Chapter 64
She brought up class, the usual things until it got a bit awkward. Quiet. And I figure it was as good as time as ever to apologize.
I cleared my throat. “Viv, about the Alpha Ball-”
She lifted a hand, silencing me with a gentle motion.
“You know Dom,” she murmured, “My mom, my real mom-before she died-always used to tell me fate had a way. That everything would work out. And I believed that for awhile. That people are destined for certain things and it would just happen. But then…it didn’t. At least not for me. So, I don’t believe in fate. But I believe in… results. In making the future you want even if it isn’t handed to you.” Her lashes fluttered, softening. “I guess what I mean to say is… it hurt when you left me that night. Really hurt.”
I felt that guilt again. Heavy. Annoying.
“Viv-”
“It’s okay,” she added quietly, “I know fate can make things confusing, the the goddess throwing Ellie on you. Bonded feelings aren’t easy to navigate and I’m not blaming you for that instinct. You’re an Alpha after all.”
I stared at her, not sure what to think as she just smile bright. “I will say,” She continued, “None of that hurt as much as seeing Ellie walk out of your room the next morning.”
I stopped walking.
“So…” My head tilted. “You saw? Are you the one who spread the rumors-
She raised a hand, “No no, Ellie is still my sister. I would never. I just wasn’t the only one who saw her leave.”
“Right,” I mumbled, rubbing my neck. “Nothing even happened.”
Her head perked up as I raked a hand through my hair. “She was drugged. I didn’t know at first but it was a pheromone-type enhancer. She…wasn’t herself.”
Vivian blinked up at me with wide, practiced concern. “Drugged? Oh Gods, that’s horrible. Is she okay?”
I nodded. “She’s fine. But she doesn’t remember everything.”
I think. Doesn’t help that I did. My mind flashing to my hand slipping up her soft skin. I shook my head.
But Vivian’s reaction was… odd. Her face softened, but her body went still for a moment.
“She’s lucky it was you who found her,” Vivian said sweetly.
Lucky wasn’t the word I’d use. More like ‘furious at me for it.’
Vivian took a breath, clasping her hands again. “Dom… can I ask for one thing? To make things right between us?”
I nodded slowly. “What is it?”
She stepped closer, voice dropping. “To be honest…I’m jealous.” Her hand moved to my chest, and I stiffened. ” That bite mark you promised me. I want it.” Her gaze flicked up shyly, but her smile didn’t match her eyes. Publicly. At school. Somewhere everyone can see.”
I froze. The mate stimulation mark? Now?
1/2
+25 Bonus
I was about to say no when a thought crossed my mind.
Ellie had worn Lucas’s stupid scent and mark on her neck for a week. She hadn’t cared. I scowld.
Still… something twisted in my chest.
“I don’t know, Viv,” I muttered. “I’m not in-
“Please,” she said quickly. “It’s one mark. One moment. You owe me that much, don’t you?”
And damn it-I kinda did.
I swallowed, looking away. “Fine. Once. Just once.”
Vivian lit up like she’d been handed the crown itself. She immediately linked her arm through mine, leaning into my shoulder.
“I’m so happy, Dom,” she chirped. “Really.”
I nodded, trying to convince myself this wasn’t a mistake.
It was harmless.
I owed her.
Nothing more.
And Ellie wouldn’t care. She made that painfully clear.
Gods, how did these two sisters manage to be the bane of my problems.
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