Chapter 10 Xavier POV Something instinctive made me head down towards the kitchen Normally I would simply order an omega to fetch me what I wanted or grab a pack member to get it , but for some unfathomable reason , I felt this stirring in my gut , some internal voice urging me to go myself and so I walked , heading downstalk only to hear the sound of her shallow breathing , her sobs as she clutched desperately at her hand , running it underneath he water as I glanced downwards from where I stoo d in the doorway , taking in the redness , the rawness of it , able to see the burnt hand as clearly as if I were right next to it . I sucked in a breath . Anger filled me . There was no way that Regan had done this to herself . The pain she must be in must be undeniably excruciating and I was unable to keep myself from reacting to the fear she was exhibiting . Tell me who did this to you I snarled , unable to keep myself from lunging forward as she blinked at me , my own hand grabbing at hers , deftly holding it beneath the cold water as shecked in a breath , my jaw clenching in rage . She stares studiously at the sink , her shoulders slumped . I stare at her . Well ? I demanded , even as I gently turned her hand over and examined it closely . The hand is bright red , but its not as bad as I originally thought She would heal , but it would be slow and painful . I am sickened to think that another pack member would be responsible for this , even though there have been instances in the past , where I too have injured Regan intentionally , in a way to show my disgust and revulsion for her . Right now , conveniently forgetting all of that , feeling an overwhelming desire to protect her , and not sure why I am feeling this way . Especially towards her of all people . Her green eyes , so much like emeralds , peer up at me as she lets out a hiccup of distress . Regan I cup her chin with my hand , and she looks almost panicked by the touch . Im What the hell was I doing ? Why was I touching her so intimately I wanted to stop , but just touching her was causing a reaction in me , or rather in my downstairs region that was quite unexpected , and I shifted awkwardly in an attempt to hide it from her . It was nobody she blurted out I forgot to turn the cold water on and burnt my hand by accident , she told me , her voice rising higher with every word . Was she affected as much as I was when I touched her ? Is that why she was avoiding my gaze ? I glared down at her , not believing her words for even a second . She was lying , but was it to protect somebody or herself ? Youre lying my voice is dark This wasnt an accident . Your hand was under the water for quite some time to get this red I concluded , staring at it grimly , still gently holding it as she bit her lip and stared at the counter sheepishly . I could force you to tell me . All it would take was a tiny bit of my alpha aura and the alpha tone and she would have no choice . My voice is angry now . Her head whips towards me and her eyes widen . She begins to shake her head adamantly . Please dont she pleads , I cant tell you . Besides she pauses , dislodging her hand away from my hold and beginning to stare at me heatedly . Since when do you care Xavier ? she demands This isnt the first time Ive been hurt in this pack , let alone in this pack house . Its happened before and youve never shown a damn bit of caring until now . walk away from I struggle to answer . The truth is I dont know why I care so much . Normally I would dismiss it or even Regan without a second thought , but today , Im angry . Im angry beyond belief . I feel almost violent and it shocks me . I care my voice is low as I try to deny what Ive done to her in the past . She gives a bitter laugh : Dont lie Xavier . Or have you conveniently forgotten about all the horrible stuff youve done to me 1/3 Chapter 10 as well over the years ! Not to mention your twin Xander ? Its alle hypocritical to tell me you care when youve been one of the worst tormenters and bullies . Just leave me alone she tells me , glaring hard . For some reason , my chest tightens at her response . Shes right . Thave hurt hier . On numerous occasions . Sometimes simply because the other pack members were doing it , other times to show Regan who was boss . I used my natural Alpha dominance to exert my power over her and I didnt care how much it hurt or what kind of effect it had on her . I ran a hand through my hair , struggling to find the right words to say or to express how my feelings were beginning to change . Fine my voice goes cold as she stiffens , stepping away from me with a wary look on her face Dont tell me who hurt you . But at least get that looked at I nod at her hand . She needed to wrap it and put ice on it or something Something indecipherable flashes in her eyes . This is the least of my worries right now she mutters I have to get the dishes finished before your mother comes back she adds , letting out an exhale and then beginning to refill the sak while emptying the other one , which I suspect still contains the hot water . Regan go home or go to the hospital I began to instruct her and saw her lips flatten as a look of defiance came over her face . Leave it Xavier her voice is harsh The only person who can order me to go anywhere right now is Luna Jennifer or Alpha Jackson . Until you are officially made Alpha of the pack She gives me a look , her eyes turning glacial They are in charge of all the omegas , including me . There was bitterness in her voice . I struggle to understand her changing moods and her rising anger . Why couldnt she just let me help ? Why was she being so stubborn and deliberately ignoring me ? I take a step towards her , and she stiffens , turning pale . Did she just clutch her ribcage just then or was that my imagination ? She quickly gathers herself as I rake my gaze over her , taking note of how slowly shes walking and how stiff her gait is . Its strange . Like shes trying to hide something . I feel suspicious . Im just about to storm over to her and demand answers , even it if means using the alpha tone , when I hear my mothers voice behind us . Xavier , what are you doing in here ? Regan is under strict instructions to complete her tasks alone my mother sounds displeased . Regan is hurt . Her hand is burned I growl , staring my mother in the eyes as she curls her lip . Let me see she begins to mutter , a heavy scowl on her face but Regan shakes her head again . Im fine Luna Jennifer . Im sorry that its taking so long . Please , just need Xavier to leave so that I can get it done . Her voice is shaky , and she looks on the verge of tears . My mother looked at me sharply Xavier you know better than to interrupt the omegas while they are trying to work and that includes distracting poor Regan . Its in bad taste for an upcoming Alpha to socialize with the servants she reprimanded me softly you need to remember your position , no matter where you are or who you are with . I want to protest , but Regan turns her head away and I feel frustrated . My mother comes over and grabs my arm , yanking me out of the kitchen . Regan , I apologize for my sons behavior especially since I can see its unwanted she glared at me Please finish the dishes and get started cleaning the dining room tables and mopping the floors in here . Yes , Luna Jennifer Regans voice is hushed . She begins to haul me out of the room You should go and find your chosen mate she growls Spend some time with her if you are so bored that you have time to mess around with the servants . I rolled my eyes and obediently walked off , intending to find Xander as my mothers eyes bore holes into the back of me . I dont try and interrupt Regan again , certain my mother is keeping an even closer watch on her now , Im frustrated as I head out to the grounds . 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.