The cold wind bit into my skin as I stood in the center of the pack ground.
Everyone was watching.
Their eyes… full of mockery.
"Mate?"
A bitter laugh echoed.
"No way. She's too weak."
I lowered my head, fingers trembling.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. My 18th birthday. The day I would finally find my mate.
But instead…
"I, Alpha Ryan, reject you, Elena, as my mate."
My heart stopped.
The words hit harder than any blade.
"I don't want a weak, useless girl as my Luna."
Gasps filled the air, followed by whispers and laughter.
Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to cry.
Not here. Not in front of them.
"Please…" my voice cracked, "don't do this…"
But his eyes were cold. Empty.
"Get out of my pack."
Silence.
Then someone shoved me from behind.
I stumbled, falling to my knees.
"Leave!"
"Useless girl!"
"Disgrace!"
Their voices chased me as I ran.
Into the forest.
Into the darkness.
Branches cut my skin, but I didn't stop.
I couldn't stop.
Not until…
A low growl froze me in place.
My breath hitched.
Slowly, I turned.
Two glowing golden eyes stared at me from the shadows.
Danger.
Power.
Death.
And then…
He stepped forward.
Tall. Dominant. Terrifying.
The air itself seemed to bow to him.
"Who allowed you," his deep voice rumbled,
"to enter my territory?"
My heart pounded wildly.
I should have been scared.
I was scared.
But something else stirred inside me…
Something strange.
Something dangerous.
His gaze dropped to my neck.
And suddenly—
His expression changed.
"Impossible…" he whispered.
Before I could react, he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"You…"
His grip tightened.