“Do you feel it yet?”
A teasing voice reached Abigail’s ears as she stood near the edge of the grand hall, clutching her glass of sparkling wine like a lifeline. Her stepsister, Danna, glided up beside her, all silken grace and glittering silver.
“Feel what?” Abigail asked stiffly, her voice quieter than she intended.
“The bond, of course,” Danna said, grinning like a cat toying with its prey. “You know, that magnetic pull that screams mate. But don’t worry if you don’t. Maybe you’re one of those… unfortunate ones.”
Abigail’s jaw tightened, but she refused to rise to the bait. Her fingers flexed against the cool glass. “I don’t need advice from you, Danna.”
Danna leaned closer, lowering her voice but not her venom. “Suit yourself. Just don’t embarrass us when no one wants you.”
Before Abigail could respond, the crowd shifted, murmurs rising. The air seemed to grow heavier, sharper. Wolves were beginning to find their mates, the scent of the bonds sparking in the air like static electricity.
Abigail’s heart stuttered as something hit her—a scent, warm and smoky, like burning cedar mixed with the cool bite of frost. It wrapped around her senses, pulling her forward before she realized her feet were moving.
“Mate,” she whispered under her breath, her voice trembling.
The world blurred as she followed the scent, weaving through the crowd. Her chest tightened with every step, anticipation building until she stopped in her tracks.
Luke.
He stood near the center of the room, tall and broad, his dark hair tousled like he didn’t care but knew it looked good. His sharp jawline and piercing amber eyes seemed to draw everyone’s attention, and his smirk—devilish, arrogant, dangerous—made him the perfect storm. The Beta of the pack, and one of the most powerful wolves she’d ever known.
Abigail’s breath hitched as their eyes met, and the bond snapped into place. It was instant. Unmistakable. Her heart thundered in her chest as heat rushed through her veins. She took a hesitant step forward.
“Mate,” she said aloud, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it carried to his ears.
Luke’s amber eyes widened, and for a fraction of a second, she thought she saw something flicker there—shock, maybe even recognition. But then, his expression twisted. The smirk fell, replaced by something colder, sharper.
“No,” he said flatly, his voice loud enough to hush the nearby wolves.
Abigail froze. “What?”
“No,” he repeated, his tone dripping with disgust. He stepped closer, his words slicing through her like a blade. “You’re my mate? That’s a joke. The Moon Goddess must be losing her mind.”
Her stomach dropped. The room spun, her blood turning cold as wolves around them began whispering, their eyes darting between the two of them.
“Luke,” she started, her voice breaking. “What are you saying?”
He laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and cruel. “I’m saying I don’t want you. You’re… you’re nothing special. A freak with green eyes and a sad little attitude. The Goddess made a mistake pairing me with you.”
His words hit like a slap. Abigail’s vision blurred, but she refused to let the tears fall. Not here. Not in front of everyone.
Around her, the whispers grew louder, and she caught snatches of them.
“Did you hear that? Luke rejected her!”
“She really thought she’d land someone like him?”
“Poor thing.”
Abigail’s throat tightened, but before she could say anything, another voice rang out, bright and triumphant.
“Alpha! You’re my mate!”
She turned just in time to see Danna throwing herself into the arms of the Alpha, her laughter ringing through the hall like a bell. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Alpha—tall, golden-haired, the epitome of strength—smiled down at her with pride.
The contrast was cruel. While Danna basked in the glow of admiration, Abigail stood frozen, humiliated, and rejected.
Luke leaned in one last time, his voice low and icy. “Do yourself a favor, Abigail. Don’t follow me.”
Something in her snapped. She turned on her heel and fled, the sound of laughter and cheers chasing her out of the grand hall. Her emerald gown swirled around her as she stumbled into the night, her vision blurred by tears she could no longer hold back.
The forest loomed ahead, dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the glittering chaos she’d just escaped. Abigail ran until her legs gave out, collapsing onto the cold, damp earth.
Her breath came in ragged gasps as sobs tore from her chest. She clutched at the grass, her tears soaking into the ground.
“How could this happen?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “How could the Moon Goddess do this to me?”
The pain in her chest was unbearable, a mix of humiliation, heartbreak, and fury. She had waited her entire life for this moment, only for it to shatter in the cruelest way possible.
“No more,” she choked out, her voice rising. “I will never need a mate again. Never.”
Her hands clenched into fists as she stared up at the moon through the trees. “You hear me? I don’t care about your bond or your plans. I don’t need anyone!”