Chapter 22 Regan POV If I have to do one more thing for Isabelle , I may just strangle her with my bare hands , regardless of the consequences . She preens in front of the mirror , her long hair now upswept into an elegant updo , her eyes enhanced by her eyeliner , her dress . clinging to her frame and showing off her generous cleavage . Ace way to put , that it leaves nothing to the imagination whatsoever . Her dress is a vibrant red , strapless , tight at the bodice and then flowing down to the ankles , a long dit down the side . I thought she was wearing a different dress but who knows , Isabelle changes her mind so often that its impossible to tell what shes wearing one day to the next . Shes dressed to make sure she makes a statement at the party , thats for sure . Nobody is going to be able to look past her in this dress . But thats the point , isnt it ? Shes making sure no other girl outshines her tonight . She smiles at herself in the mirror , touching the small delicate locket shes wearing . A gift from the twins if I remember correctly , for one of her other birthdays . I look like a Luna she sighs . She looked like a harlot , I thought uncharitably , a little annoyed by how long I had been kept , serving at her beck and call for hours on end . I fought to keep my thoughts to myself though as she glanced at me , a smirk on her face . I was grateful she wasnt able to read minds because mine was not thinking favorably of her at that moment . I bet you wish you were going to the birthday party she sneered , trying to provoke me . To be honest , I was glad I wasnt going . I didnt need the looks of disgust and resentment aimed my way or the malicious gossip that would be bound to follow . Isabelle would never understand that , however . She lived for these kinds of things . I hope you have a good time tonight , I told her between gritted teeth and smiling insincerely at her in response . She looked taken aback by my answer . To my relief , we both heard Heather calling her downstairs Looks like its time to go . See you later loser she smirked , flouncing out of the bedroom . Thank you , moon goddess . I tiptoed down the stairs and watched as Heather and Isabelle walked out to a waiting limousine . My father must have been waiting for them at the party already , which meant that I was alone , once again . I silently celebrated . My stomach growled and as the door closed , I took the opportunity to slip into the kitchen and grab something small and easy to eat A protein bar and some coffee and I was golden . It was more than enough to sustain me , as I was used to not eating much . I wasnt going to waste this opportunity , certain that it would be a long time until I was alone again in head . this house by myself , deciding to slip out and speak to my mother . I put on a large hoodie , slipping it over covering my face , and began to make tracks , aware of how eericit seemed with hardly any pack members outside due to the party . It was a little unnerving as I made my way deeper into the forest , but I remained calm , reminding myself that this would be a lost opportunity if I didnt go . my Her cross shone in the darkness , beneath the moonlight . I glanced around and then pulled my hood back , revealing my hair which cascaded down my shoulders loosely , I closed my eyes , enjoying the feel of the soft breeze in the air , the stillness , the peace , and the serenity . I touched her resting place , feeling lost . Sometimes just being here , was enough to cause me to become lost in my memories . Hello Mother I whispered between shaking lips . Oh , what I wouldnt do to hear a reply , or to hear her voice again , once more . I force a laugh Isabelle has gone to the twins eighteenth birthday party , so I thought that I would come and speak to you I told her , prepared to sit down and get comfortable , assured that nobody would find me here . Everybody would be busy with the party . It was inconceivable to think that anybody would be all the way out here when they could be having fun with the pack and celebrating with the twins . So , I was stunned to hear the sound of running footsteps behind me , causing me to whirl around in a panic . I knew that if I was found here I would be in trouble , but I didnt have a chance to take off running . The person was on me in seconds , rushing through the clearing and growling furiously as I flinched in fear . I was a goner for sure . 1/8 12:19 Fri , Jan Chapter 22 My heart stopped and for a moment I couldnt breathe . This couldnt be happening . They had to be mistaken . That voice . I raised my head slowly , taking in the disheveled her , the wild look in their eyes , the heaving of their chest as they stareil at me , disbelief in my eyes . Not them . It couldnt be wanted to cry as I took in who had said it , who was eyeing me now as though I was the only woman he had ever seen . Why had the moon goddess seen fit to grant me him , them as my mates ? Was this another punishment for what I had done ! I fought back tears , knowing that the rejection was inevitable and trying to steel myself for it . You are mistaken , I told him , as he stepped closer to me , sniffing . More footsteps and his twin came crashing through . Great , now had Xander and Xavier both standing there , sniffing me and staring at me with wide eyes . Mate Xander growled . Their expressions were identical . They pressed closer and I took step backwards in fear . No I whispered , and see the forlorn look in their eyes , the sadness on their faces . I didnt understand . What were they thinking ? Were they upset that I was trying to deny it ? Had they forgotten about their chosen mate ? About Isabelle ? How could they think that I would accept this ? After everything they had put me through ? I was not going to let them perform yet another sick prank on me . Thats all this was , I was certain of it. But a small voice inside of me insisted this was no prank . The twins looked too desperate for it not to be real . I am not your mate I cried , holding my hands up when they looked about to rush me , backing away slowly as they watched me intently . You are Xavier answered , his eyes darkening I can smell your scent . You smell like cinnamon and brown sugar he moaned , as Xander nodded in agreement I just want to touch you he growled . Brown sugar and cinnamon ? I licked my lips , staring between them helplessly . Even if I ran , they would catch me in seconds . I had to make them see how impossible this was . I had to remind them what was at stake . I was already hated by the pack . Despised . If I was the reason that Isabelle didnt become Luna .. that would be nothing in comparison to what the pack would have in store for me . they try to shake their heads in denial I cant be your mate I try to sound firm Isabelle is your mate , I tell them both as they You chose her remember ? You and your parents . You dont want me . Neither of you my tone is slightly bitter by now Ta nothing but an embarrassment to the pack , the reason for my mothers death I nod towards her gravestone , tears in my eyes You need to do the right thing and reject me . Sharp inhalations . They look as though Ive said something hurtful . I brace myself , preparing for the inevitable , but they dont say the words Im expecting to hear . I dont understand . They cant possibly be thinking of taking me as their Luna . Its inconceivable . Nobody would accept it . Not to mention that I dont think I want to , not after all the pranks theyve pulled and the number of times they have physically harmed me . My mouth opens of its own accord . Screw it . If they wont- do it then I will ! If you wont reject me then Ill reject you . I Regan Lourdes of the Blood Moon Pack Reject Xavier and Xander Dominion of the Blood Moon Pack as my mates ! A strangled sound from both of them . I dont wait around to hear what they have to say or to hear them accept it . I turn and run , blindly , staggering away from them with tears trailing down my cheeks . Ive done the right thing , but why does my heart feel like its breaking into tiny pieces ? 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.