My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 323

Chapter 323: Cornered

****************

Chapter 323

~Author’s POV~

Riven leaned against the railing of the west wing balcony, arms crossed as his sharp eyes scanned the school grounds below.

His black hair glinted faintly in the afternoon light, but his thoughts weren’t on the scenery. They were on her instead.

Dristan appeared a moment later. He stopped beside Riven, folding his arms as well, though his gaze was far colder.

"You’re thinking about Valerie, right?" Dristan said flatly.

Riven’s lips curved into a wry grin. "What gave me away?"

"You’re a poor liar," Dristan replied. "And besides, shouldn’t your attention be on your own mate now? Not on mine?"

Riven chuckled softly, though his eyes felt like they held more weight. "I won’t deny it. I like Valerie. I was ready to fight for her, you know. But fate has its sense of humour."

He paused, inhaled and looked away. "Now her friend is my mate. And honestly? I don’t know what to feel. Solstice’s not bad. She’s chaos, like your mate, but she needs me. And I... I think I need her too."

Dristan’s jaw tightened. "You’re clearly confused. Are you saying you’re rejecting the bond?"

Riven smirked and tilted his head toward him. "Why? So you can keep Valerie to yourself, and stay betrothed to her at the same time?"

That struck. Dristan’s eyes narrowed, and for once, his mask faltered.

"You’re surprised," Riven drawled. "Don’t be. I have sharper hearing than any wolf here. I overheard everything. Secrets don’t stay secrets around me."

For a moment, Dristan said nothing, his silence heavier than words. Riven sighed and pushed away from the railing.

"You can’t eat your cake and have it."

"It’s have your cake and eat it," Dristan corrected tersely.

"I know," Riven said with a half-smile. "But I wanted you to understand exactly what I meant."

Dristan’s hands clenched at his sides. His voice, though controlled, carried an edge.

"I know what I want. And it’s not some game. I love Valerie and not your mate, Solstice. Whatever name she goes by—Silver, Solstice, Aura—it doesn’t matter. She’s not Valerie. And I love Valerie."

"Then make her realise it," Riven countered. His tone dropped lower, almost threatening. "Or I will—"

The air shifted instantly. Dristan’s aura surged outward, thick and suffocating, pressing down on Riven like a storm. His eyes gleamed dangerously as he cut him off.

"You aren’t her mate."

Riven only smirked, refusing to flinch. "And who says she has to end up with her mates? All it takes is one mistake, one slip—"

Dristan’s expression hardened to stone. "Don’t push your luck. Don’t be greedy. Valerie belongs to us. You’re not part of her six. Stick with your mate."

"Who knows?"

"Suit yourself," Dristan shot back.

With that, he turned sharply, hands sliding into his pockets as he walked away, every step a dismissal.

Riven watched him go, a sly smile curving his lips. He tilted his head back, eyes glinting with mischief and intent.

"You’re trouble, Valerie," he murmured. "But maybe... I’ll find another way to make you mine."

****************

~Valerie’s POV~

Spending time with Ace was good but when we returned, reality struck back.

Thankfully, Ace said he’d speak to our Professor concerning my skipping school, and I had nothing to worry about.

But that did not exclude my cousin or friends.

We didn’t spend long at his place, and by the time we arrived, it was lunch break.

Rather than hiding, I headed back to my locker to pick up a few books in preparation for my following classes.

Just as I closed the locker, I jolted where I stood when I saw Emerald, Isla and Solstice, standing there.

"Jeez, girls, be careful. You could scare a girl with that look."

"That’s the idea. Where have you been?" Isla questioned. "It’s not like you to skip class. So...?"

"I needed a break."

"From what?" Emerald popped the question.

"Marianne or Riven?" Isla asked.

"I..." I glanced at the side where I saw Solstice shift and lower her head like she knew something.

"It’s nothing. I’m happy my... Solstice has found her mate."

"And he was one of your crushes," Emerald noted outwardly.

Isla immediately poked her with her elbow.

She glanced at Solstice and me, then gave us an apologetic look.

"It’s okay. Like I said, I’m happy for her. I’m happy Riven would have someone like her. He deserves her."

"Really? You mean that?"

It was the first time she spoke since my return.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify