Chapter 14 Vivian's POV Get 5 X = Menu Alder tries to talk me out of patrolling , but I have nothing better to do . My mind is crowded with thoughts of Alpha Orion , and my hormones are running wild . The only thing that might give me focus , and keep me in some sort of control , is patrolling at night and fighting if the situation demands it . " If you're hell - bent on this , I'll have to join you , " Alder says , and I shake my head sharply . " Nothing should happen to both of us at the same time , " I argue , and he finally nods . " Exactly , Viv . You're Luna ; I should take the risk before you , " he counters , insistently . " Luna by title , yes , but Alpha Orion would be distraught if anything happened to you , " I reply firmly . " I'm replaceable . I'm asking you - don't let us fight about this . " I make my stance clear , unwavering . Alder hesitates , reluctant to accept it , but eventually , he gives in . The day passes without incident . Alpha Thorne pays a visit , and Alder's displeasure is obvious . He's too busy to host him properly , so I end up attending to Thorne . We make small talk , strolling across the grounds , careful that eyes remain on us so I don't incur the wrath of my ' husband and jailer . ' Thorne leaves eventually , promising he'll return . I retreat to my room , preparing for my nightly patrol , when my phone buzzes with a new text . " I enjoyed our time together . It was great having you to myself with no chaperon . Hope we get to do this again . Your avid admirer , Thorne . " The message makes me pause . He's a nice guy , maybe even genuinely sweet . I wonder , with a twinge of guilt , if I would feel less miserable had he been the one I was married to . But I shove the thought away , leaving the phone on the bed , and head out to patrol with the Kappas . Night descends quietly , the forest cloaked in stillness . For a while , everything feels calm . Then , in the early hours , two rogue wolves ambush us . They're no match for us , and Kova revels in the hunt . The Kappas are visibly relieved I'm present - most of them are gammas or deltas , still in training . They might have been seriously injured or worse had I not been there . I decide to patrol with them for two more nights , ensuring they grow in confidence and skill . The next morning , after a quick shower , I try to steal some sleep . Before I do , I link Alder , filling him in on the events of the night . I tell him I need to rest a bit , and he commends me , thanking me for protecting the wolves . His words warm me slightly , even though my muscles ache from exertion . The two weeks crawl by slowly . I patrol most nights , steadily growing stronger and more alert . Alpha Thorne comes by two more times . I start to enjoy his company in small doses , though I never allow myself to feel too close . Once , he tries to kiss me , but I sidestep smoothly , telling him I can't - Alpha 14:35 5.91 % < Chapter 14 #Get 5 > Menu Orion forbids it . Thorne frowns , clearly unhappy , and murmurs he wishes Alpha Orion would just give me up so we could be together . I don't know how to respond ; I don't feel that way , not at all . One morning , I return to my room and freeze . Alpha Orion is standing there , holding my phone . " That is private property ? " I demand , watching his expression shift from surprise to pure anger . " What have you been doing behind my back , Vivian ? " he snarls . " I give you some trust , and this is how you repay me ? Don't you know , as my Luna , you shouldn't be involved with another man ? " " I am not involved with another man , " I snap , anger lacing every word . I haven't seen him in two weeks , and the first thing he does is throw my loyalty into question . " Not according to your avid admirer , Thorne , " he says , and in a swift motion , he crushes my phone in his hands . " No !!! " I scream , rushing to the fragments of plastic and glass . " Why would you do that ? " He picks up the bouquet of red carnations from the bed and shreds them without hesitation . I collapse to my knees , staring at the ruins of my phone and flowers , the tears of anger burning my cheeks . " Why do this ? " I shout , my voice raw . He doesn't answer . Instead , he strides into the shower . When he emerges , dressed and composed , he leaves without a single word . I'm left furious , bewildered , and terrified all at once . What is wrong with him ? He didn't wait to hear my side . He didn't investigate . He just ... snapped . My mind reels . I had thought we'd made progress before he traveled , but now , it feels as if we've fallen two steps back . I sense the days ahead will be worse than before . I remain in the room all day , unable to eat , unable to move . By evening , I realize I won't patrol tonight and link Alder to inform him . I lay on the bed , heart heavy , wondering what might happen next . Alpha Orion returns soon after , reeking of alcohol . Fear coils in my chest , and I decide it's safer to sleep on the couch , away from him . I'm just about to leave the bedroom.when he blocks my path . " Where do you think you're going ? " he demands . " To sleep on the couch , " I reply cautiously . " It only took two weeks for Thorne to worm his way into your head ? " His words carry both accusation and curiosity . " It's not because of him , Alpha , " I say carefully , " but after what you did earlier , I'm the last person you'd want beside you . " I back up instinctively , until my spine hits the wall . 14:35 5.84 % < Chapter 14 " Why him ? " he asks , the hurt in his eyes undeniable . Get 5 > = Menu I hesitate , torn between anger and the remnants of affection . ' I want to ease the hurt , but I can't forgive him for my phone , ' I think . " Why him ? " he presses again . " There is nothing between Thorne and me , " I answer firmly , and he laughs , a sound that grates on my nerves . " Thorne , " he says , voice sharp . " Now it's Thorne , but I am Alpha . You must have shared ... special moments for him to be comfortable with you calling him Thorne . " I feel my blood boil . " As starved as I am for attention , affection , and love , I am not desperate . If you don't like him hitting on me , tell him - stop bullying me for it . I am just an insurance policy , " I spit at him , trying to shove him away . He stands his ground , immovable . I step back , realizing the truth of my limits . I am strong , but I am no match for him - not physically , not in will . For now , I must respect the boundary of my own power . 14:35 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.