The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 84

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 28**

The odyssey for Aaron and Tessa was only just beginning to unfold.

For the past three months, they had embarked on a whirlwind adventure, traversing the globe and exploring a staggering twenty-three countries. Each destination had offered its own unique charm and challenges, and Tessa had been swept away by the sheer magnitude of it all.

Never in her wildest dreams had Tessa envisioned herself living such an extraordinary life. The vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of new experiences had ignited a fire within her that she never knew existed. But now, after three months of exhilarating travel, they were finally back home.

With their mating ceremony looming just a week away, the air was thick with anticipation. Aaron, filled with determination and excitement, took charge of every detail for the ceremony. His heart was set on crafting an occasion that would be etched in memory, one that would proclaim to the world that Tessa was not just his partner, but his Luna, his Luna Queen.

The venue was nothing short of magnificent—a grand cathedral, its towering spires reaching for the heavens. Invitations had been sent far and wide, extending to every Alpha in the packs, along with their loyal members. Among the esteemed guests were Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey, as well as Ryan, who had been a part of Tessa’s life for so long.

Though it wasn’t the first time Ryan had laid eyes on Tessa in a wedding dress, this moment felt profoundly different. This time, she was not adorned for him but for another. As he stood there, watching her radiant figure, a deep sorrow pierced through his heart. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he took in Tessa’s beauty, which seemed to shine brighter than ever before.

He observed the newlywed couple, wrapped in each other’s arms, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that spoke volumes of their love. They were a picture of perfection, a living testament to romance and devotion. But for Ryan, the sight was bittersweet.

Feeling an overwhelming urge to escape the scene, he turned and exited the ceremony. However, fate had other plans. As he stepped outside, he unexpectedly collided with a figure from his past—Chloe.

Her attire was simple, a stark contrast to the vibrant, confident woman he once knew. For a moment, Ryan struggled to recognize her; she appeared worn and weary, the weight of her struggles etched into her features. Yet, upon seeing Ryan, her demeanor shifted, her voice slicing through the air with a sharpness that betrayed her bitterness.

Tessa’s heart raced as she stood frozen, her eyes locked on Ryan, who lay motionless in a pool of his own blood. His wide-open gaze reflected disbelief, a haunting image that would forever be etched in her memory.

In the end, Ryan did not survive the attack. Chloe was apprehended and faced the consequences of her actions, sentenced to a fate that mirrored her own bitterness.

Everything had unfolded so rapidly, like a storm that had come crashing down without warning. Yet, amidst the chaos, Tessa found herself grappling with a strange sense of detachment. Perhaps this was the cruel hand of fate, a manifestation of their intertwined destinies and past choices.

Fast forward two years, and Tessa and Aaron returned from yet another journey abroad. Life had blossomed in ways they had never anticipated; Tessa had given birth to a beautiful child, completing their family unit.

Now, they embraced the joys of their life together, a harmonious trio navigating the world as one. Their future stretched before them, long and filled with promise, a testament to resilience and love that had weathered the storms of the past.