My Alphas' Dark Desires-Chapter 135: Seeing Her Off

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Chapter 135

~Valerie’s POV~

I quickly dressed in black leggings and a fitted tank top, slid my phone into my back pocket, and crept out into the hallway.

The dorm was quiet this early—most students were still snoring through their alarms. Luckily for me, my roommates or dormmates were quietly sleeping in their room, and not one of them was in the common living area.

I peeked around the corner, listening carefully when I opened the door.

Clear.

I turned back and waved her out.

Solstice padded over to me in silent steps, her boots light, her hoodie drawn up over her head.

She moved like a shadow. Just like how all our training had become second nature to us. It was slightly alarming how good she was at sneaking.

We made it past the main dormitory building and toward the far side of the academy. The eastern path curved just behind the courtyard and led straight to the older fence, one with a panel that came slightly loose if you knew where to pull.

We didn’t speak, just kept walking, the gravel crunching lightly beneath our feet.

When we reached the spot, Solstice turned to me with a smile.

I didn’t smile back. Instead, I pulled her into a hug.

Her arms wrapped around me instantly, tighter than I expected.

"Be safe," I murmured into her hair. "And try not to draw attention to yourself. This place is... different."

"I’ll blend," she whispered. "Promise."

I pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "If you get caught, you run. You disappear. You don’t argue, don’t stall. Just go. I am fine. I will be fine," I added before she could argue.

She nodded, solemn now.

Then, after a beat, her voice softened. "Miss you, Vi."

My throat tightened as I bade her farewell. "See you."

Solstice stepped back, ducked beneath the panel, and easily slipped through the narrow space.

I watched her until she disappeared behind the edge of the building.

Then I stood there for a moment longer, listening to the silence she left behind.

Just me... and the space she filled so effortlessly.

—

I stayed there a moment longer after Solstice disappeared, the early morning breeze tugging gently at my hair.

The air felt clearer somehow—lighter.

But also... lonelier.

I turned and began heading back toward the running trail that wrapped around the academy’s eastern edge. It was one of the few places I could think without someone breathing down my neck or trying to decode me.

I didn’t plan to run far. Just enough to quiet the storm of thoughts racing through my head.

Halfway through the second curve, I slowed to a jog, letting my muscles loosen, my steps settle into rhythm.

I breathed in pine, dew and damp soil. The kind of scent that whispered home and danger at the same time.

Then I felt a strange presence charging the air. I didn’t need to turn around to see who it was.

"Trying to outrun your problems again, Vee?"

I didn’t stop. Just smirked to myself. "What gave me away, Ace?"

The sound of sneakers meeting gravel fell into rhythm with mine, just a little too perfect.

"Your gait," Ace replied smoothly, slipping up beside me. "When you’re thinking too much, your right foot lands harder. Almost like you’re trying to stomp the earth into submission."

I glanced sideways at him. "Didn’t peg you for the observant type."

That was a lie. If there was anyone who was observant, it was him and not Ashton, Xander and not Axel, Xade and not Kai.

He flashed that cocky half-smile, hair swept back in that messy-on-purpose way that made it impossible to tell if he was serious or playing. "You don’t know half the things I pay attention to."

I rolled my eyes, even as my heart did something weird in my chest. "Let me guess, you followed me?"

"Nope. I was already running. You just happened to jog into my path. Fate, maybe." His voice dropped into that teasing, velvet tone. "Or maybe you just couldn’t stay away."

I scoffed and pushed ahead. "Keep dreaming, Lycan Prince."

Ace, let me move ahead—just a little—before picking up speed and matching me again. "You’re always this prickly in the morning, or am I just special?"

I opened my mouth for a comeback, but my foot caught a slick patch of moss just before the edge of the path.

"Shi—!"

The world tilted, my balance shifted, and gravity decided to pull a fast one on me.

But I didn’t hit the ground.

Strong hands wrapped around my waist mid-fall, catching me before I could crash face-first into the dirt.

My breath hitched, my palms landed flat against his chest, and I froze.

Ace’s body was warm, firm—muscle coiled beneath his dark training hoodie. He smelled faintly like citrus and leather, and something that made my wolf stir.

"Careful," Ace murmured near my ear, his voice low and almost... concerned?

For once, the cocky lilt was gone. I looked up, and for the first time in a while, Ace wasn’t smirking.

His gaze met mine—warm brown eyes sharp with something unreadable, something... real.

"I’m fine," I muttered, pushing off him.

He let go, but not immediately.

When I stepped back, he didn’t chase the moment. Ace stood there, hands tucked into his pockets, eyes studying me like he was trying to figure out a puzzle he suddenly wanted the answer to.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yes."

A long beat passed. Then he shrugged, smile curling back into place—but not quite as smug. Softer, maybe. "Still. Guess I’ll have to run behind you from now on. Just in case you trip again."

I arched a brow. "You think I need a babysitter?"

Ace gave a slow, lazy grin. "Nah. I just like the view."

I groaned, pushing past him. "You ruined the moment."

"I make moments," Ace shot back playfully, falling into step beside me again. "And trust me, you’ll remember that one."

Damn him because he was right. I would.

"Umm... I gotta head back and prepare for class," I said, excusing myself and leaving him alone.