My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Accused of Theft

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Chapter 26

~Claudia’s POV~

Following Brielle’s orders, I watched them from a distance, my fingers tightening around the delicate bracelet I had just picked up.

Valerie, Isla, Emerald and Astraea moved through the store like they belonged here—laughing, trying on clothes, completely unaware of what was coming.

Valerie stood near a rack of leather jackets, flipping through them with a thoughtful expression. Isla was chatting animatedly, showing off a sequined top in a vide on her phone, while Astraea nodded in approval. They were relaxed. Comfortable. As if they were untouchable.

I smirked. That wouldn’t last long.

With ease, I slipped the bracelet into my palm and strode forward, heart steady, movements casual.

As I neared them, I pretended to check out a pair of heels. Dropepd it, picked a blue gown, then, in a swift, calculated move, brushed past Valerie. My fingers barely grazed the pocket of her jacket as I slid the bracelet inside.

Easy peasy.

I didn’t break stride, didn’t look back. I kept walking, heading straight to the fitting rooms where Brielle was waiting with one of the gown I had picked on my way.

She leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking impatient. The second she spotted me, she raised a brow.

"Well?"

I tilted my chin up and smirked. "Done."

Brielle’s lips curled as satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. Without wasting a second, she turned toward a nearby store attendant, a woman in her mid-twenties with a sharp gaze.

"Excuse me," Brielle said smoothly, her voice dripping with concern. "I just saw a girl slip a bracelet into her pocket."

The attendant’s brows shot up. "Are you sure?" fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Brielle nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. She was near the jacket section."

The woman frowned. "Her bag, you mean?"

Before I could even enjoy the moment, I cut in quickly. "No, her pocket. Her jacket pocket."

Brielle shot me a sidelong glance, but I ignored her. Details mattered in this situation.

The attendant’s frown deepened, but then she nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

Brielle smiled sweetly. "Oh, and please—don’t mention us. You saw her yourself, right?"

The woman hesitated but eventually nodded. "Of course."

With that, she turned and briskly walked off toward the security desk.

I watched as she leaned in close, whispering something to the head of security. His eyes widened before he nodded and immediately followed her.

Brielle and I exchanged a look. It was showtime.

Valerie and the others were at the register, handing over their clothes to the cashier. Their laughter had died down now, replaced by the usual chatter of customers going about their business.

Then it happened.

The security guard and the attendant approached them just as they were about to leave, blocking their path.

"Excuse me, ladies," the guard said, his voice firm but polite. "We need to check your belongings."

Isla’s brows furrowed. "What? Why?"

Astraea and Emerald exchanged confused glances, while Valerie turned fully toward them, her expression unreadable.

"What’s going on?" she asked calmly. "Is this the normal here?" They shpok their head and I did my best to mask my smile.

The store attendant stepped forward, her lips pressing into a thin line. "One of you was caught shoplifting."

The air around them shifted as deadpan silence ensued. Then, the attendant’s gaze landed directly on Valerie.

My heart sped up. Valerie blinked. "Excuse me?"

All three girls turned to her in shock.

"You’ve been with me the whole time," Valerie said, her voice laced with disbelief. "I never took anything. Besides where’s your proof?"

Astraea crossed her arms and lightly tapped her toes. The attendant smirked. "I saw you myself."

~Valerie’s POV~

Seriously.

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