#Chapter 12 the secret

Violet The tension in my body slowly ebbed away as I let him hold me. I wanted to relax, but I couldn't let myself forget that he was still an arrogant jerk. "Thank you," I said, all the same. "You're welcome," he said softly. "I meant what I said before. You're safe with me." "If I could believe that, I don't think I'd be here." He chuckled. "Is that a jab at me as a man or an alpha?" I snorted, feeling the tension start to drain out of me. "A person. I'd never compare you to Lucas on either front." "No?" I scoffed. "Not to inflate your ego, but you and I both know that there's no competition in either avenue." "... why don't you just formally challenge him?" "While suffering from the mark?" "You don't think you could take him?" I scoffed. "I think it would be foolish to take the chance to leave myself open to such a large handicap." "... How about challenge by proxy?" I laughed. "And what? Call you? Your brother would never sanction that." He grinn