Chapter 21 

~Valeria ~ After talking with Father, I went to my room with Max—who Father left with me—and cleaned up. Only a few clothes made it. Jade even ruined the black dress Raphael gave me. At least she didn’t touch my underwear drawer where I keep the gifts. Now I’m lying around with Max, wondering about my future. If I don’t get mated… then what? Jade’s the oldest, so her mate will be Alpha. She’ll either throw me out or keep me around just to torture me. How did I never think of this before? The moment I ask myself that question, the answer hits me—I’d been putting all my damn eggs in the mate basket. And now that I’m not even sure I want one, I realize just how deep in trouble I am. Tobias’ proposal is starting to look better and better. If he becomes King, no one would ever dare hurt me again. My life would be secure, simple: children—something I’ve always wanted—food, sleep, and freedom to do whatever the hell I please. But then there’s Raphael. I can’t stop thinking about him. The trut