Chapter 12 Vivian's POV Get 5 = Menu " Did you sleep well ? " he asks , his voice cutting through the quiet morning . I manage a reply , keeping my composure despite the tension in my chest . " Good , " I say , keeping it brief . " I had to make an emergency trip this morning . I might be gone for two weeks . I'm leaving you and Alder in charge . Don't fuck it up ." Before I can respond , he hangs up , leaving me simmering with irritation . My fingers clench around the phone . Seriously ? He couldn't even say a proper goodbye . I realize we're far from understanding each other - there's a long road ahead , or maybe there isn't a road at all . I have to rein in my emotions , or they'll betray me . I hand the phone back to Alder , and his expression tells me he already knows my mood has shifted . " Be patient , Viv , " he says , calm but knowing . " He's getting there . Look at it this way : he didn't want to deal with you at all in the beginning . Now he's jealous , checking on you , even moving you into his room . Alpha is taking small steps . He's feeling something , but he's terrified of getting attached - and anyone would be . Just let him come around . " I want to tell him I feel nothing , that I could care less . Maybe a few days ago , I could've said that and meant it . But this morning , my body craves only him , my heart is tangled in a way I can't control . Hopefully , this is just a phase and it'll pass soon . After Alder briefs me on the day's itinerary , I head to the training hall . The moment I step inside , the pack erupts in cheers . My face heats as I see Felix and Rowan smiling in the corner , completely free of grudges . Sleeping in the forest last night apparently did nothing to change their opinions . We train , exchanging skills and techniques . I teach some things , and they teach me others . It's a small victory in a world that feels like chaos . By mid - afternoon , we return to Alpha Orion's office to handle documents . The Ravenclan Pack is massive , richer and more organized than the one I grew up in . Alpha Orion must be insane to keep track of it all . Thinking of him , my chest tightens , and I feel a pang of longing . No matter how infuriating he can be , I always feel better with him around , annoying him , testing his patience , anticipating his next move . Last night , he messed me up completely , and part of me would've given myself to him all over again if he'd asked . The day moves on smoothly . I return to my room , passing my old quarters with the broken lock . I make a mental note to fix it tomorrow . Once inside , I collapse onto the bed , letting thoughts of Alpha Orion flood my mind . I wish he would call , wish he would come back . But I know it's just a dream . For the first time , I go to sleep with tears in my eyes - not from pain, but from longing . 32 14:35 4.84 % < Chapter 12 Get 5 > = Menu I don't like the way I feel . These strange emotions for this man are dangerous , reckless . I know the only way to survive is to guard my heart jealously , yet Alpha Orion is dismantling my defenses piece by piece . I'm terrified of falling in love alone . There's nothing worse than that . I wish when I wake up , this feeling will vanish . The next morning , I wake , get ready , and leave without waiting for breakfast . Alder and I go through the usual routine and eventually decide to eat at the nameless diner in town . I try to resist asking him if Alpha Orion called . I'm afraid of the answer . We sit across from each other , and Alder's phone rings . My heart skips a beat , but I force myself to stay calm . " Alpha , " he says into the phone . I clamp my hands together to stop trembling . " Everything is fine ... yes ... she's handling everything well . A natural , I must say . Okay , will do that ... no ... with me ... Okay . " The call ends . I piece together what was said . Alpha Orion asked about everything , and Alder assured him all was fine . Then he asked about me , and Alder said I was handling it perfectly -a natural at it . They discussed other matters , Alder mentioned I was present , and finally , Alpha Orion hung up . " That was Alpha , " Alder says , glancing at me . I force a smile , trying to appear indifferent . Truth is , I'm pissed . He has my number - why not even a simple text ? Alder sighs , reading me like an open book . " Give it time , Viv . The entire pack is rooting for you . It's ... complicated . " " I'm not worried , " I say flatly . " I have no feelings for him . I'm just an insurance policy . " He arches an eyebrow , clearly not buying it . Before I can say more , Alpha Thorne enters the diner . As soon as he sees us , he joins our table and sits next to me . Alder stiffens . He doesn't look pleased about Thorne being close . Alpha Thorne doesn't have the same effect on me as last time . Alpha Orion has already taken care of that . I glance at Thorne ; he smiles , boyish and casual . I return the gesture politely , but my heart doesn't flutter . " Hello , Viv , " Thorne says , grinning . I nod in return . " Ahem , " Alder clears his throat . " Viv is Luna now , and Alpha has consummated the union , so she's no longer on the market . " His tone is a warning directed at Thorne . I see the smile vanish from Thorne's face and shake my head slightly . " Yes , I'm Luna , but nothing's changed , " I say firmly . " Alpha Orion isn't sleeping with me , but I sleep in his room . Don't assume , Alder . " I notice his frown . It's not my fault . No woman could be treated the way Orion treats me and be expected to remain loyal blindly . 14:35 5.03 % < Chapter 12 Get 5 > " I know because he hasn't claimed you yet , " Thorne says cautiously . " So ... we can hang out ? " He glances at the sides of my neck . I shake my head decisively . = Menu " I wouldn't want to piss off my husband , " I say honestly . I know Alpha Orion didn't like my behavior toward Thorne the first time . I suspect that drove what he did that night . It had nothing to do with feelings - this is control , pure and simple . Alder smiles faintly and orders food . I'm not being harsh , I remind myself . Thorne simply doesn't have the effect he once did . My heart , however , is in chaos . Somehow , Alpha Orion already has a claim on it . 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.