The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 79

**Chapter 23**

Tessa’s expression hardened as she fixed her gaze on Ryan and Audrey, the warmth of her smile evaporating like morning mist under the sun. It was as if a shadow had fallen over her heart, leaving only a chill in its wake.

“What do you want from me?” she asked, her voice icy and devoid of any softness.

She turned her eyes toward them, her demeanor so distant that it felt as if they were mere strangers, lost in a crowd.

Ryan felt his heart drop when their eyes met. In the time she had been away, Tessa seemed to have blossomed into an even more striking beauty, but now, that beauty was shrouded in a veil of resentment and hurt.

He remained silent for what felt like an eternity, grappling with the weight of his thoughts, before finally whispering, “I’m sorry.”

Yet, Tessa had no desire to hear those words.

All she yearned for was a semblance of peace, a chance to reclaim her tranquility.

Nothing more.

His apology felt like salt on a fresh wound, a painful reminder of the past that she was trying so desperately to move beyond.

Her eyes remained as cold as ice as she regarded him.

“You don’t need to apologize. I don’t want to hear it,” she stated firmly, her voice steady, but the hurt beneath it was palpable.

Ryan understood that forgiveness was a distant hope, but he still found himself stepping forward, grasping her hand in a moment of desperation.

Foolishly, he believed that, just like before, a few sweet words could bridge the chasm that had formed between them.

“Please come back… I really miss you,” he implored, his voice tinged with longing.

“I’ve been searching for you for so long…” he continued, his heart racing with the hope that she might relent.

“And Chloe and I, we’ve—”

Tessa felt a wave of annoyance wash over her, and she yanked her hand from his grasp with a fierce determination.

“Can you stop? What does any of this have to do with me?”

This was a side of Tessa Ryan had never witnessed: impatient, cold, and unyielding.

It pierced his heart anew, a sharp reminder of the distance that had grown between them.

With his eyes glistening with unshed tears, he searched her face, desperately wishing for some comforting words, some flicker of the affection they once shared.

But deep down, he knew it was a futile hope.

—

Tessa sat rigidly at the table, her mind racing with the realization that if she didn’t articulate her feelings clearly now, they would not leave.

“Who cheated first? I’ve already rejected you. We’re not mates anymore,” she replied, her voice firm and resolute.

But Ryan wouldn’t listen to reason. Instead, he charged forward, ready to confront Aaron, the man he believed had taken everything from him.

Tessa instinctively stepped in front of Aaron, her protective instincts flaring.

Ryan let out a bitter laugh, the sound harsh and unwelcoming.

“So you’d rather be with him than come back to me, huh?”

Tessa remained composed, her voice unwavering. “Why should I go back with you?”

“What does he have that I don’t?” Ryan pressed, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

“I’m the Alpha of the pack. He’s just a loser who took advantage of the situation!”

“What did you say?”

A warrior standing behind Aaron moved forward, exuding an aura of power and authority that made Ryan instinctively take a step back.

Audrey, sensing the rising tension, quickly positioned herself behind Ryan, her fear evident in her wide eyes.

“Get down on your knees. Meet your Alpha King,” the warrior commanded, his voice resonating with the weight of authority that left no room for defiance.