CHAPTER 431 - GATE-CRASHER

CHAPTER 431 - GATE-CRASHER
RAINA’S POV
A laugh rumbled from Valen’s chest, the contented purring of his wolf blending into it.
“The name is perfect because you love long things.” He wagged his white brows. “Besides, Hera says you’re going to wear it. If you have any issues, take it up with your wolf.”
I rolled my eyes and grumbled, “She lets you get away with anything.”
Holding my gaze, he slowly released me. His massive cock tensed and twitched as he gradually glided it out of my core. My mouth split wide open in a gasp at the tingling sensation; heat rushed between my thighs, and I clenched around him.
He was doing it purposely, because his eyes glinted with mischief and he grinned at my reaction. “See what I mean. Even your pussy wants to keep my long general in there.”
My ears caught fire as I gaped at him.
“You…” I slapped at him.
Laughing, he caught my wrist as he scooted to the other end of the couch to sit up. His hold on me tugged me there with him. I ended up slouching against him on my side; my back met his rock-hard, heaving chest. I melted into him as I worked on getting my heart rate and breathing back to normal.
“Baby, I think if we find the man who marked Jiya, he could declare it and claim her properly,” Valen explained, low and husky.
“Hmm,” I hummed dryly, not liking this sour topic.
He stirred on the couch to lie on his side. His cock had gone hard again, straining insistently against my ass as I squirmed against him teasingly.
A quiet laugh left him. “Careful, Bluebella. That kind of behavior is going to get your sexy ass in deep trouble.” His hand landed on my ass. The playful slap caught me off guard.
“Eek!” I shrieked, and my body hummed in delight. Was there nothing that this man could do to my body that wouldn’t turn me on?
He pecked my temple lightly. “I need you to hear me out about this.”
He planted one arm above my head to support his weight while he circled his other arm around my stomach. I covered his hand with mine, threading my fingers through his, and he curled them together in a gentle hold.
“I wanted to wrap things up in a way where she can’t come back to haunt us.” His voice was a low rumble against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “I'm tired of her very existence.”
“You seemed so angry with her. I was really worried,” I murmured, feeling a mixture of relief and love washing over me.
“I was angry,” he admitted, his warm breath brushing lightly on my ear. “Because everything was a mockery to Jiya. She was using political power for what? Just to be queen? Growing up, Dad always emphasized that the crown is not a plaything. It comes with burdensome responsibilities, and if they understood the gravity of leading the realm, they wouldn’t have done what they did.”
“I’ve never wanted you because you were going to be the future king.” It was honestly far from my mind. I smiled and tittered. "It was your handsome face that had me smitten.”
“Was all that you saw?” he chuckled, nipping my neck. “You wanted me just for my body?”
Giggling, I crimped my shoulder to my ear to avoid his tickling lips, and he pulled back.
I glanced at him over my shoulder. His eyes hid nothing; I could feel my love for this man blooming exponentially in my heart. Everything just felt right when I was in his arms.
“I saw much more than that,” I said, still smiling.
“Like what?”
“Let’s see…” I mused, turning more on my back so I could look better into his eager, handsome face. “There was one Saturday when I saw you stop training because a few of the pups were clumsy and falling behind. Instead of getting angry at them, you crouched beside them and showed them where they'd gone wrong. You gave them many shots until they caught up. You taught them how to persevere, and how to grow. That way they could keep up with the others, and become the warriors they wanted to be. I remember when you were hanging out with some jocks and three little ones ran up to pull you away to show you how much they improved. I can still see their proud little faces.”
“And?” His white brows creased earnestly as he stared at me, dipping his hand into my hair to twine my strands.
I cant my head to meet his eyes. “You want more?”
“Definitely.” He laughed quietly.
“Well, I found out that names were always important to you. Because you like to refer to people by their names. For us little people, it's a big deal when an Alpha knows your name. It makes us feel seen, you know. And you make room for everyone so no one feels left out. You defended your people. You don't like to see the strong prey on the weak. And you never make the weak feel bad or ashamed for needing help. That's why our warriors are the best.” I sighed, pausing when I caught the pride in his emeralds. It made my heart flutter.
How could one man be so unfairly handsome? The sharp cut of his jaw, the sweep of his white lashes, those soft, plush lips — it was almost too much. But it was the look in his eyes that made me melt, and for a moment, I forgot what I was saying.
I cleared my throat, trying to catch my train of thought. “You already had my heart when you were merely the boy I secretly followed around.”
He smiled and warmth settled in his eyes. “Maybe that’s why we fit so well. I've watched you do those same things.”
I blinked, staring at him curiously. “What do you mean?”
“You encourage people. You protect the ones who need it. You notice when someone is hurting.” His smile grew. He lifted his hand from my belly, bringing my overlapping hand with his to his lips and softly kissed my knuckles. “That's why you're my other half. Having a Luna like you, makes me damn proud.”
I smile smugly. “Even though I picked up a thing or two from you?”
“Doesn't matter ‘cause you do it better than me. People fear me, but those who know better adore you.” He released my hand and brushed his thumb on my cheeks. “Zeus will never forget how you tried to remove our mark by hurting yourself. He swore to never let you go through that again. He’s practically walking on eggshells now. He was bugging me to go hunt a Yak and give it to you as a token of our apology. But Hera convinced him it would be too yucky for you.”
“You're even more handsome when you love me right.” I chuckled at how cute Zeus could be at times. “I just love you so much.”
His heavy-lidded eyes peered down at me. His gaze dropped to my lips and then flicked up to my eyes. His emeralds still burned with emotions that made my stomach flip. Clearly not yet satisfied.
“I love you more,” he cooed, leaning in to nuzzle his nose with mine and tenderly pecking my lips.
Snaking a hand behind his neck, I captured his lips into a lingering kiss, slow and sensual. He pulled away sooner than I would have liked and rested his forehead on mine.
"If I don't stop now, I won't be able to," he whispered, voice strained as his hand caressed my cheek.
"Then don't," I mumbled.
All of a sudden, rustling came from the kitchen.
Valen and I perked up on the couch, turning our heads in that direction.
“You’ve got rats?” I asked, not seeing anything from the meager view of the kitchen island and stools.
“Absolutely not.” Valen rejected the very idea.
Only for Vaheed's frame to emerge from the wall where the refrigerator was. He walked out into the living room with half of a turkey in one hand and a tall can of beer-zizz in the other, chewing with his bushy, black-bearded cheeks puffing out, and a piece of the meat sticking out of his mouth.
He had showered, wearing an open black robe, matching sweatpants, and home slippers. I frowned at his beard. It made him look five years older.
My stomach turned at the scent of the turkey, and I placed my hand there when, suddenly, I realized I was naked. I almost panicked.
"Well, well," Vaheed drawled with his mouth full as he drew nearer. His harlequin-green eyes danced with mischief as he looked between his brother and me. "Done already?"
My cheeks flamed red. This was embarrassing.
I jolted up on the couch and darted my eyes all over the living room for my dress. My eyes latched on the torn rose-beige pieces on the carpet. Oh hell, Valen shredded it.
The next best option was Valen's oversized polo shirt. I let my eyes search for it. Seeing it on the center table, I stretched for it, snatched it, and quickly pulled it over my head. I picked up a cushion from the floor and hugged it against me. Then I settled back on the couch beside Valen. He was sitting up now, gorgeously naked and all.
“Is that all you can do, sneak in and raid my fridge?” Valen asked sardonically.
“Why not? Did you want me to join?” Vaheed teased, and burst out laughing loudly, knowing how that irked Valen. “I'm sure I'd last longer than you did.”
“Watch it,” Valen warned tightly, suppressing his annoyance. He snaked his arm around my waist to pull me into his lap.
Vaheed raised his occupied hands in mock surrender, still grinning. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. For now."
Valen rolled his eyes. “It's your first night out. Shouldn't you be clubbing or something?”
Vaheed frowned and dramatically slapped his turkey over his chest. "I helped you get rid of your fake queen, and this is the thanks I get. People these days, so rude."
“Says the uninvited guest,” Valen snorted, and I giggled, tilting my head sideways onto his shoulder.
Vaheed plopped down sideways on the armchair and threw his two muscular legs over the armrest. “I will get out of your hair and let you get back to that…” He pointed the meat at his brother’s displaying dick. “...when you tell me why my parents weren’t at my discharge assessment.” He brought the meat to his mouth and bit a hunk of it while saying, “And where the hell is Venus?”
A stiff silence fell into the living room.
My stomach twisted, and I looked from him to Valen, feeling a tension mounting.
“Am I missing something?” Vaheed's dark brows dropped, his eyes narrowing as he continued chewing.
Mercy moons.
I knew the second Vaheed learned what happened to their sister, all hell would break loose.
They were about to butt heads and lock horns, and I didn’t want them to fight.
So I decided to jump in.
“It’s kind of a funny story,” I began nervously, trailing off when their heated eyes landed on me. I gulped, cringed, and grumbled, “Okay, not so funny story.”
Was it so hard to ask for a little more time of peace?
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