Rejected Mate

I received a hard slap on my other cheek, causing me to instinctively cover the injured side with my hand. Roella yelled at me, accusing me of being disloyal to our friendship by being involved with her boyfriend. "You're not his mate for pete's sake, Amelia!" Roella exclaimed at me. Honestly, I have no idea what she's talking about. What does she mean? Confused by Roella's accusation, I asked her where she heard that I was her boyfriend's mate and clarified that I never made such a claim. Roella did not respond to my question and instead turned away in anger, leaving me confused and unsure about her actions. I thought about where Roella might have heard the news about me being Hercules' mate, considering that he is her boyfriend, an Alpha, and — he is my step-brother. As I am about to turn 18, I feel the need to find my mate, but I am unsure of who that might be. "Amelia!" My Mom called out to me as I entered the house. "Hi Mom, sorry for being late. What's up?" I asked her. "Your dad and I have been looking for you since earlier. Where have you been?" she asked, sounding a bit worried. "I just went out for a walk to clear my head. I didn't realize it was getting late. I'm sorry," I explained. "It's okay, just make sure to tell us next time so we won't worry. Your dad's been waiting for you. Go see him in the living room," she said, relieved. "Sure, I will. Thanks, Mom," I said as I headed into the living room. I turned around and saw my dad standing there, a warm smile gracing his face. "Mom said you are waiting for me, Dad?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. The mention of a surprise piqued my interest, and I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me. Dad nodded, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yes, I had a surprise for you," he confirmed, his voice filled with a playful tone. "Go and check the box inside your room, sweetie. I think you'll find it quite intriguing." A surge of excitement coursed through me as I made my way to my room, my mind buzzing with possibilities. What could be waiting for me? With each step, my heart raced with anticipation, eager to uncover the secret that awaited inside the box. Upon reaching my room, I spotted a beautifully wrapped box sitting on my bed, adorned with a bow. Carefully, I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing its contents. Inside, I found a collection of old photographs, memories captured in moments frozen in time. As I sifted through the photographs, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Each image told a story, a glimpse into the past that held precious memories of family, love, and laughter. Suddenly, an unfamiliar pain surged through my chest and back. With each passing moment, the intensity of the pain grew stronger. It was as if I could sense that a profound change was about to unfold within me, marking my first transformation. Overwhelmed by the pain, I couldn't resist the urge to witness my wolf form. With a scream escaping my lips, I closed my eyes tightly, only to reopen them and realize that I was now shorter than before, standing on all fours. Filled with both trepidation and curiosity, I made my way towards the full-length mirror, eager to catch a glimpse of my transformed self. As I stood before the full-length mirror in my room, I couldn't help but be captivated by the breathtaking sight that greeted me. The embodiment of winter's elegance, I saw a white wolf with a coat that seemed to emit an otherworldly luminescence. Its fur, as soft as downy feathers, draped around its form like a cloud of ethereal beauty. I couldn't tear my gaze away from the creature before me. The white wolf's pristine coat, untouched by blemish, shimmered under the gentle light, reflecting the purity of freshly fallen snow. It was as if I had stepped into a dream, a world where elegance and grace intertwined. But it was the wolf's eyes that truly held me captive. Those piercing yellow orbs, like two orbs of liquid gold, seemed to hold the secrets of the universe. They radiated a captivating intensity, drawing me in and inviting me to explore the depths of their wisdom. In that moment, I felt a profound connection, as if we shared an unspoken understanding. As I continued to gaze at my transformed self in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of power and wildness coursing through my veins. The white wolf stood as a testament to my true nature, a creature of both strength and beauty. In that reflection, I saw the embodiment of my inner spirit, an ethereal being that danced between worlds. As I stood there, gazing at my transformed self in the mirror, a sudden voice broke the silence, calling out my name. Startled, I was taken aback, my heart skipping a beat at the unexpected interruption. "Amelia!" I looked around, searching for the source of the sound, but there was no one in sight. "Whose there?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and caution. "It's me, Au," came the reply, a voice that felt both familiar and mysterious. "I'm your wolf." My eyes widened in disbelief as I processed the words. "Au?" I repeated, my voice trembling with a mixture of astonishment and wonder. "Yes, it's me," Au confirmed, her voice carrying a sense of reassurance and connection. "You and I are intertwined, Amelia. I am the embodiment of your wild spirit, your inner strength." I took a moment to let the realization sink in, feeling a surge of emotions coursing through me. "How do I change back?" I asked, my voice trembling with a sense of urgency and uncertainty. Au paused, their presence a calming force in the midst of my turmoil. "Changing back requires embracing the essence of who you are," they explained, their words carrying gentle wisdom. "It is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Trust in your instincts, Amelia, and let the wildness within guide you. Only then will you find your way back." I nodded, determination welling up inside me. "I understand," I replied, my voice filled with newfound resolve. "I will embrace my true self and find my way back." Au's presence offered me comfort and reassurance. "Remember, Amelia, you are never alone in this journey. I am here with you, every step of the way." In the midst of the hurried dressing, a mix of embarrassment and amusement filled my thoughts. I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, finding solace in the fact that I was alone in the privacy of my room. With each piece of clothing I donned, the sense of vulnerability faded, replaced by a renewed sense of comfort and familiarity. Once fully dressed, I took a moment to collect myself, allowing the remnants of the transformation to settle within me. The experience had been extraordinary, a testament to the interconnectedness of the wild and the human spirit. As I stood there, fully clothed and grounded in my humanity, I couldn't help but feel a profound gratitude for the journey I had embarked upon. As I finished dressing, I couldn't help but ponder Au's words. The mention of a mate struck a chord within me, igniting a flicker of curiosity and anticipation. I had always believed in the power of connection, but now, as a transformed being, it seemed even more profound. Turning to Au, I sought clarification. "What do you mean by finding my mate?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. Au's eyes met mine, their gaze filled with knowing wisdom. "Amelia, as a wolf, you are connected to a world beyond the human realm. Your transformation has unlocked a deeper bond, a primal instinct that guides you towards your destined mate." A sense of wonder filled my heart as I absorbed Au's words. The idea of a destined mate, someone who would understand and complement my true nature, held a captivating allure. It was as if the universe had woven a thread of fate, connecting two souls meant to journey through life together. "But how will I find them?" I inquired, my voice laced with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Au's voice resonated with a gentle reassurance. "Trust in the instincts that reside within you, Amelia. The bond between mates is a powerful force. It will guide you, drawing you closer to one another. Keep your heart open and attuned to the signs that the universe presents. When the time is right, you will know." A sense of anticipation welled up inside me, mingling with a newfound sense of purpose. The thought of discovering my mate, someone who would understand the intricate balance of my human and wolf selves, filled me with hope and excitement. With a renewed sense of purpose, I embraced the journey that lay ahead. I would remain open to the signs, ready to follow the path that would lead me to my destined mate. As I ventured forth, I couldn't help but feel a deep gratitude for the transformation that had brought me closer to my true self and the promise of a connection that transcended the boundaries of the ordinary. I exited my room and made my way back to the living room to find Dad. Suddenly, a bittersweet scent lingered in the air, filling the room with its alluring fragrance. It was a scent that reminded me of warmth and affection, a scent that I associated with Hercules. Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Hercules entered the room, his presence commanding and captivating. Our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a glimpse of something more in his gaze. But as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by a distant look. With a heavy heart, I mustered the courage to confront Hercules about the unspoken connection between us. I poured my heart out, confessing my feelings and the undeniable bond that seemed to exist between us. But to my dismay, Hercules rejected me, citing his girlfriend, Roella, as the reason for his decision. "I apologize, but Roella is more significant to me." "Alright," I replied, swiftly turning away from him. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized how easily he could say those words to me. I decided to leave Hercules behind and headed towards back my own bedroom. I swiftly opened the door and entered. I immediately sought solace on my plush bed, releasing all the pain that consumed me.