Troubled Mind

Kaelen's POV:

I sit in the driver's seat, my knuckles turning white against the leather steering wheel. The silence in the car is thick. I cannot shake how Jace's overly affectionate behavior bothers me. The way she patted his head earlier, treating him like a favored pet, gnaws at my pride. I am convinced her relationship with that kid is far more than it seems.

I glance to my right. Valerie sits in the passenger seat, staring out the window into the dark streets. Her expression is nonchalant, her uncaring demeanor making my chest tighten with irritation.

"Just so we are clear," I warn her coldly, breaking the heavy silence. "We are still officially engaged. Jace is a public figure. You two better not let any scandalous rumors get out. The Vance family reputation can't take another hit."

She doesn't flinch or look my way. I let out a patronizing breath. "Besides, marrying into the Gallagher family wouldn't be easy for you anyway. You are two years older than Jace, aren't you?"

Valerie's head snaps toward me. Her expression darkens with rage. "Enough," she snaps, cutting through my words. "My romantic relationships are absolutely none of your business. Stop commenting on my life."

Her sharp words make my blood boil. I clench my jaw so hard my teeth grind, stubbornly ignoring her for the rest of the tense ride back to the estate.

Later that night, the darkness of my bedroom brings back my usual, agonizing insomnia. It is a lingering, traumatic curse. Whenever I close my eyes, I am thrown back to being thirteen, kidnapped by a rival Pack, and locked in a pitch-black, windowless room with no moonlight. But tonight feels different. It isn't just the darkness keeping me awake. It is Valerie occupying my thoughts.

I twist and turn, the sheets tangling around my legs. I agonize over her refusal to deny her relationship with Jace. Does her stubborn silence mean she is admitting it?

I reach inward, seeking out my wolf. *Darian,* I ask, my mind heavy with confusion. *Last night, I actually slept better than usual. How did you sleep?*

Darian lets out a deep sigh of longing. *I miss the feeling of holding Valerie while sleeping.*

I freeze. I didn't have trouble sleeping when I held her in my arms. I am conflicted. *Could she possibly be my fated mate?* I ask him, rubbing my tired eyes. *I actively hate her personality. She is arrogant and insufferable.*

*We will only know for sure in three months,* Darian mumbles, his presence retreating. *Once you ascend to become Alpha and my power grows, the bond will reveal itself.*

His vague words only fuel my frustration. How could a woman like her possibly harbor feelings for an immature kid like Jace? Is she blind? Unable to sleep, I throw the heavy blankets off. I grab a lighter, spark a cigarette, and stand by the window, staring blankly at the moon until the break of dawn.

Valerie's POV:

The next few days drag on in a monotonous cycle at the office. The repetition of mundane tasks makes me desperately miss the freedom of my old life. I crave the days of traveling the globe or simply lounging comfortably on the velvet couches at the massive Obsidian Pack Manor. Anything is better than this routine.

Soon enough, the anticipated Zenith Group anniversary celebration arrives. The Vance family eagerly drags me into an exhaustive hair and makeup session. They force me into a restrictive formal gown, ensuring I look the part to attend publicly alongside Kaelen.

The extravagant party hall is packed to the brim. Oakhaven's wealthy elites mingle beneath towering crystal chandeliers, sipping expensive champagne. Kaelen, standing tall in his tailored suit, is constantly stopped to greet important guests and high-ranking Pack members. Standing beside him, I grow bored out of my mind. I finally make a quick excuse and slip away to the bathroom for some peace.

The restroom is quiet, a sanctuary from the booming music outside. Just as I finish touching up my makeup in the vanity mirror, a voice calls out.

"Valerie Ashford?"

I turn around. A woman stands near the marble sinks. She is dressed in a stunning Dior haute couture gown that hugs her curves perfectly.

"I am Chloe Mercer," she introduces herself, lifting her chin with a smug look.

I recognize the name immediately. Since arriving in Oakhaven, the gossip surrounding her is impossible to miss. She is Kaelen's childhood friend and the heavily rumored future Luna of the Zenith Pack.

"Can I help you?" I ask, my tone flat.

Without flinching, Chloe reaches into her designer handbag. She pulls out a premium bank card and holds it out to me. "Here is ten million dollars," she demands, her eyes cold. "I want you to publicly announce that you are breaking off your engagement with Kaelen tonight."

I stare at the plastic card in her manicured hand, and I cannot help but laugh out loud at her audacity. Everyone in Oakhaven seems to think they can just throw their spare change at me to get their way.

Chloe aggressively frowns, her poised expression dropping into a scowl. "Take it," she insists. "This money will set a bumpkin like you up for life. You need to understand your place. Kaelen is only keeping you around right now because of Alpha Alaric's poor health. Once his father recovers, Kaelen will ruthlessly get rid of you. You won't get a single benefit if you wait."

"Ten million?" I scoff loudly, crossing my arms as I mock her idea. "To last me for the rest of my life?"

Chloe glares, clearly expecting me to jump at the cash.

I step closer, looking directly into her eyes. "Ms. Mercer," I inform her bluntly. "That amount isn't even enough to cover my monthly allowance."

I don't wait to see her stunned, humiliated reaction. I turn on my heels and walk toward the exit, my shoes clicking sharply against the tile floor.

Behind me, her poise shatters completely. "Are you insane?!" Chloe shouts in disbelief, her voice echoing off the bathroom walls. "How could a bumpkin Omega like you possibly have a ten-million-dollar allowance?!"

I push the heavy wooden door open and step back into the hallway.