Chapter 296: No Excuses

~Asher~

Asher Nightshade was not done kissing her. No, he was just getting started. He had craved Violet for so long that now that he had her, he wanted to devour her. To know every bit of her and what made her tick.

In the past, that had been easier with the use of his mind power. He could get all the answers he needed without breaking a sweat. And while he might have moaned the inability to use his powers at first, Asher had to admit that having to work for it was a little exciting.

The fact he had won without the powers he so heavily relied on was so much more satisfying. Right now, adrenaline was pumping through him, his heart pounding loud and strong, his body strung tight with the need to claim her. But patience.

He was the big, bad wolf. And he would certainly devour her—but not here. Not in a classroom where anyone could walk in. His purple queen deserved better. When he claimed her, it would be just them both. Alone. For as long as he wanted.

Mine.

She was his. Theirs. But his first.

With their lips still fused together, Asher walked her backward and she instinctively wrapped her legs around him until he placed her safely on one of the desks.

Then he parted her thighs, wedging himself between them. His hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her flush against him, grinding her into the obvious bulge in his trousers even as their kiss turned dirtier.

Their tongues moved in rhythm, and Asher groaned greedily, tasting the inside of her mouth like it was the sweetest thing he’d ever had. And he could’ve drowned in it if not for the sudden, obnoxious sound of a ringing phone.

It wasn’t his phone because that wasn’t her ringtone. It had to be Violet’s. But he didn’t want her answering it.

So he kissed her harder, hoping the distraction would work and the damn thing would shut its mouth.

It did stop ringing, and Asher rejoiced inwardly. Finally, just him, the wolf, and his little sweet Purple Lamb.

But no sooner had that thought crossed his mind, the phone blared again. Oh, for heaven’s sake.

"Asher—mmm—no, Ash, umm—wait, Asher—" Violet struggled, managing to push him off by sheer willpower because, clearly, the guy was intent on kissing the soul out of her.

Asher Nightshade groaned, annoyed. "Next time we’re together, you’re turning that phone off."

Violet didn’t answer, her brows drawn in confusion as she stared at the screen. The number was unfamiliar, and the call had already ended again before she could answer.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Don’t know," Violet replied, still frowning.

"Great," Asher muttered, throwing his head back. "I just ended the best make-out session of my life for an unknown number."

The moment the number called again, Violet didn’t hesitate and picked the call with a cautious, "Hello?"

What followed made her stiffen instantly.

"Hello, Violet. It’s me."

Violet’s breath caught in her throat and her fingers clenched around the phone. It seemed like a wrecking ball just came crashing into her and Asher, who had been beside her, immediately noticed the shift in her aura. His gaze sharpened.

"Who is it?" he asked.

Violet swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She hesitated at first, then forced the name out through gritted teeth.

"Nancy."

The moment the name left her lips, a dark cloud settled in the room. Asher’s expression changed, but Violet didn’t notice it because her fury had already taken the reins.

"Finally," she said into the phone, her voice thick with venom. "My guardian remembers I exist."

On the other line, Nancy’s voice cracked with guilt. "I know no excuse can make up for my behavior—"

"Damn right, no excuse is enough!" Violet snapped, her voice rising. "You might not be my biological mother, but you don’t get to disappear suddenly and waltz back in when it’s convenient for you!"

"Violet, please. Listen to me. I had a valid reason, alright? I-I lost my phone and I couldn’t reach you and—!"

Violet didn’t get to hear the rest because

the phone was yanked out of her hand.

"What the hell?!" she snapped, turning just in time to see Asher with the phone already at his ear.

"Give it back!" Violet reached for it angrily but Asher ignored her.

From the phone came Nancy’s confused voice. "Hello? Violet? Are you there?"

Then Asher answered, "I’ll handle this, Nancy." And just like that, he ended the call.

The tension in the room was so thick, it crackled like a live wire.

Violet’s eyes had darkened with anger and suspicion and she asked with a taut tone, "How did you know my mother?"

There was no mistaking it now. Asher didn’t care about most people. He never did. Not unless they meant something to him. And the way he spoke to Nancy wasn’t how you addressed someone you had never met.

"I know you’re not human. You never were. There’s always been something off about you." Asher confessed.

But that wasn’t what mattered most. That wasn’t what Violet wanted to hear.

"How did you meet my mother?" she pressed, again, her voice firmer.

Asher let out a slow breath, his shoulders tense, jaw clenching. There was no point hiding it now.

"I visited District One," he admitted. "I went to your place, Violet."

Violet didn’t flinch. Didn’t move. Her expression remained blank, but those betrayed, hollow eyes cut right through him. It was like she was staring at a stranger.

"So that’s why you wanted me," she said quietly. "To figure out what I am. Is that all that matters to you, what I am?"

Asher growled, "No! Violet, you know that’s not true."

But she wasn’t listening anymore. She was already building the wall back up, brick by brick, as every memory she’d shared with him shattered.

"I should’ve listened to the others when they warned me about your intentions," she whispered bitterly. "You’re no good for me. Even if I ripped out my heart and handed it to you, you’d never be content. You’d never stop scheming. Never stop chasing whatever ulterior motive you’ve buried underneath that pretty face."

She turned away, brushing her fingers over her wrinkled uniform, smoothing herself like armor as she prepared to leave.

"Violet, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just—"

She spun around with blazing eyes, getting right in his face.

"You had no right!" she hissed. "How dare you go behind my back to meet my mother?! To look into my past like it’s some puzzle you need to solve?! How dare you!"

"I know. I know, Violet. But I—"

It was quite unfortunate that Violet ignored his excuses and stormed out.