Chapter 522
The sex hadn’t been planned, but it had been explosive, leaving Violet more than a little over the moon. When they finally stepped out of the bathroom, steam still clinging to their skin, Violet’s body tingled with the memory of their mouths and hands, every nerve alive as if the bond itself were humming through her veins.
Roman was toweling his hair when he caught sight of her, a wicked grin spreading. “Is it just me, or is our mate actually glowing right now?”
Griffin, bent over as he tugged his briefs up his sculpted ass, shot her a look over his shoulder. His brow arched. “That doesn’t just look like an afterglow.”
Violet blinked down and nearly yelped. Her hands were glowing. Literally. Oh, hell.
Roman’s grin split wide. “I knew it. Someone’s emotions are spilling everywhere, she’s literally glowing from the afterglow.” He leaned closer, wicked amusement dancing in his green eyes. “Tell me, Violet, was the sex that good?”
“Shut up!” Violet’s face went red as she shoved him away, mortified.
Roman’s eyes lit with delight. “Oh, this is so good.” He smirked, circling her like a wolf with prey. “If this is a Fae thing, then I’m obsessed. What else can you do, huh? Turn green with envy? Blue when you’re cold? Pink when you’re horny?”
“That’s enough, Roman.” Griffin was fully dressed now, stepping in to her aid. He turned to Violet. “I think you should calm down and let your color come back to normal.”
“Or Roman purred, eyes traveling down the curve of her body. He lifted a hand toward the sash of her bathrobe, fingers hovering over the loose knot tied at her waist. “We could have a little more fun, and I could discover just how many shades you can turn.” His voice dripped seduction, every word daring her to imagine what he’d do if he tugged that knot free.
Griffin’s hand shot out, smacking Roman’s away before he could touch the sash.
“Ouch!” Roman yelped, though the grin never left his lips. He shot Griffin a playful glare, eyes glinting with mischief.
Griffin ignored Roman completely and placed both hands firmly on her shoulders, his gaze holding hers with intent.
“Now, deep breath,” he instructed softly. “Yes… just like that.”
Violet inhaled shakily, her chest rising, then she exhaled, trying to mimic his calmness.
“Just like you hid your Fae features before, you can do it again.” Griffin encouraged her.
The words settled inside her and Violet remembered what it felt like to look normal. So she tried once again to pull the mask of normalcy over herself, another breath in, another slow breath out. This time she held onto that image until the shimmer dulled and her complexion was back to its human tone.
“Good girl.” Griffin’s lips curved with pride as he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze.
Roman, leaning against the wall, muttered, “Well, let’s hold onto that self-control, sweetheart, because we can’t slip up in front of my father. Not to mention, Alexa.”
And yes, Roman and Violet were going to see Leon Draven—or in Roman’s playful tone, her second father-in-law. Griffin, on the other hand, was going to track down Alaric. It was strange, too strange, that Alaric hadn’t come to see them yet.
Violet would have tagged along with Griffin, but it was proper to pay her respect to Leon first before seeking another male. Besides, if Zara decided to be difficult—and they all knew she didn’t like Violet for her son—Griffin would have far easier access to Alaric than she ever could.
“I’ll be careful,” Violet told Roman as she reached for one of the dresses Irene had set aside for her.
She dropped the bathrobe without hesitation, and of course Roman’s response was immediate. He gave a long, drawn-out cat whistle, eyes shamelessly roaming over her body as if he hadn’t already memorized every inch of it. No matter how many times he stared at her—or had her—he never got enough. Even now, he practically salivated at the sight.
“Mind if I give you a hand?” Roman asked, his tone dripping with suggestion. It was framed like a joke, but Violet knew him too well. If she gave even the slightest wrong answer, he’d have her back in bed in seconds.
Tough luck for him. Violet only rolled her eyes. She was so used to his antics she didn’t even bother rising to the bait anymore.
“I’m done,” Violet announced seconds later, twirling around.
She wore a sleeveless little black dress that skimmed just above her knees. The dress was simple yet classic, the kind of timeless piece that carried elegance without trying too hard. Black, of course, was the unspoken dress code here since everyone was paying respect to “Alpha Henry.”
“You look good in everything,” Griffin commented, his eyes warm as he took her in.
“And you’d look better in my arms,” Roman cut in smoothly, bending his arm so she could slip hers through it.
Violet accepted it before turning her gaze to Griffin. “I don’t know what’s going on, but do well to tell Alaric that I miss him. All of us do.”
Griffin gave a firm nod, promising her. “Don’t worry. I won’t be returning back here without him.”
“Thank you.” Violet’s smile softened as she reached for him briefly before letting go. “See you soon.”
“You too.”
And just like that, Violet and Roman were out the door to see his parents while Griffin went the other way.
On the walk over, every person who passed turned to look at them a second time. The cardinal alphas were a big deal, and the fact she was a “human” with two bonds was an even bigger deal.
It was also a problem.
All eyes were on them, and if push came to shove, escaping would be near impossible. Violet had no doubt Elijah was already being fed their every movement. The thought made her skin prickle uncomfortably.
It wasn’t long before they reached their destination and Roman knocked twice before the door swung open.
“Well, finally Alexa drawled, her eyes sweeping them both with calculated interest. “Come in then, the newest couple.” She stepped aside smoothly, leaving the air thick with her unspoken judgment. Googlá´‡ search.net
Violet glanced at Roman who was already staring at her. Neither of them said a word. Then, together, they walked in.