My Alphas' Dark Desires

Chapter 375 375: Non Date: Havana Starlight

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~Valerie's POV~

Everything my uncle gave me was useful, but that was just one aspect. Now, I had to tail my target and find the right opening.

Understand his routine, his shifts, his meetings—only then could I act. And today, my chance was at the Havana Starlight.

Well, technically not in it. My so-called date with Dristan wasn't supposed to be in one of the fanciest restaurants in the whole Middle Belt region, but in the one opposite—Gracevine. Simple, not too classy, but with a quiet charm that appealed to me.

We parked, and just as I was about to step into Gracevine, Dristan's hand caught mine. His grip was warm, steady, and for some reason, it sent a small jolt through my chest.

My gaze dropped to his hand, then up to his face. "Dristan."

"Why are we eating here, at an antique shop," he said, his tone almost teasing, "when Havana is right there?"

"I… well, I just felt like a change," I muttered, trying to sound convincing.

"Nah," he said, smirking faintly. "I'm guessing you've never dined in Havana before, have you, Valerie?"

The confidence in his tone made me want to deny it, but I couldn't. He was right. If life hadn't shackled me in my uncle's pack, I would've explored the world with my parents. But life had other plans.

"No," I said simply. "Besides, it's not a date."

He gave a short laugh. "Anytime spent with you, Valerie, is more than enough of a date for me."

I rolled my eyes. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," he said, unlocking the car again. "But if I'm spending time with you, we're doing it properly."

"Properly?"

"At Havana."

I wanted to protest, but his expression was firm, the kind that left no room for argument. So I sighed and followed him.

Inside, the cool air greeted us first, carrying the faint scent of roses and expensive wine. A hostess recognized Dristan immediately, and within minutes, we were escorted to one of the VVIP suite.

I chose the seat by the window when we got inside. The city lights below were blurred through the glass, and from here, I could see Gracevine across the street—its soft yellow glow looked almost humble compared to Havana's glittering crystal chandeliers.

Dristan didn't mind my choice of seat. He just smiled faintly and sat across from me. "You like windows."

"I like open views," I replied. "They make me feel… less boxed in."

"Understandable," he murmured, his gaze flicking briefly toward the night sky.

As we waited for our meal, the silence grew soft but not uncomfortable. Dristan was the one to break it. "Tell me something, Valerie."

"What do you want to know about?"

"Umm, you."

"Me?"

"Yes. What was your childhood like?"

I blinked at the question. "My childhood?"

"Yeah." He leaned forward slightly. "I realize I know almost nothing about you."

"That's not true."

"Is it, really?"

I hesitated, tracing the rim of my glass with my finger. My throat tightened, and I could feel him watching me closely.

"You know my birthday."

"Yes, but not your favorite color. Do you even have one?"

"Take a wild guess."

"Black and Purple."

My brows creased. "Why purple?"

"I got black, right?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Yes."

"Okay, purple because, I dunno, somehow I see violet matching you on a whole different plane. Also, your surname Nightshade evokes dark, mysterious colors like purple, black, or dark blue."

The more Dritsan spoke, the angrier I became as Nightshade represented something for me.

The day it began, the day it ended, and darkness.

"Got it right?"

I smiled softly. I loved black and hated purple because of Nightshade Thorn, even though that was my eye and hair color.

"Fine," I said finally. "You're right."

He nodded, encouragingly.

"I… had a nice childhood," I began slowly. "My parents adored me. Our pack was peaceful, our home was warm. I was… loved." My voice faltered a little, and I took a deep breath. "Until one day, I lost them both. Accident."

Dristan's expression softened immediately. "Valerie, I…"

"It's okay," I cut in, giving him a small smile. "It happened a long time ago."

"Still," he said quietly, "it's hard to forget. I can barely forget my mum, let alone losing both parents."

I looked at him, his blue eye glinting faintly under the dim chandelier. "It is what it is."

"So after that," he asked, "where did you stay? Who raised you?"

"My uncle," I replied. "After the accident, he took me in. I was nine."

"And you never went out? Family trips, vacations, first shift, wolf run with family… anything?"

"Not really."

He paused, chuckling faintly. "Oh, sorry, you shifted in school, didn't you?"

I nodded, smiling slightly. "Yeah. Pretty late, too."

"Speaking of shifting and runs," he said, eyes lighting up a bit, "you and I never got that chance."

I blinked. "Chance?"

"To run together. I'd like to do that when we get back."

I laughed softly. "I can't."

"Why not? Don't be shy."

"I'm not."

"Good. Then you shouldn't be shy about getting naked and shifting."

I groaned, blowing air through my lips. "You wish. I'm not shy, but no."

Dristan grinned and leaned back in his chair. "I'll convince you another time. So no outings, no runs… sounds like you were caged in."

"Technically, yes," I said. "After my parents died, my uncle became… protective. He blamed himself for not being there that day."

"Try as he might," Dristan said quietly, "there's nothing he could've done."

I shook my head. "No, but he was supposed to meet them that day. He would've been with them."

"Then he'd have died too," Dristan replied firmly, "and you would've been alone. I'm glad that despite everything, you're here. Safe."

He reached across the table and touched my hand gently. The warmth from his fingers startled me, and I quickly pulled my hand back. "Too bad my parents didn't have such luck," I murmured.

Silence stretched. Then I heard something—doors closing outside the suite. My heart skipped a beat.

Through the glass partition, I saw movement. Dominic Harvey. The man I was sent to kill.

My breath caught.

"I'll be right back," I said quickly, pushing my chair back. "Just need the restroom, clear my head a bit."

Before Dristan could react, I was already halfway to the door, until his voice stopped me.

"Where are you going, love?" he said lightly. "There's a restroom right in here."

I tightened my grip on my phone and turned with a polite smile. "Of course."

Footsteps echoed outside. Then a voice—firm, masculine. "Right here, Mr. Harvey. This is the VVIP suite you booked. Your partner is waiting."