Chapter 13 Xavier POV I can feel the sweat dripping off of me as Ljog , my legs lengthening their stride as I push forward , my chest tightening as I struggle to draw in breath . 1 feel the cold air on my body and hear the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet as I tread on them . Eburst through the trees and onto the grounds , putting my hands on my hips and gasping for air . Its early and I dont expect to see anyone at this time in the morning , but to my surprise , as I turn towards the pack house , I see none other than Regan shuffling towards it . I know I should just ignore her and pretend not to see her . After yesterdays incident , Xander and I almost came to blows , but something propels me to go to her . Some instinct that wont et ine refuse and before I can even realize what Ive done . Ive moved and stopped in front of her , forcing her to halt her steps and peer up at me . Instead of looking pleased to see me , her smile instantly turns into a frown . Can you please move she snaps as I stare at her I have important things to do , and I dont have time to waste . I narrow my eyes Regan , why are you being so churlish ? This isnt like her . Even at our worst , Regan has never reacted like this . She looks furious , her eyes flashing , her body trembling in indignation . She puts her hands on her hips . My eyes dart involuntarily to her hand , and Im relieved to note that its healing and no longer the sickening pink raw color it was yesterday . Why do you care ? she flings her hands up at me , causing me to blink at her unexpected counterattack . You have always treated me like a bully and so has Xander . Do you expect me to believe youve had a sudden change of heart Xavier ? Or is this some sick sort of prank youre trying to play on me ? Some way of gaining my trust so that you can fling it right back in my face she snarls . She looked at me with distrust , her chest heaving up and down as she tried to draw breath . I was stunned by the vehemence in her tone and the suspicion on her face , even as I had to admit to myself that it wasnt entirely unwarranted . I felt shame wash over me . Regan was right . Xander and I had treated her just like the rest of the pack had . There had been times when I had shoved her or even physically harmed her without conscience . Was it any wonder she was questioning my motives ? Now I understood why my brother was so confused . I was confused by my actions as well as my sudden desire to change . Regan my voice is hoarse I wouldnt … my voice trails off . What can I say ? She has every right to not trust me . If I was in her shoes , I would be the same way . But part of me is hurt that shes acting like this , that she sees me as nothing but a bully and a threat to her . I can feel my hand clenching into a fist and awkwardly force myself to relax it . Why am I so angry ? Why am I so upset ? You would Regans voice is loud and carries across the grounds as I wince , her finger suddenly moving to poke me hard in the center of my chest All of you would . Youre all disgusting she hisses , Every single one of you . Youre as bad as one another . Always teasing me , hurting me . I hate this pack she grits her teeth as I stay silent , motionless , unable to do anything but listen as she vents . I hate that Im forced to remain here and that you she looked at me with contempt , causing me to recoil and your brother agreed to force me to stay . How could you ? she snapped as I winced Did you even think about the effect it would have ? How you were ruining my life for the sake of vengeance and revenge ? I didnt murder my mother , I was not even five years old she declared , her lower lip trembling and you have all made sure Ive suffered for as long as I can remember . Im stunned . I can hear her voice breaking as she faces me defiantly . Her eyes are shiny , as though shes about to break down and cry , but she steadfastly refuses to lose her composure . She flicks me another glance filled with anger . I can see so much rage as she does her best to contain it and it makes me feel ashamed of myself . Ive done this to her . Weve done this to her . This is the consequence of years of abuse and its no wonder shes starting to snap . You call yourself an Alpha or soon to be Alpha she corrects herself but you and your brother are both blind to everything that happens around you . You believe the lies that you are fed and the bullshit that goes in in this pack she shakes her head . Chapter 14 Neither of you can think for yourselves Duch . That stung She had a low opinion of both me and Xander 1 couldnt help but glare at her my own temper provoked . by her meaningless accusations and cryptic riddles . What bulls What lies ? Why couldnt she just speak bluntly If something is going on in the park that I dont know about , dont you think you should tell me ? I growled , watching the disbelief cross her face and then indignation take over . She lost it at me . Why dont you try opening your eyes and see whats really going on in this pack she shoved me hard in the chest instead of relying on other people to do it for your Alary leader relies on others instead of finding out for himmell she snorted , then again . I guess Im not surprised . You and Xander have always manipulated people into doing shat you want Ver since you were little . Being Alpha is not that important to you when its handed to you on a silver platter . is it Xavier ? she gave me a bitter smile whereas anybody else who has to work for it , would already know what was wrong I watched in silence as she turned and stormed off towards the pack house , feeling wrong footed . I had thought that she would confide in me , perhaps at least have a normal conversation , and instead , I had just had my ass handed to me . regardless of what my status was . Regan was correct in that I hadnt had to work at being Alpha , as the heir , along with Xander , it was given to us automatically . The only thing expected of us was to train hard . Regan was right about that . Others became Alphas through creating their own packs or taking over through promotion when the old Alpha didnt have an heir and needed to designate a leader for the pack when they died . I scowled . If anybody else had talked to me like that , I wouldnt have hesitated to punish them or knock them down with my fist . But Regan had torn strips off me and Id just stood there and took it without retaliation . It felt strange . I struggled inwardly with what I was feeling . I was angry , yes , but not at Regan , more at what she had said . Because there was truth in her words . Nobody else bothered to be as blunt with us as she just was with me . Everybody else told us what we wanted to when things hear . They feared , upsetting us or the order of the pack . I had thought that was a good thing . But now , looking back on the conversation with Regan , I wondered if maybe it was more of a hindrance . If nobody had the nerve to speak up were wrong , then how were Xander and I expected to fix things ! Had we unwittingly made it so that pack members were afraid to approach us about their problems ? Had we made ourselves unapproachable ? A good leader listened to their pack members , I thought dully , staring blankly at the pack house . I wanted to be a great leader for my pack , the best Alpha I could be . Regan might not know it yet , but she had put doubts in my head and the first of many , many , doubts which began to creep in slowly , causing me to question everything as I began to unconsciously take her advice.I was going to find out what was going on in my pack , even if it killed me . 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.