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CHAPTER 401
~Valerie's POV~
Classes felt like they went on forever. Each lecture seemed to last longer than normal, and every minute felt stretched out.
By the ti I finished training for the Alpha Ga, I was completely worn out, both physically and emotionally.
The four of us—Isla, Erald, Solstice and myself—trudged back to our dorm in silence. My muscles ached, but it was the good kind of ache, the kind that reminded I was still standing, still fighting.
Once inside, I headed straight for the shower. The hot water worked magic on my sore muscles, washing away the day's tension.
I stood there longer than necessary, letting the steam cloud my thoughts and wondering if I was really ready for this conversation with my mates.
After a minute or two which felt longer than it actually was, I walked into my room and rummaged through my wardrobe for something to wear.
When I finally walked out, dressed in jean trousers, a white top and a matching jean jacket, Solstice was sprawled on her bed scrolling through her phone while Erald braided her damp hair. Isla was in the kitchen area, rummaging through snacks.
"I won't be having dinner with you guys tonight," I said casually.
Solstice's head snapped up. "Oh? Where are you going?"
"I'm eting my mates," I explained, sitting down to comb my hair while I talk.
Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Finally! Val, I'm so proud of you. This is huge. Really huge."
I smiled despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "Thanks. I just... I think it's time, you know?"
"It's definitely ti," she agreed enthusiastically.
Isla walked into the living lounge area just then, catching the tail end of our conversation. A huge grin spread across her face. "Wait, you're actually doing it? About damn ti, girl." She grinned wickedly, plopping down on the couch. "And while you're at it, try to get laid."
"Isla!" I grabbed the nearest throw pillow and launched it at her head. It hit her square in the face, and she laughed.
Solstice burst out laughing beside , and I turned to point at her accusingly. "You're laughing? At least I'm trying. It's not like you're getting any action from your mate either."
The words hung in the air for a beat.
Solstice didn't throw a pillow back. She didn't protest or defend herself. She just... smiled… that knowing, secretive kind of smile.
My eyes widened, and Isla's jaw dropped open.
"Wait... don't tell you..." I started moving closer to her.
Isla half-squealed, half-shrieked, jumping up from the couch. "Oh my goddess! That's my girl! Nothing like the mate bond getting consummated. When did this happen?"
I was still in shock.
I moved even closer to Solstice, staring at her like she'd grown a second head. "What happened to being best friends and telling each other things? We literally talked this morning and you said nothing!"
Isla's brows rose, looking between us. "Huh, why is she your best friend over ?"
Solstice and I exchanged a glance. A whole conversation passed between us in that split second, the kind only we could have, the kind built on years of shared secrets and stolen monts growing up together as cousins.
I laughed quickly, trying to mask the slip. "Well, you three are all my besties. Equal besties."
Solstice shot me a cold glare that said she didn't appreciate being lumped in with the others. I bit back a chuckle.
I knew she was jealous. Truth was, she and I were the best friends, capital B and F. The bond we shared went deeper than friendship. It was blood, history, everything. But Isla and Emerald didn't need to know that detail.
"Anyways," I said, steering us back on track. "You got laid and didn't tell? That's major news!"
"Like hell you would've told if you did with yours," Solstice shot back defensively, crossing her arms.
"I haven't," I said simply.
Isla looked between us and smiled, clearly entertained. "You girls are cute. Like an old married couple."
"Well, Riven and I haven't done anything as that," Solstice continued, her cheeks flushing slightly. "But we've made out. Several times. And it's been... really nice."
Erald finally spoke up from where she'd been quietly observing. "Good for you, Solstice. Riven seems like a good guy."
"He is," Solstice said softly, a genuine smile on her face.
"Oh, more gist for !" Isla clapped her hands together excitedly. "Now, off you go, Valerie. Solstice and I are going to have so serious girl ti. I want all the details, Sol."
I shook my head, still smiling as I finished.
"You've got this," Erald said quietly, giving an encouraging nod.
"Thanks," I whispered back.
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The walk to the Alpha's lounge felt both too short and too long at the sa ti. My heart raced with every step I took. Students walked by in the hallway, but I hardly noticed them.
"You've got this," my wolf whispered encouragingly.
"Do I? What if I ss this up?"
"You won't. They're our mates. They love us. Just... be honest. That's all they want."
"Honesty. Right. I can do that.'
I stopped outside the door, taking a deep breath. Then another. Then one more for good measure. My hand hovered over the handle.
"Now or never, Val."
Finally, I pushed the door open and walked in.
They were all there.
Dristan sat near the window, looking as composed as ever with his arms crossed. Axel leaned against the wall, his eyes finding mine imdiately with that intense gaze that always made my stomach flip.
Kai occupied the centre couch, looking relaxed but alert. Xade stood by the fireplace, the flas casting shadows across his strong features. Ace sat on the arm of the couch, while Ashton flanked the room on the opposite side.
The mate bond hit the second I stepped inside: hot, intense, overwhelming.
It crashed over in waves, six different pulls all at once. It had been so long since I'd been around all of them together like this.
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