I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 52

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth**

**Chapter 52**

**ARIA**

39

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I awoke enveloped in warmth, the comforting weight of another body pressed closely against mine. For a fleeting moment, I savored the serenity of that closeness, allowing it to wrap around me like a soft blanket. But then, like a wave crashing on a shore, memories surged back—fragments of the ceremony, Damon’s sudden attack, the chaos of the fight, and Kael’s transformation back into his human form. With a jolt, my eyes flew open.

Kael’s face loomed just inches from mine, his golden eyes wide and alert, studying me with an intensity that made my heart race. We were in his quarters, a detail I only vaguely recalled from the moments after we had finally left the clinic in the early hours of the morning. I had been so utterly exhausted that I barely registered my surroundings before I collapsed into bed, surrendering to the sweet embrace of sleep.

“Good morning,” he greeted softly, his voice still carrying that rough, gravelly edge that hinted at his lingering fatigue. “Did you sleep well?”

There was something peculiar about his question, an underlying caution that made me pause. I scrutinized his face more closely and noted the signs—the tension etched into his features, the tightness in his jaw, and the dark shadows beneath his eyes that spoke volumes of a sleepless night.

“You haven’t slept at all,” I stated, my tone firm, not phrasing it as a question but as an undeniable truth.

A flicker of emotion crossed his face—perhaps guilt or frustration at being so easily deciphered. “I tried,” he admitted, his voice thick with the weight of his thoughts. “But every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ivory crashing into that table. I could still hear the sickening sound her body made upon impact. I couldn’t—” His voice trailed off, and he shook his head in disbelief. “I should have anticipated that Damon would resort to such treachery. I should have ensured better security, better preparations.”

“Kael, you couldn’t have predicted that he would strike during the ceremony itself. Most Alphas possess enough honor to at least respect formal challenges—”

“But I know Damon,” he interrupted, his voice rising with a mix of frustration and regret. “I’ve dealt with him in council meetings and pack negotiations. I understand his instability, his blatant disregard for traditional boundaries. I should have been better prepared. And now, because of my oversight, Ivory is hurt.”

I longed to tell him that he was being overly harsh on himself, that no amount of preparation could foresee every possible outcome. Yet, I recognized that arguing would only make him more defensive. Deep down, I understood his concern for Ivory was justified. She had bravely placed herself in harm’s way to safeguard our bonding ceremony, and she had paid a heavy price for her courage.

“Have you received any updates from the clinic?” I asked gently, shifting the focus away from his guilt. “How is she doing?”

A glimmer of relief flickered across his face, likely grateful that I wasn’t trying to persuade him to stop worrying. “Eliza sent word a few hours ago. Ivory’s stable but still unconscious. She has a broken nose, a fractured cheekbone, and a severe concussion. She’ll heal, but it’s going to take time.”

The guilt lacing his words resonated within me, intertwining with my own feelings of remorse. I had harbored jealousy toward Ivory, convinced she was attempting to undermine me when, in truth, she had been working tirelessly to protect us. To protect me, even though she had every reason to resent my presence.

Before I could form a response, Kael reached for a bell pull near the bed, summoning service with a sense of urgency. “You must be hungry. I’ll have breakfast brought up.”

“Kael, you really don’t have to—”

“I want to,” he insisted, his tone firm yet tender. “You’re my mate now. My Luna. Let me take care of you.”

There was an almost desperate quality to his words, as if caring for me was the only thing he felt he could control amidst the chaos. I nodded, allowing him to fuss over me, watching him as he rang the bell again and provided detailed instructions to the maid who appeared moments later, specifying exactly what he wanted for breakfast.

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