The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 57

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 1**

“Ms. Carrington, you must understand, this cruise ship is a marvel, akin to the Titanic, yet it boasts the very latest in design and technology. It encompasses everything you could ever desire, and the service is impeccable throughout your journey,” the sales representative declared, his enthusiasm palpable as he gestured toward the sleek model before Tessa.

Tessa’s long eyelashes fluttered like delicate wings, her eyes shimmering with a mix of wonder and longing as she took in the magnificent vessel.

“Is it really true that once I step aboard this ship, I can leave everything behind?” she asked, her voice a blend of hope and desperation, a flicker of excitement igniting within her.

The salesman leaned in, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Absolutely! You can navigate the seas wherever your heart desires. There’s nothing lacking on board. You could easily make it your home for the rest of your life, and it even—”

Before he could finish his enthusiastic pitch, Tessa cut him off, her tone cool and resolute as she pointed decisively at the ship. “I’ll take this one.”

A broad smile broke across the salesman’s face, his eagerness evident. “Excellent choice! Just a heads up, it will take about a week for delivery, so you’ll need to start packing if you plan to move in right away.”

Tessa glanced at the business card he handed her, the edges crisp and new, before slipping it into her bag with a sense of finality.

As she turned to leave, she paused, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I don’t want anyone else to know about this.”

His nod of understanding was all she needed to feel a rush of satisfaction as she exited the bustling showroom.

In that moment, Tessa felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had made a choice, a bold declaration of independence. She envisioned a life hidden away on the open sea, where no one could track her down or intrude upon her solitude. After much contemplation, this cruise ship was undeniably the ideal refuge.

No one would suspect that she had vanished into the vastness of the ocean, leaving behind the life that had become suffocating.

This time, she would embark on this journey alone.

Just then, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket, the screen lighting up with Ryan’s name.

“Babe, we’re having a gathering with the pack tonight. Don’t forget,” he said, his voice warm yet tinged with an undertone of concern.

“Where are you? I’ll come pick you up,” he added, the urgency in his tone making Tessa’s stomach churn.

The knot in her stomach tightened as she recalled the painful truth she had stumbled upon only recently: Ryan’s heart had always belonged to Chloe, not her.

Even though they were fated mates, the revelation felt like a betrayal, a cruel twist of fate.

No wonder her wolf, Clara, had been so despondent lately, reflecting her own turmoil.

After their mating, Tessa had begun to open up to Ryan, yet the fear of fully embracing their bond loomed large, as she had never experienced a relationship like this before. Ryan had dedicated an entire year to making her happy, always there when she needed him, providing comfort and a sense of security that felt foreign yet inviting.

Even on the most mundane days, he found ways to surprise her with thoughtful gestures that made her heart flutter.

Despite her repeated rejections of his advances—ninety-nine times to be exact—he had remained patient, never losing his temper or attempting to pressure her. “As long as you don’t reject me as your mate, that’s fine,” he would say, his voice steady and reassuring.

“After growing up in the Bloodmoon Pack, how could you not learn some basic manners?” Chloe continued, her tone dripping with condescension.

“We’re all supposed to be future Lunas. What will we do now?”

Tessa raised her gaze to meet her parents’ eyes, searching for a glimmer of understanding, but they mirrored the same coldness that enveloped the room.

It baffled her. They were all adopted children of Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey, yet Chloe was celebrated as the shining star while Tessa felt like a mere afterthought, a jinx in the eyes of the pack.

The pack adored the lively, charming Chloe, while Tessa endured the silent torment of being the Alpha’s daughter who was perpetually overlooked.

Their frustrations seemed to converge solely on her, while they feigned respect in public, whispering behind her back, their words sharp as daggers.

Years ago, the Bloodmoon Pack had faced a devastating attack by rogues, leading to the tragic loss of Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey’s biological daughter.

When they discovered Tessa and Chloe, their physical resemblance to their lost child had sparked a flicker of hope, prompting them to adopt both girls.

Ultimately, they had chosen to announce Chloe as their biological daughter and Tessa as the adopted one, a decision that had shaped Tessa’s reality.

Though she had grown accustomed to this treatment, Chloe’s confrontation still stung. Tessa met her sister’s gaze with calm resolve.

“I’m sorry. I’m late.”