My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 372

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~Valerie's POV~

"Oh, shit," I hissed, scrambling to my feet.

Dristan.

I stuffed the envelope into my hoodie pocket, grabbed the photo that had fallen halfway out, and took off running. The courtyard lights blurred as I moved, boots thudding against the stone path. Every part of me screamed to move faster.

By the time I reached the inner grounds, my lungs burned. I slowed only when I got to the hostel, careful enough to remain stealthy as I dropped off the envelope and made a beeline for the Alphas' lodge.

I checked my time, and it was already 10:21 PM.

"Great. Just great," I muttered, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I could already picture Dristan's expression with his arms crossed and his jaw tight, showing a mix of anger and restraint that he had mastered perfectly.

I stopped just short of the door, pressing a hand against my chest to steady my breathing.

Three days to kill someone, and twenty-one minutes late to face someone who could mess my mind up in ways no test ever could.

I wasn't sure which scared me more.

Taking one last breath, I pushed open the door.

As the door open, my heart skipped a beat as my eyes landed on Dristan.

He stood there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, almost like he had been waiting for me.

His blonde hair was slightly messy, like he'd been running his fingers through it, and he wore a simple black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. His eyes swept over me, taking in my flushed face and disheveled appearance.

"You came," he said quietly.

"Of course I came," I replied, still slightly breathless. "You said we needed to talk."

He pushed himself from the wall and gestured for me to come in. "I wasn't sure you would. It's past ten."

"Sorry," I mumbled. "I got held up."

Dristan studied me for a moment, his gaze lingering on my face. "Are you okay? You look…"

"I'm fine," I cut him off quickly. "Just had to deal with something."

He didn't look convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he moved past me toward the living area, gesturing for me to follow.

I sat down on the edge of the couch, my hands clasped in my lap. The nervous energy from running was starting to fade, replaced by a different kind of tension.

"So," I said, trying to sound casual. "What did you want to tell me?"

Dristan sat down across from me, his elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward. His expression was unreadable, that same controlled intensity I'd seen before.

"Show," he said simply. "Not tell."

I blinked. "What?"

He stood up suddenly, holding out his hand. "Come with me."

I hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand. "Dristan, what are you…"

"Trust me," he interrupted, his voice softer now. "Please."

Against my better judgment, I took his hand.

He pulled me to my feet and led me through the apartment and into his room.

When we entered his room, I paused near the door, waiting to see if there was something else other than what I knew that he wanted to show me.

Dristan turned toward me. "Come on in. Lie down on the bed."

I blinked. "Uhnn?"

"Lie down," he repeated in a calm but firm tone.

"Okay…" I said slowly, raising a brow. "You're not about to murder me in my sleep, right? Or… you know…"

One corner of his mouth lifted. "Not tonight."

That didn't sound reassuring.

Still, I moved toward the bed and sat on the edge. "You know, this sounds a lot like one of those bad horror setups."

"Just trust me."

"Those words have gotten me in more trouble than anything else lately," I muttered, lying back anyway.

"Close your eyes."

I frowned. "That doesn't sound ominous at all."

"Valerie," he said, quieter now. "Will you just trust me?"

I hesitated, studying his face. There was no mockery, no game this time; just a deep, serious look in his eyes. I sighed and nodded. "Fine. But is closing my eyes really necessary? You said you wanted to show me something. How do I see anything if my eyes are closed?"

He didn't answer. Just gave me that look again.

"Okay, okay," I said quickly. "I'll shut up."

I closed my eyes.

The next sound I heard was the quiet click of the door lock.

Astra's voice purred in my head. "You do realize this could go in about six very different directions, right?"

"Shut up, Astra," I thought back. "Let me concentrate."

The air shifted. I could feel Dristan move closer. Then came the faintest touch on my forehead, just his fingertip pressing lightly against my skin.

My breath hitched.

Warmth spread from that single point, gentle at first, then expanding through my body like a pulse. My heart began to race, and a strange pull formed beneath me, like gravity itself was changing.

Through nothing. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

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