Chapter 31

Laura POV

"The drama and tension in my life had become too much to bear. I couldn't take the risk of being told to leave the pack again, with or without my aunt's consent. The trauma of being rejected and cheated on by my own mate was almost too much for my heart to handle.

As I read the post on social media from a rejected Luna, I felt tears streaming down my already tear-stained face. I sniffled, feeling the pain and anger well up inside me. 'Alphas are hypocrites,' I muttered to myself, 'they're meant to stay single, not mate.' The urge to erase all memories of Damian and our time together burned within me, pulling me closer to a fiery abyss of heartache."

"What's wrong, why are you crying and pinching your nose so hard?" Valerie asked, concern etched on the face. "And oh no, you're bleeding!" She exclaimed, rushing towards me. I held up my hands, revealing the bloody nose I had inflicted upon myself. "I just felt like hurting myself and seeing the physical outcome of my emotional pain," I admitted, my voice shaking.

"No, Laura, you don't have to hurt yourself just for a social media video. Come on, Laura, don't let anxiety consume you with these imaginary thoughts of self-harm," Valerie's words hung in the air, but I remained unmoved, my voice stuck in my throat. I nodded slowly, blinking deliberately, trying to process her concerns.

"Don't worry, Val," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be fine." I held her hands, trying to transfer my warmth and reassurance to her. "I promise, I'll be fine."

Valerie's eyes searched mine, looking for any sign of deception. But I meant what I said. I would be fine. I had to be. For her sake, and for mine.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice laced with skepticism. "But promise me you'll talk to someone about this. A professional, Laura. You can't keep going on like this." I nodded, feeling a small sense of relief wash over me. "I promise, Val. I'll find someone to talk to."

Valerie's grip on my hands tightened. "Good. Because I can't lose you, Laura. You're all I have left."

I smiled weakly, feeling a pang of guilt. I had been so caught up in my own pain that I had forgotten about Valerie's struggles. She hadn't found her own mate, even her own pack, and was now stuck in this pack with me.

"I'm sorry, Val," I whispered. "I'm so sorry I've been so caught up in my own problems. You're right. I need help."

"Maybe I'll visit a therapist or something, because I'm losing it," I said, my voice laced with desperation. "Last week I stumbled into Arla at the restaurant,that alone got my anxiety spiraling out of control. But no, we can't stroll around the area or visit anyone," I snapped, cutting off Valerie's suggestion. "You remember what happened last week, Val. I can't do that again.

My anxiety is already suffocating me, and I can't face anyone right now." My voice rose, fueled by anger and determination. "I need to figure out how to deal with this on my own terms, without being dragged back into the same toxic situations that got me here in the first place."

Valerie's eyes widened, taken aback by my outburst. But she quickly composed herself and nodded understandingly. "Okay, Laura. I get it. We'll do it your way. But promise me you'll at least consider seeking help, whether it's a therapist or a support group. You don't have to face this alone."

I nodded curtly, still feeling the sting of anxiety and anger. But as I looked into Valerie's concerned eyes, I felt a small sense of gratitude towards her. She was trying to help, even if I wasn't making it easy for her.

"Thanks, Val," I muttered, my voice barely audible. "Just being here for me means a lot."

Valerie smiled softly and put a hand on my shoulder. "That's what friends are for, Laura. Now, how about we get out of here and go somewhere quiet? You can't stay cooped up in this apartment forever."

I hesitated for a moment, then shook my head. "Sorry, Val, I have an assignment to submit tomorrow and I can't leave this lounge without finishing the task in my book." I snuggled deeper into the couch, keeping my legs propped up on the armrests. "I'll be fine, really. Just need to focus on this for now."

Valerie nodded understandingly, but her eyes still held a hint of concern. "Okay, Laura. But don't push yourself too hard, okay? You've been through a lot lately and I don't want you to burn out." She paused, then added, "I'll be here when you're ready to take a break or talk about anything. Just call me."

I smiled weakly, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. "Thanks, Val. You're a lifesaver." As she headed out, I dove back into my book, trying to focus on the task at hand and push aside the lingering anxiety and emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

I glanced at the book, but my mind was a blank. "Ugh, I just can't focus!" I groaned, dropping the book on the coffee table. Frustrated and overwhelmed, I headed to the bed and flung myself onto it, wrapping my arms around a pillow as if seeking a soft, reassuring embrace.

I lay there, my hands absently stroking the bedspread as if trying to comfort myself. My thoughts raced uncontrollably, refusing to let me settle into a peaceful state. With a sigh, I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath, hoping to calm my mind and find some semblance of serenity.

I thought about my pack, about Damian, about the rejection and the pain. But as I lay there, something strange happened. My thoughts began to shift, like the tide changing direction. I started to think about Valerie, about her kindness and her support. I thought about the way she had stood by me, even when I was at my lowest. What's actually happening to my mindset?