Page 27 of Violet

He stops, and I see the torment in his gaze. This has been weighing on him for some time. I may not have the close family the Gardeners have, but it’s clear Heath loves his sister. He wants what’s best for her and the rest of them. The stress of it all is hardening him.

“You know, if you want to keep your family out of the rumor mill, you can’t go to the places these Alphas tend to haunt. But I can.” He’s about to protest, but I stop him. “I’ll help. Listen at doors. Gather information. Make a list of the best possible mates for her.”

He frowns. “I’m not asking you to do that.”

“I’m offering, Gardener. And they’ll talk around me, reveal themselves in a way they wouldn’t during the social events. Besides, I’ve got nothing to do for the summer but read scripts and fuck around. Save me from more boredom by letting me help you. I’ll let you know who to steer Violet away from.”

“I don’t know…” His gaze narrows on me. “Why are you back on Sabine? I didn’t think after what happened with CeeCee you’d ever show up here again.”

The mention of Cecilia’s nickname is like a punch to the gut. But I try to act unbothered.

“Co-star trouble. I’m attempting to keep my nose clean until it blows over and try not to be bored.” I explain the Felicity issue. “So if you need help, I’ll even come to the damn ball and mingle with the Alphas…”

His jaw tightens. Fuck, the local girls must be dropping their panties and their well-bred morals to bag him. And I’m betting he doesn’t even notice. Too much in his head to see what’s in front of him.

Goodlooking, stoic bastard.

We made quite the team in picking up pussy.

“You’ll be busy wrangling those sisters,” I say, even though I know my true motives are to get a glimpse of Violet again for myself. Maybe talk to her. Just one more time.

He stares at me a moment. “Fine. Let me know who to ban from courting my sister and who’ll work best. Besides, it’s not like I can stop you.”

“Nope.” Then I lean back in my chair and grin. “Now, let me tell you about the pussy you keep missing by not visiting me…”

PSSSST

Can you see me?

BLINK!

Here I am… Ta-da!

Let’s get real, Hivemind. Ever since the Omegas from A to V were called in for a one-on-one with the Monarch, you’ve all been working overtime. The bees are a-buzzing with all the gossip.

At first your Queen Bee thought our blonde newcomer would bask under the light of the Monarch’s touch. Then your Queen wondered about that glorious dark beauty, Bentleigh.

But no. Miss Madame Butterfly decided to go with a more…natural approach for this year’s Luxe and chose…

VIOLET MAY GARDENER

Pretty, sweet, unpretentious. Worthy.

Or a fragile flower ready to be stomped out?

Let your thoughts run wild below.

…

But actually this quick note is about the first ball and the theme of this Season.

Masks are in.

A masked ball. And a Season full of secrets.

Perhaps the Monarch wants our Omegas to stand out on their own, not depending on their looks and scents.

I can’t wait.

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