When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 28

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 4**

Ryan picked up his phone, his heart racing slightly as he cast a quick glance at Tessa, ensuring she was deep in slumber before he pressed the record button for a voice message. The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face, and he couldn’t help but let a smile slip as he spoke.

“But I just got back, babe. How about tomorrow?” His voice was warm, laced with affection, yet it felt like a thin veil over the truth.

On the other end, Chloe wasted no time, her tone direct and insistent. “Ryan, don’t you miss me? I miss you so much. I just want to see you.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with longing, and Ryan felt a pang of guilt.

“By the way, did the wedding dress I wore today look good?” Chloe’s voice was playful, teasing, and Ryan could picture her twirling in front of a mirror, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Of course it looked great,” he replied without hesitation, the words slipping out easily, yet they felt like a betrayal.

Chloe pressed on, her curiosity piqued. “Who do you think looks better in that dress, Tessa or me?”

Ryan hesitated, his gaze drifting back to Tessa, who lay peacefully asleep, her expression serene. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he considered his answer.

“No one looks better than you,” he finally said, the words cutting through the air like a blade, piercing Tessa’s heart without mercy.

Once upon a time, Ryan had proclaimed Tessa to be the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman he had ever encountered. Just a short while ago, he had stood before the entire pack, announcing with pride that Tessa would be their future Luna. The envious glances cast her way had filled her with hope, leading her to believe she would bask in happiness forever.

Yet now, the bitter truth dawned upon her. Ryan’s declaration had merely been a ploy to extricate her from the Bloodmoon pack, paving the way for Chloe to ascend as the one true Luna. Chloe would seize not only the affection of the pack but also the approval of their parents, wielding power over Tessa from within the very heart of the pack.

Chloe, seemingly satisfied with Ryan’s answer, softened her tone, a sweet syrup that dripped from her lips. “Then, are you coming over to stay with me tonight?”

“I’m still waiting for you today…” Her voice was inviting, and Ryan felt the familiar pull of temptation that was hard to resist.

“Tessa is asleep now. Wait for me,” he replied, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice.

He stood up, gathering his clothes with a sense of determination. Before stepping out, he quickly typed a message to Tessa, a thinly veiled attempt to cover his tracks.

“Babe, there’s a sudden matter with the pack. I need to head back. Stay home and wait for me.”

Tessa had lost count of the nights Ryan had spun tales of “pack business.” Each time he claimed to be attending to urgent matters, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he was slipping away to meet Chloe.

As she watched him leave, a bitter taste filled her mouth, and she felt the tears welling up, threatening to spill over. Lying on her side in bed, she let the hot tears flow, soaking her pillow as her heart ached.

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