Chapter 19 Vivian's POV I reach his door , hand hovering over it , ready to knock , when his voice pierces my mind . " Come in , the door's open . " Get 5 > Menu I blink in surprise , push the door , and step inside . My breath catches . The room is breathtaking . Dim lights cast a romantic glow , and lavender drifts through the air , delicate and calming . A trail of rose petals is arranged like an arrow , pointing straight to the bedroom . On the table , a bottle of rose champagne sparkles alongside two glasses . And there it is - a birthday cake , made just for me . My heart stumbles . How the hell did he know ? Emotion overwhelms me , and hot tears prick my eyes . I can't stop them . " Happy twentieth birthday , Viv , " Alpha Orion steps out from the shadows , his presence commanding yet gentle . He wears a casual t - shirt and jeans , effortlessly handsome . In his hands , a bouquet of white and purple orchids . My stomach flutters like I'm a teenager again . I pinch myself . This has to be a dream . He approaches and wraps me in a hug , the warmth of him sending butterflies through my body . He hands me the flowers , and I take them , barely able to stop smiling . I feel underdressed , unworthy of this , but the gesture melts me . He pops the champagne , pours us both a glass , and we clink , sipping carefully . He brings out a gaslight and lights the candles on my cake . " Make a wish , " he murmurs , and my pulse races . He looks so damn sexy I already know what my wish will be . I blow out the candles , cut into the cake , and taste it . Devils chocolate layered with red velvet . My favorite . How the hell does he know all my favorites ? My heart aches . I want things to be different . I want us to be together . " Did you enjoy your time out with Alder ? " he asks suddenly , and I freeze . " You set him up ! " I exclaim , stunned . " I couldn't have you cooped up in your room on your birthday , " he says , smiling softly . I bite my lip , unsure how to respond . The last time I told him what I wanted , he had denied me , and the memory stings . Noticing my hesitation , he pulls me closer , his warmth seeping into my bones . # 14 : 37 8.02 % < Chapter 19 " Do you want to freshen up ? " he asks gently , and I nod , relieved . " Okay , you can shower and join me , " he says , and I smile , grateful . " Let me ask an Omega to bring me my pyjamas , " I offer , and he grins . Get 5 x = Menu " Will my t - shirt do the trick ? " he teases . I can't resist the opportunity to wrap myself in his scent , so I nod eagerly . He hands me one of his white t - shirts , soft and comforting . I retreat to the shower , letting the water wash over me , his lingering scent clinging to my skin . I tell myself not to get my hopes up , but I hope anyway . I step out of the shower , still damp , and he's sitting at the foot of the bed , watching me with that intense gaze that makes my stomach twist . " Come here , " he says , and I obey , my steps hesitant , heart thumping . Butterflies roar in my chest . Kova is tense beside me , hopeful . Since discovering he was the wolf who saved us , she's gone crazy for him . She's counting on me to seal the deal . " What do you want to do tonight , now that you're of age ? " he whispers into my ear , and I swallow hard , words failing me . " Surprise me , Alpha , " is all I can manage . " Call me Orion , " he murmurs , and both Kova and I squeal silently . This can't be real ... can it ? Did I pass out and dream all of this ? " I'm sorry about last time , Viv . I just didn't want you to lose it the wrong way . If it had to happen , it needed to be special , " he explains , and I nod , accepting his reasoning . I realize , though , that nothing intimate will happen tonight . My body aches for his touch , but I understand . " Now that you're of age , what would you like to do ? " he presses gently , and I hesitate . This is the moment I should find my mate , and my heart stutters at the thought . " Let's watch a movie , " I murmur quietly , and he smiles warmly . " The night is yours , " he says , shrugging off his shirt and jeans , leaving on just his shorts . We cuddle in bed , letting the comfort of his body calm me while an adventure movie plays . Some of the scenes are adult , and I feel my cheeks heat up . He treats me like I'm grown now , like a big girl , and I feel a mix of pride and nervousness . My phone buzzes . I glance at the screen . Alpha Thorne . I freeze , trying to ignore it , but Orion's eyes flick to the phone immediately . " How did he get your new number ? " he asks sharply , and I feel his anger roll off him like heat . " I ... don't know . I swear , I haven't spoken to him , " I stammer . The notification dings again . I groan 14:37 7.91 % གང་ པ 1 :|: ངང < Chapter 19 Get 5 > Menu inwardly . Not tonight . I don't want his jealousy tonight . I want this evening to stay magical , free from possessiveness and anger . " Open it and read it , " he commands , his voice low and dangerous . I bite my lip . I like his protective streak , his jealousy , but tonight isn't the night . I try to reason with him . " Please , Orion ," I murmur , pleading . " Read it , " he insists . I sigh , knowing there's no winning . I open the message , bracing myself. " My darling Viv . I learned today is your twentieth birthday . I want to start by wishing you a happy birthday . If your jailer wasn't so possessive , I would have come to take you out and show you a nice time . I hope I get to see you soon , so I can give you your birthday gift . Who knows , we could be mates . I'd like to get to know you and see where it goes from there . Anyway , I bet you are tired and sleeping by now . Have a good night's rest . Love , your avid admirer , Thorne , " I read aloud , my voice barely steady . Orion vibrates with anger . I step back , wary . " Give me your phone ! " he growls , and I hand it to him without protest . I have no desire to fight ; I just want a peaceful night . His rage has already cast a shadow over it . " Didn't you tell him to stop calling you ? " he asks , voice tight , tense . I shake my head . " Why not ? " he demands . " Because ... I refused to speak to him after that night , " I confess quietly . 14:37 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.