Moonlight’s chosen

Chapter 2

I unbuckled as we pulled into the school parking lot, ready to jump out the second the truck stopped. I opened the door and got out as fast as I could.

“Remember what I told you today, child,” my father said as I reached back in to grab my bag.

I didn’t reply. I turned and walked toward the building, ready to put that entire conversation behind me and not hear about how I’m a disappointment today.

I pushed open the main doors and headed toward my locker, stopping short when I saw it completely decorated with flowers and bows. Lisa stood in front of it, holding a prettily wrapped box with a pink bow tied around it and an iced coffee in her other hand.

“Happy birthday, sweet girl!” she exclaimed when she saw me.

She handed me the drink first. “Iced cinnamon dulce.”

I grabbed it, took a sip, and sighed in delight.

“And this is for tonight,” she said, holding out the box. “But you can’t open it yet, so save it in your locker.”

I opened my locker, hung my bag inside, and carefully placed the wrapped box at the bottom.

“Alright,” Lisa said, looping her arm through mine, “let’s head to the training field, birthday girl.”

I picked up my pace as we exited the school, my heart pounding with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see if Ben was truly my mate.

My heart dropped when I saw him running around the track, warming up for training.

There was no pull. No magnetic force. No intoxicating scent.

He didn’t even notice me approaching the field.

He wasn’t fated to spend his life with me.

The first tear slipped down my cheek as I reminded myself that this didn’t change anything. The love I’ve felt for him for years is still there—still strong, still real.

I would take him as my chosen mate, and he would take me as his, just like we’d already discussed. No one would be the wiser.

Still, I couldn’t stop my stomach from sinking or the tears from falling.

Lisa looked at me knowingly and pulled me into a hug, whispering that everything would be fine and that it would all work out the way it’s supposed to.

I took a deep breath, repeating her words in my head.

Everything was going to work out.

I looped my arm back through hers as we walked farther onto the field, then started jogging to catch up with Ben.

I ignored the ache in my chest and forced a smile.

“Hey there, birthday girl,” Ben said, coming to a stop and opening his arms.

I stepped into them, and a few more tears escaped, soaking into his shirt.

“Hey,” he murmured, dropping his forehead to mine. “None of that today. We knew this was a possibility, but it changes nothing.”

He smiled softly. “Now bring back that beautiful smile and let’s have an amazing day celebrating the first day of my girl’s adult life.”

He pulled back, grabbed my hand, and started jogging again, pulling me along just as Fergus, the trainer, arrived.

Fergus clapped his hands, motioning for everyone to gather in front of him.

“I hope everyone is ready for a hard day of training,” he announced. “The Alpha has requested we intensify it. With this war, even our young need to be lethal.”

A few groans rippled through the group.

“I know you’re all excited for Princess Lacy’s party tonight,” he continued, glancing at me, “and especially to meet your wolf. But we won’t be shifting today so you’re fully energized for her first shift and the pack run.”

“Partner up,” Fergus ordered. “We’ll start with stretches, then sparring, followed by a group workout, and finish with the run.”

I spotted Lisa immediately and shot Ben a wink before heading toward her.

As we stretched, Lisa grinned. “What do you think your mom has planned for tonight?”

“I’m not sure,” I said. “She says it’s a surprise, but I’ve seen omegas running around the palace with notepads, massive grocery deliveries, and secret phone calls.”

I giggled.

“Good,” Lisa said. “Then my present should be perfect. I’ll drive you home after school so we can get ready together.”

I nodded. Lisa has always done my makeup—I wouldn’t survive without her.

“Time for sparring!” Fergus yelled.

Lisa and I took lazy swings at each other, laughing more than actually training, until Fergus sent us running.

“What if I find my fated mate tonight?” I whispered as we jogged.

Lisa shrugged gently. “That’s between you and the Moon Goddess. If it happens, you’ll figure it out. But tonight isn’t about stress—it’s about you meeting your wolf.”

She grinned. “I just know she’s going to be extraordinary.”

“You’re right,” I laughed. “I can’t wait… though I’m nervous. Everyone knows the first shift is the worst.”

“It is,” Lisa agreed, “but once you shift, the pain disappears instantly.”

We caught up with Ben, who jogged beside us.

“Worried about the shift, pretty lady?” he asked.

“Just a little,” I admitted.

“You’ll do great,” he said confidently.

After stretches, training finally ended. Ben grabbed my hand as we exited the field.

“I got you something for now,” he said, pulling me toward the lockers.

He opened his locker and handed me a small gift wrapped in white paper with a black bow.

I smiled as I untied it and lifted the lid to find my favorite chocolates from the shop two towns over.

I popped one into my mouth, grinning.

I leaned forward to kiss him. He deepened it instantly, his tongue sweeping across my lips until I parted them. He pulled away slowly, smirking.

“Mmm,” he whispered. “Delicious.”

I blushed as he tugged me toward class.

The rest of the school day flew by. When the final bell rang, I met Lisa in the parking lot—

—and froze.

Instead of my driver…

My father stood waiting.