My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Training Match

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Chapter 166

~Valerie’s POV~

I ignored Kieran’s words for a minute and focused on the scandal. Although I overheard that Titania did something bad, I didn’t bother about it.

What concerned me was how he obtained information about her to expose her and take the heat off me.

And what’s more was what his angle was. In a selfish world, people did not do things freely because they wanted to.

My head spun. "You did that, exposed her?"

Kieran’s smile was lazy, like he hadn’t just flipped PSA’s social hierarchy on its head for fun. "She crossed you. She deserved it. You’re welcome."

I stepped back instinctively, putting just enough distance between us so I could think.

"But... why?" I asked, this time quieter. "What’s your angle?"

He tilted his head slightly, those glacial eyes scanning my face like he was filing away every twitch, every shift in emotion.

"I like seeing bullies fall," he said with a careless shrug. "Especially when they aim at someone interesting."

There was something about the way he said interesting. Like it didn’t just mean unique—it meant dangerous, unpredictable, alive.

Like I was a game he was still learning the rules to.

"I didn’t ask for a knight in shining armour," I stated.

"Good." Kieran took a step forward again, keeping his gaze steady. "Because I’m not wearing armour."

He tapped the side of his head. "I wear strategy. And right now? Helping you helps me."

Before I could push him for what that meant, he brushed past me. His shoulder barely grazed mine, but the static in the air between us was undeniable.

"If you’re ever ready to return the favour," he said without looking back, "you know where to find me. And Valerie, my favours are always unique."

I swallowed, thinking of what he meant and when I lifted my eyes to look at him and respond, Kieran was nowhere to be seen.

He had disappeared into the hallway like a ghost of trouble.

I exhaled slowly, my heart still galloping in my chest.

Damn him.

***********

The afternoon sun bled gold across the field as I stepped out of the main building, blinking against the glare.

It was already past lunch break as I stepped into the main courtyard, and the atmosphere shifted. Not in a scandalous way. In a way that suggested something big is coming.

Whistles rang out in the air.

Cleats thudded, and laughter rolled like waves from the soccer pitch.

I had just wanted to walk off my lunch in peace but of course, peace was no longer something the universe allowed me.

"There you are," Solstice called, jogging over with a wild glint in her eyes. "You’re late!"

I blinked at her. "Late for what?"

She hooked her arm around mine and started dragging me toward the field like a possessed cheerleader on a mission. "Afternoon sports, remember? Kingdom Cup prep. The boys are doing their first inter-house trial."

"I’m not on the boys’ team."

"No, but we are next," she grinned. "The girls’ team is watching their match first. Then it’s our turn. Coach said we’re alternating rounds."

"Wait—our turn?" I stopped dead in my tracks. "Solstice. What are you talking about?"

She grinned brighter.

Oh no.

"You signed me up?" I asked, voice sharpening.

"Yup. Two days ago. During your scandal meltdown. You needed something positive attached to your name. Something headline-worthy that didn’t involve lips or Lycans."

"Are you out of your—"

"Trust me," she said quickly. "It’s a win. PSA’s gossip page lives for this kind of redemption arc. You show up, you dominate, and you bury Titania’s latest sabotage attempt six feet under."

I scowled. "I didn’t agree to this."

I was just about to walk away when Solstice’s voice called out. "What’s the matter? Scared of Titania? Or did you lose your edge?"

That did it.

I slowly turned to face her, smirk curling my lips as I noticed her cocked brow. "Fine. I’ll join."

Solstice beamed like I’d just crowned her Empress of PSA. "Knew it."

Team A: Dristan, Xade, and four other seniors.

Team B: Axel, Kai, and another four from the senior years, each having a good athletic build like the heirs.

And Axel was more relaxed, but that loose posture screamed trap.

1–0.

I watched his jaw clench from here. The next round started, and he snapped into action like a switch had been flipped.

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