Chapter 17 Regan POV My fathers grip was tight . I fought the urge to blanch and tried my best to look innocent as he glared down at me . Where do you think you are going ? he growled , as I tried hard not to look back at the forest where I had come from. Back to the house I stammered , as he continued to observe me with a sceptical look on his face . Luna Jennifer sent me home for the day I added , trying to look convincing . He scowled . Youre meant to be doing your duties and helping the other omegas . You want me to believe that the Luna simply let you go for the day ? he scoffed , unconvinced as my spirits sank . Now what was I supposed to do ? You could mind link he I suggested brightly Shell tell you that Im telling the truth . It was all I had to offer . There was nothing more I could think of to get me out of this situation . I could see him wavering , trying to debate if what I said might be the truth . A startled voice rang out from the trees . A farmiliar one . It was enough to make my father halt his actions . Johnathon , what are you doing ? she demanded . Luna Jennifer sounded shocked . I wondered if this was the first time she had expressly seen my father lift a hand to me or if she was simply embarrassed that he was doing it out in public for other pack members to see . My father released me relictantly , a scowl on his face . Did you give Regan permission to come home ? he growled at the Luna who looked taken aback . I was stunned at how casually he spoke to Luna Jennifer . That was not the proper way for pack members , even the Beta , to show respect . If he had done that to Alpha Jackson , he would have been punished immediately . Instead of being angry though , the Luna simply looked at him with a frown . She should have put him in his place , I thought surprised and a little miffed that she hadnt . Yes , she said defiantly , lifting her chin and regarding my father with flashing eyes Regan fell off a ladder today , and given the shock she had , I surmised she would be useless the rest of the day and instructed her to go home . Her tone was ice cold . She didnt even so much as deign to glance at me . My father looked at me and then deliberately looked back at her . You mean you let her go for something as stupid as that ? he said in disgust , wrinkling his brow and regarding her incredulously . He was tearing strips off the luna but what was worse was that she was letting him . This is not how a pack worked or how one treated their leader . Was he being deliberately obtuse of did he act this way towards her all the time ! It was a mystery how she didnt immediately correct his behavior . I found myself puzzled by this strange interaction between the two of them . It was much more casual , instead of a discussion between a Luna and an inferior being . Being a Beta did not rate this much respect from somebody higher up in the hierarchy . Beta Johnathon Luna Jennifer drew herself up , her eyes blazing her shoulders straight and her body stiff . She looked incensed as she raked her gaze over my father , her nose crinkling . She was finally giving my father what for . 1 secretly celebrated , even as I knew this would most likely result in some form of punishment for me later . It was worth it to see him being put in his place . May I remind you that I am the Luna and Lam in charge of what goes on around here , not you she snarled , moving so that her face was mere inches from my fathers as he went silent , perhaps sensing that he had seriously overstepped . The next time you treat me with such disrespect , or speak to me so casually , I will not hesitate to have your tongue ripped out and 1/3 Chapter 17 have you rendered mute she finished in a deadly voice . I let out the breath I had been holding , impressed with how easily she had silenced my father who was now cowed . My father bowed his head remorsefully . I apologize for the rudeness Luna Jennifer . 1 was not thinking he managed to utter as she glared at him It will not happen again he added swiftly . She did not look convinced . There was still a scowl on her face as she turned and eyed me warily . Regan what are you still doing out here ? she snapped now focussing her attention on m I adut you home quite some time ago and was under the impression you would go straight there to rest . Now I was in trouble . I wracked my brain for some form of believable excuse . I urn , thought that it would be nice to take a longer walk to steady my nerves I stammered . She was never going to believe that . I could see her looking at me and then glancing back in the direction of my mothers gravesite . My mouth went dry . She looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded slowly . She knew I was there . 1 braced myself , waiting to be outed to my father but she surprised me . Next time go home straight away she advised angrily as I nodded vehemently , relieved she didnt divulge my secret to Father and confused that she hadnt . You never know what you might run into on your own . Her eyes met my fathers , some silent form of communication . knew they werent mind linking because their eyes remained clear instead of going cloudy . I sensed there was something else they were speaking to each other about . I hesitated , my eyes going between them both , as though I was looking for some sort of clue , which frustrated my father . What are you waiting for damnit ? my father roared , seeing me still standing there stupefied Go home already . You can start on the laundry and dinner he added folding his arms across his chest . The Luna did not move . I paused but then quietly turned on my heel and began to walk in the direction of the house . She could have tattled on me to my father about the gravesite but she had chosen not to . I knew she knew I was there , but she had kept silent on the matter , and I was grateful . I still didnt know why she had chosen to visit , but I wasnt about to bring it . up in front of my father . I could sense their eyes on me , the Luns practically boring holes into me . My fathers voice began to speak , but it was so hushed that I could not hear what he was saying as he began to speak to Luna Jennifer , who leaned in close to hear him , a thoughtful expression on her face . Heather was not in a good mood when I came home . Naturally . She scowled as I entered . Why are you home ? she immediately demanded and then swiftly changed her mind . You know what , I dont want to know . Get dinner on and do the laundry . I have nothing to wear she complained , flipping her hair over her shoulder and glaring at me With you being at the pack house , some of the chores you do around here are starting to get neglected . Youre going to have to start staying up later if youre going to get everything done in time she added viciously . Why cant you or Isabelle put the laundry on ? I asked , without thinking about it . My head flung backward , and I tasted blood as her hand made direct contact with my face . Dont be such a smart ass she snarled How dare you try and talk back to me . Ive told you before that I wont tolerate it Youre lucky your father wasnt here to see it she added glowering as I put a hand to my cheek which was now throbbing . I swallowed hard . Part of me wanted to scream , to yell at her for being so lazy and for relying on me to do the majority of the work but I knew that wouldnt be wise . I forced myself to stare down at the ground , sensing just how volatile Heathers mood was . Im sorry I whispered , Ill go start the laundry I added , turning around dejectedly and beginning to head to the room as she watched me , her hands on her hips . The sound of Isabelles laughter coming from behind the closed door in her room only made me feel even more dejected.Sometimes I wished that I lived with another family . 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.