I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 30

**I Left Before He Learned My Worth**
**Chapter 30**

**ARIA**

41

+5 Free Coins

“Indeed. That’s precisely why we’ll have guards positioned all around the ceremonial clearing. If he dares to show his face, if he attempts to issue a challenge—”

“What happens then?” I interjected, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. “If he formally challenges? Is Kael allowed to refuse?”

Nina’s demeanor shifted, her expression darkening with the weight of the truth. “Technically, no. According to the ancient laws of the pack, any Alpha has the right to challenge for an unmated omega during a bonding ceremony. It’s a time-honored tradition, designed to ensure that only the strongest Alpha claims his mate. While most contemporary packs have moved away from this practice, if Alpha Cross formally invokes it, Kael would have no choice but to either accept the challenge or risk appearing weak in front of the other packs.”

The realization sent a wave of dread through me. “So he could actually force a fight.”

“He could certainly try. But Aria, Kael would emerge victorious. Even with his curse, even in his wolf form, he possesses strength and experience that far surpasses Alpha Cross. You don’t need to fret about the outcome of such a challenge.”

Yet, worry gnawed at me. Kael was still in the process of healing from the brutal nightwalker attack. The thought of him facing Damon filled me with dread; another injury could set him back further. This entire situation was devolving into chaos and violence, when it should have been a time for celebration.

All of this turmoil stemmed from Damon’s inability to accept that I had moved on.

*”Aria?”* Kael’s voice echoed in my mind, causing me to jump slightly. *”Are you alright? I sensed a surge of distress through our bond.”*

In that moment, I had completely forgotten about our connection, the bond that allowed him to feel my emotions even when I tried to mask them.

*”I’m fine,”* I replied, attempting to project a sense of calm, even though my mind was a storm of anxiety. *”Just grappling with some complicated information.”*

*”About Alpha Cross?”* His mental voice was laced with a steely resolve. *”I heard what he did to his Luna and mate, and about his plans to challenge for you.”*

Of course, he’d heard. News like that spread like wildfire through the pack networks.

*”It doesn’t change anything,”* I asserted firmly. *”I’m still bonding with you in two days. I’m still becoming Luna of Shadowmere. Whatever Damon attempts, whatever challenges he thinks he can throw my way—it won’t work.”*

1/3

11:36 Thu, Dec 18

**Chapter 30**

+5 Free Coins

I felt Kael’s emotions ripple through our bond—a mixture of relief and something darker, perhaps fear or doubt.

*”Do you still love him?”* Kael asked quietly, his vulnerability cutting through the tension. *”Is there a part of you that hopes he will succeed in his challenge?”*

The question struck me harder than I anticipated. Did I still love Damon? The truth was tangled and messy, not easily articulated.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify