I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 90

### I Left Before He Learned My Worth

**Chapter 90**

**ARIA**

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Morrison’s words echoed in my mind, and he was undeniably right. The parallels between our situations were striking. Here we were, two individuals who had once cared deeply for others, who had shared intimate moments, only to find our relationships severed for reasons beyond our control. Kael and I had never betrayed one another; in fact, we hadn’t even known of each other’s existence during those turbulent times.

“I get what you’re saying,” I finally managed to articulate, though my voice wavered slightly. “Logically, it all makes sense. But emotionally… it still stings. The thought of him being with her, of them sharing something so profound that I feel utterly inadequate in comparison—it’s just too much to bear.”

“Then stop competing with it,” Morrison replied, his tone steady and reassuring. “Acknowledge that it happened. Accept that it was real and significant for both of them. Then, shift your focus to creating something equally authentic and meaningful with Kael now. Something that is distinctly yours, rather than trying to replicate or surpass what existed before.”

“That’s much easier said than done,” I muttered, frustration creeping into my voice.

“True,” Morrison agreed, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “But most worthwhile things require effort. Now, let’s pivot to Sera’s letter and the thoughts swirling in your mind about how to address it.”

I inhaled deeply, grounding myself as I began to lay out my thoughts. “Ivory is already contemplating leaving. I think helping her exit might safeguard both her and the pack. It could be the most compassionate choice for everyone involved.”

Morrison listened intently, his brow furrowing as I spoke. When I finally finished, a heavy silence enveloped us, stretching on for what felt like an eternity before he finally responded.

“No,” he said, his voice firm and resolute. “Absolutely not. We cannot expel pack members simply because someone else demands it. That’s not how we function, and it’s a precedent we cannot afford to establish.”

“I’m not suggesting we kick her out,” I protested, a hint of desperation creeping into my tone. “I’m merely saying that helping her realize leaving might be her best option—”

“Which is essentially the same thing,” Morrison interrupted, his voice rising slightly with urgency. “Luna Aria, if we encourage Ivory to leave because Sera has threatened us, what message does that send? It implies that other packs can manipulate our internal dynamics through intimidation. That we would sacrifice our own members to appease aggressors. That our loyalty is conditional, swayed by political pressures.”

He leaned forward, his intensity palpable, compelling me to sit up straighter. “More critically, consider how the pack will perceive this. If Ivory departs now, especially in response to Sera’s ultimatum, everyone will understand the reason behind it. They’ll see that their Luna felt threatened by a valuable pack member and used external pressure as an excuse to push her away. It will appear as insecurity and jealousy masquerading as concern for safety.”

“But if it genuinely keeps her safe—” I began, but Morrison cut me off.

“It won’t,” he stated flatly, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Jason was correct about that. If Ivory steps outside the protection of the pack, she becomes vulnerable—easier to track, easier to attack, easier to kill. Sera’s people will find her eventually, and without the bonds and territory of the pack to shield her, her chances of survival plummet.”

The weight of his words settled in my stomach like a stone. I had been so consumed with my own discomfort, with the constant reminder of what Kael had shared with someone else, that I had convinced myself facilitating Ivory’s departure was a protective measure. But in reality, it would be a death sentence cloaked in noble intentions.

“That could take months,” I replied, anxiety creeping into my voice. “Sera gave us a week.”

“Then let the week pass,” Morrison advised, his confidence unwavering. “Call her bluff. Sera lacks the resources or support to launch an open attack on Shadowmere. She’s resorting to threats and proxy violence because that’s all she can manage. If we stand firm, if we protect Ivory without yielding to her demands, Sera will eventually have to either escalate beyond her capabilities or back down.”

“And if she does escalate?” I pressed, concern lacing my words. “What if she finds a way to harm Ivory despite our security measures?”

“Then we deal with it,” Morrison replied grimly. “We respond with appropriate force. We must demonstrate that attacking our pack members carries consequences. But Luna Aria, you cannot base your decisions on worst-case scenarios that might never materialize. You must act based on what is right and strategic, not merely what seems safest or most convenient.”

I absorbed his words, turning them over in my mind. They resonated with clarity—every point he made made sense. Yet the thought of implementing this strategy, of actually following through, felt daunting.

“There’s one more thing you need to accept,” Morrison said gently, his tone softening again. “Kael is going to experience conflicted feelings about Ivory for quite some time. Probably for a long while. He cared for her deeply, shared intimacy with her, and built a relationship that was significant even if it couldn’t be permanent. Those feelings won’t just vanish because he has bonded with you.”

“I understand,” I replied quietly, even though hearing it so plainly still stung.

“No, I don’t think you fully grasp the depth of it,” Morrison pressed. “Kael will feel possessive of Ivory at times. He’ll experience jealousy when she shows interest in other men. He’ll struggle with watching her move on while a part of him clings to their connection. You need to allow him to process those feelings without interpreting them as a rejection of you or your bond.”