Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 429: Where Was Asher?

Who knew all that was needed to change Roman’s mind about her was a little seduction.

Almost immediately, after their little "indulgence", Griffin received the call that Asher had woken. Now they rode together in tense silence toward the hospital, the hum of the car engine doing nothing to ease Violet’s nerves.

She twisted her fingers in her lap, hyperaware of Roman’s thigh pressed against hers and Griffin’s warm presence.

The timing couldn’t have been worse considering she hadn’t visited Asher once during his coma. Not when she had been taken by the mating fever, the East Pack customs, and finally had to rush back to the academy. And now, the moment she resolves to finally see him, he wakes up.

Yet through it all, Asher had never left her thoughts. Violet just prayed he’d understand.

"So how does this work exactly?" Roman’s voice cut through the silence, his fingers drumming against the leather seat.

Oscar, who served as the driver, kept his eyes fixed on the road, the beta’s neutrality giving nothing away as Violet sat bookended between Griffin and Roman in the back.

"Just like we were, Roman. Like nothing ever changed," Violet said.

"But something did change," Roman argued. "You’re bonded to Griffin. That’s something the rest of us don’t have. No matter how much you try to play it down, Violet, the feelings you have for us will never amount to the bond you share with him. Even if we somehow end up together, we’d be struggling for scraps. The real deal is you and Griffin."

"The prophecy says Violet will unite the pack," Griffin interjected.

"Yeah, by having us bonded to her too," Roman muttered. "I just don’t see how or when that’s going to happen. Or even how it unites the pack."

"There’s more you don’t know, Roman..." Violet confessed hesitantly. "About me."

"What is it?" Roman asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I’ll tell you when we get there," she replied.

For all Violet knew, this could come back to bite her if the cardinal alphas betrayed her. But she was willing to take that chance and trust them for once.

They continued the ride in silence, and it wasn’t long before they arrived at the hospital. Violet stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air brushing against her skin as she clutched the fruit basket tightly in her hands.

Together with Griffin and Roman, they walked toward the entrance. The hospital’s glass doors slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing a bright, bustling lobby filled with the smell of antiseptic and the murmur of conversations.

All three of them made their way to the elevator, silence enveloping them as it ascended. noveldrama

When the elevator doors slid open, they stepped into the hallway. Violet’s pulse quickened as they approached Asher’s room, but her anticipation was abruptly halted by the sight of two guards standing in front of the door.

Griffin stepped forward. "I’m Griffin Hale," he introduced himself, but the guards merely acknowledged him, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

"We know who you are," the guard replied, his tone flat. "You’re not permitted inside."

Griffin’s brow furrowed, frustration creeping into his voice. "I don’t understand. Why are we not permitted inside? Who made that decision? I need to see Asher."

"The decision is from Alpha Henry," the guard stated, his gaze unwavering.

Violet felt a chill run down her spine at the mention of Henry’s name. She exchanged a worried glance with Griffin, who was clearly struggling to maintain his composure. Sensing the tension escalating, Roman stepped forward, his posture filled with confidence.

"Let me handle this," he said, his voice smooth and charming. He approached the guards with an air of authority. "You know me, right?"

The guard’s expression remained cold, and unyielding. "Not even you, Roman Draven, is permitted inside."

At once, Roman’s demeanor shifted. The charm faded, and was replaced by a dark intensity that radiated from him. "I am going inside, and you won’t stop me!"

"Or what?" a voice interjected, cutting through the tension like a knife.

They all turned to see Alpha Henry approaching, his presence intimidating.

"Alpha Henry," Griffin and Roman greeted with forced politeness, the unease in the air rising.

Violet remained silent, her jaw clenched. As long as she lived, that man didn’t deserve her respect. The mere sight of him ignited a fire of resentment within her, as she was reminded of all the pain he had caused Asher.

"Roman Draven, Griffin Hale, and his mate," Henry drawled, his gaze finally landing on Violet. A sneer curled his lips, as if he found her presence distasteful. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Violet met his gaze boldly. "The pleasure is not yours. We are only here to see Asher."

Henry’s expression darkened. "You would do well to mind that tongue around me, you insolent bitch." He took a menacing step forward.

But Griffin was quick to react, stepping protectively in front of Violet, a low growl escaping his throat. The air crackled with tension as the two men faced off, their instincts flaring.

Henry remained calm, though the glare he directed at Violet was deadly. He took a deep breath, restraining himself. "Asher has no intention of seeing you," he stated, his voice dripping with condescension.

"I don’t believe you," Violet shot back, her voice firm despite the sudden fear brewing inside her. It was a lie. She could feel it. Asher would not say that.

"Is that so?" Henry scoffed, amusement in his eyes. He turned to the guard. "Let them in."

The guards stepped aside, and Violet, Griffin, and Roman entered the room with Henry following closely behind. But as they crossed the threshold, confusion took hold because there was no sign of Asher.

Henry froze, his expression shifting from arrogance to alarm. "Where is Asher?" he demanded.

Roman retorted, "We should be the ones asking you that."

Henry’s eyes widened in realization, and he rushed into the adjoining restroom, his heart pounding in his chest. The seconds stretched into an eternity as he searched the small space, but there was no sign of his son. Panic clawed at him as he returned to the main room, the truth dawning on him like a dark cloud. Asher was gone.

That fucking useless son of his!