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 ! " Chapter 27 42.61 % D 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 . " 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 . Chapter 27 42.61% Dreame - Read Romance Stories I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf . 4.4 FREE Installed Open D 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 . " 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 ... " Chapter 27 42.61 % D Dreame - Read Romance Stories I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid . I'm a werewolf .