The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 76

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 20**

Tessa’s cruise had docked in the vibrant city of Naples for a full two months, and in that time, it felt as though Aaron had also discovered his own sense of purpose and belonging.

To the casual observer, this might have seemed like just another ordinary vacation, but for Aaron, it was something far more profound. He had stumbled upon a connection with someone he felt was truly significant, someone who had begun to fill the void in his heart.

Together, they wandered through the enchanting streets of Naples, exploring every nook and cranny of the city. Each alley they turned down, each café they entered, seemed to resonate with the essence of a life Tessa had always dreamed of.

She had yearned for the love of her life to be by her side, to share in the joy of freedom and adventure. Yet, for the past two decades, those dreams had felt like distant stars—beautiful but unreachable.

For the first time, Tessa found herself unburdening the deep-seated pain of her past. She spoke of the relentless bullying she endured from her pack, the betrayal she felt from her sister and mate, and the rejection that had come from the very people who were supposed to love her unconditionally—her parents.

As she recounted her story, it was as if she were narrating the life of a stranger, her voice steady and almost detached. Yet, Aaron listened intently, his gaze filled with a profound sympathy that made her heart flutter.

In the midst of her sorrowful recollections, a small smile broke through her somber expression as her eyes met Aaron’s. But even as a smile graced her lips, tears began to spill down her cheeks, unbidden and raw.

“Do you think it’s ridiculous?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, laden with vulnerability.

Without hesitation, Aaron reached up and gently brushed the tears away from her cheeks, his touch tender and reassuring. He enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close.

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous at all,” he murmured softly. “I only regret that I couldn’t be there for you sooner.”

Tessa felt her heart stop for a moment. In the past few months, their conversations had deepened their bond, yet this was the first time Aaron had held her like this. She didn’t pull away. The warmth of his embrace felt like a soothing balm on the deep wounds that had long festered in her heart.

She felt no fear in revealing her scars; her only dread lay in the possibility of his rejection.

“Aren’t you willing to be my Luna? My Luna Queen?” Aaron’s voice trembled with emotion as he spoke, his sincerity palpable. “My wolf can’t wait to meet yours.”

As if on cue, the crew of the ship began to appear, carrying an array of flowers toward the deck. Tessa’s eyes widened in disbelief as a sea of 999 roses unfurled before her, their vibrant colors scattered across the ship’s floor like a romantic dream come to life.

It took a moment for the reality of the situation to sink in—this was no ordinary moment; Aaron had meticulously planned this proposal all along.

Chapter 20

She found herself momentarily speechless, her gaze locked onto his. Aaron stood before her, clad in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, exuding a commanding presence that made her heart race.

“I’ve been waiting for my mate,” he said, his voice tender yet filled with earnestness. “I’ve been waiting for the little girl who used to share apples with me under the tree.”

His words hung in the air, rich with nostalgia and hope. “If you’re willing, you can help me rule this kingdom.”

Tessa had never even entertained the thought of managing a werewolf kingdom. All she had ever desired was genuine love. Why should she fear failure due to the heartbreaks of her past?

She needed to confront her heart and trust in the goddess of the moon’s divine plan for her life.

As she noticed Aaron nervously gripping the bouquet, his hands trembling with anticipation, she finally found her voice, steady and resolute.

“Yes.”

The moment the word escaped her lips, a wave of relief washed over Aaron. A radiant smile broke across his face as he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground in a joyous embrace.

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