“I’m worried about her.” I sound agitated, and I realize just how much this bothers me. “Her mother told her she has to take it. I don’t trust that woman.”
“You’re playing adangerous game.”
“Just do it.” I grip the railing hard enough that the metal groans. “Get your sister to test it. Tell no one.”
Ethan lets out a long, heavy sigh. “Fine. But it’ll take time. A few days at least. Maybe more, depending on what’s in it. My sister will need to run thorough tests.”
“I understand. Just do it.”
“Be careful down there. I heard Ryker’s attending, too.”
My spine stiffens. “Why would I need to be careful about Ryker?”
“He’s been expressing a lot of interest in a political marriage between our two packs.”
My hand tightens on the phone. Political marriages are arranged between alpha families to create alliances and strengthen bonds between wolf packs.
“Ryker’s only going to the gala because he heard Violet will be there,” Ethan continues.
Ice floods my veins. “Why would Ryker want Violet? Her wolf is dormant. Shifters look for potential mates who are strong.”
“Violet’s wolf may be weak, but she has other qualities males find attractive. She’s determined, intelligent, brave.” Ethan pauses. “You know this better than anyone.”
I turn to look through the glass doors again. Violet is still asleep, a small form on her side of the bed with that ridiculous towel barrier down the middle. A fierce possessiveness rises in my chest, so strong it nearly chokes me.
“I’ll handle it.”
“Handle what, exactly?” Ethan’s voice carries a warning. “What are you trying to do here, Darius?”
“What do you think?”
“I think you need to be realistic. If Ryker mates Violet, she’ll be respected. Protected.” He takes a breath. “What can you give her? A lifetime of hiding? Sneaking around?”
My jaw clenches so hard, my teeth ache. “She’s mine.”
“Yours? Your what?” Ethan snaps, and I hear real anger now. “What happens when you have to take a mate? What is she supposed to do then? What about when you need heirs? Is she supposed to watch youhave children with another woman while she remains your dirty little secret?”
The words slice through me like silver blades. I have no answer because he’s right. He’s absolutely right.
“You’re being selfish,” Ethan continues, relentless. “You’ve already decided your priorities. Let her have this. Ryker’s a dick, but he won’t hurt her. If he mates her, his father will never let her be disrespected. You know that.”
“I have to go,” I tell him shortly. “We’ll talk about this later.”
I end the call before he can say anything else.
The balcony suddenly feels too small, too confining. I step back inside, closing the door silently behind me. The towel barrier seems to mock me, a physical reminder of the distance Violet insists on maintaining.
I gather the towels mechanically, toss them to the floor, then slide back under the covers. Violet is still on her side, facing away from me. Without the barrier between us, I can finally reach for her.
I pull her into my arms before I can think better of it.
She doesn’t wake, just makes a soft sound and relaxes against my chest. Her faint scent reaches me, that unique blend of jasmine and something wild that belongs only to her.
“Should I let you go?”
My question comes out as barely a whisper. She doesn’t stir.
“I want to be selfish where you’re concerned.” My throat tightens. “I don’t want anyone else even looking at you.”
