Scout: Devil's Rose #11

Chapter 19: Major Owens

"They're talking about something intense over there," Nick teases.

I turn around and eye Violet and Alpha who is in a conversation, but I can't tell if it's intense like Nick believes it is or if it just seems like that because it was in the first place.

Instead of digging too deep into their moment, I turn my attention back to Nick who is trying to distract me from talking to him about anything important by talking about his favorite breed of dog.

"I think we shouldn't focus too much on them and focus on you instead."

"Why do you say that?" Nick questions defensively.

"I only say it because I feel like something is going on with you. And we can usually talk about these things," I reply calmly, not letting his frustrated attitude get to me.

He softens slightly but doesn't reveal much else.

"It's fine. I'm just being put to the test by a certain individual."

"Is this person someone you care about?"

Nick takes a big gulp of his drink.

"Yes. Even though I shouldn't the way that I do. I can't help it though."

I nod my head in understanding, knowing exactly what he's talking about. The way I feel around Violet, I shouldn't be feeling that way, but I can't help it either.

She's just brought something new to my life, a feeling that I haven't had before. She's sort of everything that I hoped for. Strong, smart, beautiful, vulnerable, and just like a good person at heart. She just wants the best for everyone.

I haven't known her long, but it's not hard to figure out. I mean, just the way she talks about the people that she cares about, her best friends, I know that she really is one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met.

And yes, I shouldn't be so fucking obsessed with her, realizing the situation that we've met in and what we're facing right now. But I cannot help myself. I want to know her in every way possible.

"I get that this is something you don't want to talk about right now, but I'm here for you when you do. All I ask is that you drive safely. Don't be angry when driving a motorcycle, or at least suppress it during the ride. That's when accidents happen. I'm asking you nicely cause you know that no one else will."

"No, you're right. How I was driving today wasn't okay. I'll do better," Nick acknowledges, clapping me on my upper arm in a silent thank you.

I let him walk away and back into the crowd of people, Fiona giving him a side hug recognition.

I watch them for a brief moment before I feel a gentle hand on my arm. I look to my right and see Violet standing there, looking so fucking gorgeous.

"How are you doing, Scout?"

I turn my body to fully face her, one of my hands sliding around her waist.

"I'm doing good, you?"

"Good. Everyone is so nice. I almost can't stand it."

I chuckle and tug her closer to me, starting to sway to the music and pulling her along with me. She goes along with my movement and rests her hands around the back of my neck.

The world around us disappears as we get stuck in our own little plane of existence.

"You deserve all the kindness in the world, love," I respond, knowing that it is fully true.

"Love?" she questions with her eyebrows scrunching together.

"For the show."

"But Harper isn't around?"