Chapter 21 Xavier POV I happened just after midnight . As we stood outside , waiting for the clock to strike midnight , the moment my brother and t had been waiting for finally arrived , Pain , indescribable , shot though ine , causing me to collapse to the floor , my limba failing as my bones began to slowly break , readjusting and shifting themselves . It was excruciating Nothing I had ever felt before . By the look in my brothers eyes , he felt the same . There was nothing I could do , but continue to endure it , waiting until the pain faded . I stood , feeling Wrangely off balance , glancing down at large black paws . My wolf spoke to me . Greetings . I am Hades and its a pleasure to finally meet you he growled . I could feel the strength we possessed coursing through our body as I glanced over to my brother who also had a large black wolf , nearly identical to my own . Not surprising given that we were both to be Alphas . My mother and father looked pleased . I didnt wait around for permission , wanting to test out this woll form of mine , running straight for the forest , with Xander in tow . My paws thudded loudly along the ground , my body running so fast that it was a blur . We were fast and agile . I leaped over fallen tree branches with ease . I sniffed , taking in the various aromas of the forest , my mouth watering Everything was so much clearer and more focused . I ran for what seemed like hours , enjoying the feel of it , the dirt beneath my paws , the joy of being free of being in wolf form exhilarating , Being able to speak to Hades was also exciting . I felt like myself for the first time in a long time . Was this what had been missing ? Was this what had been making me feel so out of sorts for the last few weeks ? Waft until we find our mate he told me I am certain that she is in this pack . I have been aware of her existence for the last few weeks , but you have been oblivious to every little hint that have tried to extend to you he added irritably . He sounded very put out that I had not been able to put his little clues together . You know who our mate is ? I asked as we turned back towards the pack house , cautiously glancing backward at Xander who was slowing his approach as well . I thought we didnt smell our mates until we were eighteen . How could you know ? Its instinctual . Theres just something about the girl that resonates with you . You might need to wait until youre eighteen to catch her scent , but there are telltale signs that we can pick up on if were clever enough . Then you know that technically Mother and Father have insisted that we reject our mate I told him as we headed back onto the grounds , They want us to take a chosen mate instead for the betterment of the pack . A chosen mate will weaken us he snarled , nor will I accept one that is not my fated one , given to me by the moon goddess . I have seen the girl they want in exchange for a fated mate and she is nothing but trouble he ackled icily , his tone one of despisement . Xander disagrees .. Your brother is not used to going against his parents wishes . He is more prone to manipulation than you are . Now that he has his wolf , that may change Hades advised sounding unconvinced . I shifted back to human form , pulling on my clothes as my brother caught up and did the same . For a moment there was silence as we stood there , looking at each other . In the end , we had gone to bed and now we were up , but to my disappointment as pack members came and went , there had been no miraculous scent of our mate . Xander looked disappointed as well as we stood there , watching , waiting , hoping Maybe its Isabelle after all Xander mutters , glancing at me sharply , Hades says its not , I tell him calmly . 19 Fri , Jan 10 Chapter 21 70 % My wolf would not lie to me and I trust Hades . Besides , I know abelle is here , somewhere , helping out with the party , if only to show off her future role as Luna , even though that is not going to happen now , I expect him to argue with me but his shoulders slump . Aries says the same . Aries is his wolf . He nibbles on his lip . What do we do ? He sounds almost panicked by the idea that we are going against what everybody else has chosen for us , whereas I am more open and welcoming of it . I never wanted to take Isabelle as my mate and this has only cemented it for me . If you cant smell her here , then shes not present . You could go and find her suggested Hades rolling his eyes as though he couldnt believe we were being so obtuse . I glanced at Xander . Do you even want to go find her ? You were pretty determined to have Isabelle as your mate ? I tried not to scoff at him . Aries wont accept a chosen mate he mumbled , glancing away My wolf wants his fated mate . Oh really ? Somehow , Im not surprised but I cant help sneering at my brother of all the … I trailed off at the look on his face . Enough alright Xander snaps I understand your anger and your frustration . I get it . Ive been an asshole . I didnt understand you ; I didnt get what you were trying to say he exhaled but now we have a bigger problem he exhaled loudly . If we dont make that announcement tonight , Mother is going to demand our titles be taken from us , he said in warning . No , she wont , I told him There is nobody else to take the position , not unless they challenge us to a fight . We have the right to duel anybody who wants the title . I would win too . I was the strongest fighter in the pack . Nobody could beat me . What about the relationship between them and Beta Johnathon ? If we dont declare Isabelle as the chosen mate . he trailed off . Not our problem . We didnt create this problem , they did . Isabelle will survive . My tone was unapologetic . I didnt really care what happened to Isabelle . What if we had both of them ? my brother suggested faintly . I stared at him . Dont tell me that youre proposing what I think youre proposing We make Isabelle Luna but mark our fated mate so that we get to increase our strength . Everybodys happy that way he said lamely Moyou I stared at him incredulously , Xander , are you insane ? Do you think our fated mate is going to accept something as ludicrous as that ? Its the ultimate insult . Even Hades cant believe what hes just heard , growling threateningly in my mind . To whom ? If shes an omega or somebody of low status , then she might accept it and we can save face he argued . I cant believe this I snapped I thought you were finally about to see sense and then you came up with some crazy hair- brained scheme like this one . I am not about to insult my mate by asking her to let somebody else be Luna in public . I am not going to turn her into what is effectively a mistress I snarled Think about it , Xavier . This could work he argued We wouldnt have to worry about our titles , we would still be able to lead the pack . Nobody loses . Everything goes along as planned . Chapter 21 Except for our mate . I told him icily and your wolf probably doesnt even want to be near Isabelle , does he ? I demanded heatedly . The thought of even touching Isabelle now made me cringe and feel repulsed . Xander would surely feel the same way now that he knew they werent mates . Well , no Xander admitted with a sigh but eventually , Im sure Dat we could … Eventually nothing . Im not negotiating Xander . You so much as approach our mate with this offer and I will kill you with my bare hands I growled as he flinched , Make your choice : I never took you for a coward before , but now I shook my head in disgust the lengths youll go to keep our parents happy take you think youre the ultimate coward . You disgust me I told him , turning away and walking away Get a backbone Xander and find it soon . The partys tonight and I have no intentions of going along with Mother and Fathers plans . I was going to look for my mate . If she wouldnt come to me , then I would go to her . It was time to find out who she was , once and for all . 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.