My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 403

403 /413

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~Valerie's POV~

We all laughed, and just like that, the conversation flowed easily.

The waitress came by to take our orders, still looking a bit starstruck. Ace did order nearly everything on the menu, much to everyone's amusement. I settled for carbonara, while the others chose various pasta dishes and pizzas.

"So, Val," Kai said, leaning back in his seat. "The Female Volleyball Game is coming up soon, right? How's the team looking?"

I nodded, grateful for the easy topic. "Yeah, it's in two weeks. The team's looking strong. We've been training hard."

"Are you nervous?" Ash asked.

"A little," I admitted. "It's a big deal. The whole academy will be watching."

"You'll crush it," Axel said confidently. "You always do."

"He's right," Dristan added. "I've seen you play. You're incredible out there."

My cheeks warmed at their compliments. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."

"We'll all be there cheering you on," Xade said with a small smile. "Front row."

"Front row?" I raised an eyebrow. "You guys are going to sit front row at a volleyball game?"

"Absolutely," Ace grinned. "We need to make sure everyone knows whose mate is out there dominating. I can also arrange for banners." Ace wriggled his brows playfully at me.

"Ace," I groaned, but I was smiling.

"What? I'm proud of you," he said unapologetically.

"We all are," Kai added.

Somehow, I felt spoiled to the fullest and could barely wait for the big game.

But at the same time, I was rethinking that joy. I was good, no doubt, but it was an interschool competition.

Other aces from other top schools would be competing. I needed to bring my A game with absolutely no distractions.

My mind was beginning to do her little trick, wanting to push me into depressing thoughts or just simply overthinking.

I tossed the thoughts away and focused on my mates. They were already sharing light jokes, which eased the tightness in my stomach a bit.

The food arrived, and for a while, we just ate and enjoyed each other's company. The carbonara was amazing, creamy and perfectly seasoned. Ace had indeed ordered half the menu, and we all ended up sharing bites of different dishes.

"This is really good," I said, stealing a piece of bruschetta from Kai's plate.

"Hey!" he protested, but he was grinning. "Get your own."

"Sharing is caring," I shot back, popping it into my mouth.

"Is that so…?" Dristan asked with that unreadable sexy smirk. "Then, it's okay to share you in…"

He did not get to finish his words when Ace shot him a glare. And I couldn't hold back my laugh and chuckled.

"So what are everyone's plans for the break?" Ash asked, twirling pasta around his fork.

"Training, probably," Dristan said. "My father wants me to spend more time learning pack politics and training more as punishment for this hypnosis scandal."

Kai nodded. "Same here. Alpha duties don't take a break. And I'm sorry about that, Dristan." Dristan shrugged, as if it did not affect him, but I knew better.

"What about you, Val?" Xade asked. "Are you going home?"

I paused, thinking about it. I hadn't given it much thought.

The normal thing would be to go back to Uncle Zade's, but now that I had joined Nightshade's Group, I wasn't sure of their plans.

"I'm not sure yet. I might stay here for a bit."

"Why?" Axel inquired softly as he leaned forward, genuinely concerned.

"Nothing. Just to train more before the main games."

For a minute there, everyone fell silent, and their attention all geared towards me. "No wonder you're as good as any of us and better than any female student," Xade complimented, breaking the silence.

"Thank you," I replied shyly and took a slice of pizza to eat, more like hiding the blush creeping up my cheeks.

"You should come visit the Lycan Kingdom," Ace suggested. "We have this huge lake. Perfect for swimming. Also, it's a break from werewolf territory air. You need something strong and more relaxing."

"Yeah. We also have mountains," Ashton added. "Great hiking trails and other winter activities in the snow."

"Are you guys trying to recruit me for winter vacation?" I laughed.

"Maybe," Axel said with a smirk. "Is it working? Cause I'd love it if you could visit the Western Regions."

"Same," Dristan cut in, keeping his cool, but from the look in his eyes, I could tell he was equally eager or excited for this visit. "It would make training fun. We could train, go on several dates, do some naughty training activities…"

Dristan stuck out his tongue and gave a licking motion.

A soft gasp escaped my lips at what he was insinuating.

"Mine too. Though you are already in my territory, you still have exploring to do, special dinner parties, I want to brag and show everyone my mate, while taking you on lovely dates, Vee," Xade voiced enthusiastically.

"If you're going to visit them, then yes, I'd love that too. I was silently thinking about this before today. It would be great. I can let my parents start getting used to the idea that you are mine and nothing changes," Kai chipped in.

My heart was elated just hearing their secret wish to spend the holidays with me. "I'll think about it," I said, still smiling.

Thankfully, no one persuaded me further and the conversation shifted to lighter topics: funny stories from classes, gossip about other students, plans for the upcoming Alpha Games. It felt so normal, so right. Like we'd never had that distance between us at all.