Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 318

Chapter 318: The Draven Family

"Tell me about your adventures so far," Alpha Leon asked his son Roman as they walked.

And, as was common with nearly every cardinal alpha today, Roman was already at his wits’ end with his father. His mother had practically abandoned them the moment they arrived, no doubt off somewhere flirting with boys young enough to be his age aka his classmates. Roman made a mental note to send a message to his beta, Abel, to keep an eye on his mother while he wrangled his father.

Nearly all the cardinal alphas came from dysfunctional families, and Roman was no exception, his challenge being managing parents in an open marriage. Sure, they wore the mask of a perfect couple in public, but everyone knew Leon and Alexa kept lovers on the side.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and honestly, it was no wonder Roman had inherited his infamous playboy reputation. It was the only example he’d known growing up and the values that had been handed down to him, whether he wanted them or not.

Unfortunately, you don’t get to choose your parents.

So, Roman kept walking, clearly intent on ignoring his father’s question. Roman’s only goal now was to track down Alpha Henry and hand Leon over to him. The man always straightened up around Henry, no surprise considering Asher’s father was all business.

Honestly, it was still a mystery how those two got along. Almost as much of a mystery as his own friendship with Asher, given they were polar opposites. Asher was dark, brooding, and bitter, and he was light, charm, and mischief. Perfect combination for Violet to choose from whenever she wanted. Chocolate and vanilla. Tasty.

"Have you fucked Elsie yet?"

The question hit so fast Roman nearly tripped over his own feet. He spun around, glaring at his father, who showed not even an ounce of shame at tossing out something that could easily set off a war between the four packs. Maybe once, the idea of Elsie would’ve stirred something in Roman, but now just hearing her name made his blood boil.

Not that his father had any clue his heart, or whatever was left of it, now leaned toward a certain purple storm. Unfortunately, Roman wasn’t about to risk Violet’s safety by dragging her into conversation with a man who didn’t give a damn.

"No," he answered flatly.

"Understandable," Alpha Leon said with a smirk. "You wouldn’t want to upset the order. But if I were in your shoes, son, I’d have made Elsie my bitch and the other boys wouldn’t even know it." He chuckled like it was some accomplishment to brag about.

Roman laughed along, but it was hollow, the kind of laugh that didn’t touch his eyes. Inwardly, his thoughts were, ’What great loyalty towards your pal. Yeah, you and Elsie would make the perfect toxic match.’

It was almost funny. How long had he ignored it? How long had he pretended his family wasn’t a mess of rot under all that glossy charm? Maybe he had always known. Maybe he had just been too good at numbing it until now. Violet simply brought all those emotions to life.

Leon kept pressing, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "So, if you’re not fucking Elsie, who are you fucking?" He wiggled his brows, his voice lowering with a suggestive tone. "Or them?"