My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 393

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~Valerie's POV~

All through the rest of the day, I remained indoors, not really bothering with anything at all but letting my mind wander.

Serena was here. Did that mean the other girls who were betrothed would be coming for my mates?

I couldn't blame them or even Kai, considering I had made a decision and hadn't given them a chance to contest it.

I facepalmed, then drew my hand to my face, stopping when my phone's notification rang.

I drew the phone from my pocket and checked the message. It was a message from our coach in the volleyball group chat.

Announcement: The volleyball selection match is scheduled for tomorrow during lunch break. Lateness will attract a deduction of marks.

"Good. Now this is something that I can occupy my thoughts with. I'd better get practising."

With that, I stood up, changed into something sporty, and headed out with just a water can.

The moment I stepped out of my room, Isla's voice floated in from the lounge.

"Well, well, well… if it isn't the girl who folded Serena Dominic like warm laundry in front of the entire senior class."

I groaned. "Isla... please don't start."

Isla grinned from the couch, a smoothie in her hand, legs crossed like she was the queen of casual gossip. "Oh, I'm absolutely starting. Do you know how hard Titania's jaw dropped? I swear I heard it crack."

Heat crawled up my neck, and before I knew it, I was blushing.

Isla's smirk widened. "You're blushing. Goddess, this is delicious."

"It wasn't that big a deal," I muttered, trying not to smile but failing miserably.

But the smile didn't last long. The heavy tightness in my chest returned. Isla noticed instantly.

Her grin faded. She pushed up from the couch and walked over to me, smoothie dangling from her fingers. "Okay." Her voice softened. "What's wrong?"

I shrugged weakly. "Nothing."

"Valerie." Isla gave me the look. The one that said she'd drag the truth out of me even if she had to shake it loose. "Tell me the truth. Does Kai's betrothal to Serena bother you so much or…?"

I looked away. "It shouldn't," I whispered. "And it should."

Isla paused, frowning thoughtfully before massaging her temples. "I understand. I do. But…" She exhaled and held my chin gently, forcing me to meet her eyes. "You've delayed this enough, Valerie."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, avoiding making eye contact.

"It means," she said with a certainty that made my stomach flip, "I think I speak for all of us when I say it's about time you belong to your mates. Not just one. All of them. They've proven that they want you. That they love you and baby girl, I know you do too."

My breath caught. I tried to breathe evenly as though her words weren't affecting me, but I'd be lying if I said they weren't.

"Valerie," Isla continued softly, forcing our eyes to meet, "the bond demands it… and so does your heart. Mate with them. Mark them. Make them yours and let them claim you."

Her words hit something deep, something I'd been running from. And finally… I couldn't pretend I didn't hear it.

"Isla…" I breathed.

She squeezed my shoulders. "You love them. All six of them. And they love you. You're not cheating fate by letting yourself have what's yours."

I swallowed hard and gave a nod.

The more Isla spoke, the more realistic everything felt for me. Astra purred within me as she gave me that sarcastic look in my mind.

"Told you, sweetheart. Aside from the love, it makes both parties stronger."

I did not reply to Astra but decided to change the topic a bit.

"There's… uh… tryouts tomorrow. For the final inter-school volleyball competition."

"Oh!" Isla brightened. "I hadn't checked the group chat yet. Is that where you're going now?"

"No," I said quickly. "It's tomorrow during lunch. I just wanted to train a bit now. Clear my head, you know."

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