I stepped away, the sight too much for Nyra to bear. Her furious snarls echoed in my mind, but I held her back.
“We’re better than this,” I whispered to her, turning to leave.
As I walked away, I heard Selena giggle. “She’s always so quiet, isn’t she? Almost like a ghost.”
Nicho’s response was muffled, but I didn’t care anymore. He had helped her get her wolf and she didn't have to go through bullying like other rogues do because of their inability to connect to their wolf.
Aria POV
Just as Aunt Lyra came down the porch steps to greet me, she paused mid-step, her sharp gaze flicking between me and the pair. I knew what she wanted to say, so I cut her off before she could open her mouth. “Mom sent these supplies for you. Be sure to sort them quickly; some of it won’t keep for long.”
I didn’t spare Nicho—my so-called mate—a glance. The man had made his choices loud and clear these past few weeks. But today, he surprised me by speaking up, his voice laced with a feigned calm.
“Aria, don’t misunderstand. Selena’s old den was too close to rogue territory, and I couldn’t leave her there unprotected. So, I found her a safer place nearby. I didn’t realize it was this close to your aunt’s home. By the way, why do you have so much stuff?”
I directed the driver to unload the crates into Aunt Lyra’s kitchen as I replied casually, “You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Nicho. My mom bought these things. We don’t know when we’ll be back, so she sent extra.”
Nicho visibly relaxed at my indifference, though his relief only deepened my irritation.
“No problem. The North Ridge isn’t far from here. Just let me know if you need anything,” he said lightly, as if we were still close enough to share pleasantries.
He didn’t know yet that I was staying here for good—and I had no intention of telling him.
Aunt Lyra, who had been watching silently, finally spoke up. “Nicho, you’ve known Aria for so long. Is this really how things are between you now? It’d be a shame to let misunderstandings ruin what you’ve built.”
Before Nicho could respond, I shook my head, my voice firm. “There’s no misunderstanding, Aunt Lyra. Nicho doesn’t let one linger. If he hasn’t explained by now, then there’s nothing left to say.”
Selena shifted uncomfortably, her tired expression drawing his attention immediately. “You look pale,” he murmured to her, concern softening his tone.