Chapter 27
Tessa turned her head to meet Ryan’s gaze.
His face was flushed, as if he might collapse at any moment.
Tessa could tell he had drunk too much, so she didn’t argue with him.
“You’ve had enough to drink. Go back to your room.‘
“}
She was about to leave when Ryan suddenly lunged forward and grabbed her.
“Tessa, come back to me.”
“Give me another chance!”
He hugged her tightly, burying his head into her neck, his eyes fixed on the spot where his mark was supposed to be.
But he had messed it up–he hadn’t left his mark on his destined mate’s neck.
Feeling his breath against her skin, Tessa felt a wave of fear rise inside her. She immediately pushed him away, but no matter how hard she tried, he wouldn’t let go.
“Stop it!”
“Let go of me!”
“I won’t go back with you!”
In an instant, a large hand grabbed Ryan from behind, yanking him away and lifting him into the air by his throat.
“How dare you!”
Tessa looked up, her eyes locking with Aaron’s.
She stood behind him, gripping his arm.
Gone was the usual gentleness on Aaron’s face.
His eyes, filled with anger, now held a fiercer intensity as he looked at Ryan.
“If you keep this up, you’ll be off this ship!”
Aaron released Ryan, and he collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath.
It took a while for Ryan to recover. He then sneered and looked at Tessa with a mocking smile.
Chapter 27
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“So, you’ve fallen for him?”
It seemed like he was desperately seeking the answer.
Tessa reached out and took Aaron’s hand, speaking firmly.
“I have fallen for him. He is my fated mate, and I’m going to be his Luna.”
Her words struck Ryan like a swarm of ants crawling over his skin, gnawing at his heart.
He had never imagined that he would one day see her love another man.
“You’ve always seen me as just a tool to get over the shadow of your brother. You never loved me.”
“No, I love you! I’ve always wanted you. My wolf grew weaker after losing you. I’ve always loved
you!”
Ryan dropped to his knees, pleading, his eyes red with desperation.
“No! You only love yourself! If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t have betrayed me.”
“You know I was always unloved by my parents, bullied by the pack, but you did nothing. Because all you wanted was a mate to be your pack’s Luna, your trophy!”
“I’ve already rejected you.”
“Aaron is my second mate. He’s always loved me, and I love him.”
For a moment, Ryan seemed to understand what it felt like to be betrayed.
All those moments when Tessa had pretended to be unaware while watching him and Chloe cheat on her what had she been thinking?
Before Ryan could respond, Tessa grabbed Aaron’s hand and walked away.
Seeing Aaron’s stern expression, Tessa knew he wasn’t happy.
She stood on her tiptoes, gently kissing his cheek.
Aaron smiled.
“I heard you love me? And that you’re ready to become my Luna?”
Though they hadn’t reached that point yet, Tessa meant every word.
“I was just kidding.”
Aaron smiled wider.
Chapter 27
“Oh, I’m serious! I’m going to tell my mom when I get back! She’ll be so happy!”
He bent down and kissed Tessa on the lips.
The sea breeze blew through, and Ryan, standing nearby, watched them intently.
He felt like a rat hiding in the shadows, witnessing their happiness.
Three months later, as they prepared for the Luna crowning ceremony, Aaron was genuinely excited for Tessa to become his Luna Queen. He wanted her to understand his true feelings.
Tessa, more than anyone, understood this.
When Ryan heard the news, he couldn’t sleep, his wolf growing weaker by the day. The pack members were increasingly dissatisfied with him.
He couldn’t change anything, and he told himself that maybe time was the best healer.
Audrey and Liam had no objections. Aaron was an Alpha King, well–raised and strong.
More importantly, he treated Tessa well.
They respected Tessa’s decision and wouldn’t force her anymore.
They just wanted to see her happy, and maybe then they would finally be at peace.
Two days later, they returned home.
Chloe, once again cast out from the pack, hid behind a tree, watching them laugh and talk about Tessa’s wedding. Her hands clenched unconsciously.
“It’s all Ryan’s fault. He’s the reason I lost my pack…”
