My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 316

Chapter 316: Birthday Gift

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Chapter 316

~Valerie’s POV~

"She’s..."

"Marianne!" an unfamiliar voice called out her name and she whipped her head in that direction.

"The merchant’s daughter," I completed for Isla.

"The what?"

"I know her. She once had my necklace around her neck."

"How?" Isla asked now turning to face me.

"That’s because her father tried to buy it and take it forcefully from me after it was first stolen."

My mind flickered to that night. The day I tracked the thief and went to track him down, only to be ambushed by guards in her father’s guild.

If the alphas hadn’t arrived when they came, after the parallys kicked in, I wasn’t sure what I would have one.

My gaze darkened, my murderous intent spilling into the atmosphere.

"Valerie, don’t," Isla’s voice reached my ears, making me halt before I can take another step forward. "Don’t. Let’s go."

I inhaled and nodded and walked away.

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~Solstice’s POV~

I had been so caught up in everything happening lately that I almost forgot the very reason I’d returned home in the first place.

Ever since I discovered Mum was pregnant, life had shifted in quiet but meaningful ways.

My parents didn’t scold me as much anymore, and the atmosphere in the house felt... softer.

Life was good—or at least, it should have been.

But no matter how I tried, I couldn’t ignore the faint ache in my chest every time my eyes landed on Valerie’s picture on my desk or whenever something—anything—reminded me of her.

She hadn’t called all morning. That silence weighed on me more than I cared to admit.

Perhaps something was going on in school that made her forget. Still, I wasn’t angry at Valerie. Instead, I wanted to return and help her, but I couldn’t.

"Should I give her a call?"

I stood before the mirror in my room, smoothing down the shimmering blue bodycon gown that hugged every curve with precision.

The fabric caught the light with each movement, a ripple of sapphire and moonlight. On my vanity sat a delicate silver tiara, its crystals winking like tiny stars.

On my birthday, dad had planned on announcing me as his heiress. Although I used to think Storm would be given that title but, I discovered his father’s pack was still there for him to rule.

Hence, a true Gold heir could only take that place.

My reflection looked every inch the poised young woman I was supposed to be today, but my eyes betrayed me—restless, searching.

Valerie, where are you?

The click of the door opening pulled me from my thoughts.

"Mum," I breathed.

She stepped inside, as graceful as always. The fitted black gown she wore made her look effortlessly regal, coupled with the soft waves of her blonde hair spilling over her shoulders as she crossed the room.

She leaned down, kissed my cheek lightly, and studied me with that sharp, knowing gaze only mothers have.

"What’s wrong?" she asked, her tone gentle yet specific.

I hesitated before answering. "I just... I miss Valerie."

Her lips curved in a small, understanding smile. "You’ll see her soon enough, darling. She’ll be back for the break."

"Yes, but that’s still a month away."

Mum reached for the tiara, her fingers deft as she settled it into place atop my hair. "It’s your coming-of-age birthday. Today, we celebrate you."

She stepped back to admire her work, and I gave a small smile. "Mum..."

"Shh, you had your first shift at night, pumpkin." Her eyes lit up. "And your wolf? Have you connected? What’s her name?"

"Yes. Her name is Equinox," I said softly, loving the way her name rolled off my lips. This was another surprise I wanted to share with Valerie.

Before Mum could respond, the door opened again. This time, the air seemed to shift, carrying a sharper, more commanding presence.

"Dad," I greeted, smiling.

He filled the doorway, with every inch the Alpha he was.

His sleek blond hair was combed back, his suit perfectly tailored to match Mum’s in tone and formality.

He crossed the room in long strides, pulled me into a firm hug, and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

"Happy birthday, Solstice," he murmured.

"Thank you," I replied, still wrapped in the warmth of his presence.

He pulled back and turned to look at Mum. "My two beautiful angels."

"Don’t you mean three?"

"Oh, you mean the baby," Dad chuckled, but I shook my head.

"Your niece. Aunt Zara’s daughter, Valerie."

At the mention of Valerie, his face darkened somewhat.

"So, are you going to tell Valerie you’re coming or surprise her?"

My eyes twinkled as my smile pulled back. "What do you think?"

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~Valerie’s POV~

Ever since Isla made me stop my advance towards Marianne, I hadn’t been myself.

And the one thing I should have remembered, I completely forgot.

How I came to PSA and every rough moment I had since then before getting my necklace back, all came rushing through my mind.

I hated that she and her greedy father refused to back down and came for what was mine.

I knew going to the Alphas would help me get it back, particularly if they threatened her father, but I didn’t go.

For one, I still suspected their attitude towards me yesterday.

And if they knew I could shut my heat down, which would not give them any reason to easily take me, would they agree to it or...?

I sighed and was about to leave class at the close of day when I spotted Isla and Emerald walking towards me.

"Em? Isla?"

"I heard," Emerald said bluntly. "If Astraea or Titania cloaked the necklace and you are sure she’s probably with it, then are you ready we should try a more powerful spell?"

Without waiting for a passing second, I answered sharply.

"Yes. Try everything. I don’t even mind snaking into her room just to search."

Emerald’s eyes sparkled as she nodded. "Then let’s head to our dorm."

Together, all three of us quickly returned to the dorm.

I didn’t have to bother with Astraea since Emerald informed me she had barely visited the room in two days.

With her gone, nothing was stopping us.

Just as we got in front of the door, my nose caught a peculiar scent, and I stiffened as Isla unlocked the door.

There was no way, right? It must be my imagination. And given that today is... oh shit.

At the same time, when the door pushed open, several gasps escaped into the air, while my mouth fell open.

It was no mistake; she was here.

She was back.

"Hello, Val."

"Solstice."