The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 29

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 20**

**Blair’s POV**

The air between us was thick with unspoken words, hanging heavy and taut, like a string pulled too tight. I remained silent, my heart racing, but my lips sealed shut.

Christian’s gaze was locked onto mine, his eyes shimmering with a desperate hope that felt almost palpable. It was as if he believed that his heartfelt confession could somehow shift the very fabric of reality, could alter my feelings, make me reconsider everything that had transpired.

“Blair,” he finally ventured, breaking the silence, his voice a mixture of pleading and remorse. I shook my head slowly, the movement feeling like a weighty decision. “What’s the point of this?” I replied, my tone flat and devoid of warmth. “You must know by now that in this life, there are no second chances.”

His response was immediate, his words tumbling out in a rush. “If I could take back anything, it would be two things: being born into the Blood Stone Pack… and becoming your Luna five years ago—even if it was just a title.”

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I was done. This conversation was a loop I had no desire to revisit. “Christian,” I said, my voice trembling slightly with the weight of my emotions, “when I was hanging off that cliff… I already died once. Can’t you just let me go—for good?”

As I turned to walk away, I felt his hand grip my wrist, a sudden and jarring connection that sent a shiver through me.

“No. Blair, please. I was wrong—I know I was wrong. I regret everything.” His voice was raw, filled with a sincerity that almost made my heart ache.

“You always wanted to seal the mate bond, didn’t you?” I shot back, my voice sharp. “Let’s go back, I’ll mark you. I’ll make you my real Luna. Please—just give me one more chance.”

With each word he uttered, I felt a sickening churn in my stomach, a nausea that threatened to overwhelm me.

Just as I strained against his hold, desperate to break free, a hand gently eased his grip on my wrist. I turned to see Cassian standing there, a beacon of relief in an otherwise tumultuous sea of emotions.

“Cassian? What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

“I’m here for the Alpha Summit,” he replied casually, though his eyes were sharp and observant. “I happened to pass through and spotted you.”

His gaze flickered cautiously to Christian before settling on the faint red marks that marred my skin.

“Did he hurt you?” he asked, concern etched across his features.

Christian’s demeanor shifted instantly. The moment he sensed the bond between Cassian and me, his expression darkened, brows knitting together in hostility. “Who the hell are you? She’s my wife.”

Cassian chuckled softly, a sound that was surprisingly light in the tense atmosphere. He then turned his attention back to me, his eyes searching mine. “Is that true?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I shook my head firmly. “He’s just some stranger.”

I took the flowers, their bright hue a stark contrast to the dark cloud hovering over my heart. I thought perhaps, just perhaps, everything was finally coming into focus—Christian would finally give up.

But the next day, as if fate had other plans, there he was again, standing outside my place with Lysander, Orion, and Zayden at his side.

The moment they spotted me, their eyes brimmed with tears, a sight that twisted my heart.

“Blair—!” They called out, their voices a cacophony of emotion.

I instinctively stepped back, creating distance between us, dodging the embrace they all reached for. My gaze was icy, my heart hardened.

“Don’t call me that,” I said coldly, my voice steady but laced with pain. “Your sister died on that cliff.”

As the words left my lips, I could see the devastation wash over their faces, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Lysander broke down, his voice cracking as he spoke. “It was my fault,” he choked out, anguish palpable in his tone. “I’m sorry—I’m so sorry.”

“Alpha Lysander, what is this? Are you trying to guilt-trip me now?” I retorted, my heart feeling like a lead weight in my chest.