, his cock is hard and there against me. But this time, my body reacts with indescribable hunger.
Unless it’s the adrenaline coursing through me, Dominic must’ve been right about my heat being close. I’ve never felt like this before, aching, and so needy for him to touch me I could cry. I moan into his mouth. Our tongues duel like we can’t get enough, and I want to climb into him, on him, let him slide into me deep. I want to do all the things we saw on that knotting porn. Take him in my mouth, have him rut me.
I slip my hand under his shirt and the heat of him sinks into me, his stomach fluttering at my touch, and I go lower, over the belt to the grand prize, his cock.
Feeling him, even through the clothes, is a revelation. He’s beautiful, I think, although I can’t see his erection. It’s thick, hard, long, and twitches when I touch it .
He lets me explore, his mouth now skimming down over my throat, teeth grazing my skin, making me tingle and ache for him to bite.
Stephan pulls my hand from him and raises his head. “Such a good girl, my beautiful girl.”
And then his hand goes down my hip, to my thigh, gathering my skirt, and I start to shake, nearly coming apart with anticipation. He shifts, kissing me again, and I’m torn with where I need to concentrate, his mouth on mine or his hand…
Oh, his hand as it slides over my upper thigh, his knee slipping between mine to widen my legs. My pussy throbs deep inside and my thighs start to get wet, like…oh, god…is that slick?
“You’re all hot for me. I can smell it, Princess, and it’s turning me all the way on.” Then he touches the wetness, and I lose my mind. He strokes his fingers along the crotch of my panties and it’s pure pleasure, a dull throbbing need for more, and he keeps doing it, making things inside me flutter. Then…oh…god…then he nudges aside the panties and strokes me flesh on flesh.
Electric.
Melting everything.
I shudder, shake, and grip him hard, thrusting my hips forward, wanting more, wanting him in me.
He pushes two fingers in, and the stretching invasion is like nothing else. I’m spiraling, climbing, reaching new pinnacles of delicious aching, of tingling goodness.
“Yes, come for me, Princess…”
Stephan starts to rub my clit with his thumb as he thrusts into me, and I lose it. I sob as every atom tears free in a wild euphoric dance as I explode. I spasm as the orgasmic release completely overtakes me.
As I’m at my height, he pulls his hand free, grabs my hair and yanks my head back. It’s the sweetest pain.
He growls and starts to suck and lick my throat. I press it hard against his mouth, and I feel it. The shattering of his control.
Stephan sinks his teeth into me, and I twitch as another little orgasm escapes and everything inside me comes alive. It feels so good. Better than anything I’ve ever imagined, and I’m a whimpering mess, putty in his arms, especially as he sucks on my neck harder.
When he pulls away, I look up at him with blurry vision, lost in ecstasy. He’s staring down at me with the same kind of dreamy-eyed gaze.
“Princess… I?—”
His lips brush mine, about to kiss me again, when oncoming hurried footsteps steal the blissful moment away.
I turn my head.
That’s when Mom, Heath, and all my sisters round the hedge. Every eye widens as they take in the scene.
Mom’s shocked silent. Rue’s squealing and snapping pictures on her phone. Dahlia’s covering her eyes, while Mari is giggling and Iris is smirking like she knows what happened just before they found us.
But it’s Heath’s furious expression that stills my heart. He’s seething. His entire body shakes with the force of it. “Ashford!”