When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 33

**TITLE: Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 9**

The shrill tone of Ryan’s phone sliced through the quiet of the early morning, jolting him from his slumber.

“Ryan! Hurry up, the mating ceremony is about to start!”

Olivia’s voice crackled through the receiver, laced with an urgency that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Why can’t I reach Tessa?” she continued, her worry evident, and it gnawed at Ryan’s insides.

With a cursory grunt, he responded before ending the call, the weight of concern already settling heavily in his chest. The noise had roused Chloe from her sleep, her eyes blinking open, confusion clouding her features.

“Ryan,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, “once Tessa becomes your Luna, will you still like me?”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she poked at his arm, desperation evident in her every movement. Ryan felt a surge of affection mixed with protectiveness.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close.

“Of course, Chloe. Everything I’m doing is for you,” he murmured, looking deep into her eyes, a promise shimmering within his gaze. He leaned down, sealing his words with a passionate kiss that spoke volumes of his devotion.

“Alright, babe, let’s get ready. We should head to the Moon Tree,” he said, breaking the moment but still holding her close.

Once dressed, Ryan wasted no time and dialed Tessa’s number with a sense of urgency.

He called once, then again, and by the third attempt, when the voicemail greeted him, a knot of dread formed in his stomach.

His wolf stirred uneasily within him, sensing the tension in the air.

What if something had happened to Tessa? The thought sent him into a frenzy as he gathered his belongings, ready to sprint to the pack house, dismissing any protests from Chloe.

Just as he was about to bolt out the door, his phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen.

“Tessa!” he exclaimed, relief flooding through him as he answered.

“It’s me,” her voice came through, slightly distorted but unmistakably hers. “There’s something wrong with my phone; it’s acting up. But don’t worry, I’m waiting for you under the Moon Tree.”

“I’ve prepared a surprise for you,” she added, a hint of excitement in her tone.

Hearing her voice eased the tension that had been building in his chest. A smile broke across his face, and he turned to reassure Chloe and the others around him.

This was a monumental day; he was about to step into his brother’s shoes and take his rightful place as the Alpha of the pack—a dream he had nurtured for years.

It seemed even Tessa was eager to make this moment unforgettable for him.

Nearby friends chuckled and teased, their voices a lighthearted backdrop to the gravity of the occasion.

“You two are still so in love after all this time. Truly, you’re the picture of happiness,” one of them remarked, nudging Ryan playfully.

Yet, as the ceremony approached, an unsettling thought gnawed at him. There was still no sign of Tessa.

Olivia leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper, “Do you think she’s having second thoughts? It’s getting late, and we still haven’t seen her. If she tries to run, I won’t let her off easily.”

Ryan frowned, tugging at his mother’s sleeve in a bid to dispel her worries.

“No, she loves me. There’s no way she’d run. Besides, she said she was preparing a surprise!”

His optimism, however, was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Just then, a delivery man arrived amidst the chaos, his presence drawing attention.

“Is Chloe Carrington here?” he called out, his voice cutting through the tension. The room fell silent as Chloe, looking bewildered, stood up from her corner.

“I’m Chloe Carrington. What’s going on?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The courier placed a package on the table before her, his demeanor serious.

“This is from Tessa Carrington.”

Chloe’s eyes widened, memories of Tessa’s words flooding back—this was a gift from her.

Following Tessa’s instructions, the courier opened the package in front of Chloe and the gathered pack members.

Inside lay a snow-white wedding dress, ethereal and breathtaking, alongside a beautifully handcrafted bracelet that sparkled with promise.

“Tessa Carrington says, ‘Wishing you a happy marriage,’” he read aloud, and the room erupted into whispers, the crowd murmuring about Chloe and Ryan’s scandalous affair.

A few of Tessa’s friends couldn’t hold back, their anger spilling forth in sharp accusations.

“How could you sleep with your sister’s mate behind her back? That’s disgusting!” one shouted, her voice laced with venom.

“A couple of liars. Don’t you ever get tired of pretending? Do you think we’re all fools?” another chimed in, the disdain clear in their tone.

“Disgusting!” came a chorus of voices, each word striking Chloe like a physical blow.

Tears brimmed in her eyes as she absorbed the harsh words. Overwhelmed by the shame and betrayal, she turned on her heel and fled from the room, unable to bear the weight of their judgment any longer.