The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 70

70 /135

**Chapter 14**

The moment Chloe’s voice broke through the silence, Ryan’s demeanor shifted dramatically. A cloud of darkness enveloped his features, transforming his previously calm expression into one of palpable disdain.

“What do you want?” he asked, his tone icy and devoid of warmth, as though he were bracing himself to end the call at any given second.

“I’m here. Tessa isn’t home, so I can’t come?” Chloe replied, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

Ryan was already well aware of the turmoil that had erupted between Chloe and the Bloodmoon Pack. He understood, all too well, the reason for her unexpected visit—she was seeking sanctuary, a safe haven, in his presence.

A flicker of sympathy should have sparked within him, a natural instinct to protect someone in distress. After all, there was a time when he had wished fervently for Chloe to solidify her place within the pack, even if it meant stepping on Tessa’s heart, the one who was destined to be his mate.

Yet, as the news of Chloe’s expulsion reached him, an unexpected sense of relief washed over him, surprising even himself. His heart had always belonged to Tessa, a love that she could never fully embrace or reciprocate.

“I don’t want this. This is Tessa’s and my home. Please leave,” he stated firmly, the words spilling from his lips like a protective barrier against her encroachment.

Chloe stood there, momentarily taken aback by his rejection. The sting of his words cut deeper than she anticipated; she had never faced such dismissal from Ryan before. He had always been her confidant, the one willing to go to great lengths to ensure her well-being.

“What are you saying? Didn’t you love me more than anything?” she implored, her voice rising with disbelief.

That accusation struck Ryan like a dagger, piercing through his resolve. He squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the tension build within him, his patience fraying at the edges.

“I don’t love you. I’ve always loved your sister. She is my mate!” he declared, the finality of his statement hanging heavy in the air.

Chloe’s mind raced, struggling to reconcile his words with the memories of their shared moments. If he truly held such deep affection for Tessa, how could he have spent so many secretive nights with her, laughing and enjoying each other’s company?

“Stop lying to yourself! You’ve forgotten the nights you chose to be with me, abandoning her. Your heart is with me!” she accused, desperation seeping into her tone.

“Don’t think just because Tessa is gone now, that you love her! You don’t!” Each of her words came faster, like a barrage of arrows aimed at his conscience, forcing him to confront his own failings.