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—”

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