Violet Forsythe has been through hell.
Her entire family is dead, her daywalker best friend hates her guts, and her vampire boyfriend is giving her the silent treatment all the way from Italy.
But Violet is anything but a quitter, and she has a few...
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"Good morning!" Anita boldly greeted me early the next morning.
I was still in bed, still sleeping, and still felt miffed about her.
"Hi," I grumbled, immediately wishing for the days when I could sleep in, undisturbed.
Ultimately, I decided to let bygones be bygones with Anita. The poor thing was being used as a housekeeper, for God's sake. It didn't feel right for me to beat up on her - even if she still wasn't aware that she was the workplace's designated piñata.
"How was your date last night?" she inquired sunnily as she sat the large golden tray with my breakfast down on the coffee table, as she usually did.
"We broke up," I groaned loudly into my pillow.
"Are you allowed to break up?" she giggled, still hovering by the couches on the other side of the room.
"I'm sure you know more than I do," I grumbled as I dragged myself into an upright position.
"If Alec is your person, then what's the point?" she asked bluntly.
"You're asking an awful lot of questions," I said, giving her a look of annoyance.
"I'm just trying to understand your perspective," Anita said with a wide smile, flashing her perfectly white teeth.
"You're a human baby monitor," I accused her. "Don't even bother putting up a front. I know how you stare when you think I'm not paying attention."
"I'm not-- Violet!" she gasped defensively with exaggerated shock.
"Don't worry about it," I said blandly. "Thank you for breakfast, Anita. You can leave now."
Anita hastily scurried out of the room and I flopped backwards on the mattress.
* * *
The first thing I did with my newfound freedom was beeline straight to the library.
Just as I had hoped, I found Afton at his usual table. Yet again, he was alone.
"Hi, Afton," I greeted him enthusiastically. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," he smiled and gestured to the seat next to him.
"How are you?" I asked as I settled into my seat. I was surprised that I'd managed to get a full grin out of him. "Hopefully I haven't missed too much around here."
"I'm good," he nodded. "It's great to see you again. Things have been pretty quiet without you, if I'm being honest."
"Back to normal, I presume?"
"The quiet doesn't feel the same as it used to," he admitted. "Though, I must admit, it's impressive how you still manage to kick up trouble, even when you're locked away."
I brushed profusely. Then I grimaced.
"I can't control the workplace gossip. And anyway, whoever's talking is probably full of shit," I said vaguely with a shrug.
"Strong words," Afton said with a controlled smile. "Do you even know what I'm referring to?"
"I can only imagine," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Would I be stepping out of line if I asked...?" he trailed off.
"Mistakes were made," I said begrudgingly. I needed to stick to Demetri's story long enough to carry out my kills, then I would set the record straight. Thoroughly.
"Really?" he asked with the most inflection I'd ever heard from him.
"Why? Did somebody die or something?" I asked dryly.
"No. Unless Jane and Felix left with Demetri a few days ago to go kill him in the woods," Afton joked with a small breathless laugh.
"Rough him up, maybe. But Jane usually likes to do that kind of stuff with an audience. I couldn't imagine her leaving the castle to make an example out of someone," I pointed out.
"Fair point," he agreed. "Is Alec upset?"
"Not really," I exhaled. "I don't think so, at least. We broke up last night anyway, but not about that."
"Really?"
"What?" I asked with a laugh.
"There's always something new with you, hm?" Afton chuckled.
"Unfortunately, that seems to be the case," I sighed. "But, enough about me! What have you been up to? How's Chelsea?"
"We're good. Same old, same old," he said. His eyes went soft when he spoke.
"I'm sorry I haven't met her yet," I said with a sheepish smile. "I've been so wrapped up in my own drama. I mean, between juggling the twins, pissing off the coven leaders, and antagonizing the guard - I've been on fire lately."
"It's okay," Afton said with a hearty laugh. "Though it may do you some good to be..."
"Just say it," I laughed.
"Less rambunctious? More agreeable?"
I made a sour face.
"In front of Aro and his brothers, at the very least," he added. "It's just my two cents."
"I know you're probably right," I frowned. "I don't mean to be a pill! I really don't!"
"I'm not going to lie, that's part of why it's so funny."
"Does everyone around here think I'm a joke?" I asked incredulously.
"Does it matter?"
"Eh. Good point," I said, with a sheepish grin. "Where's Chelsea?" I asked nosily.
"She's..."Afton trailed off, listening. "She's close. She's a few chambers down the hall, actually. She doesn't sound busy, at the moment, if you would like to meet her." Excitement sparkled in his eyes at the prospect of seeing his mate.
"Sure," I agreed readily. I wasn't exactly in a rush to meet the higher ranking members of the coven, but I was so relieved to have actual conversations again, so I didn't pass up on the opportunity to be introduced to someone new.
"Wonderful," Afton said with extra warmth. "Let's hurry over before something comes up."
