Chapter 5 Regan POV I fidgeted underneath the doctors gaze as she pushed my nose back into place with a sickening crack . It stung , but I could breathe a lot easier , and 1 wiped the blood off my face with the washcloth she provided with a grateful smile . Dr Sarah was not pleased as she studied me . Her blue eyes were narrowed in displeasure as she looked me over deliberately , her gaze lingering on several bruises that were still in the process of healing . This is the third time this month youve ended up at the clinic , he said , pursing her lips With so called injuries youve sustained Regan . Is there something you would like to tell me ? he asked , folding her arms across her chest and spearing me with a gaze as I swallowed hard , my mouth going dry . No , this was an accident , during training 1 stammered Nobodys fault . I was a terrible liar . Her eyes felt as though they were piercing my very soul . Hmmm she muttered And the sprained wrist before that ? she raised a brow Or the broken rib the month before ? her voice was rising as I flushed and looked down at the ground Its blatantly obvious that somebody or several someones she amended with a growl are intentionally hurting you . Why dont you tell the Alpha and Luna ? she demanded this kind of behavior should not be tolerated in the Blood Moon Pack . I knew she meant well and had the best intentions . Dr Sarah was one of the few pack members who didnt seem to regard me as a monster or somebody who didnt belong in the pack . She seemed to genuinely care about me . But the Alpha and Luna were allowing this to happen . Whether it was by remaining oblivious to their pack members behavior or openly encouraging it . I didnt know . But telling them about the abuse I suffered would only make things worse for me , especially since I knew that they wouldnt care . Considering that Luna Jennifer used to be a close friend of my mothers that particularly caused me to feel hurt . She had once been close to me when I was younger , but like everybody else , she blamed me for what happened that day and turned on me . Thank you , Dr. Sarah , but I dont want to make things worse than they already are . I said softly . How can things get worse Regan ? the doctors voice was soft , her eyes filled with concern It might only be one injury here or there for now , but you dont have a wolf and that means your healing ability is more slow and painful . What happens if it begins to escalate ? If it becomes more than just minor injuries ? he asked , looking worried . I gave a forced smile . Right now , its just stupid pranks , 1 told her quietly and theyll get tired of picking on me . She didnt look convinced by my lies . Maybe I should have a word with your father she began , and I hastily held up at hand , halting her in her tracks . That was the last thing in the world that I needed . My father would be furious with me and would want to know what I was doing in the clinic in the first place .. No , please 1 pleaded Thats the last thing I need . Hell just see me as being weak and pitiful . The girl of a beta , constantly being hurt and harassed like this I shook my head Its better he doesnt know I cried . I could hardly tell her that my father and my stepsister were behind many of my injuries . I saw her bite her lip , debating inwardly with herself and I stared at her , continuing to plead and silently beg She sighed . Very well , but if this continues , Ill have no choice but to inform Alpha Jackson and Luna Jennifer she warned As the leaders of the pack they have a right to know when one of the members is being abused like this . No matter that you think otherwise . I nodded and quickly rushed from the room before she could say anything else . I knew I was going to have to be more careful about attending the hospital clinic in the future . I would have to limit my visits or stop going there to prevent Dr Sarah from carrying out her threats . I walked out of the main doors and headed outside , keeping my head bowed low . I managed to make it home without incident , only to find Heather inside , waiting for me , a panicked look on her face . 1/2 Chapter 3 Where on earth have you been she began , before she noticede blood on my clothes from my broken nose , as well as the bruising on my face . Oh gods , get cleaned up before you touch anything she interjed , motioning at me wildly and wrinkling her nose I dont want you to get anything dirty she added hastily . There was no concern when it came to me being hurt in her voice , unlike the concern she had for her house . I sighed and went to walk around her , but she stopped me , grabbing at my art again . What ? I asked , trying not to snarl at her . Dont use that tone with me she snapped , glaring at the Get dressed into something appropriate , as we must meet with the Alpha and Luna shortly . They want to see you she added , breathing heavily and looking even more frazzled . Me ? I asked , staring at her wide eyed Why the hell would they want to meet with me ? I demanded . What was going on ? The Alpha and Luna barely knew I existed . Why would they want to request a meeting now of all times ? Had I done something that warranted a punishment ? Had Isabelle done something to get me into further trouble ? I bit the inside of my lip , feeling afraid . Heather looked frustrated . I dont know what they want with you , she said icily What I do know is you need to get cleaned up and that you need to be on your best behavior She shot me condemning look And Im warning you now , that you are to keep silent about what happens around here if you know whats good for you she threatened . I almost laughed . As if they would care enough to stop it . But Heathers face was almost purple with rage now and 1 decided it was best not to provoke her or further antagonize her . Fine I answered with a shrug Can I go now ? Or should we just be late ? I asked a little snappily . My nose was still throbbing painfully , making me feel mulish . My stepmother tightened her lips , fighting to maintain her composure . Go , she said shortly , looking exasperated Be quick she added loudly , I dont want to keep them waiting . I rolled my eyes . If I had known the Alpha and Luna wanted to meet with me , I would have rushed home sooner . As it was I headed quickly up the stairs and into the bathroom , starting the shower . I didnt dare go before the Alpha and Luna without cleaning myself up . By the time I made it back downstairs , Heather was pacing back and forth , looking frantic and biting her lip . Finally , she said , grabbing me by the arm and dragging me out of the house, heading directly for the pack house Theyre expecting us . For what ? I asked , yanking my arm free and walking next to her in defiance . God knows . All these years and not a damn peep in relation to you and all of a sudden , they want to see you and talk Heather muttered I hope they havent suddenly developed a conscience when it comes to you she added frowning . I said nothing . Even if they had suddenly developed a conscience or were feeling regrets when it came to me , I wasnt about to forgive them for abandoning me when I needed them the most . My mother had considered them her best friends and when she died , they left me to the mercy of the pack and my so called family . I walked the rest of the way in stoic silence . 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. 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