The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 83

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 27**

Tessa turned her head, her gaze colliding with Ryan’s, and she felt an unsettling flutter in her stomach.

His face was flushed, a deep crimson that hinted at his inebriated state, and she could see the tremor in his hands as he struggled to maintain his balance. It was clear to her that he had indulged far too much, and she knew better than to engage in an argument with him in this condition.

“You’ve had enough to drink,” she stated firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “Go back to your room.”

Just as she was about to turn away, Ryan suddenly lunged forward, his grip surprisingly fierce as he seized her arm.

“Tessa, come back to me,” he pleaded, desperation lacing his voice.

“Give me another chance!” His breath was hot against her skin, and she felt a shiver run down her spine as he pulled her closer, burying his head into the crook of her neck. His eyes were drawn to the spot where his mark was meant to be—a mark he had failed to leave on his destined mate.

The moment was suffocating, and Tessa could feel a wave of fear rising within her, threatening to drown her. She pushed against him with all her strength, but he held on, his grip unyielding.

“Stop it!” she shouted, her voice rising in urgency.

“Let go of me!” she cried out, panic creeping into her tone.

“I won’t go back with you!” The finality in her words hung in the air like a heavy fog.

In an instant, a large hand shot out from behind Ryan, seizing him by the throat and lifting him effortlessly off the ground.

“How dare you!” Aaron’s voice boomed, a protective growl resonating through the space.

Tessa’s heart raced as she looked up to see Aaron standing there, his expression transformed from the usual warmth to a fierce intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

She stood behind him, her fingers gripping his arm tightly, drawing strength from his presence.

“If you keep this up, you’ll be off this ship!” Aaron warned, his voice low and dangerous.

With a swift motion, he released Ryan, who collapsed to the floor like a marionette with its strings cut, gasping for breath as he struggled to regain his composure.

It took a while for Ryan to collect himself, but when he finally did, a sneer twisted his lips, and he fixed Tessa with a mocking gaze.

“So, you’ve fallen for him?” he asked, the words dripping with disdain as if he were seeking some kind of validation.

Tessa felt a surge of resolve as she reached out, taking Aaron’s hand in hers, grounding herself in the moment.

“I have fallen for him,” she declared, her voice unwavering. “He is my fated mate, and I’m going to be his Luna.”

Her words hit Ryan like a swarm of biting ants, crawling over his skin, gnawing at his heart. He had never envisioned a day when he would witness her love blossoming for another man.

“You’ve always seen me as just a tool to get over the shadow of your brother. You never loved me,” he spat, bitterness lacing his tone.

“No, I love you!” he insisted, desperation clawing at his voice. “I’ve always wanted you. My wolf grew weaker after losing you. I’ve always loved you!”

Ryan dropped to his knees, his eyes glistening with unshed tears of desperation.

“No! You only love yourself! If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t have betrayed me!” Tessa shot back, her heart pounding in her chest.

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, and in that moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them suspended in bliss.

The sea breeze danced around them, and Ryan, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with a heavy heart.

He felt like a rat lurking in the shadows, a witness to their happiness, and it gnawed at him.

Three months later, as they prepared for the Luna crowning ceremony, Aaron was genuinely excited for Tessa to become his Luna Queen. He wanted her to truly understand the depth of his feelings for her.

Tessa, more than anyone else, comprehended the significance of this moment.

When Ryan heard the news, sleep eluded him, and he could feel his wolf growing weaker with each passing day. The dissatisfaction among the pack members was palpable, and he felt their discontent like a storm brewing on the horizon.

He couldn’t change the course of events, and he told himself that perhaps time was the only healer he could rely on.

Audrey and Liam had no objections; Aaron was an Alpha King, well-raised, strong, and above all, he treated Tessa with the respect she deserved.

They respected Tessa’s decision, understanding that her happiness was paramount, and they wouldn’t impose their will upon her any longer.

They simply wanted to see her smile, and maybe then they would find their own peace as well.

Two days later, they returned home, laughter echoing in the air as they spoke of Tessa’s upcoming wedding.

Chloe, once again cast out from the pack, lurked behind a tree, her hands clenched into fists as she listened to their joy.

“It’s all Ryan’s fault. He’s the reason I lost my pack…” she muttered to herself, bitterness seeping into her words as she watched the happiness unfold before her.