Forbidden Love

Violet stared up at the imposing iron gates of the mansion that would now be her new home. She shivered, though not from the cold October air. Moving in with her mother Susan and new stepfather Edward after her father's passing already felt unreal, but the gothic mansion looming before her made it all the more ominous. Reluctantly, she rolled her suitcase up the cobblestone driveway. Her mother had reassured her Edward was kind and generous, always away on business. But Violet also knew he was rich and successful for a man barely in his 30s. What was his secret? She hesitated before ringing the heavy door knocker. This would be her first time meeting him. The door creaked open, and her mother's face peered out. "Violet! I'm so glad you made it safely," Susan said, embracing her. Violet noticed she looked tired but still beautiful, her blond hair framing her delicate face. "Where's Edward?" Violet asked as she stepped inside, gazing around the home filled with antique furnishings and ornate rugs. "He's away on a last minute business trip but is very excited to meet you," Susan replied. "Come, I'll show you to your room so you can settle in before your first day at the new school tomorrow." Violet followed her up the winding staircase. She paused on the landing, feeling an odd chill. Down below, the front door slowly opened again. A boy strode in, dressed in a black leather jacket. His emerald eyes flashed up to meet hers. Violet's breath caught. He had an otherworldly, dangerous beauty about him. "Hunter!" Susan called in delight. "Come meet Violet, your new stepsister." Stepsister? Violet thought in confusion. But realization quickly dawned. This must be Edward's son from a previous marriage. Her new stepbrother. Hunter bounded up the stairs, his gaze never leaving Violet. He stopped uncomfortably close to her. "Welcome to hell, my sister," he murmured, a twisted smile crossing his face, before brushing past her down the hall. Violet's unease grew. She had a feeling school tomorrow would be far from welcoming. Violet tossed and turned all night, haunted by strange nightmares featuring Hunter's intense green eyes and cryptic warning. Before she knew it, her alarm was blaring and it was time to get ready for her first day at the new school. She slowly dressed in jeans and a sweater, trying to calm her nerves. Just get through today, she told herself. Downstairs, the house was empty. Her mother had left a note saying she was running errands and that Violet should have a good first day. No sign of Hunter either. Violet let out a small breath of relief. The walk to school was short. Violet took in the manicured lawns and extravagant homes of the neighborhood. Her private school had sounded elite, but this was on another level. As the imposing Gothic stone school came into view, Violet steadied herself. She could do this. Blending in would be key. But when she stepped onto the campus, dozens of heads turned to stare. Whispers and murmurs trailed her as she hurried to the office to get her schedule. News of the new girl had spread fast in this small, privileged town. Violet kept her eyes down as she navigated the ornate hallways to her first class. She took a seat at an empty desk, avoiding eye contact. A few minutes later, a hush fell over the room. Violet glanced up and her heart dropped. Hunter strode through the door, his gaze zeroing in on her. He gave her a knowing smirk before taking the desk directly behind hers. Great, so much for blending in, Violet thought miserably. She could feel Hunter's presence like a shadow looming over her all morning. His attention was clearly unwanted, but Violet had a feeling deterring Hunter would be nearly impossible. She was caught in her stepbrother's crosshairs, whether she liked it or not.