Chapter 127
Chapter 127
Valencia’s POV:
80%
+38
Dante chuckled, his lips brushing against my check before pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. “It’s not your fault. If it’s meant to be, it’ll find its way back to us.”
His words carried a quiet certainty, a reassurance that made my heart ache in the best way possible.
The way he looked at me, as if I was something precious—something irreplaceable–made warmth spread through my chest.
I let out a breath, nodding, and he pulled back, lacing his fingers with mine as we continued walking through the mall. We had been wandering for a while now, stopping at different stores but not finding anything suitable.
The outfits were all amazing. But I didn’t know if they were for Seven. For one, he was prettier than most girls, especially with his silver colored hair and secondly, I wasn’t sure what he even preferred wearing.
Well, he had lived as a slave for so long and all I had remembered him wearing were tunics and loose trousers. I had to start somewhere though.
Maybe something basic, so that it was comfortable for him. Polo shirts would be a good start… I think.
So, when we stepped into Ralph Lauren, I quickly scanned through the racks, pulling out two polo shirts and a pair of khaki pants for him.
Dante waited patiently by my side, watching as I held the clothes up for consideration before eventually deciding. The moment we finished our purchase and stepped back out into the bustling corridor, he nudged me playfully. “Let’s head to the second floor now.”
I laughed, raising a brow. “Regretting spending so much money already?”
He rolled his eyes, clearly amused. “I could spend ten times that amount, and it would still be worth it to see you smile.” His voice dropped slightly, eyes darkening in that way that always sent a shiver down my spine. “But I know how you feel about it. So, let’s go buy some clothes with actual life in them. He’s still only sixteen, after all.”
That simple acknowledgment made my heart swell.
Without thinking, I bounced on my toes in excitement. “Yay!” But then I frowned, tilting my head. “Wait… how did you know he’s sixteen?”
Dante gave me a smile. “I researched his background.”
Of course, he did.
He went on, explaining what he had found out. Seven–Daniel–had been abandoned as an infant and left at an orphanage before eventually being sold into trafficking. His birth certificate though limited in information, listed his parents‘ names, but both were deceased. His birthday was March 7th.
I nodded, absorbing everything. “Thank you for looking into this,” I murmured, squeezing his hand.
His gaze softened, and he merely shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal, but I knew better.
Dante led me down to the lower floors, where the atmosphere shifted entirely. The high–end designer stores gave way to more familiar brands, their bright displays packed with colorful clothes, trendy accessories, and affordable prices. It felt… warmer, more welcoming.
45
Wed, Fel
Chapter 127
We stopped at a few stores–MAX, Splash, R&B, H&M–picking out all sorts of things for Seven. Comfortable hoodies, well- fitted jeans, casual sneakers, and even some accessories that I thought would suit him. I made sure to choose colors–deep blues, rich greens, warm burgundies–things that felt young, lively.
At some point, I stopped in front of the infant section, staring at the tiny clothes lined neatly on the shelves.
Dante noticed immediately. “Thinking of getting something for Castor?”
I chewed on my lip, then nodded. “Should we? Or would it be pointless?”
He hummed in thought. “As far as I know, he’ll reinain in his dragon form during the early stages. Only after a while will he shift into human form. But…” He smiled, reaching out to brush s fingers over a soft, pale blue onesie. “Let’s get some anyway.”
A grin broke across my face as I picked up a pair of rompers–one yellow, one blue–both adorned with tiny embroidered
stars.
Once we left the store, I exhaled, eyeing the six bags Dante was carrying. “Do you think we went too far?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Nope. I love shopping with you.”
I blinked, arching a brow. “You might be the only man in the world who enjoys shopping.”
I pause however, then scowled, watching the group of women blatantly checking him out from the corner of my eyes. Without thinking, I pulled him down for a kiss right in front of them before dragging him toward the food court.
A smirk played on his lips. “I don’t enjoy shopping. I enjoy spending time with you.” He leaned down, voice dropping to a low murmur near my ear. “Marking your territory back there, princess?”
I lifted my chin. “Problem?”
His smirk widened. “Not at all. You could put a dog collar on me, and I’d gladly say woof.”
I burst into laughter. “Seriously?”
“I’m serious.” His expression softened slightly. “Also, I meant what I said. I don’t care what we do–as long as it’s with you, I’d be happy even if we spent the day scrubbing dishes.”
Something inside me melted at that. “Wow… your mother truly raised you right.”
He nodded, but his gaze turned distant for a brief moment. “That she did.”
That’s when he told me the story of the red dress.
Apparently, it had been purchased by all three of them–Aurora Dante, and Caius–on one of the rare outings they took together.
It was during a time when Aurora had been struggling with hallucinations and panic attacks, unknowingly poisoned by Snowmist.
The house had been filled with tension, an air of sadness hanging over them like a heavy cloud. In an attempt to ease the depressing atmosphere, they had gone out shopping.
That day, Aurora had taught them one last lesson–one final piece of wisdom before her passing. She had reminded them that as Alphas, they weren’t above simple things like making their mates happy. That showing love through actions–small or grand–didn’t make them weak.
I listened intently, my fingers tightening around his. “Thank you for telling me.”
10:45 Wed, Feb 19 J
Chapter 127
Dante exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “No…. I should be the one thanking you.”
His grip on my hand tightened. “Thank you for pulling the plugin my stead,” he whispered. “I know Joseph might have been upset, but I have no words to express what you did for me. That nightmare haunted me for months. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, I knew my parents were together now just” He swallowed hard. “I just know I wouldn’t have been able to do it and be okay with it.”
My heart clenched.
We had made our way to a high–end restaurant, but all I could focus on was him–on the raw vulnerability in his voice, the way his fingers trembled slightly as they held mine.
I grasped his hand tighter. “You’re okay now,” I whispered. “And hope you never have to do anything you don’t want to in the future. I hope none of your nightmares ever come true.”
A small, grateful smile lifted the corners of his lips.
We stepped inside the restaurant, the warmth of candlelight casting a soft glow over the polished floors. The rest of the night passed in a blur of conversation, emotions, and quiet understanding.
And with each passing moment, I realized something–something that settled deep within my bones, something undeniable.
Unlike Jaxon, I wasn’t falling out of love with Dante after learning more about him.
Lwas falling deeper.
With every word, every look, every small piece of himself that he shared with me, I kept falling.
Until the heat stirred inside me, creeping up my spine, curling low in my belly.
I froze.
Right as we stepped into the cinema, I felt it—an unmistakable, burning ache.
Dante went rigid beside me.
I turned to him, horror filling my eyes as we both realized it at the same time.
My heat had begun.
AD
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10:45 Wed, Feb 19 BB.
Chapter 128
