The entire pack gathered beneath the Alpha Moon.
Silver light washed over the clearing as wolves whispered excitedly.
Tonight was the mating ceremony.
My ceremony.
My hands trembled as I stood inside the sacred circle.
Everyone stared at me, some
with curiosity, others with open mockery.
Selene.
The weak Omega.
Across the circle stood Alpha Kaiden—tall,
powerful, feared by every wolf in the territory.
My mate.
My heart pounded as he stepped closer.
For a moment, hope bloomed in my chest.
Maybe everything would change tonight.
Maybe he would finally accept me.
Kaiden's cold gray eyes met mine.
The silence stretched.
Then his voice echoed through the clearing.
"I, Alpha Kaiden, reject you."
Gasps erupted around us.
My world shattered.
Pain exploded in my chest as the bond twisted violently—
But something was wrong.
The bond didn't break.
Instead…
The mark on my neck burned.
And suddenly every wolf in the clearing dropped to their knees.