Chapter 11
Violet's POV:
"You're really going to do it?" Lily asked, grabbing my hand across the table. Her eyes were wide, holding a mixture of excitement and a deep, lingering sadness. "You’re actually coming back to the industry?"
"I am," I said, swirling the last of my sparkling water. "Why do you look like you want to cry?"
Lily bit her lip, exchanging a glance with Sienna. "Because... we missed you, Vi. God, we hated watching you fade away."
Sienna nodded, her usual brashness replaced by a rare solemnity. "She’s right. You were the legend of the Event Management program at Lupine Sovereign. You had offers from the Royal Council, from the Alpha Summit committee... and you turned them all down to fold napkins in an empty house for a man who treats you like furniture."
"It was such a waste," Lily whispered, squeezing my fingers. "Seeing the most brilliant mind of our year reduced to just... a housewife. A trophy on a shelf collecting dust. It broke our hearts."
They were right. I had traded my ambition for an apron, hoping domestic perfection would buy me love. It hadn't.
I pulled my hand back, straightening my spine.
"The dust is gone," I promised. "I'm going to plan the most spectacular mating ceremony this pack has ever seen."
We parted ways shortly after. I stepped out of the club into the cool night air and immediately spotted Zane Carter leaning against a pillar in a cheap valet uniform.
I quickly dialed Leo. "Come get me."
Hanging up, I let my posture slacken and stumbled slightly, feigning intoxication as I swayed toward him.
"Hey there," I slurred slightly, stopping right in front of him. I let my weight list to the side, forcing him to step forward and steady me by the elbow.
"Luna?" Zane’s voice was filled with surprise. He gripped my arm gently, his touch respectful but firm. "Are you alright? You shouldn't be walking alone out here."
I leaned into him, letting my head rest momentarily against his chest.
"I'm fine," I murmured, looking up at him through lowered lashes. I reached out, my fingers trailing lightly down the zipper of his jacket. "Just a little lonely. It’s cold tonight, isn't it? My husband is probably warm in someone else’s bed right now."
I felt Zane’s muscles tense beneath my hand.
But Zane gently, but firmly, peeled my hand off his chest and stepped back, putting a professional distance between us.
"You've had too much to drink, Luna," he said, his voice steady. "I can call a car for you."
I stared at him, suppressing a cynical smile. He was incorruptible. Just like Celeste.
"You're a good boy, Zane," I whispered. "Your girlfriend is a lucky woman."
I reached into my purse and pulled out the heavy key fob to my BMW S1000RR. I tossed it to him.
He caught it instinctively, looking down at the sleek device with confusion.
"My bike is parked around back," I said, turning toward the curb where I could see Leo’s black sedan approaching. "I can't ride it in this state, and I don't trust the garage guys here not to scratch it. Take it home. Keep it safe for me tonight."
I slid into the car and signaled Leo to drive, leaving Zane standing under the streetlamp, staring at the key in his palm, his face lit up with the pure thrill of getting to ride a machine he could only dream of.
The Blackwood Manor was silent when I arrived, a stark contrast to the noise of the city. I walked into the foyer, dropping my purse on the entry table.
"Welcome home, Luna."
The voice came from the kitchen doorway. It was Ruby. She was wiping her hands on her apron, looking anxious. Her eyes darted toward the living room, where the sound of ice clinking against glass echoed.
"Is he home?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
Ruby nodded, her expression tight.
I walked into the living room. Daemon was sitting in an armchair, staring broodingly into the fireplace. A glass of amber liquid sat untouched on the side table. Ruby followed me in, carrying a small silver tray with a steaming hot towel.
"Sir," Ruby said softly, stepping forward. "I brought the hot towel you asked for."
Daemon didn't look up. He waved his hand dismissively, a sharp, arrogant gesture that struck the tray. The silver clattered onto the floor, sending the wet towel skidding across the rug.
"I didn't ask for it now," Daemon snapped, his voice dripping with irritation. "Get out."
Ruby flinched, her face flushing crimson with humiliation.
I stepped forward, placing a hand on Ruby’s shoulder.
"Go to the kitchen and make yourself some tea. You’ve been working late."
Ruby looked at me, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Luna. I'm so sorry."
"Don't apologize for doing your job," I said, glaring at the back of Daemon’s head. "Some people just don't know how to appreciate effort."
Ruby hurried out of the room.
"I'm going to bed," I said, turning toward the stairs
"You're sleeping in the master suite tonight."
I stopped on the bottom step, turning back to look at him with incredulity. "Excuse me?"
"My parents are on their way," he stated flatly. "They’ll be here in ten minutes. Dominic and Victoria want to verify the stability of the pack leadership before the University Gala."
"So that's it?" I laughed bitterly. "We play happy family for Mommy and Daddy? I’m tired of acting, Daemon. If they’re coming, let’s tell them the truth. Let’s tell them we need a Rejection Ceremony."
Daemon crossed the room in three long strides, grabbing my wrist before I could retreat up the stairs. His grip was tight, his face inches from mine.
"You will do no such thing," he hissed. "You think you can manipulate me? Did you cry to Evan at McDonald's about how mean I am, hoping he’d pressure me into a separation?"
Before I could respond, the heavy oak front doors boomed with a rhythmic knock.
"Do I need to remind you what happens to the Wildfire alliance if you embarrass me tonight?"
Daemon’s expression shifted instantly. The snarl vanished, replaced by the stoic, confident mask of the Alpha. He smoothed his lapels and looked at me, a silent command in his eyes.
I took a deep breath, shoving my hatred down into the pit of my stomach. I hated myself for it, but I walked to his side. I slipped my hand into the crook of his arm, plastering a soft, adoring smile onto my face.
The doors opened.
Dominic and Victoria Blackwood stood there. Dominic was a mountain of a man with graying hair and eyes like steel. Victoria was elegant and sharp, her gaze immediately raking over us for any sign of weakness.
"Mother, Father," Daemon said, his voice smooth and respectful. "Welcome."
"We thought we would ensure our son hasn't burned the house down yet," Dominic rumbled, stepping inside.
"Violet," Victoria nodded to me. "You look... different. Healthier.
"I've been training, Victoria," I said, leaning my head against Daemon’s shoulder. "Daemon has been helping me build my endurance. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the ring together."
Daemon stiffened slightly against me, but he played along. "She’s becoming quite a fighter. I’m proud of her."
"Well," Victoria said, standing up finally. "It’s late. We are staying in the east wing tonight. We will see you at breakfast."
"Goodnight, Mother," Daemon said.
We watched them ascend the stairs. As soon as they turned the corner, Daemon dropped my hand like it was burning him. He walked away from me, loosening his tie with jerky, angry movements.
"Go to the room," he muttered. "Don't make them hear us arguing."
I followed him into the master bedroom.
Daemon didn't look at me. He stripped off his shirt, tossing it onto a chair, and walked into the bathroom. I heard the water running.
I changed into my nightgown. I climbed into the far left side of the bed, curling up as close to the edge as possible without falling off.
The bathroom door opened. Daemon walked out, wearing only sweatpants. He turned off the lights, plunging the room into darkness, and got into the other side of the bed.
The mattress dipped under his weight. There were three feet of cold, empty space between us. It felt like an ocean.
"Don't get any ideas," Daemon’s voice cut through the dark, cold and cruel. "Just because you're in my bed doesn't mean I want you."
"Don't worry, Daemon," I whispered into the pillow. "I wouldn't touch you if you were the last man on earth."