My Alphas' Dark Desires

Chapter 385 385: Let's End It

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~Valerie's POV~

"Is there a problem, Kai? As far as I recall, Valerie and I are dating. And my two weeks with her aren't over."

"Doesn't mean she is your possession."

"And you can see her at another time," Ace countered.

"Seriously, Valerie, do you hear him?"

I couldn't facepalm myself enough even if I wanted to.

"Not now, guys."

"Decide who you want, love," Ace quickly threw me in the middle, wanting me to choose.

I shook my head, but Kai's voice only ended up making it worse.

"Yes, Valerie, make a choice."

My lips pressed into a thin line, and in anger, I voiced my decision. "You know what, this isn't going to work." Their brows creased.

"Yes. Ace, the last time we spoke, it made me realise that this… two weeks dating and sharing, just won't work."

"What… what are you saying?" Ace asked, looking all soft suddenly.

"That's it, I am calling off the deal to date one of my mates for two weeks."

"No," Ace and Kai voiced in unison.

"It's not up for debate, guys. What I realised is that no matter what I do, when dating one guy, I end up hurting the other five. Sorry if you are not okay, but I cannot choose. I cherish you all so much."

Kai's jaw clenched as he took a step closer. "Valerie."

"No. I love you guys. I love all my mates and I want you all but I cannot choose. And I definitely do not want to hurt one to please another."

"Please, Valerie, don't do this."

"You can't do this," Ace argued, stepping closer and holding my hand.

"Sorry, guys, but I can."

"But it's not fair. You spent time with Ace, and now you say you do not want us anymore?" Kai was hurt. I knew it.

"That's not fair, Kai. I spent time with you guys, too."

"Exactly, but you did not say you did not want us, but you spent a few days with him, and you made that decision. What did he put you up to, Val? Did he try to get you for himself?"

"What's that supposed to mean? Ash and I stayed on the sidelines for a long time, watching as you, Dristan, and Xade got your fill of our mate, ate her out, and almost made love to her, and we did not fight. We let you. Now, it's our turn, and you want to go all bullshit on me?"

"Well, isn't it suspicious?"

"No, what is suspicious is that while everyone respected the rules, Dristan went behind our backs to kiss her and go on a date with her. So, if there's anyone I should blame it is him."

"He's not!" I surprised myself as I hollered. "Dristan didn't do anything."

Something flickered in Ace's eyes. "So his kissing you had nothing to do with this, huh, Valerie?"

"No and yes. No, because my decision wasn't based on him. And yes, because I saw how you reacted, how it affected you when he and I kissed. So I made my decision."

"Doesn't excuse the fact that…"

I lifted my palm in Ace's face. "No. I made my decision, and that is it. I don't want to discuss this again. I'm leaving."

—

I did not bother waiting for them anymore and hurried away to class, just wanting to focus on Nightshade for now.

At the close of school, I picked up my bag and headed to the changing room to take off my uniform and put on my training gear and outfit.

On my way out, my phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen to see Storm's name. Of course.

"Hey, Storm," I said, lowering my voice as I stepped into an empty hallway.

"Val, listen up." He went straight to business right away. "I'll go in disguised tonight. I'll get a lock of his hair and talk to him about the plan, and his death."

My grip on the phone tightened. "Storm, are you sure this will work? You're taking a risk."

"It'll work," he replied without a hint of doubt. "Once I have the hair and Dominic J. Harvey on board, everything else will fall into place. Well, not like he cannot be on board."

There was a pause, then I heard that familiar teasing lilt creep into his voice. "See you later, sweet cheeks. You're not in this alone."

Despite the tension twisting in my chest, I couldn't help but smile. "Stay safe, Storm."

"Always do," he said before the call ended.

I slid my phone back into my pocket and took a steadying breath. One step closer. One more secret to keep. Then I turned and headed toward the training field.

By the time I arrived, most of the students were already in their guild groups. The afternoon sun streamed through the tall glass windows, casting long golden streaks across the floor.

The faint hum of chatter filled the air, and the scent of sweat and leather lingered.

That's when I spotted Solstice. She stood by the far wall, practically glowing, her usual composed expression softened by a small, dreamy smile.

"Someone looks happy," I teased as I approached her.

Her eyes widened for a second before she looked away, cheeks flushing pink. My curiosity piqued, I followed her line of sight and caught Riven standing a few feet away, talking animatedly with another student.

Well, that explained the glow.

Before I could say anything, Emerald appeared beside me with her usual mischievous grin. "Guess what Riven and Rain are discussing."

I raised a brow, but Solstice beat me to it. "Um, about the new pairing between Guild One and Guild Two?" she guessed.

"Close," Emerald said, smirking. "More like, 'winner gets to go on a date.' You know, guy stuff."

I snorted. "Typical. Turn everything into a competition."

"Right?" Solstice chuckled, crossing her arms. "But speaking of competitions…" She turned her gaze on Emerald, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. "How's your little sparring partner? You and Rain seem… close lately."

Emerald froze mid-step. "What? No, we're just training partners."

"Training partners who apparently spend more hours together," I said, unable to stop my grin.

"I-It's not what you think!" she stammered, her face turning crimson.

"Well, what do you think I think?"

Solstice burst into laughter. "Oh, come on! You two have been sneaking out after practice for days. Don't tell me all that moaning I heard from the east wing was just combat drills."

"Solstice!" Emerald squeaked, her voice going high-pitched. "We're not, well, maybe once or twice, but that's not… ugh!"

I doubled over laughing, clutching my side. "So, that's a yes?"

Emerald groaned and covered her face with both hands. "Fine! Maybe. But if either of you tells anyone, I'll hex your shampoo."

"Deal," I said between chuckles. "For the record, though, I'm impressed."

"Impressed?" Solstice grinned. "She's glowing brighter than my moonstones."

Emerald swatted at us both, her embarrassment only making us laugh harder.

"And what am I missing?"

I turned to see Isla making her way towards us in her all white outfit.

"Nothing much, just that Emerald's gotten laid with her…"

"Shut up, Valerie," Emeral fhushed me before I could speak more.

"With Rain," Solstice voiced, and Isla's eyes lit up.