Page 87 of Violet

Stephan

My princess.

She’ll always be that to me, even when we’re mated. Even when she’s mine in every way that matters.

I know I promised Heath I’d tell her the truth tonight, but I can’t. Not yet. I’m not ready to tear open old wounds, not when things between us are finally falling into place.

Is that selfish of me? Probably. But I haven’t felt anything even close to this since CeeCee.

It just took seeing Dominic’s hands on Violet to make things clear. It’s been something I’ve been avoiding since first seeing her jog across the street in her dance outfit.

I care about her.

It’s why I stayed away from her before the regatta. Not because I didn’t want her, but because I couldn’t give herwhat she wanted—a pack, a future built on something whole—and if I went through with the battle-ax’s plan, I wouldn’t be able to give Violet those things.

But I also couldn’t go through with the alternative. Sleeping with someone else, making it public to create a scandal? It would break her heart. I thought I could do it. Thought it was the right thing.

But when it came down to it, I just couldn’t do it.

Would it be so bad to have a mate again?

As I look at her tonight and take in her smile, her beauty, I believe it’s time.

And now that I know she’s okay with us not having children, that makes the guilt a little less. I hate to make her give that dream up, but I’m not reliving?—

Not after last time.

As I said, old wounds.

Even outside, surrounded with all the floral scents of the garden, her smell’s intoxicating, more than usual. It’s like she isn’t wearing a blocker at all. If I were a betting man, I’d bet by tomorrow she’s going to be dragging all the Alphas in town down around her, and she’s going to be in agony.

It’s impossible not to touch her in any way I can. The urge to push her up against one of the trees or press her back in the garden’s dirt courses through me like a constant stream. I know we’re supposed to wait until after the mating ceremony to officially consummate the union, but god… With her on the verge of her heat, I’m about to throw all that out the window.

Fortunately—and unfortunately—Mrs. Gardenerwalks outside at that very moment, sees us together, and her grin instantly falters.

“I think we need to end tonight a little early,” she says, glancing at me.

Violet scrambles away from me. “What? Why, Mom? Nothing happened. We thought?—”

“It’s not that, dear,” she interrupts. “You’re going into heat.” Then she looks at me. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Ashford?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“But I feel fine. Just a little cramping, but that’s it,” Violet says, eyes widening.

“For now. It’ll be in full swing by tomorrow,” her mother explains. “It’s not safe for you to be out and about anymore. Too many unmated Alphas here.”

“But—”

“I’ll say your goodbyes and usher everyone out. Stay out here.”

“I’ll stay with her,” I say.

She nods. “Thank you.” And with that, she heads back inside.

When we’re alone again, Violet turns to me. “I don’t understand. You both are making it sound dangerous—me going into heat.”

Her naïveté is charming but a little startling. I reach out and run a finger under her arm. “Wow, they really don’t tell you anything about being an Omega, do they?”

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