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CHAPTER 238
~Valerie's POV~
I cringed slightly. "Not using… just... borrowing your presence."
Xander gave a short laugh. "For how long can you keep dodging them like this?"
I sighed, letting my shoulders slump. "I don't know."
He paused, eyeing me carefully. "No. I think the better question is… Why are you avoiding them?"
My steps slowed. "Because it's hard to trust anyone right now. Even those who claim to care. It's like I keep waiting for the next betrayal."
He nodded slowly and thoughtfully for a moment there. "And… is the mate bond becoming hard to ignore?"
I stopped walking as my heart stuttered.
"What?" I said quietly.
But Xander was already watching me closely.
I hesitated. Then I nodded. "I… I had a dream about Dristan. And ever since, every time I see any of them—Kai, Xade, Axel, Ash, Ace—it just… it brings it back. The feelings and confusion, all of it."