Chapter 16 Vivian's POV Get 5 > = Menu I don't leave my room the entire morning . I stay cooped up , avoiding Alpha Orion like my life depends on it , which , in some ways , it does . I refuse to think about him , refuse to let his presence ruin what little peace I have . When night falls , I decide to hunt - my only outlet - and maybe get a good night's sleep afterward . As I step toward the door , his voice rings inside my head , sharp and accusing . " Why didn't you show up for training and the pack meeting ? " he demands . " I don't need to , " I respond coldly , tone clipped and indifferent . " You're back now . " " You're Luna . You shouldn't skip these things , " he scolds , and I can't help but smirk inwardly . " I am not your Luna . I don't want to be Luna . Find a girl , claim her , and make her Luna . I am your insurance policy , and you've proven that beyond doubt , " I fire back , venom lacing my words . " You are my wife , and that makes you Luna , " he argues , stubborn as ever . " I bet you wouldn't be saying this if a stronger female than me was in the pack . Besides , I don't consider this a marriage . I have never seen a couple married like us . You didn't even show up for the wedding , and we've never consummated the marriage . So what am I to you ? An insurance policy - just as you told your friend and anyone else who would listen . Now , if you'll excuse me , my wolf and I are going hunting , " I snap , and silence follows . I step outside the packhouse , shift , and disappear into the woods with Kova . We run through the trees , the wind whipping past us . No prey crosses our path , but the exercise clears my mind . When I return home , I feel the residual tension leaving my muscles , even if my heart still pounds . After a long , hot shower , I climb into bed , lying flat on my back . My thoughts betray me - I regret not letting Alpha Thorne kiss me . An affair with him wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world . He is handsome , charming , and genuinely likes me . He even braves visiting as often as he can . The only thing holding me back is my father's safety . I shift uncomfortably under the blankets , angry with myself for even thinking about it , yet somewhat grateful to be back in my little " shoebox " of a room . Here , I can be myself . Unlike in Alpha Orion's room , I don't have to tiptoe around someone else's moods or patience . The following day mirrors the last . I refuse to stay confined . Instead , I slip into the woods to swim in the lake , letting the water soothe me , reconnecting with nature . " Where are you ? " I hear Alpha Orion's voice , urgent and insistent . I ignore him . " Don't make me come look for you in the woods , " he warns . I still ignore him . The sunlight filters through the trees , casting dappled patterns over my skin . I lie on the grass , staring at the tops of the 14:35 6.75 % < Chapter 16 Get 5 › = Menu trees , letting the gentle sway and the whisper of wind lull me . The world feels calm , and I drift into an unplanned nap . A sharp pain jolts me awake , and I instantly recognize danger . I am surrounded by four massive wolves , their teeth sinking into me before I can react . These are beta breeds , far stronger than most I've fought . I shift instinctively , trying to run , but they slam me against a tree . Pain shoots through my ribs , and fear grips me like a vice . Kova growls beside me , equally tense . Escape seems impossible . I bare my teeth , fighting with every ounce of strength I have . One wolf snaps at my leg , another tears at my side , a third pounds into me relentlessly . My ribs crack under the pressure , and Kova whines , panic in his eyes . Somehow , we push closer to the packhouse , but the wolves match our speed , relentless and merciless . One narrowly misses my neck , and I shiver in relief . I manage to knock one unconscious and dislocate the legs of two others , but the battle drains me . Blood seeps from my wounds , my energy falters , and I realize I might not survive this . They chase me until I reach the edge of the clearing . One sinks its teeth into my leg , dislocating it . I feel the cold sting of despair - this might be my final moment . I am ready to surrender when an angry growl erupts behind me . I don't need to see him to know he is coming . A massive whitish - grey wolf leaps into the fray , taking the two attackers by surprise . My body reacts , rising to join the fight , fueled by desperation . I manage to kill the wolf I had engaged earlier and collapse , passing out from exhaustion and blood loss . When I wake , I am on my bed , aching and disoriented . Pain radiates from my dislocated leg . I remember the attack - the sheer ferocity of those wolves . They were not ordinary betas ; they were Alpha breeds like me , and stronger . Alpha Orion has countless enemies , and I nearly paid with my life . I exhale shakily , grateful to have survived . I remain still for a while , letting the Kappas check on me . Their presence reassures me - I am alive . It takes two full days for my wounds to heal , and Alpha Orion never visits to see how I am doing . I interpret it as a clear message and , surprisingly , feel no bitterness . My anger toward him has dulled , replaced by a steady indifference . Once healed , I venture out for a stroll , cautiously avoiding the woods this time . The clearing offers a sense of calm , even if boredom nags at me . On a whim , I decide to seek permission from Alpha Orion to visit the diner . When I reach his office , the secretary is absent . I let myself in quietly , curiosity pushing me forward . What I see stops me cold . Alpha Orion is with another woman , their lips locked in a kiss . My stomach churns at the sight . The moment he notices me , he breaks the kiss and shoves her away . Hypocrite . " Please , don't stop on my account , " I say , voice low , and leave before he can protest . I long to retreat to the woods , but fear keeps me from venturing there alone . I hunt for Alder , hoping he can accompany me to the diner . When I can't find him , I contemplate shifting to get there quickly , but the thought of appearing naked upon arrival stops me . Frustrated , I return to my room . 14.36 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.