Page 78 of Violet

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’seyeing 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 ustogether 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.

---