Rejected By The Alpha, Chosen By The Lycan King

The Moon Goddess was supposed to bless this night. Instead, she watched my heart break. The Crescent Moon Pack had never looked more beautiful. Silver lanterns hung from towering oak trees, bathing the ceremonial grounds in a soft glow. White flowers lined the stone pathway leading to the Alpha's platform, while the full moon illuminated every hopeful face gathered for the mating ceremony. Everyone was smiling. Everyone except me. I stood at the end of the pathway in a flowing white gown, my heart pounding with anticipation. Tonight, I was supposed to become Luna. Tonight, I was supposed to become Alpha Kael Blackwood's mate. "You look beautiful," Elder Miriam whispered with a warm smile. "Our future Luna." I forced a smile. "Thank you." Across the square, Kael stood tall in his black ceremonial uniform, his golden eyes fixed ahead. He never once looked at me. A strange feeling settled in my chest, but I pushed it aside. He was probably nervous... just like I was. The High Elder stepped forward. "According to the laws of the Crescent Moon Pack, Alpha Kael Blackwood shall now accept his fated mate before the Moon Goddess." Cheers erupted from the crowd. Kael finally moved. He stopped in front of me, his expression unreadable. For one brief second, hope filled my heart. Then he spoke. "I, Alpha Kael Blackwood... reject Ava Ashwood as my mate." The world went silent. My heart stopped beating. A sharp pain ripped through my chest as the mating bond cracked, making my knees buckle. Gasps echoed throughout the square, but I couldn't hear anything except the sound of my own heartbeat. "W-What?" I whispered, tears already burning my eyes. Kael's face remained cold. "I reject you." "Why?" Before he could answer, my stepsister Selena walked forward in a glittering silver dress and slipped her arm through his. A victorious smile spread across her face. "I think you've already figured it out," she said softly. Kael looked at me without a trace of guilt. "I've chosen someone more worthy to stand beside me." My entire world shattered.