Claire's pov

I stood frozen in Darien's room, my mind reeling with thoughts as I tried to process what had just happened. I couldn't believe he had walked out on me like that, leaving me feeling confused, hurt, and utterly bewildered.

We had been so close, so intimate, our bodies entwined as we shared a passionate kiss. I had thought for sure that he was ready to take our relationship to the next level, to thicken our bond as mates and start a family together.

But now, as I stood alone in his ...