When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 5

5 /47

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 5**

Kelsey finally grasped the bitter truth: her previous patience had been nothing more than a cruel joke played by fate.

In her quest for love, she had sacrificed her dignity and reputation, only to realize that Ryan had never truly cherished her. The reality of her situation settled heavily on her chest, a weight she could no longer ignore.

As the taxi came to a halt, she flung the door open with an urgency that startled even herself. There he stood—Ryan—his presence both familiar and foreign, like a haunting melody she could never forget.

Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, something unspoken flickered between them, a complex mix of emotions that left her breathless. His voice softened, almost tender, as he spoke, “Those photos… I’ll handle them.”

A soft, bitter laugh escaped Kelsey’s lips, a sound that held no joy.

She understood all too well what he meant by “handle it.” In Ryan’s world, the truth was never mended; it was simply buried, forced to vanish quietly into the shadows.

In a matter of days, the scandal would fade from memory, and she would be left branded as the pack’s despised “home-wrecker,” a title that would cling to her like a shroud.

“Ryan, if your plan is to just bury the news, then don’t bother,” she replied, her voice steady, her spine straightening with resolve.

Her eyes blazed with clarity, unyielding in the face of his indifference.

“I’m going to set the record straight. I want everyone to know that I am not a slut.”

His expression hardened, the warmth that had briefly illuminated his gaze extinguished in an instant.

Stepping closer, he seized her wrist with a rough grip, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. “Kelsey! Our relationship can’t be public right now. Can’t you try to understand me a little? Stop making scenes!”

“Making scenes?” she echoed softly, her heart racing, yet she refused to back down. “Ryan, even now, you still think I’m the one causing a scene?”

The realization hit her like a physical blow, sharp and undeniable: he had never truly cared about her pain, never once considered the humiliation she had endured for him.

In his eyes, all her suffering was worthless.

Ryan’s brow furrowed deeply, and his tone turned sharp, laced with authority. “My decision is final. You will wait.”

As soon as the words left his lips, several Pack warriors stepped forward, their strong hands pinning her arms with an unyielding grip.

Kelsey struggled against them, desperation coursing through her veins, but the difference in strength was insurmountable. They dragged her into the car, locking her inside as if she were a mere object to be contained.

An hour later, the vehicle came to a halt at Ryan’s villa, a place that had once felt like home but now resembled a prison.

She was unceremoniously shoved into a room, the door slamming shut behind her with a finality that echoed in her heart.

Turning to escape, she was yanked back by Ryan, who trapped her in his embrace. His voice dropped to a low murmur, filled with frustration. “Why do you have to push me like this?”

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both furious and desperate, a mix of anger and raw desire.

Kelsey fought back with every ounce of strength she had, biting his lip until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

He merely laughed, a cold, mocking sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Kelsey, you never used to talk back. What’s gotten into you? Daring to bite me now?”