Chapter 1 I was eighteen that night. The moonlight was silver-white, and I truly believed the Moon Goddess would bless me with happiness. The moment my wolf awakened, the pull was irresistible-Leander Blackmore. The second son of the Alpha. Since I was ten, he had pulled me out of shadows and cruelty. He once told me, as long as he was alive,no one would ever lay a hand on me. Like always, we found ourselves at the lakeside cabin-the one nearly forgotten by the pack. Our kisses came in a rush, like rehearsed longing finally unleashed. My wolf stirred, pacing, hungering for more. But he didn't mark me. He pulled away suddenly, breath ragged, his face tight with tension. solde," he said, "I can't do this." I gave a shaky laugh. "You're joking." But his eyes were too clear. Not a trace of humor. "I won't mark you." My chest felt hollowed out. "But… you're my mate." He flinched. Just slightly. Then met my gaze head-on. "You deserve more than I can give." "Stop." My voice cracked. I nearly lunged forward to shut him up with my mouth. "We've waited so long. You know this." He looked up at the old beam, the one we carved our names into at fifteen. His voice rasped. "I fell in love with someone else." The sounds around us faded into the lake's silence. "Who." "My brother's mate." His expression turned almost reverent. "Selah Storm. You've never seen someone like her. She doesn't even try, and still-there's this untouchable grace. Just looking at her makes you want to whisper." I stared at him. "Selah used to steal pears from the kitchen and curse out the guards." Chapter 1 0.99% "She grew up," he murmured. "I can't look away." A dull ache bloomed in my chest. I thought of everything he'd done for me-breaking a Beta's ribs for insulting me when we were twelve, shoving a cruel servant off a cliff at fifteen, trashing a rich boy's store when he touched me at eighteen. Leander had always claimed me with violence, with the kind of protection everyone could see. Maybe I thought that was love. He dragged a hand down his face. "You once asked me what I wanted. It's her. But she only sees Alec. Like he's the damn moon. She'll never look my way unless he falls." I clenched my teeth. "So now you're planning to take your brother's fiancée?" His eyes turned cold. Calculating. "No. You are. You'll help me make Alec look unfaithful. If he's tainted, she'll leave him. And then-" "Then she'll fall for you," I said, laughing bitterly. "You've lost your mind." "Do it for me." His voice dropped, soft like the summer he coaxed me to jump into the river. "You owe me." He lit a cigarette-something he only did after sex. Smoke blurred his features. "Isolde," he said, part command, part plea, "say yes." My throat burned. My head nodded before I could stop it. In his eyes, I saw something like relief. And something I refused to name. He crushed the cigarette out hard. Got dressed without once looking back at me. "Selah's proud," he said with a crooked smile. "She doesn't share. She doesn't forgive. She's flawless." He tossed a packet of powder onto the bed. "I'm bringing her home tomorrow night," he said. "Let her walk in on you and Alec. Don't actually sleep with him. Just make it look real." That was the moment my heart shattered. Chapter 1 0.99% Title: Cherry Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Modern, Romantic Status: ongoing In "Cherry" by CrushReel, Ivy League freshman Aaron Milton, 17, embarks on a unique journey of love with Linda, 34, a spirited former wild-child navigating her return to college for a fresh start. As their paths intertwine, Aaron finds himself immersed in a world beyond textbooks, where lessons of the heart take center stage. Exploring themes of age disparity and personal growth, "Cherry" delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Aaron's youthful innocence contrasts with Linda's life experience, creating a dynamic that challenges societal norms and perceptions of love. The narrative unfolds with tender moments and poignant revelations, painting a vivid picture of two souls entwined in an unconventional romance. What sets "Cherry" apart is its authentic portrayal of human connection and emotional depth. Through CrushReel's masterful storytelling, readers are invited to witness the evolution of Aaron and Linda's bond, rooting for their happiness amidst societal expectations. Discover the allure of "Cherry" and immerse yourself in a tale that transcends age barriers and embraces the power of love. Experience the enchanting world of "Cherry" available to read online at CrushReel.