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158,001	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	393570943078812	Upper Cervical Spine Chiropractic Care			https://drstephentrapaniblog.com/1960/upper-cervic	1541018726135041	Dr. Stephen Trapani, DC.	https://facebook.com/drstephentrapani	294	1	933,237,631,707,910	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1		Dr. Stephen Trapani, DC.	6504879881963	drstephentrapaniblog.com	NONE	image	The Vagus Nerve and Musculoskeletal Pain By a wide margin, people go to chiropractors for the management of musculoskeletal pain. Recent formal reviews of the chiropractic profession indicate that 93% of chiropractic patients initially seek chir	https://drstephentrapaniblog.com/1960/upper-cervical-spine-chiropractic-care/	2024-01-24 19:14	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422533786_1103766441071172_1020036579527315595_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JYNTz6nks-4AX8ENtYp&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AfCP1_vRwhQqasBdQ6co7OvuCVuquhiuZnWBrEBUNATeRw&oe=65B6D3D6	person_profile	Dr. Stephen Trapani, DC.	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422472115_946040110285372_2341008788027147106_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HeQjHHuVXdYAX-P08vQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AfBzn3zuH7VRc6mbomD8F5FpMhjLCnUt-esXduNQx4ateg&oe=65B6D9F6	3	Dr. Stephen Trapani, DC.	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
159,116	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":159098}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	7294009630621094	🔥🔥🔥Continue reading ➤➤	My Alpha mate rejected me for my sister. But he soon regretted it after he drove me into the arms of another Alpha, or worse.<br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 1: Ayla<br /> "Ma," I called down the hall. "Come on, Ma. They'll be here soon. You need to get out here."<br /> <br /> "I'm coming," my mother yelled back. "Don’t rush me.”<br /> <br /> She came out of her bedroom and down the hall. I was grateful that she didn’t seem to sway at all, and as she approached, the only scent wafting off her was mouthwash. And she actually seemed presentable. It was the first time in weeks. <br /> <br /> Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. Goddess forbid her precious baby learn the truth about her. <br /> <br /> No, that was my burden to bear. And in truth, I accepted it willingly. I wanted to protect Kylee from that reality as much as Ma wanted to hide it from her. However, I will admit we had different reasons. <br /> <br /> I waved Ma to the armchair in the living room while I went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. I was making Kylee’s favorites. It had been two months since my little sister had been home, and we were both excited. Even more exciting, she was bringing home her mate for the first time.<br /> <br /> I was so happy for her. They had apparently met almost two. Years ago, when she visited the local college campus with her high school. I had no idea they had found each other until her freshman year of university. I had asked her why the secrecy, and she told me they needed to wait to make their relationship public because of his position in the pack. They announced their relationship a few months into her first year. Still, she kept putting off us meeting him even though they were only a couple hours away. Don’t get me wrong, she told me all about him. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. But it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha. <br /> <br /> Ma and I were ecstatic. We couldn’t be more pleased. Especially me. Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. We were very blessed to have had his support after our father died. <br /> <br /> Not that we knew him all that well, but he was the one who helped me get the family back on its feet after such a terrible loss. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before. Again, it’s not like we were exactly close to the Alpha at all. I doubt he ever really thought of us. He was just taking care of the members of his pack, and for that, I will always be grateful. <br /> <br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy. <br /> <br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I heard Ma from the living room. <br /> <br /> “They're here,” she sang. <br /> <br /> I moved quickly. Getting out our nice serving dishes that were gifted to my parents at their mating ceremony, I started to plate dinner onto them. I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. I listened to the others conversing in the next room and quietly slipped out the back door. <br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually do instead of crying. <br /> <br /> I released a string of curses.<br /> <br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake. Just get through dinner like nothing is going on, and we’ll figure that out later. Easy.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t believe myself, neither did Dasha, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. So, I took two more deep breaths and went back into the house. I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. As soon as I saw the opportunity, I started clearing the plates. As I was bringing in the dessert, my phone dinged in my pocket, and I had never been more grateful.<br /> I pulled it out and checked the screen. <br /> <br /> “I’m so sorry. Please, excuse me. This is important. I have to take it.”<br /> <br /> Ma waved me off, and Kylee didn’t even seem to notice. Theo glared at me, but to be honest, I didn’t really care. <br /> <br /> I answered the phone as I left the dining room and exited out the back door again. <br /> <br /> “Hey, Zeff. What’s up?” I said as I walked to the back of the yard.<br /> <br /> “How’s the dinner going?” Zeff, my best friend and colleague, asked.<br /> <br /> “It’s full of excitement, that’s for sure,” I said, hoping he didn’t catch on to the kind of excitement I was feeling. <br /> <br /> He chuckled on the other line. “I can’t wait to hear all about it,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “I hate to interrupt, but Carla wanted me to check if you were done with those chapters.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, um, yeah, I just finished them up this morning. I was going to run through another round of editing, but I can go ahead and send them over tonight.” I doubted I would have the mental capacity to deal with editing today.<br /> <br /> “Perfect. I’ll let her know to watch for them,” Zeff said.<br /> <br /> “Mhmm.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, you okay, Ayls?” Zeff asked.<br /> <br /> I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. “Yeah, I just gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her, including the rage that she was currently talking to another male. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She hung up the phone and turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together. <br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what was burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> ---<br /> Ayla<br /> <br /> <br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> ‘Because he doesn’t want to deal with the trouble,’ I told her, fighting the tears that were forming. ‘If this is how he is going to treat us, fine. It just makes this easier.’<br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “I will send you however much you need. But I have to stay close to work for the next few weeks. I’ll come out later. We have six months to get ready,” I said, guiding her down the hall. <br /> <br /> “That’s not the point. You should be there for her. This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. It was just her way of coping with her abandonment issues. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. I left her sitting up against the pillows while I pulled clothes out of her closet, asking if she wanted to take specific items. <br /> <br /> Pretty soon, she started to tip to the side. I coaxed her to lie down and tucked her all the way in. She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that. <br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I fell to the forest floor, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart. I lay there and cried until I had nothing left in my body, and my eyes drifted closed on the image of the moon and the stars reflecting on our peaceful little pond.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I woke up to the first rays of sunshine heating my body. I was grateful for the warm night of mid-summer. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have made it through the night in my human form. My wolf still hadn’t re-emerged, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. The prospect of seeing Theo again this morning was hard enough for me. Dasha wouldn’t be able to handle sensing his wolf again. She had told me he wasn’t happy about the rejection. <br /> <br /> But it had to be done. <br /> <br /> And we had to accept it. <br /> <br /> I wasn’t going to break Kylee’s heart like that. Especially if he actually loved her that much. <br /> <br /> She would be happy. And I had to find a way to make that enough. <br /> <br /> I sat up and looked out at the reflective pool. I stood up and I walked into the water. I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> The ritual wasn’t new to me. I did this after my father died. I came here to wash away the grief. And when my mother started to fall apart. When she started drinking heavier and gambling and I realized we were running out of the money Dad had left us. I had to make some tough decisions to keep the family going. Once I made them, I came back here to forget the person I was. So I could be who my family needed me to be. <br /> <br /> I came here to wash away all of the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.<br /> <br /> When I emerged, I started the long walk back home. <br /> <br /> When I made it back to the house, I could hear the faint sound of voices coming from inside. They had already arrived. I quickly collected my clothes from the lawn, putting them back on before heading inside. <br /> <br /> I had to pause when I opened the door, bracing myself against the intoxicating scent that belonged to Theo. I had hoped the effects would have lessoned by now since we broke our bond, but I wasn’t that lucky. But again, I shook off the feeling and prepared to push through this like everything was normal. <br /> <br /> I walked through the kitchen and into the living room, where, again, I found Theo alone. I could hear Ma and Kylee down the hall, and I prayed they would be out soon. Theo’s hands clenched when his eyes met mine. It wasn’t hard to read the look of disgust he held in them. <br /> <br /> I failed to hide the hitch in my breath, but I still managed to raise my chin. I wasn’t about to let him see how he still affected me. Just a few more minutes and we would both be rid of each other, at least for a little while. Hopefully, it would be enough time for the bond to dissipate and free us of all this. <br /> <br /> “There you are,” Kylee’s voice rang down the hall. <br /> <br /> I turned to her with a smile, returning her hug as she wrapped her arms around me. I held on for a minute, letting her proximity calm me. <br /> <br /> “Where have you been? Why is your hair wet?”<br /> <br /> “She went out again last night,” Ma said with bitterness in her voice. <br /> <br /> I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.<br /> <br /> “Ma, I just went for a run,” I said. <br /> <br /> “All night?” she said haughtily.<br /> <br /> How would you know? You were passed out drunk. I cleared my throat and brushed it off. <br /> <br /> “I guess you guys need to get on the road,” I said, smiling down at Kylee as I rubbed her arms. Looking at the face of the girl I had practically raised since she was nine, I couldn’t stop the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna miss you.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, we’ll see you soon. Come up whenever you’re ready,” she said as she gave me another hug.<br /> <br /> “I love you,” I whispered. <br /> <br /> “I love you.”<br /> <br /> She pulled away and I turned to my mother, taking her in my arms despite her hesitation. <br /> <br /> “Take care of yourself, Ma.”<br /> <br /> “Kylee, let’s get going,” Theo said from the door. <br /> <br /> With a few more smiles and waves, they walked out, closing the door behind them. I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what?! What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my lips tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room. I loved this couch. We had spent a lot of time on this couch, watching movies, talking about books, brainstorming ideas for work. This was like a second home to me. But even that felt wrong now. <br /> <br /> Zeff’s phone rang in his pocket. He cursed as he pulled it out, checking the screen.<br /> <br /> “God,” he said. “Honey, I have to take this. I’ll be right back, okay?”<br /> <br /> I nodded. He answered the call, kissing my head before walking out of the room. Alone again, I pulled my feet up onto the couch, tucking them into my chest as I wrapped my arms around my knees. Silent tears began to fall. The numbness was wearing off. <br /> <br /> It was time to snap out of it. I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> I heard Zeff coming back, and I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. No one had seen me cry. Not since the night my father died. I wasn’t about to change that now. Not over someone like Theo. He paused, giving me a look. He knew I’d been crying. It always bugged him when I did that. Not that I often cried anyway, let alone enough for anyone to see it. But Zeff was always trying to get me to open up more. <br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Did you get my laptop?” I asked quietly. <br /> <br /> His chest rose and fell heavily. “Yes, but we’re not going to worry about that right now.”<br /> <br /> I pushed off of him, going to the duffel bag he left by the door. <br /> <br /> “I have to send Carla my chapters. I didn’t get to it last night.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla,” Zeff said, getting up and coming to pull me away from the bag. “You’re not going to do this. You’re not going to bury yourself in work. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s dumb. You deserve so much better than one who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “Screw them,” Zeff said angrily.<br /> <br /> “Zeff,” I warned. He wasn’t exactly Kylee’s biggest fan. There was a big age difference between the two of them, and she kind of annoyed him. But he always respected how protective I was of her. <br /> <br /> “No, Ayla. I’m sick of this. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> "Zeff, that’s not fair,” I protested. My family wasn’t perfect, but they were my family. They loved me in their own way. <br /> <br /> He moved to say something else but thought better of it. <br /> <br /> “Fine,” he conceded. “Then Kylee’s happy. He can try to keep you from going to see them, but they’ll be back to see you. You believe that, don’t you?”<br /> <br /> I hesitated for a moment, but I did believe that. “Yes.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, then get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be stvpid enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow. But I want you here with me. You’re not staying in that house alone.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on him. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was driving me crazy. I had been in an awful mood because of it. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. They didn’t deserve that. Kylee definitely didn’t deserve that. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. It had gotten to the point that he and my mother were concerned about the toll the Alpha role was taking on him. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> There was a knock on my office door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer. She walked around my desk with a bright smile. <br /> <br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap. “You’ve been up here all day.”<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, babe. I’ve been working.”<br /> <br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> Kylee pulled away. “I know. I understand. I just wanted to check on you.”<br /> <br /> “Thanks,” I said with a smile. She really was sweet. “I’m fine, just knee-deep in all this paperwork. Did you need anything?”<br /> <br /> She tried to hide her pout, but I saw it for a moment.<br /> <br /> “What is it, Ky?”<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to bother you. You’re already so busy.”<br /> <br /> “You can ask me for anything. Don’t ever feel bad for doing so,” I insisted.<br /> <br /> Her face brightened. “Well, there’s this necklace of my mother’s. She wants me to wear it for our mating ceremony, but it was left at the house. I called Ayla to have her bring it to me when she came up, but she won’t be able to make it for a few more weeks.”<br /> <br /> I gripped the arm of the chair at hearing her name. At hearing that Kylee spoke to her. I fought the urge to ask how she was. Knowing I shouldn’t care. <br /> <br /> “Do you really need it sooner than that? We have months until the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> “Well, I have my first dress appointment on Tuesday. I would really like to have it so we can match it to the perfect dress,” Kylee said, leaning into me, tracing her finger along the collar of my shirt. <br /> <br /> I sighed. “Okay, I’ll send someone to pick it up. Just send me the details to pass along.”<br /> <br /> She kissed me again, accompanied by my wolf’s protests again, and pulled away with a smile. “Thank you, baby. You’re the best.” She moved to get up but paused. “Are you coming to see me tonight?”<br /> <br /> “I’ll try. If I don’t get done here too late.”<br /> <br /> “You better. We miss you.”<br /> <br /> ‘Evie doesn’t.’<br /> <br /> Evie was Kylee’s wolf. Kieran had never had a problem with Evie, but he never really showed much interest in her either. It wasn’t that surprising. Our wolves only reacted to their fated mates. The only way to change that was to mark someone else and be marked by them. So I had never been too worried about it. But now I was. If I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, he could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee. <br /> I would need to do something about this.<br /> <br /> “I miss you, too. I promise I’ll work something out soon.” <br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you get back to work then.”<br /> She kissed me on the cheek and sashayed out of my office. I couldn’t keep avoiding her. It would hurt her if I stopped showing interest in her. I didn’t want to do that. I had to do something. <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> I decided to drive down to Kylee’s house myself. I left early the following morning before anyone else woke up. I wanted to avoid any questions. I broke every speed limit on the way. I wanted to get there and get back before too many people noticed I was gone. <br /> It shouldn’t be too hard. I’d get the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home. <br /> <br /> But when I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. I cut the engine to the car and grabbed the house key I had gotten from Kylee’s keyring. If Ayla was home, I didn’t want to scare her by barging in, so I knocked first. There was no answer, and I didn’t hear any movement inside. I tested the doorknob, and it was locked. I let myself in with the key, and the feeling in my gut returned as soon as I stepped into the house. <br /> <br /> No one had been here in a while. All the scents, although still easily detected, were too faded to have been recent. Including Ayla’s. Her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been. Had Ayla not been here since we left? Kieran paced in my head. What if something happened to her?<br /> <br /> My heart rate sped up, my hands balled into fists. I made my way through the house, looking for any signs that something had occurred here. I went to their mother’s room first. It all seemed in order. Even the jewelry box was untouched. I grabbed the whole box, not bothering to look through it for the particular piece Kylee wanted. Then I checked Kylee’s old room. It, too, seemed unbothered. <br /> <br /> I paused outside what had to be Ayla’s room, my hand gripping the doorknob tightly. I could smell her scent through the wood. I had to brace myself, both against the onslaught of her scent hitting me and what I may find inside. I turned the knob and pushed the door open. <br /> <br /> I had to grip the door jamb to keep Kieran from forcing the shift. All he wanted to do was roll around in here, gathering up Ayla’s delicious smell, rubbing his over everything that was hers. He wanted to stake his claim. Absolutely not. I managed to push him back, but he came surging back the moment we looked at the scene before us. <br /> <br /> The place wasn’t trashed, but there were definitely signs that someone had left in a hurry. Clothes were hanging out of half-open drawers, shoes had been scattered out of the closet, and there was no sign of any electronics or chargers. And then I caught it. <br /> <br /> There was another scent in the room.<br /> <br /> I moved to the dresser, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and sniffing it. This time, I was the one who growled, my wolf in chorus along with me. The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things. <br /> <br /> The question was, did he take her or did she go willingly?<br /> <br /> Either way, we would find her. <br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for. I punched it in as soon as it pulled up. A receptionist picked up. <br /> <br /> “I need to speak to Ayla Garner,” I barked into the phone. <br /> <br /> “Just a moment,” she said, putting me on hold for a moment. “I’m sorry, sir. She doesn’t have a meeting scheduled for today.”<br /> <br /> “When will she be in next?”<br /> <br /> “Her next meeting isn’t until next Thursday, sir.”<br /> <br /> What did she mean she wouldn’t be in until Thursday? That was almost a whole week. What meeting was she talking about? Kylee said she was some kind of assistant.<br /> <br /> “This is her… sister’s mate. Kylee and their mother have been trying to get a hold of her, and they’re worried. Do you have a phone number or address for her?” I know it was low to use Kylee like that, but it was the only way I might have gotten her to give me that information.<br /> <br /> “Oh, actually, it does look like she had added a forwarding address to her profile,” the receptionist said. <br /> <br /> I punched in the address as she rattled it off. I hung up without even saying anything else and tore out of the driveway. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel. I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Theo<br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this air head think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s a load of nonsense.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you’re not helping. Shut the up and leave. Go to work,” Ayla insisted. <br /> <br /> “Ayla…”<br /> <br /> “I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you sllepping with him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “Are you doing that with my sister?”<br /> <br /> A strangled snarl escaped me, but she started speaking again before I could recover from her accusation.<br /> <br /> “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “What?! It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my lips was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. God, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> “Get off.” <br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you dare hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. Putting your own life ahead of hers while she was left behind.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> “What did you just say?”<br /> <br /> “You stopped being a sister to Kylee years ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s posture completely changed. She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Your wolf has to accept it,” she said. <br /> <br /> “Yours didn’t.”<br /> <br /> “Didn’t she?” Ayla said.<br /> <br /> You said she didn’t want to break the bond. <br /> <br /> ‘She didn’t. Still accepted.’<br /> <br /> How was that possible? Our wolves were primal creatures. They were animals, after all. They weren’t ones to deny themselves what they wanted. Not without a very good reason.<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to kill her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.z	111814878171104	Hohoholic	https://facebook.com/100081559066336	1,067	1	389,922,843,410,428	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Install now	Hohoholic	120204880189030078	play.google.com	NONE	image	Read Trending Romance Stories of Werewolf, Mafia, Badboy, Billionaire & CEO	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zhangyue.read.storyaholic	2024-01-23 00:53	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421508355_850670620145760_8903234980743804016_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JxLeAxXi8N4AX_k9nl6&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCtUP-6u-voEIcm2w81XyBYT-6dg_idV6XMT2peEH0ODA&oe=65B6BF41	person_profile	Hohoholic	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421539260_1766923033794871_3009334062769706806_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ozufDQ-e4m0AX_D0_6B&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAITQzjMr44G2eGF8KcxGA5cZIxoq_Iqkc0uvb7t9bqDg&oe=65B73E0D	3	Hohoholic	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,390	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	914228187082766	I Got My Life Back!	This Breakthrough Device is Being Hailed by Musicians, Bikers, Office workers and Everyone in Between. Here’s Why 👏<br /> <br /> Watch as Joan, lifelong musician, shares the challenges of performing with advancing carpal tunnel and her ultimate discovery of safe nerve healing. <br /> <br /> If declining finger dexterity or constant wrist aches make your passions difficult, Joan's inspirational path to restoration could motivate your own. <br /> <br /> ✨ Revive compressed nerves, restore lost mobility and do what you love again, thanks to this innovative red light therapy. <br /> <br /> 👉 click to learn more! <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftry.remediqe.com%2FA067%2FAdv1&h=AT0JTePgo0YL2OxbBbpHXRXgLSWN1mCdzMuv28o19EE_OTzslkqOoB5TN29rReCHt7GHZfhEp_tB90jx7gq3IbJyAQups-e_mWlqCd5Ez2M3S6_5rT2N-x-K_UvUiqe_a66tLfTnEpj0Qxo067ygxLq6wFw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://try.remediqe.com/A067/Adv1</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://try.remediqe.com/A067/Adv1	183367918183653	PureVitality Blog	https://facebook.com/61553453101889	3	1	1,493,856,551,191,020	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	PureVitality Blog	120204772693660468	try.remediqe.com	NONE	image	Many who bought NeuroRadiant braces say it gave them a "new lease on life" after fighting wrist tunnel hurting for years.	https://try.remediqe.com/A067/Adv1	2024-01-24 03:33	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421738633_1501101983786741_8306321637027187326_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLKPcS4YNXMAX_Hw5a7&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBC-CXwXEMSYn7MGBKSnjdTxHhopczHuQMl9MaK8eAQCQ&oe=65B774F0	person_profile	PureVitality Blog	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422215175_1411763916114865_3612486175801714457_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JHXNFnECn8gAX938gkz&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBD_Xgz8c56IVUylKnjUPDB6YrGUl5A3KpnNSR6VHOGCw&oe=65B724B2	3	PureVitality Blog	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,993	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.030293052354297002,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	909414420403844		For Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, see @botoxcosmeticpi.<br /> -<br /> Want to win a weekend with your favorite country music stars? Allē is giving away an unforgettable weekend at the @stagecoach Music Festival in California.<br /> <br /> Here’s how to enter:<br /> <br /> ➡️Make sure you are an Allē Member (Exclusive: Allē A-Listers as of 01.22.24 get an automatic entry into the sweepstakes as part of their benefits and can earn an extra entry.)<br /> ➡️Click Sign Up to register for the sweepstakes from 01.23.24-02.13.24<br /> ➡️Book a consultation and get treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic from 01.23.24-02.23.24<br /> <br /> NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to Allē Members in 48 U.S./D.C.; 22+. Void in AK, HI and where prohibited. Registration ends 2/13/24. See full Official Rules for all details and how to enter without purchase at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Falle.com%2Fsweeps%2Fstagecoach&h=AT15ZuGhI_nG9dutwpNQoMGA057JNPbgKpe2jbuShGLcNmNZceikg7CtlXC1GvrQ9aMQT4g-Tv9i4UmxbPINZ49jZaaFFQFXf6PRw_OZPcbUMG5PLLiP3IZL0u6xbWBhkrmZbzLkVQPLEMxLEK1ZLiQBkQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://alle.com/sweeps/stagecoach</a>.<br /> <br /> Allē is an official sponsor of Stagecoach<br /> -<br /> BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults.<br /> -<br /> Talk to your doctor about BOTOX® Cosmetic and whether it’s right for you. There are risks with this product—the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. Patients with these conditions before injection are at the highest risk. Swallowing problems may last for several months. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection-site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms, and dizziness. Don’t receive BOTOX® Cosmetic if there’s a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions (including ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome), and medications, including botulinum toxins, as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.<br /> -<br /> Intended for U.S. audiences only.	SIGN_UP	https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/577742503;38657	149006725625249	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	https://facebook.com/BotoxCosmetic	147,673	0	712,549,300,968,576	2024-01-24 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Sign up	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	120204898713730250	alle.com	NONE	video		https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/577742503;386571814;s	2024-01-22 15:42	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421652077_1077980019912568_4457649775771354200_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EJi665SbUnQAX8WAOto&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDLH0eLRU7FDwmuDo5G8y3sopm-kt9vrzq6HqbPFcEtow&oe=65B7B3D2	person_profile	BOTOX® Cosmetic	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421761031_3393845277573124_100437685381477564_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=am0NlHz0OUIAX94umrh&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAvZDKAhwG8imadfDWmPdsJGlCBZBCP9PIypFt7WlECbQ&oe=65B79369	3	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
159,063	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	370281388977437	$4000 Paid Pain Study	$4000 Paid Study for those who have experienced pain after Surgery. (Burning, Tingling, Numbness, Itching, Etc) Must have endured pain for more than 6 months. Get paid for participation. Click for more info. Apply now	APPLY_NOW	http://fb.me/	128420853688913	Precision Research Trials	https://facebook.com/61551505989434	98	1	1,046,340,436,712,386	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Apply Now	Precision Research Trials	120205402628820050	fb.me	NONE	dco	Get Paid Now	http://fb.me/	2024-01-16 11:53	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/419727374_1020887762331242_3026284061193760802_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=os2Pp51YFg8AX_6EzaY&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCyFksIZ1rpcAh5RjORRmWzptjshMziECAyBnnCYtUyjw&oe=65B7F1E0	person_profile	Precision Research Trials	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/419734451_762421945750976_4930887202006791136_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=njkRhvZHCloAX_r36qM&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfB_iof9aNm3MmnDBpluqlwACy4ySgLVECDLLB91CxAYjg&oe=65B87B34	3	Precision Research Trials	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,362	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158367}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1399673237311491	Barton Publishing: 1 Great Way To Help Sugar Levels	”I'm so happy! I stabilized my blood sugar naturally and lost over 7lbs…and I get to eat the foods I love! 🍕🍔 🎂”	WATCH_MORE	https://bestbloodsugar.com/ptn/fb/1	105024248851707	Best Blood Sugar	https://facebook.com/100083016176984	28,747	1	327,381,983,615,069	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Watch more	Best Blood Sugar	120206086468740712	bestbloodsugar.com	NONE	video		https://bestbloodsugar.com/ptn/fb/1	2024-01-24 04:35	https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421517449_283311597759317_5097308327448089771_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G4FOynyu9EMAX_06l9s&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBJxzHWDXI8DCbVtFpbMILCGWOqw1-bF57sX66QjQcMAw&oe=65B78593	person_profile	Best Blood Sugar	https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421524260_738625554882022_7194353367472679532_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aqtgA47Qs5wAX-tsUtI&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDsI6mj76coDrAaLj4aDxdl5GZHQXk2DS9tl1tHdvDi0g&oe=65B89DF3	3	Best Blood Sugar	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,321	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1108584200325821	Painful Pinched Nerves	Don't let a pinched nerve be the boss of you! Our upper cervical chiropractors are the real MVPs when it comes to releasing a pinched nerve and helping you find relief from the nagging pain. Request a consultation and see for yourself!	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	376196079114878	Upper Cervical Hawaii	https://facebook.com/UpperCervicalHonoluluHawaii	899	1	1,090,287,112,402,526	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn More	Upper Cervical Hawaii	120204089500400429	https://offer.uppercervicalhawaii.com/pinched-nerv...	NONE	dco	Download our free Ebook that discusses the doctors’ techniques that may help.	http://fb.me/	2024-01-24 06:00	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422600799_1553290855429648_8113803145066166616_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RXEiWGJdveoAX8hUJCC&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDhQNfxNkW2NUQlFIhSs0Q5M36orokm9Nxyrg42tPL2kg&oe=65B74A0B	person_profile	Dr. Joe Breuwet \|Chiropactor	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422432080_708071204746589_2401278179222725727_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wHDX0ehXNkAAX_u0JbO&_nc_oc=AQlpeRLeA7ZJhGKQa5rT0l7AhbfnS8TMmGuy-og-bAg9onCE96k_LblPkxMD2HYEqiIfPauCgVH41rgj7dEqeH0y&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfCwvxg2O5rEBvPfk26OGb2ENfGu6eiAAmIoZwVg-HC21w&oe=65B6E21F	3	Upper Cervical Hawaii	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,815	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	344155068485202	No More Neuropathic Foot Pain!	Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints?<br /> <br /> No matter whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life. <br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> The Nooro NMES Body Massager uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot.<br /> <br /> All it takes is 15 minutes a day and can be used from the comfort of your home. <br /> <br /> Within just 14 days of use, you’ll feel significantly more energetic and you’ll be able to enjoy life to the fullest once again.<br /> <br /> The Nooro NMES Body Massager also comes with FREE Shipping & 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. You will either get results or your money back guaranteed.<br /> <br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow <br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication) <br /> ✅ Designed & recommended by Dr. Campbell, a top renowned Chicago doctor with over 10 years of experience<br /> <br /> Get yours now risk-free -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftry.nooro-us.com%2Freview-6&h=AT0QVEbQzcFJoZ_jAyWsqHAuIpmee7FLAVCVsoo3UO1p2UfVT-eJhFF1mMX99OKjiGpB0uMASCbj_6ViMtT__UsAUpHl2DZGkCTMAXPLwTxGjiZ476vPCVgNo_3DyX2usyLai7Y08fR0TbmST5eFV6JqYpZXBGsnBf1Nbjrb5CDgozyJc-Y" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6	107580105023479	Nooro	https://facebook.com/100077727633020	20,329	1	1,360,588,548,166,919	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Nooro	120205585595490533	try.nooro-us.com	NONE	video	FREE Shipping & 90-Day Results Or Refund Guarantee	https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6	2024-01-17 09:03	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420464607_1534804187279920_572671466677996567_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eWdkCcykRVsAX91pepP&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBKAQSxNAtEWaEfJYtUGkMTeZdkJmLjPa8A5KPQy2aVsA&oe=65B793D5	person_profile	Nooro	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420162588_357765210333749_6571926889611216425_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NrWM8AxNbs0AX_Qg3z2&_nc_oc=AQmhAGCsFS44BCfENs0Kk_1y2Wu2PHnhRgzAiMkPUya2rM30FeGTGWSvpswO9LYT0_Q3HBbSG8jDrdgKbsXVCP6Q&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCHJCTefN83AUHeQm0YYOGCVFEzjqBkxIOTBbBtcyWniw&oe=65B89AAC	3	Nooro	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
159,069	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":159070}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	707509018182381	This Probiotic Helped My Menopause More Than My Gynae	“But you’re too young to be menopausal!<br /> <br /> ...is a reaction you’d expect to hear from misinformed friends or family.<br /> <br /> I’d never expect to hear it from a doctor, since they spend so many years studying medicine. <br /> <br /> I started going through “The Change” at 44. I knew it was menopause because without changing my eating habits I went from a size 2 to a 10.<br /> <br /> My gynae had the nerve to say I need to cut more sugar & exercise more.<br /> <br /> Excuse me, I’ve tried everything — keto, paleo, IF, HIIT, WW, abs trainer.<br /> <br /> And different supplements - MACA, magnesium, Vitamin B & D… <br /> <br /> Nothing worked.<br /> <br /> Help a fellow sister out please..”<br /> <br /> ===<br /> <br /> Women’s health experts vote for Curcumin as a natural menopause solution.<br /> <br /> It's an anti-inflammatory herb for weight, digestion, joint pains & hot flashes.<br /> <br /> However, curcumin needs to be paired with probiotics for maximum benefits.<br /> <br /> The RIGHT strains help with menopause too:<br /> <br /> - Hot flashes<br /> - Achy joints<br /> - Itching & dryness in our pants<br /> - Mood swings & insomnia<br /> - Bulging bellies<br /> <br /> Provitalize, the 1st curcumin-thermogenic probiotic, alleviates menopause symptoms & supports weight control.<br /> <br /> What's happening after taking 2 capsules every morning:<br /> <br /> - Our delayed release capsules™ help probiotics pass through stomach acid unharmed.<br /> <br /> - The probiotics start multiplying, eating away Candida bacteria (linked to large bellies & bloat).<br /> <br /> - Curcumin & moringa leaf formula eliminates toxins throughout the body.<br /> <br /> "How Should I Be Feeling After My First 5 Doses?"<br /> <br /> - Feeling more energetic & sleeping better, thanks to Moringa leaf's high iron levels, allowing more blood flow to cells.<br /> <br /> - Over 80% with joint pains feel more flexible and relaxed. That's our 95% standardized curcuminoids at work, which are absorbed better than regular curcumin.<br /> <br /> - Less bloat, fewer hot flashes and less heaviness around the belly, arms & thighs. This is a sign of a healthier gut flora.<br /> <br /> Try Provitalize & take your health into your own hands - without hormone pills or patches.<br /> <br /> It's 100% natural and is gold standard for handling menopause at home.<br /> <br /> * Women experience best results with the 3 month supply. 90 Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee *<br /> <br /> Click "Shop Now" to read our customer reviews.	SHOP_NOW	https://betterbody.co/pages/pp-provitalize-m-rt2	107305708806583	Smart Brand Review	https://facebook.com/100085844067243	351	3	1,296,823,154,583,366	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Smart Brand Review	120205452191690462	betterbody.co	NONE	image	Natural ingredients that are clinically proven to increase metabolism, improve gut health and other menopausal symptoms for the long run.	https://betterbody.co/pages/pp-provitalize-m-rt2	2024-01-23 10:17	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422008487_696385069339805_3416864394513925726_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Sbeuve4U4uwAX8BJ1qJ&_nc_oc=AQl48csyKpaD4OGZzN1FAvz7yz9T4QppEB44emZpNfJZWNx14hpr-Tt1_vgU--1TCI4&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDgxLLGnrby96Iu-_C-HBA2rrbUqkXwnfZfofooRYtqKg&oe=65B75DE0	person_profile	Smart Brand Reviews	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420093236_339892305619936_7921736600967587216_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8opJdAo3puMAX-qgGOZ&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfB_akqSmM_IzTxD-nrFZS5JuuLhc89aNqmM8qdC9L38Wg&oe=65B794FB	3	Smart Brand Review	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,169	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158164}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	3574446199551661	😍Read More Chapters👉👉	My Alpha mate rejected me for my sister. But he soon regretted it after he drove me into the arms of another Alpha, or worse.<br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 1: Ayla<br /> "Ma," I called down the hall. "Come on, Ma. They'll be here soon. You need to get out here."<br /> <br /> "I'm coming," my mother yelled back. "Don’t rush me.”<br /> <br /> She came out of her bedroom and down the hall. I was grateful that she didn’t seem to sway at all, and as she approached, the only scent wafting off her was mouthwash. And she actually seemed presentable. It was the first time in weeks. <br /> <br /> Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. Goddess forbid her precious baby learn the truth about her. <br /> <br /> No, that was my burden to bear. And in truth, I accepted it willingly. I wanted to protect Kylee from that reality as much as Ma wanted to hide it from her. However, I will admit we had different reasons. <br /> <br /> I waved Ma to the armchair in the living room while I went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. I was making Kylee’s favorites. It had been two months since my little sister had been home, and we were both excited. Even more exciting, she was bringing home her mate for the first time.<br /> <br /> I was so happy for her. They had apparently met almost two. Years ago, when she visited the local college campus with her high school. I had no idea they had found each other until her freshman year of university. I had asked her why the secrecy, and she told me they needed to wait to make their relationship public because of his position in the pack. They announced their relationship a few months into her first year. Still, she kept putting off us meeting him even though they were only a couple hours away. Don’t get me wrong, she told me all about him. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. But it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha. <br /> <br /> Ma and I were ecstatic. We couldn’t be more pleased. Especially me. Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. We were very blessed to have had his support after our father died. <br /> <br /> Not that we knew him all that well, but he was the one who helped me get the family back on its feet after such a terrible loss. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before. Again, it’s not like we were exactly close to the Alpha at all. I doubt he ever really thought of us. He was just taking care of the members of his pack, and for that, I will always be grateful. <br /> <br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy. <br /> <br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I heard Ma from the living room. <br /> <br /> “They're here,” she sang. <br /> <br /> I moved quickly. Getting out our nice serving dishes that were gifted to my parents at their mating ceremony, I started to plate dinner onto them. I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. I listened to the others conversing in the next room and quietly slipped out the back door. <br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually do instead of crying. <br /> <br /> I released a string of curses.<br /> <br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake. Just get through dinner like nothing is going on, and we’ll figure that out later. Easy.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t believe myself, neither did Dasha, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. So, I took two more deep breaths and went back into the house. I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. As soon as I saw the opportunity, I started clearing the plates. As I was bringing in the dessert, my phone dinged in my pocket, and I had never been more grateful.<br /> I pulled it out and checked the screen. <br /> <br /> “I’m so sorry. Please, excuse me. This is important. I have to take it.”<br /> <br /> Ma waved me off, and Kylee didn’t even seem to notice. Theo glared at me, but to be honest, I didn’t really care. <br /> <br /> I answered the phone as I left the dining room and exited out the back door again. <br /> <br /> “Hey, Zeff. What’s up?” I said as I walked to the back of the yard.<br /> <br /> “How’s the dinner going?” Zeff, my best friend and colleague, asked.<br /> <br /> “It’s full of excitement, that’s for sure,” I said, hoping he didn’t catch on to the kind of excitement I was feeling. <br /> <br /> He chuckled on the other line. “I can’t wait to hear all about it,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “I hate to interrupt, but Carla wanted me to check if you were done with those chapters.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, um, yeah, I just finished them up this morning. I was going to run through another round of editing, but I can go ahead and send them over tonight.” I doubted I would have the mental capacity to deal with editing today.<br /> <br /> “Perfect. I’ll let her know to watch for them,” Zeff said.<br /> <br /> “Mhmm.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, you okay, Ayls?” Zeff asked.<br /> <br /> I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. “Yeah, I just gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her, including the rage that she was currently talking to another male. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She hung up the phone and turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together. <br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what was burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> ---<br /> Ayla<br /> <br /> <br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> ‘Because he doesn’t want to deal with the trouble,’ I told her, fighting the tears that were forming. ‘If this is how he is going to treat us, fine. It just makes this easier.’<br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “I will send you however much you need. But I have to stay close to work for the next few weeks. I’ll come out later. We have six months to get ready,” I said, guiding her down the hall. <br /> <br /> “That’s not the point. You should be there for her. This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. It was just her way of coping with her abandonment issues. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. I left her sitting up against the pillows while I pulled clothes out of her closet, asking if she wanted to take specific items. <br /> <br /> Pretty soon, she started to tip to the side. I coaxed her to lie down and tucked her all the way in. She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that. <br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I fell to the forest floor, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart. I lay there and cried until I had nothing left in my body, and my eyes drifted closed on the image of the moon and the stars reflecting on our peaceful little pond.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I woke up to the first rays of sunshine heating my body. I was grateful for the warm night of mid-summer. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have made it through the night in my human form. My wolf still hadn’t re-emerged, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. The prospect of seeing Theo again this morning was hard enough for me. Dasha wouldn’t be able to handle sensing his wolf again. She had told me he wasn’t happy about the rejection. <br /> <br /> But it had to be done. <br /> <br /> And we had to accept it. <br /> <br /> I wasn’t going to break Kylee’s heart like that. Especially if he actually loved her that much. <br /> <br /> She would be happy. And I had to find a way to make that enough. <br /> <br /> I sat up and looked out at the reflective pool. I stood up and I walked into the water. I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> The ritual wasn’t new to me. I did this after my father died. I came here to wash away the grief. And when my mother started to fall apart. When she started drinking heavier and gambling and I realized we were running out of the money Dad had left us. I had to make some tough decisions to keep the family going. Once I made them, I came back here to forget the person I was. So I could be who my family needed me to be. <br /> <br /> I came here to wash away all of the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.<br /> <br /> When I emerged, I started the long walk back home. <br /> <br /> When I made it back to the house, I could hear the faint sound of voices coming from inside. They had already arrived. I quickly collected my clothes from the lawn, putting them back on before heading inside. <br /> <br /> I had to pause when I opened the door, bracing myself against the intoxicating scent that belonged to Theo. I had hoped the effects would have lessoned by now since we broke our bond, but I wasn’t that lucky. But again, I shook off the feeling and prepared to push through this like everything was normal. <br /> <br /> I walked through the kitchen and into the living room, where, again, I found Theo alone. I could hear Ma and Kylee down the hall, and I prayed they would be out soon. Theo’s hands clenched when his eyes met mine. It wasn’t hard to read the look of disgust he held in them. <br /> <br /> I failed to hide the hitch in my breath, but I still managed to raise my chin. I wasn’t about to let him see how he still affected me. Just a few more minutes and we would both be rid of each other, at least for a little while. Hopefully, it would be enough time for the bond to dissipate and free us of all this. <br /> <br /> “There you are,” Kylee’s voice rang down the hall. <br /> <br /> I turned to her with a smile, returning her hug as she wrapped her arms around me. I held on for a minute, letting her proximity calm me. <br /> <br /> “Where have you been? Why is your hair wet?”<br /> <br /> “She went out again last night,” Ma said with bitterness in her voice. <br /> <br /> I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.<br /> <br /> “Ma, I just went for a run,” I said. <br /> <br /> “All night?” she said haughtily.<br /> <br /> How would you know? You were passed out drunk. I cleared my throat and brushed it off. <br /> <br /> “I guess you guys need to get on the road,” I said, smiling down at Kylee as I rubbed her arms. Looking at the face of the girl I had practically raised since she was nine, I couldn’t stop the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna miss you.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, we’ll see you soon. Come up whenever you’re ready,” she said as she gave me another hug.<br /> <br /> “I love you,” I whispered. <br /> <br /> “I love you.”<br /> <br /> She pulled away and I turned to my mother, taking her in my arms despite her hesitation. <br /> <br /> “Take care of yourself, Ma.”<br /> <br /> “Kylee, let’s get going,” Theo said from the door. <br /> <br /> With a few more smiles and waves, they walked out, closing the door behind them. I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what?! What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my lips tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room. I loved this couch. We had spent a lot of time on this couch, watching movies, talking about books, brainstorming ideas for work. This was like a second home to me. But even that felt wrong now. <br /> <br /> Zeff’s phone rang in his pocket. He cursed as he pulled it out, checking the screen.<br /> <br /> “God,” he said. “Honey, I have to take this. I’ll be right back, okay?”<br /> <br /> I nodded. He answered the call, kissing my head before walking out of the room. Alone again, I pulled my feet up onto the couch, tucking them into my chest as I wrapped my arms around my knees. Silent tears began to fall. The numbness was wearing off. <br /> <br /> It was time to snap out of it. I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> I heard Zeff coming back, and I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. No one had seen me cry. Not since the night my father died. I wasn’t about to change that now. Not over someone like Theo. He paused, giving me a look. He knew I’d been crying. It always bugged him when I did that. Not that I often cried anyway, let alone enough for anyone to see it. But Zeff was always trying to get me to open up more. <br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Did you get my laptop?” I asked quietly. <br /> <br /> His chest rose and fell heavily. “Yes, but we’re not going to worry about that right now.”<br /> <br /> I pushed off of him, going to the duffel bag he left by the door. <br /> <br /> “I have to send Carla my chapters. I didn’t get to it last night.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla,” Zeff said, getting up and coming to pull me away from the bag. “You’re not going to do this. You’re not going to bury yourself in work. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s dumb. You deserve so much better than one who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “Screw them,” Zeff said angrily.<br /> <br /> “Zeff,” I warned. He wasn’t exactly Kylee’s biggest fan. There was a big age difference between the two of them, and she kind of annoyed him. But he always respected how protective I was of her. <br /> <br /> “No, Ayla. I’m sick of this. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> "Zeff, that’s not fair,” I protested. My family wasn’t perfect, but they were my family. They loved me in their own way. <br /> <br /> He moved to say something else but thought better of it. <br /> <br /> “Fine,” he conceded. “Then Kylee’s happy. He can try to keep you from going to see them, but they’ll be back to see you. You believe that, don’t you?”<br /> <br /> I hesitated for a moment, but I did believe that. “Yes.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, then get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be stvpid enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow. But I want you here with me. You’re not staying in that house alone.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on him. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was driving me crazy. I had been in an awful mood because of it. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. They didn’t deserve that. Kylee definitely didn’t deserve that. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. It had gotten to the point that he and my mother were concerned about the toll the Alpha role was taking on him. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> There was a knock on my office door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer. She walked around my desk with a bright smile. <br /> <br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap. “You’ve been up here all day.”<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, babe. I’ve been working.”<br /> <br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> Kylee pulled away. “I know. I understand. I just wanted to check on you.”<br /> <br /> “Thanks,” I said with a smile. She really was sweet. “I’m fine, just knee-deep in all this paperwork. Did you need anything?”<br /> <br /> She tried to hide her pout, but I saw it for a moment.<br /> <br /> “What is it, Ky?”<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to bother you. You’re already so busy.”<br /> <br /> “You can ask me for anything. Don’t ever feel bad for doing so,” I insisted.<br /> <br /> Her face brightened. “Well, there’s this necklace of my mother’s. She wants me to wear it for our mating ceremony, but it was left at the house. I called Ayla to have her bring it to me when she came up, but she won’t be able to make it for a few more weeks.”<br /> <br /> I gripped the arm of the chair at hearing her name. At hearing that Kylee spoke to her. I fought the urge to ask how she was. Knowing I shouldn’t care. <br /> <br /> “Do you really need it sooner than that? We have months until the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> “Well, I have my first dress appointment on Tuesday. I would really like to have it so we can match it to the perfect dress,” Kylee said, leaning into me, tracing her finger along the collar of my shirt. <br /> <br /> I sighed. “Okay, I’ll send someone to pick it up. Just send me the details to pass along.”<br /> <br /> She kissed me again, accompanied by my wolf’s protests again, and pulled away with a smile. “Thank you, baby. You’re the best.” She moved to get up but paused. “Are you coming to see me tonight?”<br /> <br /> “I’ll try. If I don’t get done here too late.”<br /> <br /> “You better. We miss you.”<br /> <br /> ‘Evie doesn’t.’<br /> <br /> Evie was Kylee’s wolf. Kieran had never had a problem with Evie, but he never really showed much interest in her either. It wasn’t that surprising. Our wolves only reacted to their fated mates. The only way to change that was to mark someone else and be marked by them. So I had never been too worried about it. But now I was. If I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, he could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee. <br /> I would need to do something about this.<br /> <br /> “I miss you, too. I promise I’ll work something out soon.” <br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you get back to work then.”<br /> She kissed me on the cheek and sashayed out of my office. I couldn’t keep avoiding her. It would hurt her if I stopped showing interest in her. I didn’t want to do that. I had to do something. <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> I decided to drive down to Kylee’s house myself. I left early the following morning before anyone else woke up. I wanted to avoid any questions. I broke every speed limit on the way. I wanted to get there and get back before too many people noticed I was gone. <br /> It shouldn’t be too hard. I’d get the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home. <br /> <br /> But when I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. I cut the engine to the car and grabbed the house key I had gotten from Kylee’s keyring. If Ayla was home, I didn’t want to scare her by barging in, so I knocked first. There was no answer, and I didn’t hear any movement inside. I tested the doorknob, and it was locked. I let myself in with the key, and the feeling in my gut returned as soon as I stepped into the house. <br /> <br /> No one had been here in a while. All the scents, although still easily detected, were too faded to have been recent. Including Ayla’s. Her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been. Had Ayla not been here since we left? Kieran paced in my head. What if something happened to her?<br /> <br /> My heart rate sped up, my hands balled into fists. I made my way through the house, looking for any signs that something had occurred here. I went to their mother’s room first. It all seemed in order. Even the jewelry box was untouched. I grabbed the whole box, not bothering to look through it for the particular piece Kylee wanted. Then I checked Kylee’s old room. It, too, seemed unbothered. <br /> <br /> I paused outside what had to be Ayla’s room, my hand gripping the doorknob tightly. I could smell her scent through the wood. I had to brace myself, both against the onslaught of her scent hitting me and what I may find inside. I turned the knob and pushed the door open. <br /> <br /> I had to grip the door jamb to keep Kieran from forcing the shift. All he wanted to do was roll around in here, gathering up Ayla’s delicious smell, rubbing his over everything that was hers. He wanted to stake his claim. Absolutely not. I managed to push him back, but he came surging back the moment we looked at the scene before us. <br /> <br /> The place wasn’t trashed, but there were definitely signs that someone had left in a hurry. Clothes were hanging out of half-open drawers, shoes had been scattered out of the closet, and there was no sign of any electronics or chargers. And then I caught it. <br /> <br /> There was another scent in the room.<br /> <br /> I moved to the dresser, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and sniffing it. This time, I was the one who growled, my wolf in chorus along with me. The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things. <br /> <br /> The question was, did he take her or did she go willingly?<br /> <br /> Either way, we would find her. <br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for. I punched it in as soon as it pulled up. A receptionist picked up. <br /> <br /> “I need to speak to Ayla Garner,” I barked into the phone. <br /> <br /> “Just a moment,” she said, putting me on hold for a moment. “I’m sorry, sir. She doesn’t have a meeting scheduled for today.”<br /> <br /> “When will she be in next?”<br /> <br /> “Her next meeting isn’t until next Thursday, sir.”<br /> <br /> What did she mean she wouldn’t be in until Thursday? That was almost a whole week. What meeting was she talking about? Kylee said she was some kind of assistant.<br /> <br /> “This is her… sister’s mate. Kylee and their mother have been trying to get a hold of her, and they’re worried. Do you have a phone number or address for her?” I know it was low to use Kylee like that, but it was the only way I might have gotten her to give me that information.<br /> <br /> “Oh, actually, it does look like she had added a forwarding address to her profile,” the receptionist said. <br /> <br /> I punched in the address as she rattled it off. I hung up without even saying anything else and tore out of the driveway. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel. I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Theo<br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this air head think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s a load of nonsense.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you’re not helping. Shut the up and leave. Go to work,” Ayla insisted. <br /> <br /> “Ayla…”<br /> <br /> “I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you sllepping with him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “Are you doing that with my sister?”<br /> <br /> A strangled snarl escaped me, but she started speaking again before I could recover from her accusation.<br /> <br /> “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “What?! It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my lips was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. God, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> “Get off.” <br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you dare hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. Putting your own life ahead of hers while she was left behind.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> “What did you just say?”<br /> <br /> “You stopped being a sister to Kylee years ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s posture completely changed. She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Your wolf has to accept it,” she said. <br /> <br /> “Yours didn’t.”<br /> <br /> “Didn’t she?” Ayla said.<br /> <br /> You said she didn’t want to break the bond. <br /> <br /> ‘She didn’t. Still accepted.’<br /> <br /> How was that possible? Our wolves were primal creatures. They were animals, after all. They weren’t ones to deny themselves what they wanted. Not without a very good reason.<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to kill her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door.	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158,634	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158633}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	916203286555580	Last life my family kicked me out, this time I am the darling of this family	In Valerie Horton's previous life, she was the eldest daughter of the Horton family, one of the wealthiest families in Capstead. Yet, one day, her little sister went missing, and Valerie was cast out for not watching after her.<br /> From then on, Valerie had to live on her own. On her 20th birthday, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. A few months later, she died of grief.<br /> Fortunately, Valerie got to wake up in her 7-year-old self. Inside the little girl's body was a mature soul. Because of what she had gone through in her previous life, she decided to give up on gaining her family's love this time. Instead, she was determined to leave and stay away from her three brothers.<br /> With the knowledge she learned in her previous life, Valerie managed to secure a good living despite her young age.<br /> On the day she told her family that she was leaving, however, her three brothers stopped her.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother, pleaded, "Don't go, Valerie. I'll give you whatever you want as long as you stay with us."<br /> Bruce Horton, her second eldest brother, begged, "Valerie, do you have a favorite star in showbiz? I can get you his or her autograph if you stay."<br /> Tristan Horton, Bruce's twin and Valerie's youngest brother, promised, "Valerie, I'll design the most beautiful one-and-only dress for you."<br /> About her brothers' pleading, Valerie only had one reply. "Thanks. I'll pass."<br /> Only one person had firmly stood by Valerie's side. He had been secretly watched over Valerie and cleared every obstacle in her path.<br /> After Valerie left her family, he hurriedly came to her.<br /> "Do you want to stay with me?" he asked.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 The Outcast Daughter<br /> "You have only two months left."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie Horton left the hospital with her diagnosis. She stood in the yard of the hospital idly and mocked herself inwardly, her face pale.<br /> She remembered how happy she was yesterday when she went home after work with a piece of birthday cake.<br /> The second Valerie ate the cake, she felt intense pain, as if her internal organs were twisted together. She passed out in the rented room due to the agony.<br /> She was used to feeling this pain after experiencing it for two months. At first, she was worried. Yet, she didn't go to the hospital as she thought it was nothing and she needed to save money. She had no idea it would cost her more.<br /> On her 20th birthday, Valerie received the diagnosis of a terminal illness...<br /> Despite being an optimist, she was at a loss about the shocking news.<br /> She didn't remember how she got on the bus and returned to her cheap rented room.<br /> As Valerie saw the dirty walls, she finally snapped out of her trance.<br /> She put down the diagnosis and started cleaning up quietly...<br /> "Knock, knock. Valerie, are you home?"<br /> "Yes, Susie."<br /> Valerie rubbed her red-rimmed eyes and opened the wooden door. Susie Walton, Valerie's landlady, was standing outside with a friend. She beamed when she saw Valerie.<br /> "Valerie, I'm here for the rent."<br /> "Sure. I'll transfer the money to your account now."<br /> Valerie quickly snatched her phone and made the money transfer.<br /> Susie's smile grew wider as she confirmed it on her phone.<br /> "Good. Valerie, remember to come to me if you need anything."<br /> "I know, but I don't need anything at the moment. Thank you, Susie."<br /> After a few conventional remarks, Susie left and slammed the door shut.<br /> Susie's friend immediately grabbed her arm and leaned in.<br /> "What's going on? Why would a young girl live in this kind of place? This room was just a shabby warehouse. Why did you rent it to her?"<br /> "Hey. I wasn't the one who initiated it. That girl begged me, and I had to give in. The 25 dollars is her utilities."<br /> Susie glanced at the door and leaned closer to her friend.<br /> "Well, it's a secret. Don't tell others. That girl is the outcast daughter of the Horton family."<br /> "What? The Horton family? That Horton family?"<br /> Susie hastily covered her friend's mouth.<br /> Susie thought, "I knew it. She's such a big mouth."<br /> "Quiet! Don't you remember that a daughter of the Horton family has gone missing? It's said that Mrs. Horton missed her girl so much that she lost her mind. The Horton family blamed the elder daughter for not taking good care of her sister and claimed she did it on purpose. So, they kicked her out."<br /> Susie nodded at the door, gesturing to her friend that she was talking about Valerie.<br /> They both knew how that story ended.<br /> It was the news of Capstead as one of the wealthiest families had lost a daughter and kicked out the evil elder daughter.<br /> Susie's friend frowned.<br /> "But she seems meek. I don't think she's capable of such a hideous crime."<br /> "Beats me. We're just regular citizens. How would we understand rich people's thinking? She is their daughter, yet they hate her so much. Maybe she's a love child."<br /> Although the two women were gossiping in each other's ears, they forgot how thin the door was and how loud they were.<br /> Valerie heard every word.<br /> She picked up the diagnosis, lost in her memories.<br /> She was just a teenager then. When Zoe Horton, her younger sister, made a fuss about wanting to go outside and asked Valerie to accompany her, Valerie had no choice but to sneak out of the house with her.<br /> She couldn't say no to Zoe's request.<br /> On the exact same day, Zoe went missing. Valerie searched the entire block, yet Zoe was nowhere to be found. She didn't stop walking for a second despite the blood blisters under her feet.<br /> Valerie was so afraid.<br /> She was afraid that Zoe would be in danger. And she feared her family would hate her more because of it.<br /> However, Valerie couldn't cover the news. Once the Horton family learned about Zoe's missing, they exploded with rage.<br /> "Where's Valerie? Ask her to come to my study immediately!"<br /> That night, Valerie sat on her bed in the attic. The blood blisters had broken and her feet were bleeding. Yet, the pain was nothing in comparison to her heartache.<br /> Valerie was shaking as she bit her fingernails. Full of fear, she opened the door of Reese's study.<br /> The four men of the Horton family were all inside.<br /> As the door closed, Valerie's heart sank...<br /> Little Valerie felt suffocated as she faced the endless scolding and curses. Her family never gave her a chance to explain herself.<br /> Jerking out of her trance, Valerie clenched the diagnosis. Her throbbing heartache echoed with the constant pain of her internal organs. She gasped like a fish out of water.<br /> She would never forget it.<br /> That night, Reese's gaze at her was filled with disgust.<br /> How ridiculous! She was loathed by her own father.<br /> Faced with Reese's cruelty, little Valerie had forgotten about the intense pain in her feet. She could only feel a chill down her spine.<br /> The next day, they kicked Valerie out, though her feet were hurt and there were grazes on her body.<br /> They didn't even hesitate.<br /> Later, Valerie went to an orphanage. Instead of a warm welcome, all she got were humiliation and ridicule. And they lasted even until now...<br /> Because she was the outcast daughter of the Horton family.<br /> Valerie thought if she didn't let Zoe out that day, maybe she could grow up like an ordinary child. She could go to school and find a job, even form a family...<br /> Her headache got worse as she pondered.<br /> Valerie quickly stopped herself from indulging in the negative thoughts, adjusting her breath to ease the pain.<br /> After a long time, Valerie felt the urge to cry.<br /> She covered her eyes hastily and bit her mouth as she sobbed.<br /> Valerie had tried her hardest to muffle her cries.<br /> She couldn't cry out loud.<br /> She didn't have a reason to cry her heart out.<br /> Because she couldn't start her life over by crying. It couldn't change her life, and it couldn't make her live longer.<br /> Crying would only make Valerie realize how pathetic she was.<br /> After sobbing for a few minutes, Valerie sat on the broken chair idly, ignoring the tears and snot on her face.<br /> After a while, Valerie wiped her face forcefully and took out a piece of shredded paper and a fountain pen from her stonewashed canvas bag. The pen almost ran out of ink.<br /> She froze in place before dropping the shredded paper and the fountain pen. Then she took out a new sheet of paper and a better pen from her bag. They were too precious, so Valerie was unable to bear to use them before.<br /> Switching on the light, Valerie started writing seriously...<br /> One month later, Valerie quit after getting that month's paycheck. She also canceled her lease.<br /> With a shabby backpack and all her money, Valerie did what she always wanted to do.<br /> She traveled around the country without a care.<br /> This was the last month of her life, so Valerie wanted to live for herself once...<br /> Two years later, a lumberjack in a beautiful scenic village discovered a dead body on a mountain. He immediately called the police.<br /> The government was alarmed, and reporters swarmed in the village.<br /> The reporters got the pictures of the dead body with the government's permission.<br /> The dead body was lying on the ground peacefully with her hands on her body.<br /> The police found three sheets of paper in her clothes.<br /> One was a hospital diagnosis, and one was written full of travel plans.<br /> The reporter's tears welled up as he saw the last sheet of paper. It was broken and had only one sentence in fine handwriting.<br /> "I don't need another life."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Reborn<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's morning..."<br /> Valerie heard a gentle and kind voice.<br /> She couldn't move her boneless limbs, but her head was spinning due to the shock.<br /> Valerie thought, "What?<br /> Didn't I die? I died peacefully in a village, right?<br /> Ms. Valerie? Is this person addressing me?<br /> Why does this voice sound so familiar?"<br /> Valerie fought hard to open her heavy eyelids and blinked rapidly.<br /> She looked in the direction of the voice.<br /> Gradually, she saw a kind old man.<br /> "Jayvion?!"<br /> "Yes, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie was completely awake and sat up swiftly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you save me?"<br /> "What? What are you talking about, Ms. Valerie?"<br /> Jayvion's smile dropped at Valerie's strange question. He looked at Valerie in confusion.<br /> Valerie couldn't tell if she was dreaming or not. She asked directly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you come here too?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie... I don't understand. Where should I go?"<br /> Valerie was confused too.<br /> The old man and young woman stared at each other, their gazes full of questions.<br /> Valerie got out of bed hurriedly. Her heart sank when she propped herself up on the bed.<br /> Her heart had sunk.<br /> Valerie raised her hand and examined it carefully.<br /> In disbelief, she touched her face and her body while looking around.<br /> Everything looked familiar.<br /> "Do I have to do this again in the afterlife?"<br /> Valerie was utterly shocked.<br /> Jayvion was at a loss. He knelt in front of Valerie softly with a concerned look.<br /> "Excuse me, Ms. Valerie."<br /> The old gentleman took off his white gloves and righted his gold-rimmed glasses before putting his hand on Valerie's forehead.<br /> "You're not having a fever. Ms. Valerie, are you too tired from marking the nerve-calming sachet for Mr. Kieran?"<br /> A nerve-calming sachet?<br /> The word awakened something in Valerie. Her head snapped in the direction of her shabby desk.<br /> The desk was covered with nerve-calming herbs and a semi-finished sachet. Valerie had picked those herbs and made the sachet all by herself for Kieran.<br /> A dirty full-length mirror sat beside her bed. Valerie turned and looked into the mirror.<br /> She saw a petite girl in whitish pajamas. The girl's skin and hair both had an unhealthy yellow tone.<br /> Valerie slapped herself hard on the face.<br /> Jayvion jumped at the loud noise.<br /> "No, Ms. Valerie. What's wrong? Stop hurting yourself."<br /> Valerie didn't stop and just kept on slapping herself, her eyes full of tears. She was slapping herself to vent her anger and sorrow.<br /> She was back. What was more, she was back to her younger self.<br /> Valerie thought, "Didn't I suffer enough last time? Why did fate send me back?<br /> Why me?"<br /> Valerie asked those questions over and over in her heart. Tears ran down her swollen cheeks.<br /> Jayvion stopped her by holding her wrists in an iron grip. Valerie kept her head down. Tears and snot dropped on the floor freely.<br /> Yet, she wasn't crying out loud.<br /> The only telltale signs of her emotions were her shaking shoulder and her bent back.<br /> Jayvion's eyes widened in shock. He tightened his grip in case Valerie hurt her further.<br /> His white bread shook due to his heavy breathing.<br /> For some reason, Jayvion's heart broke when he saw the tears of this malnourished little girl.<br /> "Ms. Valerie ... you can cry."<br /> After a long time, Jayvion breathed. His gentle tone made Valerie feel better and gradually calmed down.<br /> She thought, "Fine. So I'm back.<br /> Life goes on."<br /> Finally, Valerie calmed herself and looked up at Jayvion shyly. Jayvion's eyes became red-rimmed too.<br /> Valerie noticed the kindness in Jayvion's eyes. She realized that this white-haired gentleman was the only person she could count on in the Horton family.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm fine now..."<br /> Seeing that Valerie had stopped crying, Jayvion released her. He swiftly took out a handkerchief and wiped Valerie's face softly.<br /> "Good. I'll pour you a glass of water. You need that."<br /> Jayvion stood up and went to the kitchen for some hot water.<br /> He didn't dare to ask more questions as he hadn't recovered from the shock.<br /> Earlier, he sensed a great grief from Valerie. She was so desperate.<br /> Jayvion didn't want to relieve it.<br /> Jayvion turned to look at Valerie's room before shaking his head and heaving out a long breath. He blinked the tears in his eyes away and hurried to the kitchen.<br /> Valerie needed to rehydrate.<br /> Valerie stood in the middle of the room alone and looked around.<br /> The room merely had four white walls and a few old furniture.<br /> If Valerie needed to use a bathroom, she had to go outside.<br /> Valerie walked to the desk and picked up the herbs she collected. She fiddled with the poorly-made sachet.<br /> Jayvion said she made it for Kieran.<br /> Valerie snorted.<br /> Kieran was the eldest son of the Horton family and the future president of the family business.<br /> He was a 25-year-old eligible bachelor with a good look and high intelligence.<br /> In Capstead, Kieran was like a noble prince.<br /> Besides the members of the Fisher family, everyone had to please Kieran. The Fishers were exceptions because they were as noble as Kieran.<br /> But Valerie knew one thing from her previous life.<br /> To maintain the Horton family's status in Capstead...<br /> Kieran had worked all the time and had insomnia and a constant headache.<br /> His state of mind had gotten worse as he couldn't get enough sleep.<br /> But Kieran couldn't find a proper cure for his insomnia.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she would give Kieran a glass of water with vitamin B every night to improve his sleep quality.<br /> Valerie was sure her former self had believed that Kieran had accepted her and wanted to improve their relationship by giving him the sachet.<br /> She thought, "No.<br /> Valerie.<br /> You're pathetic."<br /> Without a word, Valerie put the needles and yarns away before throwing the unfinished sachet and those herbs into the bin.<br /> She did it without any remorse.<br /> Jayvion came back with a hot water bottle.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, have a glass of water. It's good for your stomach too as you just wake up."<br /> Valerie dropped her coldness and softened up as soon as she saw Jayvion.<br /> She beamed as she looked at the kind gentleman.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion."<br /> "You're welcome, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Jayvion fixed Valerie a glass of warm water elegantly and watched her sip the whole glass.<br /> Yet, he had been stealing glances at the bin out of the corners of his eyes.<br /> Jayvion had a lot of surprises that morning.<br /> At that moment, he was surprised that Valerie seemed to give up on getting on Kieran's good side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 First Encounter With Kieran<br /> "Ms. Valerie, do you want to have breakfast now?"<br /> Jayvion immediately recovered and smiled at Valerie.<br /> Breakfast?<br /> Memories had returned to Valerie wave after wave. None of them were pleasant.<br /> Valerie snorted inwardly, but she put on an embarrassed face.<br /> "Jayvion, I had a nightmare last night and even jolted awake at midnight. I'm too weak to go to the dining room now. Would you please bring my breakfast here?"<br /> Valerie looked up at Jayvion with her watery eyes. Her fingers wriggled nervously where Jayvion couldn't see.<br /> Jayvion's heart softened as he saw the dark circles under Valerie's eyes.<br /> "Sure, Ms. Valerie. I'll fetch you the breakfast right away."<br /> Jayvion bowed slightly and hurried out of Valerie's room.<br /> As soon as Jayvion left her sight, Valerie dashed toward her tacky bedside table and checked the calendar.<br /> "20...16. I was kicked out when I was 13. I'm 7 years old now. I have six years left."<br /> Valerie murmured.<br /> Soon, she frowned in frustration.<br /> Six years?<br /> Valerie thought, "I have to stay here for another six years?"<br /> As Valerie remembered her family's dismissive attitude, she felt she couldn't stay in this house for one more second.<br /> The crease between her brows deepened as Valerie's mind was a mess at the moment.<br /> She was trying to remember the significant events in those years.<br /> Yet, she was swarmed by all her old memories.<br /> She couldn't think clearly.<br /> Valerie thought, "Forget it.<br /> That's it.<br /> I'll try to jot something down after breakfast."<br /> Valerie followed her heart.<br /> She returned to bed.<br /> She folded her hands on her stomach and slowly reminisced about the significant events she could remember.<br /> Valerie waited patiently for Jayvion.<br /> On the other hand, Jayvion was upset after fetching breakfast from the kitchen.<br /> When Jayvion walked past them to the kitchen for Valerie's breakfast, either Reese or Reyna asked him about Valerie. Their sole focus was on Zoe.<br /> They were looking at Zoe with so much love.<br /> Kieran was having breakfast elegantly and putting food on Zoe's plate too.<br /> Jayvion watched them for a while before turning around.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> "What's wrong, Mr. Bowman?"<br /> "Nothing. Go back to your duty."<br /> The kitchen staff was shocked by Jayvion's sigh.<br /> One of them couldn't help but look up and ask Jayvion the question.<br /> After getting Valerie's breakfast, Jayvion went straight to her room.<br /> Jayvion didn't think he would stand to stay in the dining room at the moment.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, breakfast is here."<br /> Jayvion collected his emotions and walked inside.<br /> He saw Valerie sleeping peacefully on her bed.<br /> She was so petite that she was almost the same size as Zoe, who was only five.<br /> Valerie was even thinner.<br /> She was lying on her bed rigidly with her hands on her stomach. The dark circle clearly showed that Valerie didn't get much sleep last night.<br /> Jayvion bathed his breath as he contemplated how to put down the tray in his hands without waking up Valerie.<br /> In the end, Jayvion walked over and gently pulled the comforter over Valerie, wanting her to get some rest.<br /> Maybe she exhausted her energy with her reborn. Valerie slept all day and it was past 6 p.m. when she woke up again.<br /> The room was in the dark and she couldn't hear any sound outside.<br /> Her stomach started grumbling, so Valerie had to get up and go to the kitchen.<br /> She dragged her feet and wandered in the dark.<br /> The kitchen was empty. Valerie thought it was because Reese and Reyna took Zoe out for dinner.<br /> She perked up immediately.<br /> Valerie thought, "How wonderful. I was wondering how to face my so-called family on the way here."<br /> Looking at the pitch-dark kitchen and dining room, Valerie was over the moon.<br /> After opening the fridge, Valerie had to get a stool to see what was inside due to her small size.<br /> There were many expensive ingredients, such as high-quality beef and caviar.<br /> Valerie ignored those ingredients completely.<br /> Her gaze directly went to the last shelf, which was full of roughage. She grabbed a corn cob and closed the fridge door.<br /> She couldn't wrap her hands around the corn cob.<br /> It was more than enough to feed her empty stomach.<br /> Valerie dragged the stool under the light switch. She struggled to climb up and switched on the light.<br /> Out of nowhere, Kieran appeared in front of her and was looking at Valerie sternly.<br /> Valerie screamed.<br /> She jumped and the corn dropped on the floor before rolling away.<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran crossed his arms and looked at Valerie's pale face.<br /> His thick brows knitted tightly.<br /> Kieran's gaze was sharp as if he was a police officer looking at an inmate.<br /> The brother and sister stared at each other silently.<br /> Nobody spoke.<br /> Valerie looked at the corn on the floor sadly.<br /> She then looked up at Kieran grumpily.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother.<br /> Being the eldest son of the Horton family, Kieran was totally a catch.<br /> After taking over the Horton Group from Reese two years ago, Kieran had brought it and his family to a new high.<br /> That was how great Kieran was.<br /> It was said that he fired all the old corrupted employees on his first day as the president.<br /> He acted fast and didn't give other people time to react or plead.<br /> That was all Valerie knew about it. She was kicked out of the Horton family afterward and had never heard anything about the Horton family since.<br /> Maybe it was because she hadn't seen any members of her family for a long time.<br /> Valerie felt a little awkward and didn't know what to do.<br /> The only thought she had at that moment was to pick up the corn and flee.<br /> The crease between Kieran's brows deepened.<br /> "What? Can't you speak now? Why didn't you answer my question?"<br /> All awkwardness disappeared at the second Kieran talked to Valerie in that commanding tone.<br /> Valerie glanced at Kieran and said aloofly.<br /> "I'm hungry, so I came to the kitchen for food."<br /> Although Valerie answered his question, Kieran seemed angrier.<br /> As far as Kieran could remember, Valerie never dared to raise her voice to him. She was always timid and couldn't even meet eyes with him.<br /> And she always called him Kier sweetly.<br /> Last night, Valerie had warily brought tea and a midnight snack to his study.<br /> Yet, Valerie was talking to him dismissively. Her attitude could be counted as cold...<br /> Kieran dropped his arms and squinted as Valerie picked up the corn.<br /> For some reason, Kieran was upset.<br /> "Watch your tone. Where's your manners?"<br /> Valerie paused from wiping the corn clean.<br /> Valerie turned and the light was coming from her back. Kieran was standing there with his hands in his pockets.<br /> When she came back, she thought she could face the Hortons peacefully.<br /> Yet, when they repeated their ignorance and rudeness, the pain didn't lessen. Valerie still felt a stab in her heart.<br /> The 7-year-old Valerie pressed her lips into a thin line and tried her hardest to adjust her breathing so that she wouldn't break down in front of Kieran.<br /> Manners?<br /> Valerie didn't think they deserved her politeness.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Valerie Is Rebellious<br /> They were at a stalemate in the kitchen.<br /> Kieran's patience was wearing thin. He didn't have time to eat lunch earlier because of work.<br /> Now, because of Valerie, who seemed to be in a bad mood, he had a headache.<br /> "I will go and cook corn."<br /> After that, Valerie went straight to the kitchen, not wanting to talk to Kieran again.<br /> For some reason, anger suddenly rose inside Kieran, and his tone became serious.<br /> "Valerie, you are trying to provoke me?"<br /> This was an affirmative sentence.<br /> Valerie, who brought a chair to the kitchen, trembled all over.<br /> She had just returned, and her fear of Kieran hadn't completely dissipated.<br /> Hearing Kieran's angry questioning, Valerie panicked and wanted to turn around and explain to Kieran.<br /> She tightly gripped the corn cob and crushed a few grains.<br /> Valerie forced herself to calm down.<br /> She took a deep breath and turned to face Kieran.<br /> "No, I'm just hungry, so I want to cook corn for myself."<br /> Just like before, Valerie was indifferent and distant, as if she was deliberately keeping a distance from Kieran, which annoyed Kieran.<br /> He wanted to say something to Valerie. Then he met Valerie's watery big eyes.<br /> This was the first time Kieran had looked at Valerie seriously.<br /> She had dry and somewhat yellowish hair, slightly ginger-colored skin, and a thin figure. She wore the pajamas that Zoe didn't want, which had already faded from washing.<br /> The shocking sight silenced Kieran. He could only watch Valerie skillfully pick up the pressure cooker, pour water into it, and put in the corn cob.<br /> Valerie easily turned on the gas stove, waiting for the pressure cooker to make a hissing sound.<br /> The kitchen once again fell into an awkward situation.<br /> "Just corn? There are still plenty of ingredients in the refrigerator. You can call Jayvion to help you. You are now cooking by yourself. Do you feel that we've mistreated you?"<br /> Kieran looked at her and asked in a deep voice. Valerie was so skinny that her spines were prominent.<br /> Valerie turned around and calmly glanced at Kieran.<br /> "I'm just hungry and want to have something to eat."<br /> Valerie didn't want to say anything else. The more she explained, the messier it became. Valerie didn't care what Kieran would think about her.<br /> The pressure cooker started to rumble. The harsh sound relieved the awkward atmosphere a little bit.<br /> In the dim light, Kieran looked at Valerie's weak figure, feeling a bit dazed.<br /> His heart missed a beat as if it wanted to burst out of his body and block his breath, marking it a bit unbearable.<br /> Kieran inexplicably approached, wanting to touch Valerie.<br /> Valerie was different now.<br /> She was so unfamiliar.<br /> Valerie was elusive, ready to disappear before Kieran...<br /> Hiss...<br /> Valerie removed the valve of the pressure cooker, releasing the gas inside.<br /> This sound made Kieran snap back to reality, and he looked at Valerie strangely. He then picked up his cup and brewed a cup of coffee before returning to his study.<br /> In the gloomy room, Kieran was unable to focus on his work at all. He rubbed his furrowed brows and took out his phone to call Jayvion.<br /> "Jayvion, come and make dinner."<br /> "Okay, Mr. Kieran. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "It's not for me. It's for the young lady."<br /> The young lady?<br /> Jayvion was a bit confused.<br /> Zoe went out for dinner with her parents, so this young lady should be Valerie.<br /> Although Jayvion didn't understand why Kieran would care for Kieran, Jayvion was in a much better mood.<br /> "Understood, Mr. Kieran. I will prepare the meal and deliver it to Ms. Valerie's room. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "I don't need anything."<br /> After hanging up, Kieran finally calmed down. He opened his laptop and got down to work.<br /> Valerie had a corn cob in her hand. She nibbled on it as she entered her room. She hadn't eaten all day, so the taste of the corn in her hand was especially sweet.<br /> Just as Valerie entered her room and had only eaten half of the corn cob, Jayvion came inside with a smile, carrying a tray of food for Valerie.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to prepare dinner for you. Why are you eating raw corn? If you are hungry, you can let me cook for you!"<br /> Jayvion quickly put down the food tray and snatched the corn cob from Valerie's hand without waiting for her to explain.<br /> Concern filled Jayvion's eyes as he looked at Valerie. He took out his phone, intending to call the family doctor.<br /> It wasn't until the fragrant aroma and sweetness of the corn filled Jayvion's nostrils that he calmed down.<br /> "Hmm? It was cooked?"<br /> Doubtful, Jayvion broke off a grain of corn cob and put it in his mouth.<br /> It was cooked.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, what did you use to cook it?"<br /> "A pressure cooker."<br /> "Hiss..."<br /> Jayvion gasped in fear.<br /> The fact that Valerie cooked corn with a pressure cooker was even scarier than her eating raw corn.<br /> "Did you make it by yourself? Did you get hurt?"<br /> Jayvion was truly flustered and checked Valerie for any signs of injury.<br /> There was no trace of injury at all.<br /> Jayvion wondered, "This is strange. When did Ms. Valerie learn how to use a pressure cooker?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie, if you're hungry, just come tell me. Using a pressure cooker is too dangerous for you."<br /> "I understand, Jayvion."<br /> Valerie looked at Jayvion, her eyes filled with warmth.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to cook dinner for you. Please eat."<br /> Valerie looked at the delicious dinner on the table, went up, and took the corn from Jayvion's hand.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm almost finished with the corn cob. You can just take the dishes back. This one piece is enough to fill me up."<br /> "But, Ms. Valerie..."<br /> Kieran especially had Jayvion prepare the dinner.<br /> Remembering Valerie's hunched back in the morning, Jayvion chose to stay silent.<br /> He could only take the dinner back to Kieran's study.<br /> "Mr. Kieran, Ms. Valerie said she was full from the corn and asked me to bring the dinner to you..."<br /> Kieran's face darkened immediately.<br /> The dishes on the table looked appetizing.<br /> Yet, he had no appetite at all.<br /> He wondered, "What did Valerie mean by this?<br /> Is she being rebellious at this age?<br /> Does she try to use this method to gain attention from the family?"<br /> Valerie was so well-behaved last night. She served Kieran milk and late-night snacks.<br /> But today, she started throwing tantrums.<br /> Clearly, Zoe was the only sensible one!<br /> "I see, Jayvion. You can have this dinner with others. I don't need it anymore. From now on, there's no need to inform me about anything related to Valerie. You may leave now."<br /> "Yes..."<br /> Jayvion left the study with dinner and shook his head helplessly.<br /> Why were both Valerie and Kieran so stubborn?<br /> But the Horton family wasn't friendly toward Valerie.<br /> Ever since Zoe was born, everyone's attention had been focused solely on her.<br /> At the age of two, Valerie had to learn to read people's expressions and act accordingly. She could not be willful or throw a tantrum to please her family.<br /> If one day, Valerie secretly ran away from home...<br /> They might not even notice it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 Alienation<br /> Valerie nibbled the corn cob while thinking about what would happen in the coming years.<br /> With her immature hands, she wrote on the blank paper she had gotten from Jayvion.<br /> "At the age of 7, Galen Fisher, who was once a general, retired and let his eldest grandson join the military for further education.<br /> "At the age of 8, people started paying attention to short videos. I can start from here...<br /> "At the age of 9, Zoe entered a prestigious school, but there were not enough spots, so they sent me to a public school.<br /> "At the age of 10, there was a flood in the coastal area during the summer, submerging a city. How much money did the Horton family donate? Well, it doesn't matter to me..."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie vaguely remembered the most memorable things from her past, but there were things she couldn't recall<br /> Valerie gave up thinking about it.<br /> The blank paper was not filled up.<br /> Valerie sighed with regret.<br /> In her previous life, she always wanted to improve her relationship with her family and didn't pay much attention to the outside world.<br /> Valerie just heard something major.<br /> She regretted it!<br /> Valerie thought, "Well, I will just wait and see. The only thing I can do is focus on short videos and see if I can develop something from them.<br /> Even if I fail, it doesn't matter. I have done a lot of jobs before."<br /> Valerie once even lived in a shack that cost 25 dollars. This was no big issue.<br /> After washing up, Valerie lay in bed. She carefully folded the paper and placed it under her pillow before falling into a deep sleep.<br /> Late at night, the study room in the Horton's house was still brightly lit.<br /> Kieran rubbed his weary eyes and habitually reached out to grab something next to him.<br /> But he got nothing.<br /> "Kieran, the milk is good for your sleep. You didn't eat much. It's a midnight snack prepared for you. Don't work too hard."<br /> Valerie's obedient look appeared in his mind.<br /> Kieran gazed at Valerie today in the kitchen and noticed that the dark circles under her eyes became apparent.<br /> Since when did Valerie insist on bringing him midnight snacks?<br /> Kieran remembered that after taking the business from his father, a cup of milk would always be next to him.<br /> It had been more than three years...<br /> How old Valerie was?<br /> Kieran's hand on the cup trembled. He habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache uncomfortably.<br /> Kieran had just calmed down, but now he felt restless again. His head throbbed.<br /> Kieran habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache.<br /> Kieran reached out and massaged his throbbing temples, recalling the massages that used to relax him.<br /> Valerie would gently massage his temples to relieve his headache.<br /> As Kieran groggily opened his eyes, he was startled.<br /> The one who had been taking care of him was always Valerie.<br /> But today's Valerie seemed so unfamiliar...<br /> Kieran contemplated for a while in the chair...<br /> The next morning, at half past five...<br /> Valerie opened her heavy eyelids and quickly blinked to wake herself up.<br /> She didn't want to have breakfast with her family. At this time, Jayvion and other staff would be preparing breakfast<br /> Valerie walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile.<br /> Then she saw who was in the dining room.<br /> Valerie froze in shock.<br /> Should she walk in or not?<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen her.<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen Valerie.<br /> Sighing deeply in heart, Valerie chose to walk in.<br /> "Good morning."<br /> Valerie politely greeted her father, who seldom talked with her. Then she obediently sat down.<br /> Reese's eyebrows instantly furrowed.<br /> "Valerie."<br /> "Yes?"<br /> Valerie looked at Reese with confusion. She knew this tone too well. It was Reese's way of expressing dissatisfaction, with a slight rise in his tone at the end.<br /> But Valerie couldn't understand what Reese was dissatisfied with.<br /> Reese saw her clear, puzzled eyes and choked on his words.<br /> Reese's brows furrowed tighter.<br /> If Reese hadn't seen his daughter this morning, Reese might not have remembered that he failed to see Valerie all day yesterday.<br /> Valerie's attitude today was incredibly stiff.<br /> She didn't call Reese "Dad" as usual.<br /> Although Valerie was bold enough to stare back at Reese, a growing distance was forming between them.<br /> What was wrong with Valerie?<br /> At such a young age, did she want to turn against her own biological father and stay away from him?<br /> Valerie was young but hot-tempered.<br /> That was the first thing that came to Reese's mind.<br /> The same thought crossed Kieran's mind as well.<br /> In his mind, Reese compared Valerie and Zoe.<br /> The dissatisfaction towards Valerie was even deeper.<br /> "Why are you up so early? What are you going to do?"<br /> "Nothing. I'm just hungry, so I got up early and want to eat something."<br /> "Hungry? Did you wake up at the same time yesterday morning? You must have been hungry at noon yesterday. Why didn't you come out for lunch?"<br /> The questioning and blaming words caused Valerie to lose all appetite.<br /> All she wanted now was to jump down and go straight back to her room.<br /> "I was resting at noon yesterday, and I've been sleeping a little late recently."<br /> "Why did you stay up late? Did you send snacks to Kieran?"<br /> "Yeah, I couldn't hold on anymore, so I stopped last night."<br /> Reese's eyebrows relaxed slightly.<br /> "Alright, that's my good girl. You need to learn from Zoe. Sleep and wake up early. Also, when you see your elders, greet them properly and address them respectfully."<br /> Valerie glanced at Reese.<br /> She had been used to it.<br /> It was the same yesterday and today.<br /> The Horton family only cared about Zoe.<br /> Sometimes, Valerie even doubted whether she was truly related to Reese by blood.<br /> But Valerie looked very much like her late grandfather.<br /> So, she was a member of the Horton family. That was for sure.<br /> But ever since the sickly Zoe was born, she stole all the attention from everyone in the family.<br /> The two-year-old Valerie had her moments of tantrums.<br /> When did she become like this?<br /> Valerie was humble and concerned about their opinions.<br /> Was it because of Reese's reproach and the criticism from her three older brothers? Or was it because of her mother's accusatory gaze?<br /> All signs indicated that Valerie was a bad child.<br /> So, she suppressed her childish temper and whims, starting to think about her family and do things for them.<br /> Though it had great effects, Valerie was gradually being ignored.<br /> "Valerie, your hair clip is something your sister likes. Give it to her, and I will purchase you another one next time."<br /> "Okay, Mom, here you go."<br /> Then Valerie's mom forgot, but Valerie couldn't say anything, or else her mom would get angry.<br /> "Valerie, your room is bigger. Zoe is in poor health, and her current room is a bit small with poor air circulation. Can you let her have your room for now? Dad will arrange a bigger room for you later."<br /> "Yeah, it's okay, Dad."<br /> Now Zoe occupied two rooms, while Valerie still lived in the storage room hastily arranged at the beginning.<br /> The more Valerie thought about it, the colder she felt in her heart.<br /> There was nothing left for her to defend or communicate with the Horton family.<br /> Valerie turned around to look at Reese and exhaled slightly.<br /> "Understood, father."<br /> The word "father" pierced Reese's heart like a sharp sword.<br /> Reese instantly looked up from the newspaper.<br /> He met Valerie's calm and distant gaze...<br /> <br /> Chapter 6 Send Her to School<br /> Reese's pupils trembled slightly, and his mouth unconsciously opened.<br /> He found it hard to breathe.<br /> Father?<br /> Valerie's expression remained unchanged.<br /> Her eyes were clear and bright, but cold.<br /> In the depths of her eyes, there was no sign of Reese.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> "Yes, father."<br /> Reese's voice was low.<br /> Valerie did not flinch. She looked straight at Reese. Slowly and steadily, she called out "Father", which made Reese's heart ache a bit.<br /> "Dad!"<br /> Reese recalled the soft voice when Valerie called him "Dad".<br /> What expression did she have when she called Reese "Dad"?<br /> The sound of a cup forcefully hitting the table startled Valerie.<br /> She looked at Reese in confusion, whose cheeks flushed in anger.<br /> "I told you to address elders properly. So, you deliberately did so to annoy me, didn't you?"<br /> "Cannot I call you 'Father'? Isn't that a more respectful way of addressing an elder?"<br /> Reese was furious.<br /> He wondered, "What is going on?<br /> "What happened to Valerie?<br /> "She keeps her distance from me. What does she want?"<br /> Ah?<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran, who had not slept well last night, entered the dining room and immediately sensed the strange atmosphere.<br /> Reese's rationality was brought back by Kieran's voice.<br /> "Kieran, you come at the right time. Look at Valerie. Her character has changed! She's even contradicting us!"<br /> Reese angrily pointed his finger at Valerie.<br /> Kieran's brow twitched.<br /> He had seen the way Valerie was even before his father did.<br /> After Reese accused Valerie, the three sat awkwardly in the dining room.<br /> Valerie had lost her appetite.<br /> She just wanted to go back.<br /> And she did just as she thought.<br /> "I'm leaving first. I'll come back later."<br /> "Wait! Is this how you should behave?"<br /> Reese stood up abruptly, stopping Valerie from leaving.<br /> Valerie's brow finally moved.<br /> "Father, is there anything else?"<br /> Now it was Kieran's turn to widen his eyes.<br /> "Father..."<br /> Kieran mumbled to himself.<br /> A trace of gloominess appeared in Kieran's sharp gaze.<br /> "Valerie, let's have a proper conversation today. Dad is also here. If you have any grievances, you can talk to us and explain why you did this."<br /> Kieran pulled out a chair, crossed his arms on the table, and examined Valerie.<br /> Reese also sat down. He propped his elbows on the table with his hands on his chin.<br /> Both of them had no intention of having a good conversation.<br /> What grievances?<br /> If Valerie told them, they would always have a bunch of excuses to retort.<br /> The men of the Horton family never allowed themselves to be in the wrong.<br /> When Valerie was five or six years old, she argued with them.<br /> What she got in return was their increased dislike and reproach.<br /> Valerie clenched her teeth, placed her hands on her legs, and tightened her fists. She lowered her head, refusing to look at them.<br /> "Speak. Everyone is busy. We all have things to do in a while, so there's no obligation to indulge your temper. If you have any dissatisfaction, just say it directly."<br /> Kieran's volume gradually increased.<br /> Valerie's heart pounded with disappointment.<br /> Dissatisfaction? She dared not have any dissatisfaction.<br /> Having dissatisfaction implied that Valerie held a glimmer of hope for them.<br /> Valerie lifted her head and stared directly at the two men who were looking at her coldly.<br /> "Kieran, Father, I have no dissatisfaction. I just did things that I thought were proper. Do I need to be criticized for it?<br /> "When Father saw me in the morning, I greeted him, but he said I should address him respectfully like Zoe, and show respect to my elders.<br /> "I just called him 'Father'. Isn't that a respectful term?<br /> " Father, why are you angry? You even encouraged Kieran to criticize me.<br /> "I don't understand. It seems like no matter what I do, you will accuse me.<br /> "Is what I've done not enough?<br /> "I've given everything to Zoe that she likes, such as jewelry and my room. I've given them to her.<br /> "You told me to eat by myself, not to trouble everyone. I've learned to do it and won't trouble you anymore.<br /> "I just had breakfast early. Do I have to accept your criticism for that too?"<br /> Valerie's expression didn't show as much anger or sorrow as expected, as if she were telling a story.<br /> The pace was slow, and the tone was distant.<br /> The two men sitting across from each other didn't know how to respond at all.<br /> If Valerie cried and made a fuss like before...<br /> Crying and marking a fuss?<br /> Reese's heart missed a beat.<br /> When was the last time Valerie made a scene in front of him?<br /> And what about the room she mentioned?<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, so Reese asked Valerie to give the room to Zoe...<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Zoe's previous room had been turned into a dressing room.<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Reality made Reese's heart throb directly.<br /> A chill surged through him.<br /> Even Reese's toes began to feel cold.<br /> Kieran glanced at Reese, observing his expression.<br /> Reese's pupils contracted as he looked at Valerie.<br /> It seemed that he thought of something.<br /> But Kieran did not soften his attitude.<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, with good air circulation.<br /> Why not just let Zoe have it?<br /> The Horton's house had so many rooms. They could arrange one for her.<br /> Valerie was so small. How much space did she need?<br /> Even the way Valerie addressed Kieran had changed from "Kier" to "Kieran," just like her addressing Reese.<br /> Valerie was willful.<br /> Kieran's mind raced at high speed.<br /> He wanted to see if there was any way to change Valerie, who was stubborn.<br /> Out of the corner of his eyes, Kieran noticed the newspaper in Reese's hands.<br /> A spark of inspiration flashed in Kieran's mind!<br /> "You should be around 7 years old this year, right? It's time for you to go to elementary school."<br /> Hmm?<br /> Valerie looked up at Kieran with a puzzled expression.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she wouldn't be thought of until two years later before she was sent to a public elementary school.<br /> Did this trigger the butterfly effect?<br /> A wave of shock rose inside her.<br /> Valerie quickly calmed down.<br /> It didn't matter if she went early or late. Anyway, it was a public school.<br /> It was time for Valerie to go to elementary school.<br /> In that case, she had to thank Kieran. He reminded Reese to send Valerie to school.<br /> "Yeah, school! That prestigious international school still recruits students. I'll go and see if there are any spots left."<br /> Still in a daze, Reese heard Kieran mention elementary school.<br /> His mind cleared up instantly.<br /> Reese didn't even bother to have breakfast. He walked straight to the study.<br /> There shouldn't be excitement.<br /> It was more like that Reese was escaping.<br /> Reese didn't want to admit it, and he didn't want to face Valerie.<br /> Reese would help Valerie get into a prestigious school...<br /> Only by doing so could he relieve his sense of guilt.<br /> With that thought in mind, Reese quickly dealt with the matter of enrolling Valerie in the prestigious school.<br /> The two men planned which school Valerie should go to, each engrossed in their own thoughts.<br /> Kieran used work as an excuse and left after marking a cup of coffee. He had nothing more to say to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was left alone in the kitchen, with her eyes wide open.<br /> Wasn't it supposed to be a public elementary school?<br /> <br /> Chapter 7 Enrollment (1)<br /> Valerie stayed in the dining room for a while before coming back to her senses.<br /> It didn't matter. Anywhere was fine.<br /> But she needed two things...<br /> Valerie would talk to Kieran about it. If it was not possible, she wouldn't go.<br /> With a determined mind, Valerie finished her breakfast and went straight to Kieran's study.<br /> There was a knock at the door.<br /> "Come in."<br /> Kieran gently opened the door of his study.<br /> Valerie's mind went blank for a moment.<br /> It had been so long since she last saw this study.<br /> Valerie shook her head, and then she looked up at Kieran, who was organizing his clothes, ready to go out.<br /> "Kieran, I have something to discuss with you."<br /> Kieran's expression immediately became impatient.<br /> "Just get to the point! Besides not wanting to go to school, everything else is negotiable."<br /> Valerie shrugged her shoulders. She wanted to go to school so that she wouldn't have to face them all day long.<br /> Valerie cleared her throat. "I want to borrow some money to purchase a cellphone and a laptop. I will repay you."<br /> The study fell into silence<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> Kieran felt a strange atmosphere.<br /> His sister borrowed money from him and promised to pay him back.<br /> Kieran put aside the issue of borrowing money for now.<br /> Didn't Valerie have a cellphone?<br /> Zoe had the latest tablet and cellphone. As long as there were new arrivals, Reese would purchase them for her.<br /> Kieran thought Valerie would be able to get from Zoe's spoils and had a laptop or cellphone.<br /> But it seemed not.<br /> Due to Reese's reaction just now, Kieran paid more attention.<br /> "I will purchase them for you. Our family doesn't need to borrow money to purchase such things."<br /> His remark was directed at Valerie.<br /> Valerie obediently nodded, but she would pay Kieran back.<br /> She didn't want to owe them.<br /> Kieran agreed, and Valerie politely bid farewell to him.<br /> She left the study without looking back.<br /> "..."<br /> Kieran's brows furrowed tightly.<br /> But Valerie had left the study. He suppressed his dissatisfaction and went out to work.<br /> As he came to the door, there happened to be a maid walking out with garbage bags.<br /> Kieran, who was adjusting his tie, caught a whiff of lavender fragrance.<br /> He turned around and gazed at one of the bags that looked different from the others.<br /> Kieran thought it was just an empty garbage bag.<br /> But inside it was an unfinished sachet and some dried lavender flowers.<br /> It was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> Kieran froze at the door for a moment.<br /> He had never seen this thing before, and Valerie never told him that she would make a sachet for him.<br /> But Kieran was certain that it was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> "Mr. Kieran?"<br /> The driver at the door found it was about to be late for work, so he called out to Kieran with a puzzled look on his face.<br /> "Well, let's go."<br /> Kieran got into the luxury car and left the Horton's place.<br /> The maid who was cleaning up brought out the bags from other rooms.<br /> She looked at the flattened garbage bag.<br /> Her eyes widened in shock.<br /> "Ah? Where are the sachet and flowers inside this bag? Did I lose them? This is too bad. Where are they?"<br /> The nervous maid searched all day to preserve her position, but she did not know these two items were in a drawer in Kieran's office.<br /> After leaving Kieran's study, Valerie started wandering around the Horton's place.<br /> Even in her past life, Valerie wasn't familiar with the layout of the house. She just knew everyone's rooms, the dining room, and the small garden, but she didn't touch anything else.<br /> How foolish!<br /> Valerie sneered.<br /> She started wandering around the manor.<br /> As Valerie reached the garden, she heard the pleasant laughter of a child.<br /> Valerie looked towards the garden.<br /> The sunlight shone brilliantly in this beautiful garden.<br /> Zoe sat on the swing specially made for her by her parents, with her mother pushing her from behind.<br /> Zoe swung higher and higher.<br /> Both of them were laughing happily.<br /> Zoe's tender but pale face was bathed in sunlight. She appeared to be fragile.<br /> Yet, Zoe was incredibly beautiful.<br /> Valerie found the scene so hurtful.<br /> The throbbing in Valerie's heart made her fingertips start to ache.<br /> She quickly reached out to rub her fingers and heart, trying to alleviate the pain.<br /> Under the sunlight, Zoe formed a stark contrast with Valerie in the dark room.<br /> After a while, Valerie quietly left, no longer continuing to look at them.<br /> "Hmm?"<br /> Reyna, who was feeding Zoe water, suddenly felt a shock.<br /> She lifted her head abruptly and looked towards the window where Valerie had just stood.<br /> Reyna placed her right hand on her body and took slow breaths.<br /> For a moment, she felt a strange sensation, but more importantly, she felt that something important was moving away from her.<br /> "Mom, what's wrong?"<br /> Zoe tilted her head and looked at Reyna, with a hair clip on her hair that Valerie liked the most.<br /> "Oh, nothing. I just spaced out for a moment."<br /> Zoe's voice eased Reyna's mind a bit.<br /> Putting aside the momentary discomfort she felt, Reyna happily played with Zoe.<br /> Not long after Valerie indifferently returned to the room, there was a knock on the door.<br /> It was Jayvion. He was holding the phone and laptop that Valerie mentioned to Kieran in the morning.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to give you the phone and laptop. Let me activate them for you."<br /> Jayvion knelt down on one knee and made eye contact with Valerie. He carefully explained how to use the phone.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion. I watched how Kieran turned on and off the computer and operated the phone. So, you can rest assured."<br /> Jayvion looked at Valerie strangely. Valerie took the phone and laptop from him.<br /> With a series of actions, she left Jayvion speechless.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's good that you know how to use them. If there's anything you don't know or if they get damaged, just let me know, and I will send someone to repair them for you."<br /> "Yes, thank you, Jayvion! I will be careful!"<br /> Jayvion looked kindly at Valerie, who had her eyes on the phone, stood up, and bent slightly towards her.<br /> "Congratulations on starting school, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie suddenly looked up. Jayvion was smiling kindly and sincerely gave her best wishes.<br /> Uncontrollably, Valerie's nose twitched, and tears filled her eyes.<br /> She bit her back teeth hard, not letting herself cry.<br /> At the sight of Valerie's teary eyes, Jayvion felt sorry for her.<br /> Jayvion was advanced in age. And Valerie's eyes were pure enough to soften his heart.<br /> Jayvion admitted that he could not be indifferent to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was a pitiful girl.<br /> So, Jayvion had sympathy for her.<br /> <br /> Chapter 8 Enrollment (2)<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's going to get better."<br /> Jayvion spoke straightforwardly.<br /> He felt that Valerie was not thinking like a mediocre child.<br /> Jayvion believed the precocious and sensible Valerie would understand what he meant.<br /> He was right.<br /> Valerie nodded, quickly wiped her eyes, and once again looked at Jayvion with a smile.<br /> Seeing Valerie like this made Jayvion's heart ache even more.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> Jayvion rubbed Valerie's head.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, I'll go get your lunch. Please wait a moment."<br /> Jayvion adjusted his mood and returned to his usual work state. He respectfully bowed to Valerie before he turned away to get her lunch.<br /> Valerie's attention was immediately back on her cell phone and laptop.<br /> She rummaged through her shopping bag to see the invoice inside.<br /> As she expected, there was no invoice at all.<br /> Kieran had prejudged her reaction.<br /> The invoice was delivered to Kieran immediately after the purchase.<br /> Valerie froze for a moment.<br /> Hastily grabbing her phone, she downloaded eBay and scanned the laptop.<br /> Moving closer to the screen, she squinted and counted carefully.<br /> She gasped at the price.<br /> Seeing the price clearly, Valerie moved backward.<br /> Uncertain, she counted it again...<br /> She could not believe it.<br /> She was thousands of dollars in loan at such a young age.<br /> Valerie was suddenly desperate.<br /> Hanging her head down, she opened her laptop and downloaded software to edit short videos.<br /> Valerie, who was still gloomy, adjusted her mind, clicked on the software, and tried the functions inside.<br /> On her cell phone, she also downloaded an app that would be a worldwide hit in the future.<br /> Valerie set a firm goal in her heart.<br /> She squinted her eyes like a little old man and worked hard to get familiar with the software.<br /> ---<br /> The next morning, Valerie opened her eyes in a daze.<br /> She was awakened by Jayvion's knock on the door.<br /> "Ms. Valerie! Mr. Kieran said he was going to take you to school, so you need to get up and wash up quickly now."<br /> "I see."<br /> Getting out of the covers with great difficulty, Valerie rubbed her face and forced herself to wake up.<br /> Quickly, she found her cleanest and most decent clothes from the closet and put them on.<br /> She tied her hair in a ponytail.<br /> And then she appeared in the dining room with such a brisk look.<br /> Kieran sipped his coffee as he looked at the work messages on his phone.<br /> He heard Valerie's footsteps and didn't look up at her.<br /> "Hurry up and eat. I don't have much time. We'll just meet with the principal, and then you'll be in school all day today. The school bag, stationery, and other things are ready. Carry it yourself."<br /> "Got it."<br /> The conversation between the two was stiff and brief.<br /> This bunch of words instantly made the atmosphere awkward to the extreme.<br /> The servants poked their heads out of the kitchen from time to time to look into the dining room.<br /> There were doubts in their eyes.<br /> "What's going on? Why is the relationship between Ms. Valerie and Mr. Kieran getting worse?"<br /> "Yesterday, someone working the morning shift heard Ms. Valerie arguing with Mr. Reese and Mr. Kieran in the dining room. That's why they are so awkward today."<br /> "What? Ms. Valerie had a fight with Mr. Kieran? I don't believe it."<br /> "But it's not impossible. Yesterday, when I was cleaning up the garbage in Ms. Valerie's room, I saw a sachet in her garbage can that she made for Mr. Kieran. She threw it away before it was finished."<br /> This news directly made the servants' mouths wide open.<br /> The servants witnessed Valerie doing a lot for this family.<br /> They felt sorry for Valerie, so they often helped her.<br /> The servants were confused about the situation now.<br /> They wondered if Valerie had given up on getting along with her family.<br /> Some of the soft-hearted ones were about to cry.<br /> They lifted their sleeves and wiped their eyes.<br /> Meanwhile, they sighed.<br /> "What a pitiful kid!"<br /> Valerie ate her breakfast in low spirits. She only ate one egg and drank a glass of milk. And then she jumped down from her chair and went to the living room to get her school bag.<br /> Kieran finished his last sip of coffee.<br /> After putting down his cup, he headed straight for the door.<br /> Valerie followed him, climbing into the car with some difficulties.<br /> Seeing that she hadn't closed the car door yet, Kieran turned to look at Valerie in annoyance.<br /> She was facing him and had just climbed in. She had not yet seated herself.<br /> The words of reprimand caught in his throat.<br /> This made Kieran feel particularly uncomfortable.<br /> "Move fast! Don't waste time."<br /> Valerie didn't bother to retort.<br /> After sitting upright, she reached out her short little hands and slammed the door shut with all her might.<br /> By the time she was done, Valerie was already exhausted.<br /> She now really didn't have any strength to argue with Kieran.<br /> The moment the door was closed, Kieran signaled the driver to drive away.<br /> He kept frowning.<br /> There were faint dark circles under his eyes.<br /> His head throbbed painfully.<br /> Squinting uncomfortably, he put down his cell phone and began to take a nap.<br /> Beside him, Valerie smelled of cheap shampoo.<br /> She asked Jayvion for it.<br /> But the scent gradually eased Kieran's crankiness that had lasted a whole night.<br /> It even reduced his headache.<br /> In the past, with this scent, Valerie would massage his head.<br /> At that time, her eyes were full of worry, and her hands were gentle.<br /> Even when her hands were sore, she would continue to massage Kieran until he fell asleep.<br /> Asleep?<br /> Kieran's eyes opened in an instant.<br /> He looked at Valerie, who was sitting quietly on the side.<br /> She was too thin. She hugged her schoolbag and leaned against the back of the chair.<br /> She was watching the scenery outside the window.<br /> Her clothes seemed to be the ones that Zoe had worn for some time and abandoned.<br /> Her undernourished yellow hair was nearly transparent in the sunlight.<br /> Kieran felt an unprecedented heartache.<br /> He thought, "Since when did this little one stop pouting at me?"<br /> Obviously, in the past, she would use a soft voice to ask him for what she wanted.<br /> Later, she suddenly became sensible. She served him tea and water. Because of his insomnia, she developed a sleep aid tea that suited him and even learned to massage.<br /> Kieran had a lump in his throat.<br /> Valerie was still looking out the window.<br /> The sun was shining today.<br /> She felt as if she was lying on that mountain with a stunning view in her previous life.<br /> The sky was blue, and the sunshine was warm.<br /> She couldn't help but raise a hand.<br /> Opening her palm, she wanted to touch the white clouds that floated across the blue sky.<br /> She recalled the beautiful memories before she died.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> The moment Valerie lifted her hand, Kieran started to panic, his heart in his throat.<br /> He called Valerie's name shakily.<br /> He felt Valerie was so distant from him at that moment.<br /> His heart ached for her.<br /> Kieran thought, "Why do I still feel she is so unreal when she is right in front of me?"<br /> Kieran breathed heavily, and he reached out to touch his sister.<br /> The car came to a screeching halt.<br /> <br /> Search Book ID：2497	LEARN_MORE	https://favornovel.readlife.mobi/4bk3b4leog0.html	103168981869843	Favornovel2023	https://facebook.com/favornovel2023	723	2	704,424,588,470,810	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Favornovel2023	120204329901400435	favornovel.readlife.mobi	NONE	image		https://favornovel.readlife.mobi/4bk3b4leog0.html	2024-01-23 04:38	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421830380_697037532584939_8049326434804511000_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nzQ5CxyrlbMAX9Dzf9p&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCM8KtKKuASMG5OYsDmyZzcl29dag4pnX_IhV3-bxT8AQ&oe=65B71602	person_profile	Favornovel2023	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420092170_906441894140537_8137521287651442269_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iJCu_RP8FGwAX_eQqMB&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCah5Z4-goeqzW1KZ-GytvRD-J5lIsVOOVh-OtyH4VvpQ&oe=65B7EC3D	3	Favornovel2023	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,693	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	340091725518566	Breakthrough Neuropathy Treatment \| $49 Special	🌟 HEY HOUSTON & SURROUNDING AREA 🌟<br /> <br /> Stop covering up the Numbness & Tingling from Peripheral Neuropathy and learn the root cause of this health issue!<br /> <br /> I am Dr. Suhyun An and our program has helped hundreds of people overcome chronic pain WITHOUT DRUGS OR SURGERY!<br /> <br /> Sufferers are getting relief from:<br /> <br /> ✅ Numbness<br /> ✅ Diabetic nerve pain<br /> ✅ Sharp, electric-like pain<br /> ✅ Burning or tingling<br /> ✅ Muscle weakness<br /> ✅ Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort<br /> ✅ Sensitivity to touch<br /> ✅ Pain when walking<br /> <br /> We’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of people in our community relieve their pain naturally.<br /> <br /> In our office you will discover:<br /> <br /> 💠 What REALLY causes peripheral neuropathy.<br /> 💠 Dangers associated with medications typically prescribed for peripheral neuropathy .<br /> 💠 How to stop nerve damage before the effects are irreversible.<br /> 💠 How our revolutionary protocol provides outstanding results for sufferers of peripheral neuropathy.<br /> <br /> This month we're booking 25 appointments for a $49 Consultation, Neuropathy Severity Exam, Thermography Scan to show the nerve damage, 16 Point Neurological Exams, First Neuropathy Relief Treatment Session & Full Report of Findings!<br /> <br /> 👇Tap "SIGN UP" below to claim your spot!	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	244714494135870	Campbell Health Center	https://facebook.com/100076083548043	266	1	1,884,328,771,983,525	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Campbell Health Center	120202447582700047	fb.me	NONE	image		http://fb.me/	2024-01-21 05:02	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421229384_7905891969427070_4868409352708569137_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B5aMj5oJfQIAX9i_qLN&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBLpJIc-9TnElGc_P4YXVrZSJCrR5VdXTXDheu0i_rB8A&oe=65B6C345	person_profile	Campbell Health Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421293506_350228114522460_2591726909390345663_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VxQ5Vnqz0z0AX837SWJ&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD5086ezHIiXU5HLQn_QYcDu5VubeHw0_MDI06_ie78Wg&oe=65B767FD	3	Campbell Health Center	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,843	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	925401932368214	$21 Full Body Chiropractic Assessment	👋 Hey Pinellas County! -- Do you suffer from back pain, neck pain, joint pain, poor posture, and muscle discomfort?<br /> <br /> For the Next Week, we are giving away 50 Vouchers for a Full Body Chiropractic Assessment, including a Detailed Nerve and Spinal Examination, a Postural Assessment, a Health History Consultation, Digital X-Rays (if required), and a Report of Findings, along with a Personalized Treatment Plan, all for just $21! (Normally a $250 Total Value)⁣⁣⁣<br /> <br /> Ready to take control and start alleviating pain? <br /> <br /> 👇 Click below to sign up and claim a voucher now! 👇	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	144747482207713	Hartley Chiropractic Center	https://facebook.com/HartleyChiropractic	4,061	1	1,045,759,726,636,437	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Hartley Chiropractic Center	120203552393690695	fb.me	NONE	video	Book Your Appointment Today!	http://fb.me/	2024-01-23 14:19	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421476514_1101493347967688_1431288046229767737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2DqvOHFOR-4AX8dMXJ-&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAXH_taxEnXBGYW-L1TjgxbaxmCYa1RGjdpl8B5UbAV4Q&oe=65B7DE87	person_profile	Dr. Theresa Hartley	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421459555_7434455389898123_8945998231979638774_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=g_ApFes9ofIAX87nmcc&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB0dNFC_RcYzXCB29pxM4-oESaCwY5-4KBEUZTQGLx31w&oe=65B7D3BD	3	Hartley Chiropractic Center	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,882	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158883}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1431053560815809	End the Tingling and Burning	🔥 Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints? <br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> 🌟 Embrace Freedom in 2024: FDA-Approved, Non-pharmaceutical Neuropathy Treatment in Ephrata 🌟<br /> <br /> Family Tree Chiropractic uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Consultation, Thermography Scan & Severity Assessment<br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow<br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication)<br /> <br /> 🎉 Step into 2024 with newfound energy and freedom. No more restless nights or days overshadowed by foot pain.<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.ephrataoffer.com/neuropathy	125113737344981	Lancaster County Neuropathy	https://facebook.com/61550907146654	110	1	725,976,143,076,179	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Lancaster County Neuropathy	120203982171510431	ephrataoffer.com	NONE	image	Step into a Neuropathy-Free 2024!	https://www.ephrataoffer.com/neuropathy	2024-01-23 13:27	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422204768_1554633962027749_3064866022553564774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nSELu8OvLH0AX--he93&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA7BwgiaPlvRpc24-L_SKU_VyrLA04ymR8cFW8_cnOu0A&oe=65B8471F	person_profile			3	Lancaster County Neuropathy	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,885	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1396196024307134	🥳 FREE Consultation	👋 Hey San Jose Residents! <br /> <br /> We're having FANTASTIC results helping people with... <br /> <br /> ✔️Bulging Disc Pain<br /> ✔️Spinal Arthritis <br /> ✔️Herniated Disc Pain<br /> ✔️Sciatica <br /> <br /> 👉 Our experienced team can evaluate your pain, identify the root cause, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve relief. <br /> <br /> 💎 We are providing complimentary consultations and evaluations with computerized technology to see if you are a candidate for care. <br /> <br /> 👉 Take advantage of this no obligation offer to see if this therapy will work for you!<br /> <br /> 📲 Click "Sign Up" and see what The Spine & Injury Medical Center can do.	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	153942408021688	Spine & Injury Center San Jose	https://facebook.com/Spineinjurycenter	810	1	402,902,565,653,169	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Spine & Injury Center San Jose	120204919423670182	fb.me	NONE	video	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews	http://fb.me/	2024-01-23 13:21	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421449914_281031874694050_6769991620642304550_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Un56QEocPIUAX8Rl5e8&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDEesCTmsaXrWzrbHBlC7MN9dYV9qShkNk9bIBcDR7xEA&oe=65B89FF6	person_profile	Spine & Injury Center	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421499409_396240902977432_7502888019590315732_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WMiUlxKOOesAX_1xvXc&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAp17vPr0IMbGK9c0JNL6wq74zHsMxcsvhWgLyfCxaZag&oe=65B6CB7C	3	Spine & Injury Center San Jose	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,818	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158815}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1291739588162614	No More Neuropathic Foot Pain!	Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints?<br /> <br /> No matter whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life. <br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> The Nooro NMES Body Massager uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot.<br /> <br /> All it takes is 15 minutes a day and can be used from the comfort of your home. <br /> <br /> Within just 14 days of use, you’ll feel significantly more energetic and you’ll be able to enjoy life to the fullest once again.<br /> <br /> The Nooro NMES Body Massager also comes with FREE Shipping & 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. You will either get results or your money back guaranteed.<br /> <br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow <br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication) <br /> ✅ Designed & recommended by Dr. Campbell, a top renowned Chicago doctor with over 10 years of experience<br /> <br /> Get yours now risk-free -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftry.nooro-us.com%2Freview-6&h=AT0NcojpENg-XefZMqFWB7n47YzcFQMOj1G7wpx1t1tWyijNDA9FagX9urer5qsK9pu-Y3ma8g5C6W5QLUtu9QSouwCC1gG99mdCmSnpY8WZ_6V-mlwND-3bh7FtLeoSvp_4WLqAKPSQ86NgeGTBgDnlBlYwt1-KXhudVQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6	107580105023479	Nooro	https://facebook.com/100077727633020	20,329	1	2,399,983,343,521,074	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Nooro	120205585597660533	try.nooro-us.com	NONE	video	FREE Shipping & 90-Day Results Or Refund Guarantee	https://try.nooro-us.com/review-6	2024-01-17 09:03	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420197059_684282097121233_6451993487513994966_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wwyw03Tg85EAX9OFzWd&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD_rOoe6Ecl6WwfSqvfCgV1YMU1lfvA_XTPfjklNdWEnQ&oe=65B7DC06	person_profile	Nooro	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420034765_912129673680353_5254624544960583123_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qq5ajw1GbOsAX97KMvT&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDsSzqSHz_Ak5fBROrFbQon_MNjxYpQ23OInjvkXid1GA&oe=65B6CA48	3	Nooro	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,913	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158325}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1417244315544227	$39 First Assessment - Havertown, PA.	Feel Like You're 25 Again - Goodbye Back Pain.<br /> <br /> 91% of our spine and disc patients are living healthy and free of pain - WITHOUT SURGERY.<br /> <br /> I've seen the most extreme cases of:<br /> <br /> Stenosis<br /> Sciatic Nerve Pain<br /> Lower Back Pain<br /> Herniations<br /> Neck and Shoulder Pain<br /> Hip and leg pain<br /> <br /> And I can finally say - New non-surgical technology is here and its changing back pain patents lives.<br /> <br /> If you're looking to explore a non-surgical solution, keep reading.<br /> <br /> Introducing our revolutionary spinal decompression therapy, the natural alternative to back surgery.<br /> <br /> With a staggering 91% success rate, we've helped our patients regain their health and live pain-free lives.<br /> <br /> Its similar to chiropractic but different, think long term. <br /> <br /> Chiropractic is great! I'm a chiropractor myself - but for really chronic patients, Spinal Decompression has offered so much more.<br /> <br /> Our advanced spinal decompression technique gently relieves pressure on the affected areas, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. <br /> <br /> No incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime.<br /> <br /> Join thousands of healthy individuals who are living pain free. Schedule your pain assessment today to see if you qualify for this treatment. <br /> <br /> Scheduling number - (610) 665-3953	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	137342906469515	Rehab 2 Wellness Chiropractic, PC	https://facebook.com/Rehab2Wellness	781	3	397,402,719,529,408	2024-01-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Rehab 2 Wellness Chiropractic, PC	120205713286210399	fb.me	NONE	video		http://fb.me/	2024-01-19 10:32	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420167964_814585313808393_2768112110881713919_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fj-sP1HE1PYAX9MAhkM&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDiqFpBvaG1Ht87350cHUX9HkBUVF0WQDlqd30E0eUBiw&oe=65B83F4F	person_profile			3	Rehab 2 Wellness Chiropractic, PC	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete

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