CHAPTER 289: PROMISE ME

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Chapter 289

~Valerie’s POV~

I did not know what to think or say to Xander, but it was apparent he knew more than he ever let on.

"Valerie?"

"I don’t know what to do now, Astra."

"Maybe this time... we actually trust someone?"

"Fine. I will."

Still unsure, I stood frozen as Xander met my wolf’s gaze. His expression didn’t shift—not with fear, suspicion, or shock. Just that unshakable calm he always carried like a cloak.

I hesitated to shift back, and somehow, Xander seemed to be trying to read me and get a clue as to what was happening.

I swallowed hard, and in my mind, I whispered, "Could you turn?" hoping he would somehow hear and actually understand this time.

He did.

"Forgive me," he murmured, his voice gentle, even reverent. Then he turned away slowly, both hands raised in mock surrender, a gesture so simple yet oddly reassuring.

Astra gave me the green light, and I shifted back, breath catching in my throat as the cool forest air kissed my bare skin. I stood and brushed a few stray leaves off my leg.

"My hoodie...?" I asked quietly.

Xander leaned forward slightly, picked it up from the ground without turning his head, and tossed it back at me with one smooth motion.

I caught it midair and quickly slipped it over my head. Thank the stars it was oversized—it hung well past my hips, shielding what needed shielding.

"Okay, you can turn now."

I braced myself for judgment, some quiet form of disdain. But when he turned... There was none, just the softness in his violet eyes, calm, filled with love, and understanding.

No malice. No ridicule. Just... him.

"Hey, um... Xander, about—" I began, but my fear betrayed me as my voice shook.

"You don’t have to hide from me anymore," he cut in softly. "I know who you are."

My breath caught.

"What do you mean?" I asked, slightly cautiously.

"I mean..." he stepped closer, voice dropping to something near reverence, "...I know who you are. The Southern Heiress, Valerie Snow."

My knees went weak, and I blinked. "You do." It was more like a conviction for me. He wasn’t playing me earlier or testing me like Astraea did.

"You’re not angry? Or scared? Or... weirded out?"

A slow smile curled on his lips. "Why would I be? No matter who you are, you will always be Valerie to me. Be you a Nightshade or a Snow, what matters is who is in here."

Xander pointed at my chest, and that stunned me into silence.

"Valerie..." he continued, his tone even but laced with something deeper, "I am the Dragon Prince, remember? Besides, even my father recognized you."

My eyes widened. "Wait. What?!"

He nodded slowly. "Umm... My father—the Dragon King—recognized you the moment he saw you." I repeated for her to hear.

A short, breathless laugh left me, but it faded quickly into something more vulnerable. "When did you find out? Was it during the field trip?"

Xander’s smile dimmed just slightly. "No... it was the day I kissed you."

My cheeks burned. "W-What?"

He stepped forward, just a little. "After you left, I went home to see my father and well... let’s just say he found out one way or the other when I questioned him about whether you were my sister or not."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

He went on, his voice lower now. "And he confirmed he never had another child until he saw my memory of you. And then it all clicked."

I lowered my eyes, heart thundering, unsure what to say. I’d spent so long hiding, so long fearing rejection or worse, death. But here he was... accepting me without fear.

"What clicked, Xander?"

"That he was your godfather? And he recognised you easily."

I adjusted my stance and folded my arms. "Why didn’t you say anything?"

"I wanted to watch you like I have always been doing since I sensed a bond with you. Nothing more."

"Does this mean..." I glanced up, "you’ve been protecting me?"

He tilted his head. "Yes. And watching. And waiting. I didn’t want to push. I needed to be sure... that you’d come into your strength willingly."

I nodded, trying to find my footing in this surreal moment.

"You don’t have to do this alone, Valerie," he added, stepping closer. "I’ve got you. Always. And whatever your mission is, I’m gonna be with you through and through."

His words were like a warm blanket in winter. "Thank you," I whispered.

"I don’t want a thank you, Valerie. I want you to promise me." My eyes held his stare. "That you will include me in everything you do for your protection."

I hesitated. I did not want to bring someone else into my investigation, but yes, I needed help and all the help I could get.

"Alright. I promise you."

Xander and I had a few talks before he escorted me back towards the Alphas’ house, before leaving me by the doorstep.

Once he was out of sight, I opened the door gently and stepped inside the house.

The front door wasn’t locked, and I could guess it was because they didn’t really care much about safety or that they were sure of themselves.

Regardless, I decided not to think about it and walk in.

But just as I walked several feet into the living room, a sharp voice made me freeze in my steps like a thief caught in the dead of the night.

"So now you sneak out just to spend time with your non-mate even in your heat period where your body screams danger for you?"

I sighed and turned in that direction.

It was him again.

"Dristan."

"Valerie," he countered.

"I just went for a run," I shot back.

"In this... in nothing but a hoodie?"

I felt him rise from where he sat in the dark, and from his silhouette, I could see he had one hand tucked into his pocket.

Slowly, Dristan walked up to me till he came close to where the moonlight shone, seeping into the house through the window and alighting his features.

"Valerie..." he sniffed, and then his eyes narrowed. "You’re naked underneath."

"Yeah. That’s what happens when you shift. I shifted."