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882 Words
The night before Serena’s eighteenth birthday was supposed to be the most significant moment of her life—a turning point, a chance to break free from the chains of servitude that had held her for so long. Lying on her small, creaky bed, she stared up at the cracked ceiling, her mind running over her escape plan one more time. It was simple, and she was determined it would work.
She would attend her school’s annual ball, say a quick goodbye to her best friend Mia, and then return home before midnight. The Sloan triplets would be at the ball until dawn, giving her the perfect window to slip away unnoticed. By the time they returned, she would be gone—far away from the torment they had subjected her to.
But one glaring flaw in her plan stared back at her from her closet: her lack of a suitable gown. Every dress she owned was old, tattered, and a reflection of her outcast status.
As she sat brooding, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. It was a text from Mia:
“You better not bail on me! It’s your birthday tomorrow, and we’re making memories!”
Serena could almost hear Mia’s excited voice. Her heart clenched at the thought of leaving her friend behind without an explanation.
“I’m not sure I can go,” Serena texted back. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
Mia’s reply came almost instantly:
“That’s nonsense! You’re coming, and I’ll help you figure it out. Just get ready!”
Serena sighed. Deep down, she wanted to celebrate, even if she felt unworthy. Resigning herself to Mia’s enthusiasm, she pulled out the least worn-out dress she owned—a faded blue gown that hung awkwardly on her frame.
When Mia arrived, armed with makeup and accessories, her determination was infectious.
“You’ll look stunning by the time I’m done,” Mia declared, brushing blush onto Serena’s cheeks.
Serena gave a faint smile, her doubts lingering. Still, Mia’s optimism was hard to resist.
By the time they arrived at the school gym, the room was alive with music and laughter, the air buzzing with excitement. Twinkling lights adorned the walls, and couples twirled gracefully on the dance floor. Serena felt like an outsider, painfully aware of her shabby dress amidst the sea of glamorous gowns.
Her heart sank further when she spotted Helen and her clique. Helen’s bandaged hand was a glaring reminder of the incident that had nearly cost Serena everything.
“There she is,” Helen sneered, her voice loud enough to draw attention. “The witch who tried to kill me!”
Laughter erupted from her friends, and Serena’s cheeks burned with shame. She stepped back, ready to flee, when a voice interrupted the mocking.
“Leave her alone.”
Serena turned to see Gary, tall and confident, stepping between her and Helen.
Helen narrowed her eyes. “Why do you care about the freak?”
Gary ignored her, his gaze softening as he turned to Serena. “Want to dance?”
Serena hesitated, caught off guard. She wanted to refuse, to retreat to the safety of the shadows, but Gary’s sincerity was hard to ignore. Slowly, she nodded.
As he led her to the dance floor, Serena felt the weight of Helen’s furious glare. For the first time in what felt like forever, someone was standing up for her.
“You don’t have to hide,” Gary said gently as they swayed to the music.
“I don’t belong here,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the melody.
“You belong more than anyone else,” he replied, his tone reassuring.
For a fleeting moment, Serena allowed herself to relax. She even smiled as Gary spun her around, his laughter infectious. But the clock striking midnight snapped her back to reality.
“I need to go,” she said, pulling away.
“Is everything okay?” Gary asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“I just… I need a minute.”
Without waiting for his response, Serena slipped away, her mind racing. She had to find Mia and put her plan into action.
But then, the scent hit her. It was intoxicating, a pull that resonated deep within her soul. Her wolf stirred, purring with excitement.
“Mia!” she called out, spotting her friend near the refreshments table. “I smell something.”
“What?” Mia asked, confused.
“My mate,” Serena whispered, her voice trembling.
Together, they followed the trail, the scent growing stronger with every step. Serena’s heart pounded as they reached the parking lot.
And then she saw him. Hart.
He stood casually against his car, a smug smirk plastered on his face. Serena froze, dread washing over her.
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head in denial. “This can’t be happening.”
Hart’s smirk deepened as he stepped closer. “Mate,” he growled, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.
Serena backed away, her heart racing. She felt the cold wall against her back, trapping her in place. The realization hit her like a thunderclap: Hart Sloan was her mate.
The very person she had planned to escape from was now bound to her for life.
- Writer
