chapter 20

Valen I'm not proud of my actions almost immediately after leaving the hotel and my mate. Ashley won’t stop crying and demanding to know who Everly is to me, but I know if I tell her right now, it will be all over the city by the end of the day; the last thing I want is the media hunting Everly down and harassing her. So, I remained quiet the entire drive until I pull up in front of her house. Ashley reaches for me and I pull away. I can’t stand her touch; it repulses me, and my entire body is pulling me back in the direction of my mate. I know I need to figure something out fast. I don’t know how my father survived my mother dying. This is agony, and I've only been away from her for five minutes. “Get out!” My voice escapes as more of a growl. Startled by it, Ashley jumps, looking at me nervously, frozen in her seat. “Get out,” I repeat at her. The Command rolls over her, and her hand reaches for the door handle before hastily getting out. “And Ashley?” I start as she climbs out of th