Chapter 30 Valemias POV I shook off the intrusive thought , reminding myself again that this was survival Dante might appear kind and attentive , but I couldnt risk trusting another Alpha . The illusion of safety they offered could break in an instant . The electric tension in the cafe thickened as Aiden and August hanged stiff greetings with Drante and Caius It was a façade of politeness , the type of decorum reserved for moment when nobody could afford to show weakness Celeste , of course , had no such reservations . She practically beamed at Cains , leaning slightly toward him in her usual coy way . Hello again , she chirped . I dont think we introduced ourselves properly at the festival . Caius smiled politely , though his usual case seemed a little restrained . Celeste , right ? I remember Dantes jaw ticked slightly , and Aiden bristled , but Caius seemed unfazed . I watched them for a moment before realization hit me . My brows furrowed as I pointed at Caius Wait Arent you that guy from that time ? Caiuss eyebrows rose in mock surprise , and then he laughed , a sound so rich and easy that I almost forgot the tension in the room . You have quite the memory . Yes , I am that guy from that time . I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone , though I couldnt help the small smile that tugged at my lips . What guy ? Aiden snapped . What time Dantes voice was equally sharp . I hesitated , the memory of my panic attack at the academy bubbling to the surface . My throat felt dry , and I instinctively avoided meeting their eyes . Oh , he helped me .. I trailed off , unwilling to explain . Maybe Cajus understood my reluctance to explain so he smoothly interjected , Remember when I went to meet Meredith at the academy a couple of weeks back ? I ran into Valencia and her friend . She dropped her papers , and I helped pick them up . Thats all . I glanced at him in surprise , his lie so seamless that I almost believed it myself . Anyways , Caius added , turning his gaze back to me , I actually didnt recognize you at first . The mask and everything . It wasnt until yesterday that I realized . No wonder you seemed familiar . A smile tugged at my lips despite myself . Yeah , me neither . Thanks for back then , by the way , Aiden scoffed , his arms crossed tightly over his chest . It was just some papers . Whats the big deal ? My smile faltered , the words hitting a raw nerve . My lips twitched , and before I could stop myself , I smiled and said , Well , he didnt ignore me when I needed help . Not a lot of people do that . The sharp jab made Aiden flinch . Anyways , Caius said , brushing off the tension , what about your friend from that day ? What was her name .. Marcelene ? She seemed interesting . I blinked , caught off guard . Marcy ? He nodded , as a light redness bloomed on his pale cheeks . Yeah Her . How is she ? 11:41 Tue , Jan 14 ti Chapter 301 My lips quirked up slightly . I knew he was interested in her . But force a polite smile as guilt swirls in my stomach , Shes okay . I knew Marcy , and as well as she tried to hide it . I knew of her anger and revulsion towards the Steele Pack . After I had told her about my past life , how she lost everything , including her life due to that pack , I had seen the fury in her eyes whenever I spoke of Dante or the Steele pack . Does she have someone ? Caius asks with a glimmer of hope this dark blue eyes . My hand in Dantes grip tightens as I answer , Yeah..she has someone she likes . Oh..so no chance ? He says , chuckling . And for some reason I tell its strained . Yeah sorry . She wont be interested . Celestes smile falters , and she cuts in with a crooked smile . Probably because shes just a servant and a soldier she doesnt even look like a girl with all that muscle . My eyes widened . This was the first time in this life that Celeste had outright said something disrespectful . It had started much later in my past life , but right now that wasnt what I was interested in . Anger surged through me , und I turned to Celeste sharply , making sure to keep my voice as soft as possible . Shes not just a servant Shes my friend . And Celeste … sweetheart . I think you should redo highschool biology if you think Girls arent supposed to have muscles . Celestes mouth opened , then closed . For once , she had nothing to say . Caius broke the tension with a chuckle , Right , and she was actually toned . Not muscular . Though Fwouldnt mind having her with muscles either . Dante didnt comment , but his expression softened as he extended his hand toward me . My gaze flicked to Aiden , who looked like he was on the verge of protesting , but Dante spoke first . Were engaged now , right ? So whats the issue ? I hesitated , my chest tightening as guilt pooled in my stomach . I placed my hand in his . His grip was warm , firm . and … reassuring in a way I didnt want to admit . As we entered the boutique on the malls second floor , the staff sprang to attention , bowing low and ushering us to the private shopping area . My stomach churned as Dante guided me inside , his hand never leaving mine . The boutique was a luxurious whirlwind of silks , sequins , and velvet . I tried to keep my gaze straight ahead , but it was impossible not to be drawn to the dazzling gowns and sparkling accessories lining the walls . Dante , however , seemed intent on watching me rather than the clothing . Every time my eyes lingered on something , for longer than a second , hed murmur to the staff , Well take that . Wait ! 1 protested for the third time . I was just looking . You dont have to buy it . He simply smiled , his voice soft but firm . I want you to have whatever catches your eye . The pile grew alarmingly fast . Dresses in deep reds , royal blues , and soft creams were set aside . He even selected a stunning black gown that sparkled with tiny crystals like the night sky. Dante , seriously , this is too much , I said , my voice rising slightly in panic . 11:41 411ue , Jan 14 Chapter 30 He reached out , tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear . The gesture made me freeze , my heart stuttering in my chest . Nothing is too much for you . I opened my mouth to argue , but his smile left me speechless . Even when we moved to the jewelry cases , it didnt stop . A silveret with intricate designs , two gold sets with emeralds and rubies , and two diamond sets all of them added to the growing collection . Dante , I whispered , my voice cracking . This is ridiculous He glanced at me . his expression softening as he placed a hand on my shoulder . Does it bother you that much ? Yes , I admitted , my cheeks flushing . I dont need all this . But you deserve it , he replied simply . The guilt that had been brewing all day finally bubbled over . As Dante spoke to the staff about finalizing the purchases , I slipped away , making my way to the bathroom . Grateful that Celeste was too preoccupied with hounding Caius . I honestly felt bad for the poor guy . Aiden stopped me in my tracks , Are you done ? I think so . Im going to the bathroom . CHs on the first floor , this floors bathroom is under maintenance I just went there . August pipes in . I nodded , Okay , Ill be back . 1 speed walk towards the escalator and make my way down to the washroom . My breathing had started to increase significantly and my heart was palpitating madly inside my chest . As soon as I entered I dial Marcelene . Valencia ? Whats going on ? she asked immediately . I pressed a hand to my forehead , struggling to breathe . I dont know what to do . Hes … hes so nice . Hes buying me everything . Hes so kind , and attentive . I- My voice broke . I feel like an asshole Marcelene . 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