The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 1

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 1**

A decade had slipped by since the day my family, my mate, and my pack turned their backs on me, casting me out into the unforgiving world. It was in a quaint little town, far removed from the chaos of my past, that I unexpectedly crossed paths with my former Alpha mate and my adoptive brother.

Time had transformed them; one was now a celebrated Alpha warrior, adorned with accolades, while the other had risen to a position of high rank among Alphas. And here I was, reduced to managing a modest coffee shop, tucked away from the memories that haunted me.

The moment our eyes locked, time seemed to freeze, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. I could see the shock ripple through their expressions, a mixture of surprise and a hint of guilt. Adrian, ever the composed one, discreetly tucked away a pregnancy test behind his back, while Mike hurriedly shoved a small box, presumably containing jewelry for his sister, into the depths of his pocket.

I instinctively lowered my gaze, my heart racing as I busied myself with packing up the cake and coffee, handing them over with a forced politeness. “Here you are, Alphas,” I said, my voice steady but my insides churning.

The formality in my tone made both men falter for a brief moment, caught off guard by the distance I had placed between us. As they pushed open the door to leave, Adrian suddenly pivoted, his brows knitting together in confusion. “Didn’t you say you’d never bake desserts again for the rest of your life?” he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

I managed a polite smile, though it felt hollow. “Just something I foolishly declared in a moment of anger,” I replied, my heart aching at the memory of that vow.

Outside, the laughter of children playing drifted in through the glass door, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that enveloped the shop. The two Alphas, who had once conspired to expel me from the pack, lingered at the cash register, their presence a reminder of my painful past.

Adrian clutched the box of macarons and coffee tightly, his throat working as he struggled to find the right words. “Eden’s been experiencing severe morning sickness. We’re taking her to stay south of the pack for a while,” he finally admitted, his voice tinged with concern.

“Your mother… she came with us too,” Mike added, his tone softer, almost hopeful.

“Would you like to see her?” Adrian pressed, searching my face for a response.

I shook my head, wiping the counter with a cloth, my heart heavy. “No need. Just give my regards to Luna Juliet,” I said, my voice steady. Then, as an afterthought, I added, “Or perhaps it’s best not to mention me at all—better to avoid misunderstandings.”

I could see Mike’s knuckles whiten as he gripped the counter, his frustration evident. “Hazel, all these years we—”

“When they arrived, I noticed a whole entourage—warriors and everything,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

“I heard one’s a famous Alpha warrior across all packs, and the other’s a respected Alpha,” she continued, her eyes wide with awe.

I kept my head down, sorting through the receipts, trying to maintain my composure. “Here, they’re just customers,” I said, dismissing her curiosity with a wave of my hand.

“If I really knew people like that,” I teased, poking her forehead gently, “would I be waking up early every day just to bake you cakes and cookies?”

Isla giggled, leaning in conspiratorially to whisper in my ear. “Word is that Alpha warrior’s Luna is that other Alpha’s sister—they came all the way here for her to rest during her pregnancy. It must be wonderful to be so cherished.”

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of knowledge. I was all too aware of how much they doted on Eden. After all, ten years ago—

One had committed me to a werewolf psychiatric hospital on what should have been our mating ceremony night, branding me a laughingstock, a madwoman in the eyes of the pack. The other had proclaimed my death to the pack and personally driven me into exile, shattering my world and casting me into a living hell.