My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Caught Red Handed

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Chapter 239

~Valerie’s POV~

Right after Xander left, I let out a long breath I didn’t even know I’d been holding.

It had been a lot—his words, his honesty, his teasing—but more than anything, it was comforting.

A brief pause in the chaos that had become my life. No pressure or guilt. Just... presence.

With a slight shake of my head, I turned my focus back to the real world and made my way to the library.

I needed to come up with a few ideas for the group project—anything to keep my mind occupied.

Something productive, something that didn’t involve soul bonds, emotional manipulation, or complicated kisses.

I flipped through reference texts, scribbled half-baked formulas and diagrams in my notebook, and tried not to replay every word Xander said in my head.

The time slipped by quickly, the bell rang, and I closed my books with a sigh.

I had a whole free period before my next class. I could’ve done a hundred things with it—eaten, relaxed, maybe gone outside for fresh air—but instead, I was dragging my feet toward the chemistry lab for cleanup duty. Voluntary punishment with a side of humiliation.

Because the gods clearly had a sense of humour.

When I entered the lab, my stomach dropped a little.

Beakers, droppers, open test tubes, some still crusted with dried-up residue—most of the students had just packed up and walked out without doing a single thing.

Our Chemistry Professor, Professor Andrew, was already waiting, arms crossed, expression tight.

His eyes found me like he’d been tracking the second I stepped in, with a look that showed disappointment.

"My apologies, sir," I said before he could speak. "I’m getting to it."

I didn’t want to give him any more reason to look at me like I was trouble.

He didn’t say much. He just picked up his bag, gave me a long, tired glance, and as he reached the door, paused.

"Miss Nightshade," he said, half-turning. "You are an honour student. You shouldn’t let petty things distract you."

I was going to say thank you and all that when he continued before I got the chance to.

"And don’t think being an Alpha Heir’s mate gives you a shield from consequences. Know your priorities in this school... and stay out of trouble."

One word...

The fuck!

Okay, that was two, but... the fuck! I’m the troublemaker? Aish...

Did I look like the academy’s number-one chaos agent? Seriously?

Still, I held my expression steady, turned back toward the mess of glassware, and started cleaning when he walked out.

Better to burn through the anger with elbow grease than with words.

With every beaker I scrubbed, I shoved the professor’s words deeper down, burying them under all the other condescending remarks, whispers behind backs, and sideways glances I’d picked up since arriving at PSA.

I wasn’t a regional heir, people thought. I wasn’t born into one of the packs everyone bowed to, and I wasn’t anyone’s precious choice for a Luna.

Not yet, anyway.

I wondered if that would still be the look I’d be given when they found out who I was.

Maybe they’d all change their tune, but that was a storm for another day.

Rather than let it get to me, I focused on my work.

By the time I finished cleaning and scrubbing everything spotless, nearly two hours had gone by.

The lab gleamed like a commercial for sterile discipline. My fingers ached, my back was sore, and I had the faintest smell of ammonia clinging to my sleeves.

I returned the mop to the janitor’s closet, slipped out of my gloves, and blended into the flow of students heading off to lunch. Perfect crowd cover.

Immediately, I took a turn and headed for the laboratory. As I neared the lab again, I heard muffled voices inside and then a sudden crack—something breaking.

OH, COME ON!

Louder moans.

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