Chapter 7 Move Out

Valerie's POV

I pressed a napkin over my mouth, fighting back the surge of nausea clawing up my throat.

No. I couldn't stay here any longer.

Without sparing anyone a glance, I stood up and said, "I'm full. I'll be leaving first."

Before anyone could respond, I turned and walked out. Cassian followed close behind.

Neither of us spoke until we were back in the car. The doors shut with a muffled thud, sealing us off from the world outside. Then Cassian finally exploded.

"Valerie, what the hell was that? Aren't you and Aaron mates? Why was he sitting there, all lovey-dovey with Lily? And she had the nerve to say she'd introduce you to a boyfriend?!"

His voice grew angrier. "What does Aaron mean by all this? Don't tell me he still has feelings for Lily! You're his mate! Does he really plan to abandon you?"

"If that's the case," he snapped, "I should've punched that bastard right there at the table!"

His fury made me laugh—softly, bitterly.

I turned to him, trying to sound calm. "Cassian, don't be angry. Aaron and I are severing our mate bond. It's mutual, and he's been… generous with the settlement. Once it's finalized, I'll be rich."

I forced a smile. "That's good news, isn't it? You should be happy for me."

But even to me, my smile seemed hollow. The ache behind it was too raw to hide.

Cassian saw through me instantly. His expression softened into quiet sorrow. "Valerie," he said gently, "after all these years, do you still see me as an outsider?"

"Of course not," I protested at once. "You and Constance have always been close to me, just like family."

He lowered his gaze, the light in his eyes dimming. Then he said softly, "If you really think of me as family, don't pretend to be strong in front of me. It's exhausting."

My lips pressed together, and I didn't answer, but the tension in my shoulders began to ease.

"You've loved Aaron since we were pups," Cassian continued. "Constance and I have always known. Now that you're separating from him, it's impossible not to feel heartbroken. So don't hold it in, Valerie. Cry if you need to. We'll be here—always."

His words cracked something deep inside me.

In that moment, the years I'd buried away came flooding back—years of being alone, of surviving without parents, of losing my wolf in that terrible accident.

If it weren't for Constance and Cassian, who had shielded me all these years, I might have been destroyed long ago.

The realization made my throat tighten painfully. I couldn't hold back anymore. I threw my arms around Cassian, burying my face in his shoulder, and sobbed.

Once the tears started, I couldn't stop. All I could think about was the endless ache I'd been carrying, the kind that no amount of silence could heal.

The car was still and quiet, filled only with the sound of my crying.

Through the blur of tears, I felt Cassian's hand rest lightly on my back. He started to pull me into his arms, but stopped midway—then simply patted my shoulder, slow and steady, offering silent comfort instead.

Under his gentle rhythm, my sobs gradually subsided. I finally cried until there was nothing left inside me.

When I could breathe again, I released him and took the handkerchief he wordlessly offered, wiping away my tears.

"Thank you, Cassian," I said hoarsely.

He smiled faintly, as kind as ever, not even glancing at the tear stains on his shirt.

"What will you do now?" he asked.

I sniffled and thought for a moment. "I'll go back, pack my things, and move out."

He frowned, brushing a strand of damp hair from my forehead. "You look pale. Since you've already decided to leave, one or two more days won't matter. You should rest first."

Before I could protest, he added, "Tomorrow morning, Constance and I will come help you pack. It'll make things easier."

I didn't need a mirror to know how drained I looked—or how weak I felt. I had barely eaten a thing. The sight of Aaron and Lily had turned my stomach upside down.

Instinctively, my hand went to my belly. For the pup's sake, I couldn't push myself any further.

"All right," I murmured. "I'll listen to you."

Cassian smiled, relieved, and started the car. He drove me back to Aaron's home.

When I stepped into the bedroom, the empty space greeted me with its usual chill.

He wasn't here. Of course, he wasn't. He was probably still with Lily.

I didn't want to think about them anymore. Grabbing a change of clothes, I headed straight for the bathroom. A hot shower, I told myself, then sleep.

If Aaron wasn't coming home tonight, all the better. Peace and solitude suited me just fine.

But when I stepped out of the bathroom, toweling my hair—

—I froze.

Aaron stood by the window, loosening the tie around his neck with an unreadable expression.

My breath caught.

What was he doing here?

I took an involuntary step back. My damp feet slipped against the floor.

Oh no—