Chapter 4 Regan POV Father barely spared me a second glance , walking away from the training grounds , and leaving me there alone . I hesitated and then hurried , rushing in the direction of the Alpha twins , practically sprinting after them . They paused , hearing the sound of my footsteps , turning around , both of them raising a brow in question . I put a hand to my chest , coughing slightly as I tried to catch my breath . I wanted to thank you I wheezed , my voice finally finding itself I know you didnt have to help me back there but .. my voice trailed off , at the expressions on both their faces . It would have looked bad if we hadnt intervened Xander interrupted , casting a glance at his brother , She broke pack rules and only a coward would shift and attack somebody in human form he added cuttingly . I flushed . Xavier eyed me thoughtfully . How come you dont train with the rest of us ? he asked unexpectedly as I blinked at him . This was the first time , they had asked me anything , out of curiosity or interest . I was taken aback . Did this mean they wanted to know more about me ? Well , um , my father doesnt see the reason for it as Isabelle was the one who was more likely to take over his position , well until , you know I gestured to them both , blushing bright pink , Until you decided to become chosen mates with her . But that doesnt mean you shouldnt learn to defend yourself or make the effort to train Xanders voice was cold , and his expression was unforgiving . Even those who are in a low ranking in the pack need to be able to help protect it . Do you think you are above everyone else ? he asked icily . No I blurted out , looking between the two of them and seeing nothing but judgment in their eyes Of course not . III continued to stammer , my anxiety increasing as they continued to tower over me . Why didnt they understand that nothing I did was by choice ? Were they that oblivious to my life and the circumstances in which I was forced to live ? I should have known better than to chase after them like this . When we become Alphas of the pack that will change Xaviers voice was lower but no less cruel Youll be required to attend mandatory training and most likely extra sessions to make up for all the ones youve missed . Youre already the reason for one of our most beloved pack members being killed , do you really want to be responsible for the death of another ? he was callous , as I flinched from the accusation . I didnt kill my mother my voice was weak , It wasnt my fault protested , even as I knew it wouldnt make a difference . It never did . Xavier looked slightly uncomfortable , but Xander merely sneered at me . Please , weve all heard what a troubleniaker you are . You think youre above the rules , that none of them apply to you he made a rude motion at me , his eyes beginning to blaze Do you think that Isabelle hasnt told us about your true nature and how much of a bitch you are ? he snapped . Isabelle . Of course , she would make it sound as though I was the problem . If only these two knew what her true nature was like , but like everybody else , she had them completely fooled . I blinked back tears , looking at Xavier who merely avoided my gaze . For some unfathomable reason , I felt hurt by their opinions of me . Is that really what you think of me ? I asked , my heart giving a pang . Why did it matter so much what they thought ? Why did I care ? Everybody considered me to be a murderer or a weakling . but why did it hurt so much to think that the Alpha twins thought the same ? Since when did their opinion matter so much ? Theres no point trying to act the part of the innocent victim Xander regarded me coolly . According to Isabelle , you treat 1/3 Chapter 4 her like shes nothing more than a slave instead of a sister . When we make her our mate , youre going to find out very quickly what its like to be ordered around he smiled , the smile chilling me to the core , and what its like to have to do everything youre told . I hope youre prepared for that he added before turning his back on me and deliberately walking away Im not I began to say and then stopped . Im not this evil person that you believe I am , I wanted to shout just me . Why cant you see that ? It took me a moment to realize that Xavier was still standing there , looking down at mas 1 eyed him uncertainly . Shouldnt you be following your brother ? My voice was slightly waspish . Screw him . Screw him and screw Xander . They were just like everybody else in this damn pack . They werent interested in the truth . They only cared about becoming Alpha and leading the pack . I was merely an inconvenience and a burden to them . I could feel myself fighting back tears and digging my nails into the palms of my hands as I breathed in and out , regaining my composure . For what its worth , your fighting was quite good for somebody who hasnt attended a single training session Xavier offered at last , a small smile on his lips before it faded and he turned away , resolutely heading after his brother . I blinked . Had Xavier Dominion just complimented me ? Surely had to have misheard him . But I had heard him with my own ears . He had praised me , reluctantly , but it still made me feel a tiny spark of happiness inside . I watched the back of them , unable to drag my eyes away from them , marveling at what a handsome pair they made and grateful that nobody was here to see me looking at the twins in such a way . Or at least 1 thought that I was alone . That small moment of happiness did not last long . I felt a hand pinch my arm , causing me to gasp out loud and turn my head , meeting Isabelles cold eyes . Dont even think of going near my mates again she snarled , as tried to pull her hand away from any arm , her eyes narrowing Dont think I dont see what you are doing , trying to get their sympathy so that they will show you attention she hissed as I looked at her dumbfounded . Isabelle , I was just … I trailed off , not sure why I felt the need to defend myself from such a ridiculous accusation . Acting like a slut , she tightened her grip as I inhaled sharply from the pain Those are my mates Regan , mine she emphasized , as pack members walked past without stopping to offer help and if you so much as look at them the wrong way again , youll be very sorry she snapped . She pinched me hard again , as though to prove her point and I winced . She dropped my arm , and I grabbed at it , rubbing the pain , watching the bright red mark slowly go a pale pink . Next time I wont be so nice Tiffany warned me , lifting her head and looking down her nose at me You better remember that when Im Luna , Regan , youre very existence depends on n . so I wouldnt make me too angry if I were you . As for what you did to poor Tiffany she shook her head and then her hand thrust out fast , catching me in the nose , causing me to double over , clutching at it , blood spurting out onto the grass and down my clothes . That hurt . I looked up at her with tears trailing down my cheeks . She smirked Tiffany gives you , herregards . I watched through tears as she walked away , my hand holding my nose as I stumbled to my feet . I dreaded the day when she became Luna . Who knew what torture she would put me through once she was officially in charge . The only people who ever saw her bad side was me . Isabelle Ramona was no angel , but the pack certainly thought she was . It was too bad the twins couldnt see the side of Isabelle that I could . Maybe then , they would know the truth and that I wasnt as bad as they thought I was 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.