My Alphas' Dark Desires-Chapter 132: More Than Thrice

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Chapter 132

~Valerie’s POV~

We stopped at the edge of the water where smooth stones made the shore glisten.

Dristan let go of my hand and stepped forward, crouching to pick up one of the stones.

He tossed it once between his fingers, then sent it skipping across the water with a flick of his wrist.

Three skips. Four.

I folded my arms over my chest, trying not to smile. "Show off."

He turned, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I’m multi-talented."

"I’ve noticed," I muttered, looking away before I said something dumber.

He stepped closer, and my breath hitched again.

Why did he always do that? One step and I was... off-balance.

"Valerie."

I glanced up.

His eyes weren’t playful anymore. They burned low—hot, molten gold flickering behind the icy blue.

"Let me in."

His words were quiet, making my chest tighten as I swallowed. "You already are, aren’t you?"

He shook his head. "Not fully. I want you. Not what the bond pulls. Not what your wolf wants. I want what you choose to give."

Dristan moved closer. Too close.

I didn’t back away. And when he cupped my cheek again, I let him.

His thumb brushed the edge of my jaw. He leaned in slowly, giving me time—time to push him away.

I didn’t.

I tilted my face up instead.

And this time... when he kissed me... It was soft.

Not rushed. Not desperate. Just... slow, like he was learning me through his mouth.

And gods... I let him.

My hands slid up his chest, curling into the collar of his shirt as his lips coaxed mine open again.

The kiss deepened—unhurried, sensual, filled with a hunger that simmered just under the surface.

He held me like I might break.

And for once, I didn’t want to be strong. I didn’t want to lead.

I just wanted to feel. When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine. Our breath was tangled. Our heartbeats were wild.

"Dristan..." I whispered.

His fingers traced a slow line down my spine.

"I’m not trying to claim you tonight. Or mark you. Or rush you. I just wanted you to know."

I leaned into his hand, his touch, letting his skin caress my cheeks, my voice quieter than a sigh. "I do, Dristan. I know."

I smiled at him, loving this moment and allowing myself to feel cherished like an idiot even though it went against all I said before.

For once. Just this once.

—

The ride back was... quiet. Not uncomfortable, not cold. But heavy.

I sat in the passenger seat, my hoodie sleeves pulled halfway over my hands, fingers fidgeting idly with the hem of my hoodie while the road passed in silver flashes under the moonlight.

Dristan didn’t speak—and neither did I.

Dristan’s right hand rested close to the gearshift but never reached for mine.

I could feel him glancing at me.

Once. Twice.

I didn’t turn because if I did... I didn’t know what I’d say.

My chest still burned with the echo of his mouth on mine. The way he kissed me back there... it wasn’t just about desire.

It was the kind of kiss that unraveled the edges of whatever walls I’d built. One layer at a time.

The kind that makes you wonder what else you’ve been hiding from.

And that terrified me more than anything else because he had kissed me thrice, and I let him.

Worse... I wanted him to.

When we finally pulled up near the rear dorm entrance, Dristan killed the engine but didn’t move.

The headlights dimmed slowly, casting us in a glow of half-light.

Dristan didn’t move to open the door right away. He just sat there.

Watching me.

I turned, ready to say thank you or something awkward, when he leaned forward slightly and I changed my mind.

I reached for the handle and his voice cut me off.

"Wait," he said quietly.

I paused, glancing back.

His fingers brushed the side of my arm, his voice quieter now—softer than I’d ever heard it.

"Can I kiss you?"

I blinked, caught off guard.

There was no arrogance, no dominance, just words and a question.

One that waited for me to answer.

My throat tightened. "Yeah... you can."

He didn’t waste a second.

This kiss was gentler—warmer. Like a promise written on skin.

His hand rested lightly on the side of my neck, thumb brushing just beneath my jaw. The heat between us was slow-burning, not wild. It didn’t demand. It asked.

And I gave. But it stole my breath just the same.

When we parted, his forehead touched mine briefly, our breaths mingling in the dark.

"Good night, Valerie," he whispered. "And thanks for today."

When he pulled away, he didn’t say another word. I just opened my door and waited until I got out.

I stood there for a second, looking back at him. For a moment, the silence between us was better than speaking.

Then I turned and walked inside.

And the moment the door closed behind me... I exhaled like I hadn’t breathed in hours.

The silence consumed me immediately. Isla wasn’t back yet, and the room was still as I left it.

The towel from earlier was still draped over my chair. My bag was still by the door.

I moved on instinct, peeling off my hoodie and my boots, and slipping into something lighter—a simple cotton top and shorts. My skin still held the phantom feel of Dristan’s hands.

I collapsed back onto my bed, finally alone.

Finally... quiet.

The pillow caught the faint scent of rain and earth—probably from Dristan’s jacket when he’d pulled me close.

I closed my eyes.

But I couldn’t sleep.

Too much pulsed beneath the surface—heat, confusion, that damn kiss.

I walked to the mirror, reaching for my brush.

But paused.

The necklace.

It had slipped back out again, lying against the hollow of my throat. The tear-shaped gem shimmered faintly under the soft light of the bedside lamp.

I frowned.

Was it... glowing?

I stepped closer to take a better look and it was.

A soft, pulsing light—dim, like a heartbeat. I reached up, fingertips brushing over it, and the second I touched the gem—

A shockwave of energy burst through my chest.

I gasped, staggering back a step as the room seemed to shift around me. The mirror vibrated. The floor seemed to pulse.

My breath hitched.

Then—my fingers tingled.

My skin burned, and suddenly my eyes glowed.

Brilliant silver, bleeding into gold at the edges, flooding the room with light.

Astra stirred violently.

"What is this?" I whispered aloud, shaking.

The necklace glowed brighter, and something inside me shifted; something woke up.