THE BILLIONAIRE’S REJECTED MATE

The moon was red. Amara Vale stood before the tall mirror in her bedroom, staring at her reflection while the distant sound of drums traveled through the walls. Tonight was supposed to be the happiest night of her life. Her twenty-first birthday. The night she would discover her mate. And if the Moon Goddess were as kind as everyone had always promised, that mate would be Damien Blackwood. Amara touched the silver necklace around her neck. It had belonged to her mother. The necklace was simple: a thin silver chain with a tiny crescent-shaped pendant. Her mother had given it to her when she was twelve. “Keep this close,” Elena had told her. “Why?” Her mother had smiled sadly. “Because one day, you’ll understand.” Amara had never understood. Her mother had died when she was fourteen, taking every answer with her. A knock sounded. “Amara?” She turned. Nia pushed open the door. Her best friend stopped when she saw her. “Wow.” Amara laughed nervously. “Is that good?” “You look like you’re about to become Luna.” Amara’s smile widened. “Don’t say that.” “You’ve been dreaming about tonight since you were a child.” “I know.” Nia walked closer and adjusted the back of Amara’s silver dress. “And everyone knows Damien has been waiting too.” Amara’s heart fluttered. “Do you really think so?” Nia rolled her eyes. “Amara, please. You two grew up together. His father practically raised you alongside him. Everyone expects it.” Everyone. That was exactly what frightened her. For years, the pack had treated her future as if it had already been decided. Amara Vale would become Luna Amara Blackwood. She would stand beside Damien. She would rule the strongest pack in the region. She had never questioned it. Until tonight. A strange shiver passed through her. She turned toward the window. The red moon hung unnaturally low in the sky. “Nia…” “What?” “Does the moon look strange to you?” Nia looked outside. Her expression changed. “Maybe it’s because of the eclipse.” “Eclipse?” “Don’t tell me you forgot.” Amara frowned. Then she remembered. Tonight’s full moon was also the night of a rare lunar eclipse. The elders had called it an omen. A good one, they said. But suddenly, Amara didn’t feel lucky. She felt watched. A cold sensation crawled over her skin. She looked around. Nothing. Then, A whisper. Barely audible. Run. Amara froze. “Did you hear that?” “Hear what?” Amara swallowed. “Nothing.” Nia frowned but didn’t push. A bell rang outside. The ceremony was beginning. Nia grabbed her hand. “Come on.” The entire pack had gathered beneath the ancient oak tree. Hundreds of wolves stood in their human forms, dressed in ceremonial clothing. Torches surrounded the clearing. At the center stood the Alpha. Victor Blackwood. Beside him stood Damien. Amara stopped breathing. He looked incredible. Black suit. Dark hair. Broad shoulders. Cold gray eyes. At twenty-five, Damien was already feared throughout the region. He had inherited his father’s power and was expected to become one of the strongest Alphas of his generation. When his eyes met Amara’s, something strange happened. His expression hardened. Not warmth. Not excitement. Fear. Amara’s smile disappeared. Why did he look frightened? Damien quickly looked away. The ceremony began. The Elder raised his hands. “Tonight, under the eyes of the Moon Goddess, those who have reached their twenty-first year will discover the person destined to walk beside them.” Amara’s heart pounded. One by one, wolves stepped forward. Some found their mates. Some cried. Some laughed. Then the Elder looked at Amara. “Amara Vale.” Her legs trembled. She stepped forward. The entire clearing seemed to grow silent. She could hear her own heartbeat. The Elder placed his palm over her forehead. “Open your heart.” Amara closed her eyes. For one second, nothing happened. Then, A scent. Pine. Rain. Smoke. Her wolf screamed inside her. MATE. Amara’s eyes flew open. Her gaze immediately found Damien. He had gone completely still. The Elder turned toward him. “Damien Blackwood.” A murmur swept through the crowd. Amara smiled through tears. She knew it. She had always known. She took one step toward him. Then another. “Damien…” He didn’t move. “Say it,” someone whispered. “Mate.” The word spread through the crowd. “Mate.” “Mate!” Amara’s heart soared. She stood in front of him. Her eyes filled with happiness. “You’re my mate.” Damien stared at her. His face was unreadable. Then his wolf growled. Not with affection. With warning. Amara’s smile slowly disappeared. “Damien?” He stepped backward. The crowd became silent. Something was wrong. Very wrong. Damien looked at his father. Victor gave him a single, almost imperceptible nod. Amara noticed. And for the first time that night, fear replaced happiness. Damien turned back toward her. His eyes were cold. “I’m sorry.” Her stomach dropped. “Sorry?” His jaw tightened. Then he spoke the words that would destroy everything she believed about her life. “I, Damien Blackwood…” The entire pack held its breath. “…reject you, Amara Vale, as my mate.” The world stopped. Amara couldn’t breathe. Her wolf screamed. And somewhere beyond the trees, something howled in response.