Chapter 28

Laura's POV


"Packing up my things was a stressful ordeal, made worse by the fact that I had to wait until noon. I had missed my 6 a.m. train due to oversleeping, and now my clothes were scattered all over the floor like crumpled paper. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration, trying to figure out how to gather my belongings.

The wardrobe doors creaked and groaned as they swung open and shut, their hinges straining against the gentle breeze. I felt a chill run down my spine, and my heart raced as I caught Valerie's gaze fixed on me, her silence more unsettling than any words could be."

"Val," I called out, ambling slowly towards her, my feet heavy with a mix of fatigue and reluctance. I felt a strong urge to stay and watch her, to relive the playful and memorable moments we'd shared. My heart felt weak and nostalgic as if trying to hold on to something precious.

"Is someone trying to be angry and sulky about my decision?" I asked, my voice low and understanding as I playfully nudged her with my foot, aiming for the side of her buttock. The gentle jab was meant to be a lighthearted tease, but my eyes betrayed my true emotions, revealing a deep longing to stay and connect with her.

Valerie's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing through mine. But instead of anger, I saw a flicker of understanding. She knew me too well and knew that I was struggling with something deeper. "You're running away, Laura," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "From what?"

I hesitated, my eyes dropping to the floor. How could I explain the tangled web of emotions inside me? The fear, the uncertainty, the feeling of being trapped? "From everything," I whispered back, my voice cracking. "From Clara, from Frank, from the mate bounding that I've been trying to fix.

Valerie's expression softened, her eyes filling with empathy. She reached out and took my hand; her touch was warm and comforting. "You've not always been alone, Laura," she said, her voice firm. "We'll face this together, okay?"

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat, but my mind was made up. I had to leave, no matter how hard it was. "My aunt's life is in danger, and mine isn't safe either," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I hesitated, looking at Valerie. "And Val, you're... you're a true friend, a warm-hearted one, just like I've always said." I trailed off, my eyes welling up with tears. "But I have to go. I can't stay here any longer."

Valerie's expression was understanding but also tinged with sadness. She knew I was making a difficult choice, one that would change everything. "I know, Laura," she said softly. "But promise me one thing: stay safe, and don't forget about me."

With a heavy heart, I turned to the wardrobe, folding my clothes and packing them into my small, fancy bag—a birthday gift from a past that felt like a lifetime ago. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "Val, I need your help," I said, my voice soft and measured. "I can't do this alone. Please, come with me."

Valerie's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded. "Of course, Laura. I'm with you, always." She walked over to her own wardrobe and began packing a small bag. Her movements were swift and efficient. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice practical and calm.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something in Valerie's eyes made me trust her. "I have to get out of this pack," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I have to confront her once and for all." I couldn't bring myself to say Arla's name out loud, but Valerie's understanding gaze told me she knew exactly who I was talking about.

Valerie's expression turned resolute, her jaw setting in a firm line. "Then we'll leave together," she said, her voice low and determined. "We'll face whatever comes next, side by side."

"No, Valerie, I can't take you with me," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "My aunt won't accept that. But I promise to visit your pack secretly, to see you." I smiled, trying to reassure her.

Valerie chuckled, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "I knew you'd say that," she said, leaning in to help me with the clothes that had been giving me trouble. "But I'm glad you're thinking of me.

"Yes, sweetheart, I'm always thinking of you," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "My aunt has referred me to another pack, maybe to start my life afresh. Clara has really messed everything up," I added, my frustration and anger evident in my tone.

Valerie nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Laura. Clara's actions have caused so much pain and damage. But you deserve a second chance, a fresh start. And I'll be here, supporting you every step of the way, even if it means secretly visiting each other from now on."

"Just when I thought I was getting prepared to leave, my phone rang, and of all people, it was my aunt," I muttered to myself, my eyes rolling in frustration. "Why is she calling now? Maybe she's found another mate that will keep you in the pack," Valerie said, as my mind raced with possibilities.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should answer the call. But something compelled me to pick up, my heart sinking as I heard my aunt's stern voice on the other end. "Lena, where are you? You've missed your train ticket, and the trip has been canceled."

"What, Aunt? Canceled? How is that possible?" I asked, my confusion and frustration evident in my tone.