Page 77 of Violet

“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 youyouare 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.

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