Epilogue
Jace
It took almost two days of patient, precise surveillance to finally catch Marline.
She’d been hiding like a rat, scrambling from hole to hole, never staying long enough for us to get a grip on her movements.
But tonight, her luck ran dry. I caught her trying to sneak back into her shitty little motel room.
The look of shock and pure terror in her eyes when I grabbed her was fucking satisfying.
Now, I storm into the familiar shadows of our pit with Marline thrown unceremoniously over my shoulder like worthless trash.
She squirms frantically, thrashing against me, but her hands are tightly bound behind her back, and the rag muffles her screams stuffed roughly into her mouth.
She’s fucking helpless, just like the omegas she’d helped kidnap.
I toss her to the ground, watching coldly as she hits the concrete floor with a satisfying thud.
Her previously polished appearance is completely shattered—now she’s a pathetic mess.
Dirt and dried blood smear her pale skin, her designer dress filthy and torn at the hem, exposing bruised knees from her struggles.
Her face is swollen, makeup smudged grotesquely around panicked, tear-reddened eyes, and the once-perfect blonde hair is tangled and wild, strands plastered to her forehead with sweat.
Marline’s eyes dart frantically around the room, widened with desperation, making my alpha hum with satisfaction.
The realization of just how deeply she fucked up finally sinks in.
She tries to wriggle away, a useless attempt to escape her fate, but one growl from Voss freezes her in place, trembling violently.
Fallon steps confidently into the room, chin high, her icy gaze locked onto Marline’s shaking form.
Her presence radiates regal authority, fury rolling off her in tangible waves.
My beautiful omega, strong and vicious, every inch our Queen.
She stops mere inches from Marline, who tries and fails miserably to glare back defiantly.
Marco, ever reliable, quietly steps to the door, leaning casually against the frame as he folds his arms, standing guard so no one disturbs our work. His dark suit is pristine, and his calm eyes are coldly observing as always.
I glance back at Marline. She flinches violently when Fallon crouches beside her, a dark, dangerous smile curling her lips. Fallon’s voice is deceptively soft, venom lacing every syllable.
“Well, look at you, Marline,” she taunts quietly, mockingly sympathetic. “Not so confident now, are you?”
Marline whimpers pathetically, trying to inch away, but Romano steps forward with a fierce grin, blocking her retreat. Fallon reaches out slowly, deliberately, gripping Marline’s chin hard, forcing her terrified gaze upwards.
“Do you remember what I said I would do to you?”
Marline shakes her head violently, pleading garbled nonsense around the rag stuffed into her mouth, tears streaming down her filthy cheeks. Fallon removes the rag from Marline’s mouth. “Try again. I won't let my mates touch you if you get it right.”
“Y...You said.” She swallows hard. “You said you would carve my heart from my chest.”
Fallon releases her roughly, standing gracefully, dusting off her hands like she touched something vile. “Very good.”
Turning her gaze to us, Fallon smiles darkly, possessively. “She’s all yours, boys.”
“You said they wouldn’t touch me!” Marline starts protesting until Fallon turns back around.
“I lied.”
My alpha snarls hungrily at the invitation. Kingston and Voss step forward immediately, eyes blazing with promised violence. Romano slips a possessive arm around Fallon’s waist, pulling her protectively to him, murmuring something that makes her grin wickedly. “Don’t forget her heart is mine.”
I crack my knuckles slowly, feeling the brutal anticipation hum through my veins. It’s time this bitch pays.
Voss
May 20th
12:23 A.M
Moonlight spills softly through the sheer curtains, painting Fallon’s creamy skin with silver shadows that ripple gently as she breathes.
Her long, dark blue hair gleams in the dim light, tangled around her shoulders like silk.
For the first time in my life, the dark shadows that linger inside me feel subdued, almost content.
I run my fingertips slowly along her spine, savoring the softness of her bare skin and the way her body relaxes further into mine with every touch.
“We still need to figure out how to shut down those auctions,” she whispers quietly, her voice barely audible. She shifts gently, careful not to wake the others, who are all tangled peacefully around us, deep asleep in the warmth of our nest.
My chest tightens, the familiar fury simmering beneath my skin.
But tonight, with Fallon’s small frame wrapped protectively in my arms, it’s easier to keep that rage at bay.
Pressing my lips gently to her shoulder, I whisper against her skin, “We will, Princess. How could we possibly fail with you by our side?”
She sighs softly, worry lining her pretty face even in the dim moonlight. I brush my knuckles along her cheek, feeling the tension there. Her eyes were normally bright and fearless, and she clouded slightly.
“I’m worried about Odette,” she admits, voice hushed.
“Every time I call, she’s short with me.
Always busy. It’s like she’s pulling away, and it scares me, V.
” Her voice cracks just slightly. “I know Violet’s doing okay, but even she seems distracted lately.
With the auctions still happening…” Her voice trails off, heavy with anxiety.
I draw her closer, my large hand stroking gently down her back, soothing her fears as best I can. “Hey, don’t worry, Princess,” I murmur quietly, lips brushing her temple. “You said Odette still has Henry, right? And that man would rip apart anyone who tried to hurt her.”
She nods slowly, a small smile finally curving her lips. “Yeah. Henry’s her permanent bodyguard now, especially since I have all four of you.”
I chuckle softly, my chest vibrating gently against her. “Exactly. And besides, Fallon, you’re our fierce little badass. Or should I officially upgrade you to Queen?”
She giggles softly, the sound delicate and sweet as I nuzzle her neck, my beard tickling her tender skin until she squirms. She slaps playfully at my chest before settling comfortably against me again. I hesitate briefly before deciding to share my suspicions.
“You know, Princess, I think I know what’s going on with Violet.”
She tilts her chin up instantly, her blue eyes brightening, hopeful, and curious even in the dark. “Really? What?”
I brush her hair gently behind her ear, trailing soft kisses along her jawline. “Remember the commandos who helped us rescue you? Jex, Dare, and Fox?”
She shivers slightly at my kisses, her breath catching. “Yes, of course. They were really nice—and, admittedly, a little terrifying.”
I growl playfully, pulling her tighter against my chest. She laughs again, a musical sound that fills my chest with warmth.
“Well, I was completely focused on you when we burst into that room,” I confess quietly, “but I didn’t miss the looks of absolute shock and recognition on their faces when they saw Violet.
Especially Jex—he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
He hovered around her the entire time, protective in a way I’ve only seen scent-matched Alphas behave. ”
Fallon’s eyes widen with excitement, sparkling in the moonlight. “Oh my god! You really think they’re Violet’s scent matches?”
“Almost positive,” I murmur softly. “And gods help them—they’re gonna have their hands full. I’m pretty sure Violet’s filter is permanently set to sarcastic and violent.”
She bursts into another quiet giggle, eyes dancing with joy at the thought. It makes my heart squeeze painfully with how much I adore this woman. I pull her even closer, burying my face against her hair, breathing deeply of her honeyed peach scent.
“I love you, Fallon,” I whisper fiercely, possessively. “My Queen. Forever and always yours.”
She smiles warmly, cupping my jaw tenderly, her gaze softening with absolute trust. “I love you too, Voss. Forever and always yours.”
Wrapped securely around each other, we finally let the quiet darkness carry us to sleep, our hearts beating in perfect sync.
To Be Continued in Violet’s Story…