When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 10

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 10**

The air was thick with the enticing aroma of something sweet, almost overwhelming in its sugary allure, wafting from a nearby street vendor’s stall.

Fairy Bread—it was Kelsey’s absolute favorite, a nostalgic treat that always seemed to bring a smile to her face.

As if in perfect choreography, a sleek black Maybach glided to a halt at the curb, its polished surface gleaming under the urban lights.

Ryan, with his commanding height and broad shoulders, swung the car door open, drawing curious glances from the throngs of pedestrians milling about.

There was an unspoken power about him, an Alpha presence that seemed to create an invisible barrier, compelling those around him to maintain a respectful distance.

Inside the car, the mechanical voice droned on, “The number you have dialed is currently unavailable…”

Ryan’s brow furrowed as he glared at the phone screen, his knuckles whitening as they gripped the device.

“Kelsey, are you acting out again?” he muttered under his breath, a cold smirk curling at the corners of his lips. “Fine. I’ll have to remind you of your place tonight.”

With a sense of purpose, he strode over to the vendor, accepting a paper bag filled with the sugary delight before making his way into a nearby convenience store. Inside, he selected a box of strawberry-flavored condoms, her favorite scent, with a calculated nonchalance.

As he walked back to the car, he couldn’t help but picture her face, flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. The thought sent a thrill through him, a reminder of their complicated dynamic.

The night air was crisp, the city lights twinkling like stars against the dark canvas of the sky as he slid back into the vehicle. He revved the engine and set off towards the Stormclaw Pack Alpha’s villa, anticipation thrumming in his veins.

Upon arrival, the main gates swung open, revealing a cadre of warriors who stepped forward to greet him with a mix of respect and urgency.

“Alpha, we’ve looked into the safe theft from the other day. Rest assured, nothing was taken. The thief has been apprehended and handed over to the police. We’ve also instructed the brothers inside to ‘take care’ of her.”

Ryan didn’t break his stride, merely raising a hand dismissively, his mind already elsewhere.

“Handle it.”

His demeanor was cool and detached as he carried the Fairy Bread and the box of condoms, striding into the villa with an air of casual authority.

“Besides, there was nothing of real importance in that safe,” he added, the words slipping from his lips with an ease that belied their truth.

It was indeed a mere decoy, a distraction from the real treasures he guarded closely.

**Chapter 10**

**DEER**

The truly significant items were carefully concealed in a hidden compartment beneath his bed, a sanctuary for his secrets.

Once inside his bedroom, he closed the door with a soft click, the sound echoing in the stillness.

Lifting the bedsheet, he pulled open the drawer, revealing its contents meticulously stored within.

There lay a marriage certificate, an obsidian bracelet, an engagement ring, and the Stormclaw Pack stock inheritance documents—artifacts of a life he had envisioned, now weighed down by the complexities of reality.

He traced the smooth surface of the bracelet with his thumb, a wave of quiet exhaustion washing over him.

In that moment, the burdens of every lie, every sacrifice, and every heart-wrenching loss surged within him, leaving his expression profoundly weary.

“Claire, you’ve misunderstood. The she-wolf I summoned today was not you.”

His voice was controlled, yet it brooked no argument.

But Claire, undeterred, threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around him with an urgency that took him by surprise.

She pressed closer, the intoxicating scent of her perfume enveloping him, clouding his senses.

“You can’t deny what we are,” she whispered, her lips tantalizingly close to his ear. “Think of what’s best for your pack, Ryan. It’s time to stop pretending.”

She rose on her toes, her lips nearly brushing against his, a moment teetering on the edge of possibility.

But Ryan’s eyes turned to ice, a chill settling in the air between them.

With a firm hand, he pushed her away, creating a gulf of space that felt both necessary and painful.

“Claire, have you forgotten our agreement?”

His voice was low, a frigid warning. “Don’t touch me.”

Claire staggered back, the tears pooling in her eyes now threatening to spill over.

Just as the tension reached a breaking point, frantic knocking erupted from the door.

“Alpha!” a warrior’s voice rang out, laced with panic. “Miss Evans… she’s gone!”