Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Purple Flower

The air was cool against her skin, the grandeur of the academy almost making her feel small. Violet clutched her bag tightly, the rough fabric digging into her palm as she eyed the stone stairs leading up to the academy's main building.

She was ready to step forward when a voice called out, "Hello."

Startled, she turned, only to see a well-dressed man in a tailored suit striding toward her. He looked like he belonged here with his polished confidence. And though Violet should have been on edge, there was something oddly disarming about his smile, as if it had been practiced to put people at ease.

"You must be Violet Purple?" His voice was smooth, catching her off guard.

Violet blinked. How did he know her name? Then she remembered the guard from earlier typing her information into his device. Of course. The academy must have an efficient communication system. Information sure traveled fast around here.

"And who are you?" she asked, keeping her tone polite but laced with a thread of suspicion. Growing up in the ghetto had taught her not to trust anyone at face value.

The man's smile widened as if her wariness amused him. "I'm Michael, a staff of this institution."

Wow. even their staff dressed fine. Violet thought.

"I've been tasked with taking your things to your dorm." His eyes flicked to her bag, his smile faltering slightly as he took in the modest size. "Is that... all?"

Violet caught the flicker of disapproval in his gaze, and for the first time, she felt self-conscious. She hadn't thought much about how many belongings students were expected to bring, but in an academy meant for the elite, the rich, and the privileged, it wouldn't surprise her if others arrived with wardrobes fit for royalty. But she wasn't about to let a stranger make her feel inferior.

Violet straightened her back and met his gaze head-on, "Yes, that's all," she replied firmly, her lips pressing into a thin line.

Michael raised an eyebrow, clearly reading her mood. He immediately backpedaled, his tone apologetic. "I'm quite sorry. It's just that... well, we're used to students arriving with more."

Violet cringed inwardly but maintained her composure. "Well, this is me," she said, her voice steady, though embarrassment burned her cheeks.

Without another word, Michael reached for her bag, lifting it effortlessly, as if it weighed nothing at all. Violet watched him with a mix of gratitude and lingering discomfort. Her belongings might be light, but they were hers. She half-expected another judgmental glance, but instead, Michael simply smiled.

"I'll take your things to your dorm. You should head inside and get yourself set up," he said, gesturing toward the tall double doors looming ahead.

"Well, thank you," she murmured, watching him walk down a different path, likely towards the dormitories.

Despite the man's reassurances, her old instincts flared. Violet had trust issues with strangers and always had. Growing up where she did, people went through your things if given half a chance.

Her gaze narrowed as she considered the possibility that Michael might rummage through her bag. But this was Lunaris Academy, not the ghetto. And, realistically, there was nothing of value in there anyway. Yep, her poor, pathetic life.

Still, if anything went missing, she'd hunt him down. After all, she knew his face now.

Taking a deep breath, Violet turned her gaze back to the academy's entrance, the imposing structure seeming even more daunting now that she was alone. She squared her shoulders and began her ascent up the stone steps and walked through the door and was lost in a new world.

Students hurried around her, rushing out of classrooms, all dressed in the academy uniform—slacks for the boys and skirts for the girls. Back at her old school, they hadn't bothered with uniforms, seeing it as a thing for elementary school students, and the fact they would look ridiculous in it. But that wasn't the case here.

The Lunaris Academy uniform featured a sleek, deep forest green plaid skirt with gold and navy accents, paired with a tailored midnight blue blazer that hugged the figure perfectly, over a crisp white shirt. The left chest pocket proudly bore the golden crest of a wolf, finished off with a matching tie. The combination of rich colors and the detailed emblem radiated an air of elegance and prestige that made it anything but childish.

Not many things surprise Violet, but this school so far has left her gaping like a moron. She stood in the lobby still examining the school environment which might as well be akin to a five-star hotel when a commotion caught her attention.

A guy with striking green hair came barreling toward her, laughing like he was being chased. There was no time to dodge the impact, and he crashed into her with a force as jarring as his appearance.

Holy creator of the universe.

Before Violet could react, his arms were around her waist, steadying her, her face pressed into his chest—a hot, hard chest, packed with muscle. She could feel the power in his grip, his body solid against hers. He smelled incredible, like the promise of freedom carried on a wild breeze, and for a split second, she had the absurd urge to spread her arms and let the wind take her.

Yep, she was definitely losing her mind.

"Well, hello. Look what fate just dropped into my arms," he purred, his voice smooth and velvety, slipping into her ear like silk against her skin.

His breath was warm against her neck, and Violet involuntarily shivered, realizing how dangerous this one was. She stepped away from him and looked up. Except that was a mistake.

Violet knew werewolves were hot, but this was next-level hot.

He had the most striking eyes Violet had ever seen, a vivid green with flecks of gold at the center, and they were locked on her, intense and unblinking. A slow, mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his lips, making her heart skip a beat. He also had green hair and for someone who often found herself in the same situation, she couldn't help but wonder if it was natural or dyed.

Either way, it suited his rebellious look, complementing his high cheekbones, strong jaw, and those full, undeniably kissable lips. The gods help her, what in the world was she thinking? Hasn't she learned enough with her mother's, no, adopted mother's experiences with men?

"As much as I would love to get acquainted with you, my purple damsel. There's a monster about to murder me right now."

From those words, Violet could tell this one was a lady's man but the mention of murder, made her blood run cold, and whatever attraction she felt towards the stranger vanished at once. She sincerely hoped he didn't mean those words literally.