Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Shatter

All eyes were on them now, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. What house would the purple storm choose? They couldn’t wait to find out.

"What are you waiting for, drama queen? Pick a house already and stop wasting our time!" Elsie snapped with an impatient huff.

"Let her be, Elsie," Alaric told her off.

"No, Elsie’s right," Asher cut in, his voice edged with mockery. "It’s time for her to make a decision. We don’t have all night... or do we, little human?" His dark eyes gleamed as he fixed his stare on her.

Violet squared her shoulders, lifting her chin with forced confidence, her hands trembling so subtly she barely noticed, until Lila reached out and intertwined their fingers, squeezing gently.

When Violet turned to her, Lila offered a small smile, as if silently saying: No matter what, I’m with you.

The simple gesture strengthened her resolve. Violet sucked in a shaky breath, then let her gaze sweep over the alphas, reading each of their faces.

First was Asher, looking smug and composed, but Violet could see the tension beneath the surface. The bastard knew she was not going to choose him. Good for him.

Griffin was relaxed but watchful, giving her a friendly smile instead.

Roman looked intense, his gaze pinning her in place like a warning: Don’t back down now. Not after coming this far.

And then, Alaric. His eyes held pure, unfiltered hope, as if he was willing her to choose him but unwilling to pressure her.

Violet hesitated upon that look in his eyes, her chest tightening knowing she was about to break his heart. It was the hardest thing to do but Violet tore her gaze away. If she let herself linger, she might not have the strength to go along with the plan.

She took a deep breath. Then, blurted out, "I reject all the houses."

The reaction was instantaneous.

"What?!" Gasps and startled murmurs rippled through the crowd, voices layering over one another in disbelief.

Violet steeled herself, then repeated, louder this time, "I decline the offers from all the houses. I want to be on my own."

Silence crashed over them, thick and suffocating. It was the kind of silence that felt fragile, as if a single breath could shatter it.

The looks on the faces of the students were nothing short of horrified, as if Violet had just shot a silver bullet straight through the heart of their beloved cardinal alphas.

Ivy and Daisy looked bewildered, exchanging wide-eyed glances. They had never even heard of rejecting the packs as an option. What would happen now? What did it even mean?

Before they could process it, Lila stepped forward to say. "I also reject the four houses."

Another collective gasp rang out, the student’s whispers turning frantic. What was happening? What in the goddess name were they doing?

Lila turned to Ivy and Daisy, her expression expectant, waiting for them to follow suit.

"No, wait... let’s think about this," Daisy hesitated, her gut screaming that this was a bad idea.

But Ivy, never one to pass up a dramatic moment, stepped forward with a theatrical flourish. "I decline the honorable offer from the four packs. I think I’m better off alone."

Another round of murmurs emerged. More gasps.

"Ivy!" Daisy hissed, eyes darting between them.

Ivy nudged her. "Come on, don’t make us do this alone."