Violet’s P.O.V.The medic stitching his chest flinched as he growled but resumed threading the needle through his flesh again and again. “You saved me though.” He ground out, “You made me realize that what I want does matter, and that I have every right to reach out and take it. Cole is supposed to be that for her, but she’s too fucking heartless to see it.”I shook my head in denial, a strange lump in my throat reserved for Mykelle alone.“It’s not that she’s heartless…Cole just came too late. It’s up to her to save herself now, and we need to give her the chance to do it. She deserves it, and so does Cole. Imani isn’t around to dictate her life anymore.”Hael’s shoulders dropped, and I knew it wasn’t because the medic had finished stitching up his chest. He stared up at me with eyes of unfathomable cruelty, ones that held warmth only when they fell upon my face. I basked in those flames, taking pride in knowing they lived and breathed for me alone.That was okay with me. If I needed

Violet’s P.O.V.I could’ve spent the rest of the night in Hael’s arms, but fate had other plans.That being said, I couldn’t particularly complain when we opened the door to find Norma’s smiling face beaming up at us. There was a knowing glint in her eyes that I willfully ignored, and thankfully she didn’t feel the need to comment.“Norma, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be back at Sylvia’s.” I said, leaning against the doorframe. Hael appeared from the bathroom, dressed in clean, blood-free clothes.“Hah! You think I’d miss that one fightin’ his old man? Not a chance. Had to see for myself that you’re alright.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she scanned Hael’s form. “You good, kid?”Hael slithered up behind me. I didn’t need to turn to feel his presence lurking over my shoulder. Now that the bond was complete, it felt like a tether binding us together.“I’ve had worse injuries.” Norma’s lips fell at his confession.She grimaced, “And your arm?”Hael lifted the limb his

Hael’s P.O.V.An hour had passed since I said goodbye to my father.Violet sat curled up on the sofa at my newly acquired house, wrapped in my arms where I knew she’d always be safe. A comfortable silence settled over us both. The kind of silence where words were no longer needed.As she stared into the flames licking up the brick walls of the fireplace, I thought about her earlier words, and the estate I had once called my home.The memories ran deep here, flowing through my veins like a poison designed to kill. Tonight I had taken the first step towards ridding myself of it, and I couldn’t help but wonder if demolishing this house would be the cure I needed.Amusement warmed my chest as I thought of all the things Violet might do should she have her own home to decorate and design. We’d have a state-of-the-art kitchen, packed with everything she could ever want or need.I’d listen from the shadows while she baked, humming to herself as she always did. While the cookies and cakes sat

Violet’s P.O.V.Days passed since Arianna, Cole’s twin sister, confirmed the worst.Lorenzo’s father was not Dominic, and that indescribable peace I’d been feeling had slipped through my fingers like freshly melted snow.Whoever claimed that time heals all, clearly wasn’t talking about fear, because I was as terrified as ever. To make matters worse, hours after speaking with Arianna we arrived back at Sylvia’s estate to find a letter resting on the pillow atop my bed.The red envelope was identical to the stack my mother had received over the years. Inside was a note—a note with two words that made my blood run cold.‘Always mine.’ It could’ve been there minutes, hours, or even days.After that, Hael gifted me a replacement necklace. The one that led him to the abandoned mall had been destroyed when I shifted. This one was of the same design, a padlock with the words my heart engraved in the metal. The only difference was that it was on a chord and not a chain. While it could be cut

Violet’s P.O.V.What Holden had done those weeks ago was a mistake. I knew that, but I wasn’t going to make excuses for his behavior. He could’ve controlled himself, but he chose not to. I didn’t owe him forgiveness or even a drop of my time. I didn’t owe him anything.My confidence wavered slightly as we pulled up to the three-story colonial house. Olive’s flashy sports car sat out front, soaking up the afternoon sun.I quickly texted Olive letting her know I was here and settled into the seat as I waited. The minutes ticked by without a response or glimpse of Olive through the massive arched windows.This wasn’t the first time she’d gotten absorbed into her schoolwork. In fact, it was a common occurrence with her. As time continued to pass, I began thinking about what a coward I must look like avoiding Holden like the plague.Steeling my nerves, I pocketed my phone and told the driver I’d be hitching a ride with Olive.My fist didn’t so much as tremble as I knocked on the front door