Chapter 11 Vivian's POV Get 5 = Menu I wake up the next morning feeling strangely light , almost free . It's an incredible feeling , one I haven't had in a long time . I'm alone on the bed , and a pang of disappointment hits me . Did Alpha Orion sleep on the couch? I get up and check the living area , but the space is empty . He must have left early- Alphas are always busy . I wouldn't have been surprised if he was still asleep , but he isn't . A soft knock interrupts my thoughts , and I answer immediately . A tray of food is brought in for me . " Good morning , Luna , " the server greets , which makes me pause . That's odd . Normally , they just leave my breakfast quietly , no fanfare . But this is different - there's a subtle reverence in the way they treat me . They bow slightly , serve the meal , and leave without another word . I sit on the bed , tray on my lap , and look around the room . It's peaceful here , almost serene . My mind drifts back to last night , to Alpha Orion . My cheeks warm , and a tingling excitement blossoms in my stomach . He had been gentle ... surprisingly so . Kova had already been taken by him , and if this is what life feels like with him , maybe my father's arrangement isn't the disaster I imagined . After showering and dressing , I eat a few bites and then head out to stroll the grounds . People give me respect wherever I go , a subtle but undeniable deference . I finally spot Alder and decide to ask him about Alpha Orion . Not waking up beside him leaves me with an unexpected ache of loneliness . " Hey , Alder , " I call out , and his face brightens instantly . I hope I'm not still on heat - what Alpha Orion said yesterday has my mind spinning ." " Where is Alpha ? " I ask , trying to keep my voice casual . My nervous energy probably shows , because he frowns . I hastily add , " I mean , he hasn't tried to make my day miserable yet , and that's ... unsettling , " hoping to mask my feelings . " Aahan , " he murmurs , clearly not buying my excuse , but I let it slide . " He went on a trip . Won't be back for two weeks , " he says , and my heart drops completely . I force a small smile , hiding the disappointment . " So , I have the reins now ? " I ask , trying to sound confident , ready to take control . " No , " he responds , a hint of surprise in his voice . " He put you in charge . You are Luna now . " His words hit me like a punch . My mouth opens , closes , and opens again . This can't be real ... is he messing with me? " For real , Viv , " Alder continues , shaking his head slightly . " The fight with those wolves was a test , and you passed it . That rogue you killed - he was an Alpha who's been troubling our territory for ages . Everyone was stunned you took him out alone . No help . No tricks . When they brought you back , @ 14 : 34 4.41 % < Chapter 11 Get 5 Menu wounded and unconscious , Alpha sent us to find the culprit , but you'd already ended him . His body was there , and everyone respected you instantly . That match ... it was to see if you could replicate that power . Felix nearly died from the blow . He had no choice but to name you Luna . And when you didn't show up for your party , we all thought you were avoiding it . Alpha said you wanted solitude in the forest , so we let you be . " I blink at him , stunned . All this time , I thought he wanted to humiliate me . I had been so wrong . " Why didn't you tell me before the diner ? " I ask , a little irritated . I can understand why Alpha Orion would be annoyed that his friend was hitting on his Luna , but still ... " Your behavior told me he hadn't said anything yet , so I kept my peace , " Alder explains with a wink . " So , what's the plan now , Luna ? " His smile is easy , teasing , and I almost suggest something reckless- but I remember Alpha Orion's warning . Better to ask him first . " Do you think I'm on heat ? " I ask , hesitating . He scrunches his face , obviously entertained . " I mean ... yesterday , was I on heat ? " I clarify , my cheeks heating at the thought . " No , Viv . Who would tell you that ? " Alder replies . I frown , annoyed . That asshole - Alpha Orion - just wanted to fuck with my mind . He made me believe I was on heat until the real thing hit . " Alpha Orion said that was why Alpha Thorne asked me out , " I mumble , recalling the earlier conversation . Alder's eyes widen , and he presses a fist over his mouth , looking both amused and horrified . " Shit , Viv , " he says finally . " Alpha was fucking with you . Alpha Thorne likes you , and I think it pissed Alpha Orion off more than you know . " han you k I straighten , a surge of confidence returning . " Some nerve , " I mutter . " He could have any woman he wanted , but he deliberately stops another man from liking me . " Alder shakes his head slowly , chuckling . " Viv , don't tell anyone this came from me , " he warns , leaning closer . " Alpha Orion hasn't been with a woman since his mate died . You ... you are the first woman to share a room with him since Luna Kaelia passed . " My eyes widen in disbelief . Five years of celibacy ? That's ... incredible . Alpha Orion's mate had died when he was just twenty - four , poisoned at the age of twenty - two . My father always said he felt sorry for him , too young for that kind of loss . Alpha Orion had been broken for a year , lost in grief , but eventually regained his senses . " Did he say when he's coming back ? " I ask Alder , eager to plan my next steps . 14:34 4.59 % < Chapter 11 He shakes his head . " Okay , guide me through the routine , " I say , finally taking the reins handed to me . Get 5 > = Menu Alder's phone rings , and he steps aside to answer it . He speaks briefly , then hands the phone to me . " It's Alpha , " he announces . My heart jumps , and my face warms as I accept the phone . I know he noticed my reaction and would comment on it later . " Good morning , Viv . How was your night ? " Alpha Orion's voice cuts through the line , sending shivers down my spine . My mind immediately recalls every detail from last night , and a flush spreads between my legs . I'm not sure if I'm on heat , or if this is a unique , Alpha - induced heat that only he can trigger . 4.64 % 14:34 < Chains of the Alpha Chapter 12 Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.