Chapter 11 Xander POV Xander , why does Xavier hate me so much ? Isabelle pouts , her big blue eyes studiously looking into mine as I glance away , unnerved by the question . Even shes noticed that my brother is behaving strangely , I try to laugh it off , but she looks serious as she continues to observe me . Were both outside , watching several of the warrior doing their training , Isabelle keeping her distance , her short skirt hugging her curves and revealing her lacy underwear when she bends over too far , causing my mouth to go dry. as I swallow hard at the enticing image . He doesnt hate you , hes just irritable lately . Its not just with you I mutter , hoping shell leave it alone . The truth is I dont know whats wrong with Xavier lately . It stings that he doesnt confide in me as much as he used to , being that we are twins and all . She raises a brow Is it something to do with his wolf ? she asks , her lips curving downwards Is he recognizing that I might not be his mate ? she sounds slightly panicked about the very idea of it . I rush to reassure her . No Isabelle . I havent heard my wolf yet , so I doubt he has . Hes probably just nervous about the whole shifting thing and maybe tired of discussing the birthday party I sighed Just give him some space and youll see that hell come around . At least I was hoping thats what it was . She touches my arm lightly . Normally Im pleased by the contact but today , today I feel numb . Desolate . I force a smile on my face . You still find me attractive , dont you Xander ? she bites her pale pink lower lip , causing my eyes to dart towards them . Did I ? Isabelle was the prettiest girl in our pack . There was no denying it . Usually , I wouldnt hesitate to express how exactly ! felt about her , but today , I was reacting differently , and judging by the expression on Isabelles face , she could tell as well . I hesitated and then forced myself to speak the words I knew she wanted to hear more than anything . Of course , I still find you attractive I give a fake smile , I just find it so hard lately , with how badly Regan treats me She picks up a flower from the grass and lets it slip through ber fingers , watching it fall softly to the ground , I guess Im just feeling insecure she whispers , glancing at me sideways and adopting a forlorn expression . She sounds so vulnerable . Maybe the upcoming ceremony was messing with her as well and causing her to feel insecure . 1 tried to remind myself that Isabelle might seem tough on the exterior but that inside , she was still as soft hearted and kind as she had always been . Forget about Regan my voice is sharp , causing Isabelle to blinkat me in surprise . When youre Luna nobody is going to be able to make you feel anything less than what you are . Just because shes the Betas biological daughter doesnt mean shes going to be granted leeway . You will still be in charge Isabelle I reminded her as she gave me a twisted smile , Regan wont be able to do anything more to you . Youll be safe from her . @ She opened her mouth to retort when there came a furious shout from behind us . Isabelle It was Xavier . The person we had just been discussing . He looked wild , his hair disheveled , a look of rage on his face . 1 wondered what was eating him . He looked as though he was on the verge of ripping somebody to shreds with his bare hands . Even Isabelle looked frightened as she looked at him . It was unusual for him to act this way towards her . He stormed over . Xavier , whats wrong ? Isabelle whispered , glancing fearfully at me . 1/3 Chapter 11 He narrows his eyes , I glance at him , watching as he slowly clenges his jaw , Did you hurt Regat ? he says with gritted teeth My mouth falls open in shock . I cant believe hes confronting us about that bitch Regan Isabelles eyes begin to shine as she shakes her head in denial , tears threatening to fall . I immediately rush to her defense . Brother , what are you doing ? Isabelle has been outside with me I snapped You cant go around accusing people with no proof and especially not your chosen mate I snarled , He gives Isabelle a condemning look . A tear trails down her cheek . I feel awful as I put a protective hand on her shoulder . What did Xavier think he was doing ? I had never felt so angry as did right then at my brother . I would never hurt Regan she protests , looking to me for help Never . How could you accuse me of such a thing ! she hiccups , looking truly devastated . Somebody did . Her hand is red raw and burnt Xavier shoots back , folding his arms and tilting his head And she refuses to tell me who did it he growls . Isabelle gives a small laugh . Its filled with bitterness . So , you thought that it must be me , she said , sniffling . The reason she couldnt tell you who it was , was because she most likely did it to herself to gain your sympathy she cried , throwing her hands up Ive told you before how cunning she is , how clever and manipulative she can be . Why cant you believe me when I tell you shes capable of anything ? Her eyes are watery as she glances at me . My arms wrap around her as she begins to sob in earnest . I shoot my brother a vicious glare . Its okay Isabelle I murmur , feeling her clutch at me with desperation , her sobs wracking her body , her head pressed down against my chest as she stares down at the grass I believe you , I tell her , staring at Xavier defiantly . Damnit Xavier , how could you just come out here and shoot your mouth off like that ? I hiss as he continues to stare at Isabelle with an inscrutable expression . I dont like the expression on his face . Hes never looked at Isabelle so coldly before . This is a first . I feel a moment of apprehension , What if Isabelle was right ? What if Xavier has gotten his wolf or started to hear it ? Could they be telling him to treat Isabelle so badly ? It didnt make sense . Brother , perhaps you should leave before I feel inclined to fight you and sort this out between us in a different manner I bit out . Isabelle immediately raised her head , looking frantically between us . No she cried , putting a hand on my chest , and glancing pleadingly at Xavier who remained motionless Please dont fight because of me . I couldnt bear it Youre twins . brothers for heavens sake she sniffled I would rather turn and walk away than have you commit such a horrendous act against one another . She was so sweet . Always thinking about us . I stroked the top of her head , shooting Xavier a look of daggers . If Isabelle hadnt requested it , I would have thrown down the gauntlet and started fighting with my brother . He was lucky she was so kind hearted . I glared at him as he continued to observe the both of us , a tic in his jaw . Ce the hell out of here Xavier I snapped Youre lucky Isabelle is here. I dont know whats going on with you or what is wrong with you , but you better sort yourself out before the ceremony . Im not letting you treat Isabelle like this . I took her hand and walked away , ignoring the pointed stare of my brother which felt like it was boring holes into my back Come what may , Isabelle was destined to be Luna . Our Luna . If He didnt see that , then I was going to have to remind him of what was at stake . I dont know why hes suddenly obsessed with Regan , but I do know that its going to stop , no matter what I have to do to make that happen . 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.