She licks my ear in response.
“You’re so lost in your hatred of Darius that you don’t see half the things he’s doing for you.”
I don’t hate him. I know that much. But maybe Ethan’s right about the rest of it.
I’ve been punishing Darius for one overheard conversation. Using it as a shield. An excuse to keep him away because…why?
Because I don’t know how to handle whatever this is between us. Because it terrifies me. Because admitting that he might actually care about me, that all those things he has done for me might mean something, feels dangerous.
It’s safer to be angry. Easier to push him away.
“God, what have I done?” I whisper into Cinnamon’s fur.
She whines softly, pressing closer.
Ethan called me selfish. It stings, but I can’t deny it. I’ve been so focused on protecting myself that I never stopped to consider what I’ve been doing to Darius.
He defended me today. Got physical with an allied alpha’s son. And instead of being grateful or concerned, my first instinct was to be angry at him for making a scene. For caring enough to want to protect me.
“I’m such an idiot,” I tell Cinnamon.
She licks my face again, her tail thumping against my leg.
I don’t know what I feel about Darius. I don’t know if I can untangle the mess of attraction and confusion and fear that knots in my chest whenever he’s near me.
What I do know is that he doesn’t deserve the way I’ve been treating him.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out with one hand, the other still wrapped around Cinnamon.
Anne’s name flashes on the screen, and I open her text.
Violet, I just heard—They’re punishing Darius at the main house. In front of the Ravenhood Alpha. Are you okay?
I stare at the message, reading it over and over until it actually registers.
Punishing him. At the main house. Because of me.
My blood runs cold. My fingers are unsteady as I scroll to Ethan’s contact and call him. It rings once. Twice. Three times.
“Hello?”
“Is it true?” My voice comes out strangled. “Are they punishing him right now?”
A pause. Then: “Yes.”
My head starts to spin.
“Alaric is furious,” Ethan continues, his voice tight. “The attack threatens the alliance. He’s making an example of Darius to appease Ryker’s father.”
My stomach drops. “I have to see him.”
“Violet, don’t. There’s nothing you can do. It’s alreadyhappening.”
“I don’t care.” I jump to my feet, and Cinnamon tumbles out of my lap with a yelp of surprise. “I need to be there.”
“Your showing up will only make things worse.”
I end the call.
