When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 23

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 23**

“Kelsey!”

The sound of her name cut through the chaos like a knife, prompting her to instinctively raise her arms in a futile attempt to shield herself from the impending blow. But before she could fully comprehend the situation, a strong, familiar presence enveloped her, pulling her into a protective embrace.

It was Ryan.

With the last remnants of his strength, he positioned himself between her and the threat, becoming her shield.

Smack!

The harsh sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed in the room as the slap connected with Ryan’s face, leaving a crimson streak across his cheek.

In an instant, Andrew was at her side, his protective instincts kicking in as he yanked Kelsey into his own arms, his fury barely contained within him.

“Enough, Ryan!” he shouted, his voice a mix of concern and anger, as if he were trying to keep the situation from spiraling further out of control.

But Ryan, battered and bloodied, swayed unsteadily on his feet, his body a testament to the violence he had just endured. His glare was fierce, a raw rasp escaping his lips. “Don’t… touch her.”

With those words hanging heavily in the air, Ryan’s strength gave out, and he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud, the sound reverberating through the stunned crowd.

***

The banquet hall erupted into chaos, a cacophony of screams and the frantic scurrying of guests who were grabbing their phones to call for help. The distant wail of an ambulance siren pierced through the noise, a grim reminder of the urgency of the situation.

As paramedics rushed to lift Ryan onto a stretcher, he kept his gaze fixed on Kelsey, his eyes filled with a desperate fear that she might slip away from him. Blood stained his lips, each shallow breath a struggle, yet he mustered the strength to whisper, “Don’t be afraid… I’m okay.”

In the doorway, William Mitchell stood like a dark storm cloud, his imposing figure casting a long, ominous shadow across the scene. His expression was one of barely contained rage, his features twisted in fury.

As the ambulance pulled away, he locked eyes with Kelsey, his glare laced with venom, hatred radiating from him like an aura.

“Jinx.”

***

Kelsey’s fingertips trembled as she tried to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

Andrew, sensing her distress, gently took her hand in his, his voice a soothing balm. “It’s alright, don’t be afraid. Let’s go back.”

With a slight nod, Kelsey agreed. Just as she settled into the car, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket.

An unknown number flashed on the screen—Ryan’s Beta.

“Miss Evans, the Alpha… wants to see you one last time.”

Kelsey’s brow furrowed in confusion, ready to refuse the request outright. But the urgency in the other werewolf’s voice made her pause.

“He said if you truly can’t forgive him, then just see him this once. He’ll sign the divorce papers.”

Divorce.

The very word sent a shudder through her, its weight heavy and suffocating.

After a moment of silence, she found herself nodding in reluctant acceptance.

“Alright.”

In her heart, she knew this absurd entanglement needed a resolution, a finality that had been long overdue.

Noticing her hesitation, Andrew reached out, his fingers brushing through her hair in a comforting gesture.

“It’s okay,” he reassured her softly. “Go. I’ll have people watching over you secretly. Whatever you decide, I’m on your side.”

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