Chapter 15 Xander POV 盘式 : 70 % 圖 I frowned . Xavier was out of sorts again today . He wouldnt say why , but it was easy to discern it had something to do with that little bitch Regan again Who else would have put my brother in such a foul mood ? Hed actually smashed his fist into the bedroom wall this morning in his anger . Usually out of the both of us , Xavier was more even tempered than this . I was the one who tended to have the more volatile mood swings . Even our mother and Father have noticed he is acting differently , although they remain oblivious to the real reason . What do you suppose it is ? My mother was quiet , a thoughtful expression on her face as she turned to look at me , her brow raised in question Is Xavier having doubts about Isabelle as his chosen mate ? she asks , sounding genuinely concerned . I inhaled sharply . My father leaned forward and studied me intently . How was I to tell them that the reason for Xaviers strange behavior was in fact , another girl , one that was hated by the entire pack ? IF I told them he was starting to have feelings towards Regan , they would no doubt lose their minds . Part of me felt a sense of loyalty towards my brother . I didnt want to betray him , no matter how angry I was . I still thought that he would come to his senses and realize that Isabelle was the one who was meant for both of us and the right Luna for our pack . This thing with Regan was merely some sort of strange fixation of his that would no doubt fade with time . I think hes just nervous about becoming Alpha I answered tightly Both of us feel like we have a lot to prove . It wasnt a lie . I felt the pressure of being a good leader , of not taking the position of Alpha for granted . Even though it was being handed to us , it didnt mean we shouldnt have to work hard at it . But youve always known you were going to become Alphas of the pack my father looks surprised and weve had your trained hard as a result of that . You are both excellent warriors , both of you are popular in the pack , there shouldnt be any problems when you eventually take over . He made it sound so simple . As though that was all it took to become an Alpha and to lead the entire pack . I loved my mother and my father dearly , but they were also remarkably obtuse when it came to what real leadership pertained to . I suspected that had a lot to do with Beta Johnathon who seemed to constantly be murmuring in their ears . I didnt like the man , but I couldnt put my finger on why . He was close friends with my family , but something about him was just off . Then again . I also disliked his new mate , his wife Heather as well . Perhaps it was just me , I thought nonchalantly , fixing my eyes back on my father . I think that Xavier wants to prove we can be good leaders , despite the training weve received . We want to make the both of you proud I told them . But of course you will my mother sounded dismayed How could you possibly disappoint us ? You have the perfect chosen mate , you are both the strongest warriors in the pack , highly intelligent , and creative . We are very proud of the both of you . I smiled crookedly . Thank you , Mother , I turned Father . My mother sighed Lets just leave Xavier alone for now and see if his attitude improves . Perhaps it is simply nerves or something more . Im sure that after his party and you have turned eighteen , things will start to improve . My father nods and I recognize that Im being dismissed . I smile wanly and then bow any head respectfully , leaving the study and quietly beginning to make my way outside . If Xavier isnt careful , our mother and father will host some sort of intervention in an attempt to get behind why hes having these sudden bursts of anger . If that happens then even I wont be able to protect him . I sigh , feeling despondent . I would have liked to speak to Isabelle but a glance around the pack house on the main flou . shows shes nowhere to be seen . As I head out the door and onto the grounds outside , I see other pack members but again no Isabelle . I cant see Xavier either . I hesitate . I could mind link him but in the mood hes in , I doubt that he will be bothered to answer me . I can still sense his anger and his frustration . Sometimes being a twin and having a bond between us is like a double edged sword . I begin to head further out but something stops me in my tracks and I walk around the pack house , coming to a stop as I spot Regan on the ladder . She looks ashen , I note , watching her trembling violently . Her hand is 1/2 870 % 2 Chapter 15 shaking as she attempts to wash the window and she looks as though shes about to faint . I hesitate . Part of me shouldnt care that shes in this kind of distress . Part of me feels like she deserves it . If it had been anyone else , I wouldnt have hesitated to help but her . I shook my head . Regan was a murderer . The reason her mother was dead . If she fell , its not like she would die , I inwardly told myself , as I stood there observing , but it would be painful , the voice continued , and recovery would be slow . Still , it shouldnt faze me . Not with how I personally feel towards her . Then I see her swaying . She loses her balance . I see her start to backward . Her long hair flies out behind her as her body begins to drop . Her mouth opens in a bloodcurdling scream . My body reacts instinctively , darting forward so fast Im almost a blur . I dont have time to consider how astonishing that is as I put my arms out , instinctively catching her in mid air and breaking her fall , Whoosh Electricity courses through me . For a moment , all I feel is this pulsating feeling , this undeniable jolt that shocks me to the core as I stand there holding her , my ip tightening as her eyes open and she blinks , her expression one of shock . Shes visibly shaking . I come back to my senses and slowly , reluctantly put her back down on the ground . She stumbles and my hand reaches out , steadying her . She looks overwhelmed . Im shocked at my own actions . Where was my hatred , my anger towards her ? It was like it had all faded the very instant I touched her . Thank you her voice is barely above a whisper . I can see the tears in her eyes . I look back at the ladder and its easy to ascertain that shes afraid of heights . By this stage , weve gathered a crowd and mother comes rushing out , a worried expression on her face . What happened ? she addresses me and ignores Regan , which uses a spurt of anger inside me as I swallow it down . She fell , I said shortly as were afraid of heights ? Regan bit her lip and looked down at the ground Why didnt you say you I snarled . Regan looked terrified by the attention we were attracting . My mother inhaled If I had known I would have given you another task she snapped , causing Regan to look down at the ground embarrassed You risked your safety and my sons with your stupidity she continued . Mother my voice is sharp thats enough . Shes just had a scare and youre making it worse . My mother looks indignant , but my father speaks up . Hes right Jennifer . Be grateful that Xander caught her , and everybody is fine . Theres no harm done his voice is gruff . My mother continues to look incensed but she knows shes outnumbered . She points at Regan . Go home , she says as Regans eyes widen After whats just happened I doubt that , youre of any use anyway . Come back . tomorrow and well find something else to be done . Its the twins birthday party preparations and therell be plenty of decorations to take care of and more . She turns and storms off without a word . My father sighs and then walks after her . Regan glances at me and I turn dismissive . Well , what are you waiting for ? I say coldly , You should go before we change our mind and send you back up that ladder I add cruelly. Its enough to make her turn and rush away . I watch her go , my chest feeling tight for some inexplicable reason . Why did I feel so bad making her walk away and why did I want to call her back ? 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.