Chapter 9 Vivian's POV Get 5 > = Menu Alpha Orion sits beside his beta , his scowl deepening as he watches the table . I haven't exchanged a single word with him since I told him to leave me alone , and truthfully , I have no desire to . He tried to humiliate me yesterday - and failed spectacularly . " Did you guys get married ? " Alpha Thorne asks Orion , and both of us answer . I say no . Orion says yes . " We are married ," he states , and Alpha Thorne glances at me , curiosity in his green eyes . " So she is your Luna ? " Thorne asks , and this time , both of us shake our heads . Finally , something we can agree on . " So nothing is going on between you two ? " he presses , and Orion's jaw tightens . " No , " he snaps , voice low and irritated . " Why are you asking these questions , Thorne ? " Orion adds after a pause , trying to appear calm . I can see through the facade . His calm doesn't fool me . Not one bit . " She's cute , and I like her . That's why , " Thorne says , a playful lilt in his voice . My cheeks burn . It's been ages since anyone said something like that to me . From a man like him , it feels monumental . " I have seen better , " Orion cuts in , his tone sharp , ruining the moment . " You've been mated , Orion , " Thorne retorts easily , " so that's typical of you . But as they say , beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and Viv here ? She's a beauty . " A jolt of happiness rushes through me , though I keep it hidden , I force myself to breathe normally , to look unaffected . " Are you seeing anyone , Viv ? " Thorne aske head in response . brazenly . I can't help admiring his courage . I shake my " I would like to take you out sometime , " he adds , and I nod , my pulse quickening . I open my mouth to reply , but Orion intervenes . " Thorne , don't you think it's inappropriate to date my wife ? " he asks , voice laced with mock amusement . " Come on , Orion . You said it yourself - she's just an insurance policy to you . You don't even find her attractive . She didn't do anything to you . I like her , and I want to see her , " Thorne responds , his tone firm , unwavering . And I like him already . He's direct . He's real . He's a man . 14:34 3.55 % < Chapter 9 " No , " Orion cuts short , exhaling sharply . Get 5 = Menu " Think about it , " Thorne continues , calm and collected . " You haven't even given her a title yet . She isn't officially part of your pack . Just think about it . " I feel a flutter in my chest . Maybe this is fate . Maybe it's just my desperate body betraying me , but Thorne has an effect on me no one ever has . I should have found my mate long ago , but Orion's cruel arrangements have ruined everything . We eat the rest of the meal in tense silence , the weight of unspoken words heavy between us . Eventually , it's time to leave . " Alder , drive Alpha Thorne to his home . You'll collect something for me there , " Orion orders . " Yes , Alpha , " Alder replies promptly . He turns to me , eyebrows raised . " Do you want to come ? " I nod slightly , but Orion cuts me off . " No , she is going home with me , " he declares . My stomach drops . I don't want to ride with him . Alder looks disappointed but doesn't argue . Alpha has spoken . We leave the diner and climb into separate vehicles . I slide into the passenger seat of the jeep , gripping the sides as Orion starts the engine . The ride is tense , quiet except for the rumble of the road beneath us . Eventually , he parks in a deserted spot , and I brace myself . " What did you think you were doing by throwing yourself at Thorne ? " he asks , a low edge to his voice . " I wasn't throwing myself at him , " I protest , irritation prickling . " You're so fucking cheap , Vivian , " he snaps , anger threading his words . " Everyone could smell your arousal . The guy just wanted to take you home to fuck you , and you're just there , blushing . " The words hit me like a punch to the gut . My eyes sting , tears welling , and I look away so he doesn't see . I try to open the door - it's locked . " Please let me out , " I whisper , voice shaking . " Is that all you have to say ? " he asks . His words cut deep . What more can I say ? He called me cheap , said everyone could smell my arousal , implied Thorne only wanted to fuck me . He might be right . I should have found my mate already . But because of his deal with my father , that chance is gone . I'm human , and I have needs . I'm not some stone statue . " Maybe you should have allowed me to sell myself cheap , " I murmur , voice trembling . Tears streak down my face , blinding me . " Please , Alpha Orion , let me out . I can find my way back to the packhouse , " I say as calmly as I can 14:34 3.71 % < Chapter 9 Get 5 = Menu manage . He doesn't budge . I glance around helplessly . The jeep is solid ; breaking a door isn't an option . I press my forehead against the glass and stare at the passing forest . " Your behaviour was inexcusable . You tried to kill my Gamma , " he finally says , calm now but still accusing . I exhale sharply . " What did you expect me to do ? You pitted me against two of your best fighters and told them not to show mercy . You told me you'd kill my father and my pack if I died or ran away . What did you expect me to do ? I had to fight . You should have stopped it . If it bothers you that much ... just beat me up and send me to the clinic so we can be even . " Orion says nothing . I force myself to stay quiet , breathing hard . " Please let me out , Alpha. I'll get back to the packhouse safely . You know I can't run away , " I assure him . Instead of opening the door , he starts driving again . My chest tightens . " Please let me go , Alpha . I don't think I'll survive this . My father never goes back on his word . You have nothing to worry about . I can disappear , I promise , " I plead , hoping to touch a shred of mercy in him . " Was that why you were being cheap back there ? " he asks suddenly . I decide honesty is my only weapon . " This might surprise you , but I have needs . You call me cheap , but I'm just normal , " I admit . He smirks , continuing to drive , unshaken . I dab at my tears , forcing them to dry before glancing forward at the winding road . Finally , we reach the packhouse . I step out , chest tight , and move quickly to my room . Inside , everything is quiet . I check the cupboards . Nothing . Every trace of my belongings is gone . 14:34 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.