I didn’t spare Nicho—my so-called mate—a glance. The man had made his choices loud and clear these past few weeks. But today, he surprised me by speaking up, his voice laced with a feigned calm.
“Aria, don’t misunderstand. Selena’s old den was too close to rogue territory, and I couldn’t leave her there unprotected. So, I found her a safer place nearby. I didn’t realize it was this close to your aunt’s home. By the way, why do you have so much stuff?”
I directed the driver to unload the crates into Aunt Lyra’s kitchen as I replied casually, “You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Nicho. My mom bought these things. We don’t know when we’ll be back, so she sent extra.”
Nicho visibly relaxed at my indifference, though his relief only deepened my irritation.
“No problem. The North Ridge isn’t far from here. Just let me know if you need anything,” he said lightly, as if we were still close enough to share pleasantries.
He didn’t know yet that I was staying here for good—and I had no intention of telling him.