It was finally Ryker's birthday, our future Alpha, and today, he's expected to find his Luna. I hope whoever she is, she has a kind heart and listens to her pack members.
Meanwhile, here I am, helping Cassie in the kitchen with the other omegas. I don't plan to stay for the party. Once we're done, I'll head back to my room and sleep. Cassie already knows my plan. She tried to convince me to stay and enjoy the celebration, but I only raised an eyebrow at her. She knows this pack doesn't treat me like family—or even like a real member—except for her, her mate, Alpha Grey, and Gab. So, why should I stay? To celebrate the birthday of the person who hates my guts?
After preparing the food and finishing my dinner, I bid Cassie goodnight. Before I could leave, she kissed me on the temple and whispered a gentle "Goodnight" to me.
I rushed upstairs, avoiding everyone. Once in my room, I took a quick bath and lay in bed, but no matter how hard I tried, my eyes wouldn't close. My mind kept spinning. Exhausted as I was, but sleep refused to come.
Eventually, I gave up. Maybe some fresh air would help. I changed clothes and carefully checked the hallway before sneaking out using the back entrance. I thought I'd gotten away unnoticed, but luck wasn't on my side.
"Ivy, where are you going?" Alpha Grey's voice made me freeze.
"Good evening, Alpha Grey," I said quickly. "Just getting some fresh air."
"Alright," he replied. "But don't stay out too long. Stay within the territory. There might be rogues lurking nearby."
"Yes, Alpha. Thank you," I said and left.
I ran toward my secret place, a peaceful spot by the water. Slipping off my shoes, I dipped my feet into the cool stream and checked my watch. It was already midnight. Ryker has probably already found his Luna. I wonder what she looks like. All I wish is that she will be a kind Luna.
My thoughts drifted to my wolf. Uncle Seb told me she was probably sleeping inside me, which was why I hadn't shifted yet. Most wolves shift by the age of ten, but I turned eighteen three days ago and still hadn't felt anything. Is there something wrong with me? Aside from being weak, I mean. Maybe my wolf thinks I don't deserve her?
My feet were starting to prune, so I pulled them from the water and laid down on the grass. My eyes grew heavy, and I let them close.
When I opened them again, it was morning. I panicked. My watch confirmed I'd slept through the night. I put my shoes on and ran back to the pack house, sneaking in through the back.
In the kitchen, Cassie had already finished cooking.
"Where have you been?" she asked, clearly worried. "I checked your room last night, and again this morning. Alpha asked about you, too. I told him you got up early and went for a walk."
I ran to her and wrapped her in a hug.
"I'm sorry. I fell asleep in my secret place. Thank you for covering for me. I didn't mean to make you worry."
She chuckled softly and rubbed my back. "Okay, okay. You're forgiven," she said, tapping my nose. "Now go take a bath and come back for breakfast."
I smiled and rushed upstairs. The house was quiet. Probably everyone was still asleep from the party.
As I climbed the stairs, a sharp scent hit me—sandalwood and lemon. My head suddenly ached, and pain coursed through my body. I stopped, trying to breathe through it. The world around me blurred.
Then, just as suddenly, the pain vanished. Everything returned to normal.
What the hell was that? Weird.
I ran to my room to check for injuries or maybe a snake bite I hadn't noticed. I was lifting the hem of my shirt to inspect myself when the door burst open.
Ryker stood there, his eyes full of fury.
"It's you!" he spat. "I can't believe it. YOU!" What does he mean "me"?
He marched forward and grabbed my face tightly, his grip bruising my cheeks. Sparks shot through my skin where he touched me, sending a shiver down my spine.
"W-w-what are you t-talking about?" I stuttered, trying to pry his hand away. "I-I'm sorry if I did something…"
That scent again—sandalwood and lemon. It was coming from him.
Then the headache hit again, much worse this time.
Am I… shifting?
"You!" he growled. "I cannot accept you. You will NOT be my mate. I hate you! You're the one who killed my mother!"
His words froze me.
"M-mate…?"
Realization crashed into me. Ryker—he was my mate?
He tightened his grip, and my face throbbed.
"I, Ryker Knight, future Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack, reject you Ivy Martin as my mate," he declared. Then he shoved me violently into the wall.
"May you burn in hell, freak," he hissed, spat at me, and walked out.
He rejected me.
The one thing I'd silently hoped for—the chance to be wanted, to belong—he threw it away like trash. I couldn't breathe. I didn't even realize I was crying until I saw the tears on my hands.
He said that I killed his mother.
But I didn't. I never did.
Black spots clouded my vision. I tried to stay awake, but I collapsed. Unable to take his rejection.