My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 405

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~Valerie's POV~

I forced out a laugh, though it sounded strained even to my own ears. "Heat? No, no. I'm just... ovulating. It happens to all girls; it's a completely normal hormonal thing."

Dristan's eyes narrowed, looking like he was studying me. "Valerie…"

"Really, it's nothing important," I interrupted quickly, waving my hand dismissively. "Just my body doing its monthly thing. I mean, you know how it is, right?"

I knew I barely spent an intimate moment with them the last time, save for Kai, Dristan, Xade… At the thought of Xade, I rolled my eyes at his morning protein.

I could tell they didn't believe me. The way they were all tensed and alert as they stared at me made that painfully clear.

But I pretended not to see that and plastered on my brightest smile. "Look guys, I appreciate the concern, I do; but I'm fine… really. I just want to go back to the dorm and take a long, nice bath. We'll see each other later this evening, okay?"

"Are you sure?" Axel asked in a soft voice filled with concern. "We could walk you back. Make sure you're okay."

"I'm sure," I said firmly, taking another step back. "I promise. I just need some time alone to stop feeling… sweaty."

"Why are you lying?" Astra's voice cut through my thoughts sharply.

"Because they don't need to know it's a lie," I shot back internally.

"Val..." Kai started, but I was already moving.

"Later! I promise!" I called over my shoulder, hurrying down the hallway before they could stop me.

I could feel their eyes on my back the entire way, but thankfully, none of them followed.

As I walked back to my dorm, it felt like the journey would never end. With every step, the ache grew stronger. My skin felt overly sensitive, and my core was throbbing with deep longing.

Other students glanced my way, giving strange looks as I walked by, and I focused on the ground, trying to walk quickly without breaking into a run.

At last, I arrived at my building, digging through my bag to find my keys.

"Almost there," I muttered to myself. "Just get inside, lock the door, and figure this out."

I pulled out my keys and jammed one into the lock, twisting it hard.

Nothing happened.

I frowned and tried again, wiggling the key. Still nothing.

"What the heck?" I glanced up at the door number to be sure I hadn't somehow come to the wrong floor.

But what I saw instead made my heart practically leap into my throat.

This… This wasn't my dorm.

My eyes darted around as I took a step back to view more of what I saw. I was standing right in front of the Alpha Heirs' lounge.

"Wait, what?" I blinked rapidly, looking around in total confusion. "How… how did I…" I paused, looking around again. "How did I even get here?"

I distinctly remembered walking toward my dorm. I remembered climbing stairs. When had I turned around? When had I come here instead?

I facepalmed, feeling stupid about what I did.

I was even more distraught and angry that Astra, whose sense of direction was stronger than mine, did not seem to notice.

"Accept the truth, Valerie," Astra said gently. "You're in heat. Your body is craving your mates. It brought you here without you even realising it."

"No," I shook my head, backing away from the door.

"And even better, I had nothing to do with it."

"You should have stopped me," I lashed out.

"Perhaps, but I won't until you accept that making love to your mates is what's best for both of us."

"No, no, no. I need to leave. I need to leave right now before they…"

Before I could finish the thought or even take a step backwards, the door swung open.

Ace, Xade, and Ash were standing there, looking down at me with expressions that made my breath catch.

How did they get here so soon?

Had my thoughts taken so long?

Did I…

I did not get to ask any more questions when I felt Xade shift.

"Leaving before even getting here?" Xade asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"I… I didn't mean to…" I stammered, taking another step back. "I thought I was going to my dorm. I don't know how I ended up here."

Another wave of heat rolled through me; this time, it was stronger. I gasped, my knees buckling slightly.

Ace was there in an instant, his hands steadying me. "Easy, Val. We've got you."

"I… I don't know," I whispered, my eyes filling with tears of frustration. "Everything feels too much. Too hot. Too sensitive. I… I can't think straight." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

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