Chapter 19 Xander POV Was Xavier trying to intentionally piss off and rile our mother up ? The last thing we needed was for her to take away our positions as the future Alphis , I couldnt think of anything more humiliating than that happening to us . I had been practicing for this moment my entire life , from the moment I had been born . I had been the dutiful son my entire life , awaiting the day that I and my twin brother would be declared e Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack . Nothing could compare to that , not even turning eighteen and gaining our wolves . Xavic was about to mess it all up with his stupidity . I was beyond annoyed with him . Why couldnt he just leave well enough alone Just play the game I repeated softly , watching my brothers facul expressions flit across his face , trying my best to be persuasive and encouraging . Please Xavier , dont mess this up . I was almost begging him by now . We were so close to our dreams . He scowled . Why do you always have to do what our mother and father tell you to do Xander ? he demands heatedly as T put my hands in my pockets and stare at him silently . Why can you just think for yourself for once ? Are you telling me that you would give up everything to have that..that harlot as your mate he snapped , curling his lip in revulsion as though Isabelle was some sort of whore . Isabelle is not a harlot I shouted , losing my composure , even at a small part of me wondered if I was trying to defend her . or if I was simply refusing to acknowledge that his words were hitting close to the truth and its a small sacrifice , Xavier . Maniscule in the grand scheme of things . A small sacrifice? he asks looking at me in disgust Love isnt a small sacrifice Xander . I guess I never saw it clearly before , but now , I think , I want the mate that the moon goddess fully intended for me , for us to have he amended . I shifted on my feet . Involuntarily , my mind flashing back to the moment when I had touched and held Regan in my arms , remembering the tingles I had felt as they ran through my body , Was that how it would feel to touch my mate , or was that even a hint of what could be expected ? I could feel myself becoming intrigued even as I desperately tried to deny that what Xavier was trying to say wasnt the way I felt about it all . But why did Regan constantly come to mind even when I tried to push it away ? Why was it when I went to sleep at night , that it wasnt Isabelle that haunted my dreams , but Regan ! Even now , I can feel her soft strands of hair , see the raven blackness of it , and picture those big pretty doe eyes of hers as she looks up at me and I feel my body stiffen . We dont even know who our true mate is Xavier I force my voice to remain patient , as my brother exhales and looks at me in exasperation What if shes an omega ? Are you going to still want her then ? my voice is deliberately cruel , in an attempt to get my brother to see sense . What if its Regan ? A small voice inside my voice asks and I fight to keep my face expressionless . I know it cant be Regan . Thats impossible . The tingles I felt when I touched her were simply aftershocks from the fall , I tried to reassure myself Besides , somebody of her status , which is nothing , even lower than a pathetic omegas , due to her killing her mother , would . never be paired with somebody the likes of Xavier and me , soon to be Alphas . But if it was Regan , you would want her , wouldnt you . the voice persisted as I frowned , finding it difficult to ignore . I couldnt deny that Regan was attractive , pretty even . But thats as far as my attraction to her went . Just because I felt odd sparks when I touched her , didnt mean anything . But just picturing her in my minds eye was enough to cause a reaction in the lower part of my body and I shifted on my feet , awkwardly trying to hide it from thy brother who luckily , was too busy looking away from me to notice it . Thank god . I coughed , drawing my brothers attention back to me . Why do we put such value on status and hierarchy my brothers voice is thoughtful When did it become undesirable to have a mate that was of lower status ? It used to be that it didnt matter because the mate bond was sacred and because it was believed that they increased your strength by being with you . Your mate still does , I said frowning at him but I guess as time has gone on , more emphasis has been put on having a 1/2 Chapter 19 mate of more desirable qualities , and that happens to be due to their status . Its wrong he muttered irritably . Its life Xavier I countered back No different to royalty who w only marry other royalty from different countries . Look at our pack 1 gestured wildly at it Were one of the larger ones in the country , Is it any wonder that our Mother and Father want to ensure that its properly taken care of and that our leadership is up to their standards ? They have helped grow this pack and turned it into what it is today . Can you blame them for wanting to make sure that their legacy and what they built with their own hands continues after they are gone ? The omegas continue their work around us . Xavier still looks deant . I sighed . Even I dont believe my own words , but I was prepared to sachlice my own desires in order to become Alpha didnt understand where his reluctance was coming from . He couldnt be falling in love with Regan , could he ? Surely , he would not stoop that low ? Falling for somebody that the pack would wholeheartedly despise ? There was no way we would be mates with that creature . He was being naive and childish . He needed to grow the hell up and accept that life didnt always go the way we expected it to He needed to accept what was important and do his duty for the good of the pack . The pack was always our main priority . It always would be . What is your plan ? I narrowed my eyes . When we get our wolves tomorrow , what are your planning to do Xavier ? I cant stop you from feeling the mate bond , no matter how much I want to , because I think youre being stupid I said loudly and with heavy emphasis , but I will fight you until you reject whoever it is , if there is somebody that we are mates with , in this pack . Then I guess it depends on what happens tomorrow then he countered with a raised brow . Perhaps fate will smile on you brother and the moon goddess will grant you her mercy and nobody will be our mate tomorrow and all will be well he allowed , his expression hard and his lips twitching , and if thats the case , I will follow your lead and announce Isabelle as our chosen mate but … he shrugged . If you sense or smell your mate sometime tomorrow , youre not planning on rejecting her , are you ? I whispered stricken , coming to the right conclusion as he gazed steadily at me . Are you insane ? Mother will have you whipped and placed in the dungeon before she will allow you to accept somebody besides Isabelle as your mate I snapped , Dont do it , Xavier , Im warning you now . We all have choices to make Xander . Even you . Youre happy to accept what is given to you , without question . Thats your right . Im starting to wonder about this pack and what goes on behind closed doors . Not everything is as it seems . Not everything is as perfect as Mother and Father make it out to be . You can stay with the pack and bury your head in the sand he stared at me , his eyes glinting under the fairy lights or you can break away from the crowd and start discovering for yourself whats really important to you . The choice is yours . Im going my way , you go yours . He turned and walked away , leaving me standing there , bewildered and hurt . I wasnt used to being estranged from my brother and the idea that both of us were on opposite sides , made me feel like I might be losing the bond I had with Xavier forever . 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.