Rise of the Underdogs: VALIK

XXIII

Days later, just as the sun was rising over the mountain ridge, I blinked my eyes open to the soft spill of dawn stretching through the window. The early light poured across the walls in quiet streaks, tinting everything with that golden haze that makes silence feel sacred. My gaze drifted to the clock resting on the far side table. I noted the time without really registering it, then looked down at the familiar weight tucked against me, warm and quiet, tangled in sheets and sleep.

She was pressed into my side, her arm sprawled across my chest, one knee hooked over mine like she was trying to curl inside me. Not just close but fused, like safety was not a place but a person. It was the way she held on, even in sleep, and it made my chest ache in that good way.

Honestly, I loved it.

Being wanted without obligation. Chosen not because of status or bloodline, but because I had become someone she trusted enough to fall asleep on. The kind of trust where you are not just a warm body in the dark but shelter. The one someone drifts to when the world spins too fast.

I was that for my Heaven.

And as the light grew bolder across the ceiling, I realized something else. Today was her last normal Monday. The final stretch of high school had arrived, loud and glittering in its own chaotic way. Prom week had officially kicked off, and everyone around her was vibrating with excitement over the long list of parties, themed events, and chaotic rituals of graduation. I did not care much for any of it. My own academic journey had ended overseas in Russia, surrounded by the intense cold and fierce brilliance of Camp Katya. My version of celebration looked a lot less flashy and a lot more brutal.

Now I was finding myself unexpectedly swept into dress shopping with Ember, Heaven, and Peiter. Two girls, two guys, a whirlwind of sequins, sarcasm, and opinions, and not enough patience to deal with stupid people.

Then Peiter opened his mouth.

“Babe, you could go to Prom naked and still be the most beautiful girl in the room.”

I bit my lip. “I don’t think you realize what kind of hell that little Snapdragon is capable of unleashing, Peiter.”

Heaven snickered, grabbing another dress before frowning. Pulling out her phone, she scowled even more as she checked something. “Shoot.”

Moving behind her, I blinked at the cost of the dress she had been eyeing the whole hour we were in the store. “Problem?”

“I… I can’t afford the one I want,” she answered, her voice dropping. “I have two options. No. wait… I have three. Mom, Logan, or just not get it.”

Raising a brow, I shook my head. “Or you can go with option four.”

“There’s a fourth option?” She asked, her eyes searching my face. Then, “Oh. I see.”

“Heaven, while training with the Royal Vampire army, we were paid well. If we did good, we got bonuses. Since I didn’t go out much and didn’t have anyone to spend it on, I just let the money sit in my account.” I explained.

She let out a small whistle. “Are you implying I can borrow the balance from you?”

“No,” I answered. “I’m implying that you can ask me, and I would give it to you. I can offer, but I can’t make you take it. No strings. No expectations. If it bothers you, I’m going to need you to get over it. Besides, don’t forget what you and the others did to me back when I got out of the hospital when I was fourteen.”

Her face flushed bright red, “I did. Then again, it was Logan’s inheritance money.”

“Doesn’t matter,” I told her. “The crew still took me shopping, never asked for repayment, and accepted me as a Howler. It’s my turn to repay that kindness, Heaven.”

Finally, after a moment to debate with her wolf, Heaven nodded, “Alright. I’ll let you pay for the dress. I don’t expect lavish gifts or anything, though.”

“This is a once in a lifetime night for you and Ember, my beautiful girl. Besides, consider it an investment. There may be times when you might need a fancy dress for a pack function,” I said, watching her reaction carefully.

I didn’t want to overstep, and demanding things of her would totally set off my over-protective older brother in the worst way. I’d sworn my loyalty to him, to his pack, and all with the promise that I would never turn down the path of a Rogue.

She smiled, “That explanation makes sense. So, if I’m reading the situation correctly, you’re saying that I can do as I please with the dress after prom?”

“Why are you asking permission, Heaven? What’s really going on in your head? Ehno says you’re anxious about our connection, and I need to know why,” I said, dropping my voice an octave.

Her face paled as she realized what she’d done; what she’d been doing all along. Tears flooded her hazel gaze as she tried to step away. “I… I didn’t realize…”

“That’s why I’m asking you to explain,” I breathed, pulling her into my arms. “You grew up seeing the bruises and Logan’s reaction to Austin. I get it. You’re scared that a guy who spent seven extra years under that bastards thumb might switch and turn on you, aren’t you? Be honest.”

Her lip trembled, her eyes searching my face for any sign of violence or manipulation. Obviously finding none, she choked on a sob as she tightened her grasp on me. “Yes. Goddess forgive me, yes. I’m scared, but at the same time, I trust you. I know you won’t do anything to purposely hurt me, but I can’t stop seeing how beaten down Aunt Mari was or how alone and timid Lo-lo used to be. He still feels guilty over my daddy’s death, but it wasn’t his fault. Austin killed my father, but Logan tore him to shreds. Literally. Paul told me how Logan tore Austin’s head from his body after tearing into his underbelly. Did you know he actually looked at my brother, the freaking Beta, and told him the kill should have been his?”

“Paul wouldn’t have survived Austin’s brutality, Heaven, so I’m glad he wasn’t the one who faced him. I’m glad Logan made sure Austin would never hurt another living soul. I only wish I could have witnessed it for myself. The end of a tyrant,” I told her, “Came before the rise of his sons.”

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

“Don’t be,” I smiled. “Now, why don’t you go try on the dress you love so much and see if it needs altering?”

Sniffling softly, she nodded as she grabbed the garment and rushed to the dressing room. Without turning, I let out a huff of air. I could smell Paul’s sandalwood scent as he entered the boutique but said nothing. I wanted to let the moment be, to let everything fall into place without force. “How am I doing, Beta?”

“I didn’t know she carried that pain, but I’m grateful for how you handled it, Valik. I’m glad to know the chance we took on you wasn’t a waste of time and resources, as well,” Paul said softly.

He moved to the bench, sitting as he stared at me. “I was pissed off when I found out you were her Mate, but I’m inclined to agree with my baby brother. Jacob always was a good judge of character.”

“He’s amazing,” I agreed. “So, we’re good?”

Paul nodded, “Yeah. We’re good. Just keep treating my baby sis like you are and we’ll avoid issues completely. If she ever tells me you’re harming her in any way? Let’s just say Logan will be burying his brother.”

“Understood, Beta,” I answered, knowing he was messing around with me.

By the time she came out, he was gone.

The moment my gaze landed on her in the baby pink gown with cut, billowed sleeves, I felt time stop. It fit her like a second skin, and I had to fight back an inexplicable urge to snap possessively at anyone watching. “Um… wow.”

“Do you like it?” Her voice was timid, expectancy laced with fear.

“You look like a princess,” I said softly. “You make the dress beautiful, not the other way around.”

Her giggle filled the room. “You flirt! Thanks, Valik. For seeing me, not my status.”

Without thinking, I grasped her chin gently before kissing her. Pulling back, I shook my head. “No, Heaven. I should be thanking you.”

“For what?” She asked, confused.

I smiled, brushing my thumb over her cheek. “Existing.”