Chapter Twenty–Three: Aurielle DuVall
I slept like a baby for two hours before waking up. I just couldn’t let myself rest. I needed to go and check those papers to be sure I’d filled out every important part. My reasons for wanting a divorce. My reasons for wanting to separate from my alpha.
Whether it was mutual, I hadn’t checked that part. I chose that I was the one seeking to end the marriage. I made sure everything was in place. I’d go to the council tomorrow to turn these papers in. I needed to guard them with my life.
Where’s my phone?
I looked around my bedroom for my bag and spotted it lying on the floor next to the bed. I reached into it for my cell phone and sighed with gratitude when I found it. I’m not sure why I’m on edge. My cheek still stings, and my body feels like it has been
through shit. And my elbow is sore as hell.
I should probably sleep more.
That was what I said to myself as I clutched the divorce papers and unlocked my phone. There were three messages, but only one
caught my eye.
Cassiel Aldric: Haven’t heard from you, Aurielle. I hope you’re okay and not stressed. It isn’t good for your growing child.
I told myself to respond and maybe check the other two messages. One of which came from my mother–in–law, and the other from my father. The fact that he sent one message means he’s furious.
My life is at actual risk.
I felt a bubbly feeling remembering how Matthias stood up for me. It was a first for us both.
I shook my head, telling myself not to assume something that would make my heart ache. I can’t give in to a small bit of help and turn it into something it isn’t.
I called Cassiel instead of texting him back.
I didn’t expect him to pick up, I mean, it was late. Wait, no, it’s not even eleven pm yet. I didn’t sleep long; that can’t be good for
- me.
I got up while the call rang and took a seat on my bed.
“Hello?” his voice cut through the speakers.
“Hi, sorry for calling this late. But I fell asleep, and I realized I hadn’t texted you back-”
“Aurielle, are you safe?” he asked, cutting off my rambling.
“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry, I had dinner with my parents. Did not go well.”
He laughed a little bit. “Tell me about it.”
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Chapter Twenty Throa Aurotio Duve
“Trust me, you don’t want my drama.”
“I kind of do. Spill, I’m working, but it’ll keep me from falling asleep.”
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I thought about whether I should do it. I wasted his time by explaining the situation with Nerissa and my parents. Would that
make Matthias look bad in his eyes? Well i can exclude matthias from the conversation and focus on venting out the shit I’ve
endured for years.
So I laid it out. I talked about how scary it was to be taken as a child. How I wished for my parents every single day, and it had
ended with me being gone for a couple of months at a rogue camp before they saved me.
And how I found out that while people were working to find me, they were adopting a new daughter. They claimed it was to fill
the void of losing me, but I know the truth. It was so they could have an omega child.
One with a shot of being perfect for the pack alpha.
Everyone knows an omega and an alpha are perfect for each other. I, as a beta, am not the exact fit.
And when I was rescued and returned, I tried to pretend that I didn’t notice how disappointed they were at me still being alive.
I told him how my dad had struck me today, how my father had almost beaten me to death when my adopted sister left her- suicide note in an obvious spot for it to be found. Making it look like intentionally got her killed.
I don’t know how long I spoke. But I know it felt nice to be heard, even if it was by one of the busiest men in the world. A man who could somehow find time for a friend in the dead hours of the night.
When I was done, I felt thirsty. The thought of leaving my divorce papers and going to the kitchen sounded like hell on earth. So I
would not be doing that.
Cassiel was quiet for a moment, I thought I’d bored him to sleep. Or he’d gotten distracted by his work.
“They sound awful. Both your parents and that sister of yours. And Matthias, did he defend you? Surely no husband would let
someone do this to his wife?”
I thought about how to answer this. Should I lie about it? But matthias had defended me today.
Because he had no clue my parents were using me to fund their retirement, or that my father was abusive. But he hadn’t asked for
further details.
In fact, the only reason they were here today was because of him. Before he changed his mind. Why did he change his mind?
I have so many questions, none of which can be answered right now.
“I can’t answer that.”
“I understand. I would have a word with him if it wasn’t overstepping.”
That made me smile. “Thank you. He did sign the divorce papers, though. So I don’t have to deal with filing for a summons.
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Chapter Twenty Throo Aurelia DuVall
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“That’s wonderful, Aurielle. I’m happy for you. I’m going to be at the office early tomorrow, would it be okay for me to give you a ride back from the council?”
I thought about it. I could take a cab back from the council building. It’s at a neutral spot between several packs. But it would be nice to get a ride back and spend less money.
I need to save every penny.
“Yes, I would love that.”
