Page 55 of For Dear Life

He chuckles. “Quite a back-handed compliment, Violet.”

“And we achieved this without the need to bite you. Isn’t that a positive?”

“Do you ever feel like biting me?”

“No. I have a potion for that.”

“Then I can hug you?” I tense. “I won’t do anything else. A kind of thanks for helping settle my mind and like I want to show you I care, Violet.”

“And would such contact remove some of your distress?”

“Yes, Violet,” he says. “I’ve wanted to hug you since you... the incident at the lodge. At your parents. Tonight, many, many times. I want you to feel safe, even though you don’t need that from me.”

I nod at him and cautiously he wraps his muscular arms around me, barely at first until I’m submerged in his hug, cheek against his racing heart. I briefly squeeze him too, although unable to get my arms all the way around his waist.

Did Eloise’s half of me prompt my agreement? The part of me whispering that this guy’s emotions and thoughts are causing him distress and he’s a friend who needs comfort? Or is this my old need to ensure he doesn’t break apart before we find everything in his mind?

Rowan’s comment the other day echoes.

Because he’s a nice guy.

A guy who’s helping me despite my rude and dismissive treatment, and at risk to himself. If a hug helps atone for any past actions that I’m unaware upset him, that’s easier than attempting to explain myself.

Plus, apologies choke me more than his tight hold.

And hugging Leif isn’t entirely unpleasant.

19

VIOLET

I wait until morning to communicate with Dorian. He receives the photo of the witch and listens—patiently, for once—to my explanation of events. The witches know how strained Dorian’s council’s relationship is with shifters, despite Ethan and Zeke’s attempts to bring unity between the elders and other races. Thus, the witches know that the lack of co-operation between the two will aid them in hiding their activities.

The shifter elders would never open their doors and arms, let alone hand over information about their people.

How do we discover what happened to Rory, and whether Oz met the same fate last night? If Dorian can’t identify these witches or find his way into the elders’ good books, we’re at a dead end.

The only people likely to gain clues as to the pair’s whereabouts—and bodily state—are me and the guys. The shifters speak to us. Granted, this is usually to communicate their displeasure and dislike of me, and in offensive terms, but they get close enough for me to sneak into their minds.

At least Oz’s medical emergency took place publicly in a human location and he was taken to a hospital. That requires human authority involvement.

Dorian informs me he’s attending the academy today and may spend a couple of days staying locally, which I’m unsure is a good or bad thing. Dorian forcing his presence front and center could distract others from my investigations, but he could also cause trouble I don’t need.

Late morning, I’m called to a meeting, and eager to discuss anything Dorian found.

I haven’t seen Grayson since our rendezvous in Holly’s closet, and I’m surprised that he’s the only one of us present when I arrive at the waiting room. He’s in uniform today, a look I still find odd on the guys. Grayson watches me warily as I enter the waiting room, before lounging back into a faux casual position on the sofa.

“Good morning,” I say and sit on the armchair opposite.

However hard I deny Grayson’s effects, I can’t avoid them. Part of the problem in the closet wasn’t the desire for his blood, but because whenever I see him, memories of the party always intrude. Specifically, how I almost kissed him. Has Rowan’s attention now opened up possibilities that touching and kissing could be acceptable and even desirable in some cases?

Because since the teenage movie moment in the closet, I’m acutely aware how the mutual attraction sparked. I’m in denial when telling Grayson and myself that only his blood interests me.

All extremely confusing.

“Gazing into my eyes again, Violet?” he asks.

“They are a striking and unusual color, therefore attract my attention.”

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