The Rejected Luna

Cassie Jones’s POV 6:50 p.m., Friday evening. The golden fabric of my gown shined under the soft glow of my vanity lights. I traced a hand over the smooth satin, smiling at the thought of tomorrow night—the coronation. The night Jamie Thorne would become Alpha of the Vale Pack. Or maybe, if the Moon Goddess was kind, the night he’d finally see me. I wasn’t supposed to dream like this. He hadn’t met his fated mate yet, and neither had I, but every night I prayed it would be him. That the bond would find us. That all the years of wanting, waiting, and pretending I didn’t love him would finally mean something. I was Cassie Jones—an orphaned omega girl from a fallen pack. A guest here, a ghost most days. But Jamie never treated me like one. He was my childhood best friend—the boy who once punched a warrior’s son for mocking me, the boy who carried me home after the war destroyed everything I had. Now he was about to rule, and I was still the girl hiding her heart behind polite smiles. The door creaked, and Daisy swept in, her perfume filling the room before her voice did. “You're still staring at your clothes. Omg it is lovely." I laughed softly, my eyes still roaming and admiring every partner in the gown. I used all the savings I gathered to make this and I know it was going to be worth it after I became Luna. “of course it is lovely. I had to source for the best dressmaker and a good fabric” " I envy you my friend” she said as she sat close to me " Thank you” “Are you that excited about Jamie becoming Alpha?” I turned, frowning. “Of course I am. He deserves it.” She smirked, perching on the edge of my bed. “I just wish he’d look at you the way you look at him.” “He does look at me the way I looked at him but I think he is afraid" “What if he already gotten someone he likes and what to make Luna" My chest tightened. I didn’t want to hear that—not tonight. “Daisy, please. Don’t ruin this mood for me.” Her laugh was low, knowing. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I glared until she left, then sank back onto the bed, whispering a prayer to the Moon Goddess before sleep claimed me. The Coronation Morning came too fast. I slipped into my gown and brushed my hair until it shone, nervous excitement fluttering in my stomach. Outside, a car waited—a gift from Jamie, his driver nodding as I stepped in. The ballroom was alive when I arrived—crystal chandeliers glowing, laughter echoing, every pair of eyes turned toward the stage where the Alpha would soon name his successor. And there he was. Jamie stood in a charcoal suit that framed his tall, lean body, confidence in every line of him. But what hurt was who stood beside him—Daisy. Her hand brushed his arm as she whispered something that made him laugh softly. She noticed me and gave me that daunting smile that makes my feet cold. She waved as her hands still tighten his arm I froze for a heartbeat, heat prickling behind my eyes. Then he looked up—and his gaze found mine. He excused himself, striding toward me through the crowd. “Don’t listen to Daisy,” he said, low, almost guilty. “You know how she is.” “Should I?” I asked quietly. “Because she seemed very… close to you.” He smiled, the one that always made my heart stumble. “You’re jealous.” “I’m not” He leaned in, eyes glinting. “You are.” The scent of him—cedar and smoke—wrapped around me, pulling me in. For a second, I thought he’d kiss me right there. My pulse jumped, breath caught. But then he chuckled, stepping back just enough to leave me trembling. The Alpha’s voice boomed through the hall, saving me from replying. He spoke of leadership, loyalty, and legacy before finally calling Jamie forward. Cheers filled the air as Jamie took the oath, his deep voice steady, his expression unreadable. When he looked at the crowd, I swore his eyes lingered on me just a fraction too long. And that was enough to keep hope alive. Later That Night The celebration spilled into the courtyard, lanterns flickering in the warm night air. I found him by the bar, his jacket gone, his shirt sleeves rolled to his elbows, a glass of tequila in hand. “You disappeared,” he said as I approached. “Had to breathe,” I replied, taking the glass he offered. We sat in the quiet corner, the hum of music distant. His hand brushed mine—barely—and the familiar spark shot through me. “I haven’t found my mate yet,” he said suddenly, staring into his drink. “And the pack will start asking questions. They’ll want a Luna, an heir. I can’t lead with an empty bond. I hate how it is all getting to my mind” My chest ached. “Jamie…” He looked up then, eyes darker than I’d ever seen. “Sometimes I think the bond doesn’t choose right. Sometimes… it’s the heart that does.” My breath caught. The words hung between us, trembling, dangerous. And when he reached for me this time, I didn’t step back. The kiss was slow, unsteady at first—like both of us were afraid to admit how long we’d been waiting for it. His hand cupped my face, thumb brushing away the single tear that slipped free. It deepened, turned desperate, and somewhere between the taste of tequila and the sound of his breath, the world blurred. I didn’t know if it was love or weakness—only that for once, he was mine.